Overcoming Communication Barriers in Finance

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst dives into the future of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) with guest Soufyan Hamid. The discussion focuses on the evolving role of FP&A, from its traditional technical functions to a more business-focused and communicative role. Soufyan shares his journey and insights into improving presentation skills, communication, and becoming a valued business partner in the finance world.

Soufyan Hamid has over 17 years of corporate experience in finance, starting in auditing and consulting with PwC before becoming a finance business partner. Today, he leads The Finance Circle, where he trains finance professionals on improving their storytelling and presentation skills, a key aspect often missing in FP&A. Soufyan is known for his Financial Storytelling Program and his popular LinkedIn presence, where he shares tips with over 75,000 followers.

Expect to Learn

• Why it's not just about numbers but adding strategic value to the business.
• How effective storytelling can turn data into impactful business insights.
• Soufyan’s transition from corporate finance to entrepreneurship.
• How to prepare messages that resonate and drive action.
• Overcoming the habit of over-detailing and shifting focus to clear communication.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “Great FP&A today is about balancing technical skills with business partnering to add real value beyond the numbers.” - Soufyan Hamid
• “In finance, it’s not just about the analysis, it’s about what you do with it and how you communicate it to others.” - Soufyan Hamid
• “Storytelling in finance is essential because it helps non-financial people understand the business impact behind the numbers.” - Soufyan Hamid
• “You need to focus on what’s important to your audience, not just what you think is important in the data.” - Soufyan Hamid

This episode underscores the power of clear, concise communication in transforming financial analysis into business value. Soufyan provides practical tips and frameworks, such as the "what, so what, now what" method, and shares actionable insights for FP&A professionals looking to make a greater impact.

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Website - www.thefinancecircle.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soufyanhamid/

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Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: 

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

Enroll for Financial Planning & Analysis Certificate Program:

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Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[01:38] – Introduction to the episode

[04:04] – What makes great FP&A today

[05:30] – Key lessons from auditing

[08:10] – A passion for finance business partnering

[12:08] – Soufyan’s transition to entrepreneurship

[18:59] – Discovering the power of storytelling

[27:24] – The four-step framework for presentations

[40:56] – Standard FP&A questions and insights

[46:36] – Personal insights: hobbies and favorite book

[52:18] – Closing and how to connect