In this discussion, Paul Barnhurst, known as the 'FP&A Guy,' dives into the evolution of Financial Planning & Analysis, highlighting its transformation from mere reporting to a vital strategic partner in organizations. He emphasizes the crucial skills for today's FP&A professionals, including modern Excel techniques and the strategic role of AI in forecasting. Paul's journey from government procurement to a finance influencer illustrates the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning, while discussing the impact of SaaS technologies on financial practices.

This episode is a 4 for 1! We've got 4 FP&A lovers talking about critical factors in bridging the gap between accounting and finance functions through the work of FP&A. Paul Barnhurst AKA "The FP&A Guy,"  is a seasoned finance professional with over a decade of experience in diverse industries. He has held key roles at American Express and Solera and now runs his own FP&A consulting firm. A well-respected influencer in the FP&A community, Paul is passionate about sharing his insights and expertise.  Stephen Newland has held key roles at GrowthLab, Delta, Qoins, and Gravy. Not only does has a lot of experience in finance, he also likes to share the mistakes that he has made and the skills that he has gained to help others get promoted within corporate finance. 📈

Renowned financial modelling expert Paul Barnhurst talks about the importance of good assumptions in financial modelling, practical tips for accurate financial models, the role of financial modelling in planning and decision-making, strategies for agile budgeting and forecasting, the evolving role of FP&A professionals, and how to gain a seat at the table.

Paul Barnhurst, founder of the FP&A Guy, covers the evolution of FP&A, skills needed in finance, tech stack optimization, and using AI for forecasting. They discuss Canva's success and provide contact info for future discussions.

Craig Thompson hosts a special episode featuring Paul Barnhurst, the host of FP&A Today and Financial Modeler's Corner. They delve into the role of FP&A in finance, the strategic importance of financial modeling and decision making, uncovering blind spots in finance, the future of FP&A and financial modeling with AI, the changing role of FP&A professionals, and resources for learning about the space and participating in the Financial Modeling World Cup.