Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst invites Matan Feldman to explore the real-world habits behind effective financial modeling, from workflow efficiency to the small actions that save hours.
Everyone wants the advanced formulas.
But the pros? They master the basics.
Control + 1. F5 for Go To Special.
And yes, Control + S (before disaster strikes).
No fancy hacks. No over-engineering.
Just repeatable habits that keep your workflow tight.
Because modeling isn’t about looking smart.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#FinancialModeling #ExcelTips #ProductivityHacks #WallStreetPrep #FinanceCareers #ExcelShortcuts #ModelingSkills #CorporateFinance #EfficiencyWins #FinanceProfessionals
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst invites Matan Feldman to explore the real-world habits behind effective financial modeling, from workflow efficiency to the small actions that save hours.
Everyone wants the advanced formulas.
But the pros? They master the basics.
Control + 1. F5 for Go To Special.
And yes, Control + S (before disaster strikes).
No fancy hacks. No over-engineering.
Just repeatable habits that keep your workflow tight.
Because modeling isn’t about looking smart.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#FinancialModeling #ExcelTips #ProductivityHacks #WallStreetPrep #FinanceCareers #ExcelShortcuts #ModelingSkills #CorporateFinance #EfficiencyWins #FinanceProfessionals


![Developing Business Acumen necessary to become a strategic business partner with Robert Blanding
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Robert Blanding, an experienced finance and operations leader in the ag-tech sector. Robert shares insights on building high-performing FP&A teams, partnering effectively with accounting, developing financial acumen, and applying strategic finance to drive operational impact in global businesses.
Robert Blanding is the Chief Financial Officer at Fall Creek, a global leader in the Ag-Tech sector. He brings extensive experience in finance and operations from 18 years at Intel and leadership roles across industrial manufacturing, technology, and ag-tech companies. Robert combines strategic financial leadership with a focus on innovation, long-term business growth, and developing high-performing teams.
Expect to Learn:
What great FP&A looks like and the importance of business acumen
How to develop strong partnerships between FP&A and accounting
Strategies for building high-performing, empowered finance teams
Navigating systems, processes, and technology challenges in FP&A
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
It starts with being connected to the business, having strong acumen, and being consulted by stakeholders. – Robert Blanding
Investing in relationships outside of crisis is critical to getting support from accounting and operations. – Robert Blanding
Robert shares practical insights for FP&A professionals and aspiring CFOs, emphasizing the importance of business acumen, strong partnerships with accounting, creative problem-solving, and developing high-performing teams.
Follow Robert:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfb19/
Company Website: https://www.fallcreeknursery.com/
Earn Your CPE Credit
For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.
In Today’s Episode
[00:00] – Trailer
[03:55] – Defining Great FP&A
[07:39] – Career Path & First CFO Role
[17:49] – Fall Creek & Ag-Tech Overview
[21:18] – Importance of FP&A & Accounting Partnership
[32:23] – Creative Problem Solving & Process Improvement
[38:59] – Challenges in Building High-Performing Teams
[45:32] – Advice for Aspiring CFOs
[49:11] – Top Technical Skill for FP&A Professionals
[52:50] – Personal Interests & Basketball
[56:12] – How to Connect with Robert Developing Business Acumen necessary to become a strategic business partner with Robert Blanding](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fK7gtWrg9m8/mqdefault.jpg)

![How CFOs Can Reduce Manual Reporting and Increase Strategic Impact Using AI with Brian McGowan
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst talks with Bryan McGowan, founder of Alpyne, about what great FP&A looks like, how technical skills can improve finance work, and where AI is actually useful for CFOs and finance teams. Bryan shares how his background in engineering shaped his approach to finance, why he built Alpyne to solve real workflow problems, and how AI can reduce manual work so finance professionals can spend more time on analysis and business partnering.
Bryan McGowan is the founder of Alpyne and a CFO with a rare mix of finance and technical skill. After spending a decade leading finance in tech, he launched Alpyne in 2021 to solve a problem he had lived himself: great CFOs were spending too much time on manual work and not enough time on strategic thinking.
Expect to Learn:
What great FP&A looks like in practice
Why accounting fundamentals still matter
How coding and data knowledge help finance professionals
Why Bryan built Alpyne to solve his own CFO workflow problems
How AI can help save time in finance roles
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“Models are never right, but sometimes theyre useful.” - Bryan McGowan
“If you can create a structure, if you can provide a framework that allows for supports effective decision making across the organization, I feel like youre doing your job.” - Bryan McGowan
Bryan explains that FP&A is not about predicting the future perfectly. It is about giving the business a useful framework to make better decisions. He also shares that AI works best when it is used on process-heavy work like cleanup, mapping, reporting, and system workflow.
Follow Bryan:
Primary Alpyne website: https://getalpyne.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-mcgowan-8572644/
Earn Your CPE Credit
For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.
In Today’s Episode
[00:00] – Introduction
[02:55] – What Great FP&A Looks Like
[04:03] – How Bryan Uses AI Today
[08:26] – Why Technical Skills Matter in Finance
[10:47] – Why Bryan Built Alpyne
[14:24] – Using AI in Finance Workflows
[17:49] – Building Client Context Into AI Tools
[21:44] – Checks, Controls, and Trust in Finance
[24:26] – A Real Finance Problem Solved With AI
[29:04] – Advice for Finance Professionals Starting With AI
[33:12] – What Holds Finance Teams Back From AI
[35:31] – The Most Important Skills in FP&A
[40:43] – Better Business Partnering and Closing Thoughts How CFOs Can Reduce Manual Reporting and Increase Strategic Impact Using AI with Brian McGowan](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fx8kYHq7104/mqdefault.jpg)
![AI Can Build the Model, But Can You Trust It? with Ryan Humphrey
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Ryan Humphrey about financial model auditing, the skills strong modelers need, and how AI is changing the profession. Ryan explains why communication, judgment, and trust matter as much as technical ability. He also shares how model audits work, why poorly structured models create serious risks, and why finance professionals must continue developing their skills as AI takes on more of the building process.
Ryan Humphrey is a Partner at Forvis Mazars in London, specializing in accounting, tax reviews, and financial model audits. A qualified chartered accountant, he co-authored Credible Model Audit for the AI Era and is currently researching sustainability leadership with Cambridge University.
Expect to Learn:
Why communication is essential in financial modeling
How independent model audits support better decisions
Why human judgement remains critical in the AI era
How AI may shift modelers from building to reviewing
Why trust and continuous learning are becoming more valuable
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
The model really is a communication vector more than anything. It is about telling a story. - Ryan Humphrey
Trust becomes so important because things can look right very quickly, even when they are not. - Ryan Humphrey
AI may make financial models faster to build, but it also makes careful review more important. The future belongs to professionals who can combine technical knowledge with judgement, communication, and trusted decision-making.
Follow Ryan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rchumphrey/
Website: https://www.forvismazars.com/uk/en/users/our-team/ryan-humphrey
Follow Financial Modelers Corner:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/
Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.
Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984
Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW
In Todays Episode:
[00:00] -Trailer
[05:16] - Why Communication Matters
[06:45] - AI and the Future of Modeling Careers
[08:50] - Ryan’s Model Audit Nightmare
[12:26] - How Financial Model Audits Work
[17:36] - Essential Skills for Model Auditors
[21:35] - How AI Is Changing Model Audits
[27:54] - The Growing Importance of Trust
[32:34] - Why Continuous Learning Matters
[37:30] - Excel Preferences and Shortcuts
[41:30] - Rapid-Fire Modeling Questions
[47:35] - Final Advice for Financial Modelers AI Can Build the Model, But Can You Trust It? with Ryan Humphrey](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g8H2JvCp-S8/mqdefault.jpg)
![Interim FP&A, What it is, and Why it is A Growing Career Path With Tim Stalkamp
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Tim Stallkamp, Senior Managing Director at Riveron, alongside co-host Glenn Snyder. Tim shares insights on interim management and how it is reshaping finance leadership by helping companies fill critical gaps, accelerate value creation, and bring experienced finance leaders into organizations during transition periods.
Tim Stallkamp is a Senior Managing Director and the leader of Riveron’s Interim Management practice. He is a seasoned turnaround executive who provides interim management and turnaround management services to distressed and under-performing businesses. Tim has led turnarounds as interim chief executive officer (CEO), chief restructuring officer (CRO), chief transformation officer (CTO), and chief financial officer (CFO).
Expect to Learn:
Why private equity is driving demand for interim finance leaders
What makes a strong interim FP&A and finance professional
Why broad, cross-industry experience matters more than narrow expertise
How interim leaders create value from day one
The importance of clear scope and alignment in engagements
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
Interim management isn’t about replacing people; it’s about supplementing leadership to create value faster and help teams reach their full potential. – Tim Stallkamp
The more experiences an individual has across industries and roles, the more effective they are in interim management. Breadth of expertise is key. – Tim Stallkamp
Tim explains how interim management is reshaping finance leadership by bringing experienced professionals into organizations during critical transitions. These leaders not only fill gaps but also help improve processes, guide decision-making, and leave companies stronger than before.
Follow Tim:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-stallkamp-537b0317/
Company: https://riveron.com/
Follow Glenn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder/
Earn Your CPE Credit
For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.
In Today’s Episode
[00:00] - Trailer
[05:06] - What interim management is
[07:42] - Why it’s growing
[09:13] - Value creation in leadership
[13:12] - Defining scope clearly
[17:58] - Alignment in engagements
[26:11] - Types of interim roles
[37:14] - Systems vs skills
[42:55] - Private equity decision-making
[50:42] - Final thoughts
[54:05] - Closing Interim FP&A, What it is, and Why it is A Growing Career Path With Tim Stalkamp](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gYeEEvejfEM/mqdefault.jpg)
![How to Align Marketing and Finance and Fix the Plumbing Problem with Alex Brower
Future Finance host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to unpack why forecasting often breaks down even when teams have plenty of data. The discussion focuses on how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared inputs, improve planning accuracy, and use AI without losing the structure needed for reliable decisions.
Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA).
In this episode, you will discover:
Fix data plumbing before system consolidation.
Use data dictionaries for consistent definitions.
AI helps, but semantic logic is still needed.
Vibe coding can create hidden costs if untested.
Start with key unanswered questions, then plan solutions.
Alex shares lessons from leading finance, operations, and marketing teams at high-growth companies, including what he learned from living the forecast tension on both sides of the table.
Follow Alex:
Website: https://qflow.ai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrower/
Follow Glenn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii
Follow Paul:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy
Follow QFlow.ai:
Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg
Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.
Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.
In Today’s Episode:
[00:00] – Trailer
[03:44] – Finance-to-marketing journey & QFlow’s solution
[07:10] – Data plumbing vs. alignment
[11:37] – MCPs, AI, and logic layers
[14:50] – Risks of vibe coding & maintainability
[21:56] – How QFlow handles data, planning, and storytelling
[30:57] – Alignment before strategy & reducing fact-hunting
[35:39] – Where CFOs/FP&A should start modernizing
[44:03] – Closing & sponsor sign-off How to Align Marketing and Finance and Fix the Plumbing Problem with Alex Brower](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h8MfQSzXBv0/mqdefault.jpg)

![I Would Never Let AI Touch a Number and what to do about that with Alok Ajmera
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Alok Ajmera, CEO of Prophix, to explore how AI is reshaping FP&A, financial planning, and enterprise decision-making. Alok explains how modern finance teams are evolving from spreadsheet-heavy workflows to AI-enabled systems, while still relying on structured data, deterministic processes, and human oversight to maintain accuracy and trust in financial outputs.
Alok Ajmera is the CEO of Prophix, a leading financial performance management platform helping CFO organizations modernize planning, budgeting, and forecasting. With over 22 years at Prophix, he has supported more than 3,000 finance teams globally in transforming how they close, consolidate, and plan. Alok has led the evolution of FP&A systems from spreadsheet-first to system-first, and now toward AI-enabled finance operations.
Expect to Learn:
What makes FP&A a true force multiplier inside organizations
How data stewardship, collaboration, and forecasting define great finance teams
Why AI must stay deterministic when handling financial calculations
The difference between probabilistic AI and structured finance systems
How AI agents support FP&A without replacing financial control
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
The biggest opportunity is to take inefficient manual workflows and simplify them with AI agents, delivering value quickly while building confidence in the team. – Alok Ajmera
AI democratizes capabilities, but there must be governance and discipline. It’s easy to build things, but maintaining them is hard. – Alok Ajmera
Alok explains that while AI is transforming FP&A through speed and automation, the core of finance still depends on structured systems, clean data, and human judgment. He emphasizes that the future of finance is a hybrid model where AI enhances productivity while finance leaders maintain control, context, and strategic oversight.
Follow Alok:
Website - www.prophix.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alok-ajmera-93896617/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@prophix
Earn Your CPE Credit
For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.
In Today’s Episode
[00:00] – Trailer
[04:10] – What great FP&A looks like
[09:13] – Revenue and qualitative goals
[18:38] – Why AI in FP&A needs structure
[29:36] – AI in forecasting and planning
[33:45] – Risks, governance, and AI sprawl
[45:40] – Soft skills in FP&A
[49:11] – Travel and personal reflections
[51:25] – Closing thoughts I Would Never Let AI Touch a Number and what to do about that with Alok Ajmera](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hPoaLykUqVc/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Dennis Rodman Paradox And How CFOs Can Protect Irreplaceable Specialists With Jack McCullough
In this Episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst features returning guest Jack McCullough, founder of the CFO Leadership Council, for a conversation about The Rodman Paradox and what it means for FP&A teams. The discussion explores how specialists can create outsized value, how leaders should recognise them, and how to manage them without turning them into the wrong kind of generalist.
Jack McCullough is the founder and president of the CFO Leadership Council, a professional community he built to empower senior financial executives through peer learning and collaboration. Over the course of his career, Jack has served as chief financial officer for twenty-six companies, leading not only finance but also business development, HR, and IT functions.
Expect to Learn:
Build FP&A teams with the three Cs: communication, curiosity, courage.
Rare specialists can outperform broad generalists.
Spot true critical specialists vs. those who just seem important.
Find hidden influence by who people turn to in crises.
Avoid promoting specialists away from their best work.
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
You want to encourage a culture of what I call the three Cs, which are communications, curiosity, and courage. – Jack McCullough
The Rodman paradox is there might be people that on the surface seem like they have a limited skillset, but because there are so few people who can do it well, they may actually be more important to your organisational success than executives. – Jack McCullough
Jack brings the perspective of a seasoned CFO, author, and adviser who has spent years thinking about financial leadership, specialist talent, and the skills that matter most in modern finance.
Follow Jack:
Website - https://cfoleadershipcouncil.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackmcculloughcfo/
Earn Your CPE Credit
For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.
In Today’s Episode
[00:00] – Trailer
[01:42] – Jack shares the coming book The Rodman Paradox
[05:56] – The three Cs for strong FP&A teams
[07:27] – Why the book is about specialists, not basketball
[13:15] – How to spot a Rodman through influence and crisis
[20:19] – Managing specialists through motivation and bureaucracy
[30:05] – AI may increase the value of specialists
[33:42] – Career advice for future CFOs and FP&A leaders
[40:57] – Reflecting on the ultimate interview opportunities
[45:57] – Wrap-up The Dennis Rodman Paradox And How CFOs Can Protect Irreplaceable Specialists With Jack McCullough](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hjPcuQD4INs/mqdefault.jpg)