Want to become a better learner? Curious about the power of automating financial tasks? Ever wondered about the growing influence of AI and Excel in the finance industry? In this episode, we have an engaging conversation with Richard Nero, Principal Consultant at Developex, that will uncover the answers. Prepare to be thrilled by Richard's infectious enthusiasm for financial tools like Excel, Power BI, and Power Automate. His insights from his free Excel workshops and the advantages of Python and VBA in Excel will certainly enlighten you. We also discuss how ChatGPT should be used for learning, and how to leverage 80/20 in your chats. The often overwhelming world of code libraries and the implications of AI-generated content on code development is a hot topic in our discussion. Richard provides an interesting perspective on how to find the most suitable code libraries. We also reflect on how advancements like ChatGPT have influenced developers' workflow and what the future holds for AI and Microsoft's investment in co-pilot. Our exploration of the integration of ChatGPT and Excel in Finance uncovers the potential of using these tools in tandem, as well as how Richard's popular posts can be a valuable guide for those unfamiliar with certain formulas. Wrapping up our conversation, we focus on the trust and credibility of AI models, the complexities of installing and training AI locally, and the intriguing culture being shaped by jailbreaking AI. . This episode is a journey into the world of Excel, AI, and their incredible potential in finance. Buckle up for an exciting ride into the future of finance technology. --------- WHERE TO FIND RICHARD --------- - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-nero/ --------- CHAPTERS --------- (00:00) The Evolution of Excel (15:11) Code Libraries & AI Generated Content (20:56) Chat GPT and Excel in Finance (30:06) Trust and Credibility of AI Models (44:32) Installing and Training AI Locally (48:28) AI Influencers and Jailbreaking AI (57:23) Excel Training for Kids and Collaboration --- 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter for more goodies at - https://www.techforfinance.com/newsletter

Listen in as we engage in a stimulating conversation with Jamie-Lee Salazar, the dynamic CEO and Co-Founder of Cobbler, a trailblazing startup dedicated to revolutionizing the world of finance through the power of AI. In our discussion, Jamie shares how her company’s AI analyst is changing the game by enabling finance teams to prioritise high-value tasks and automate the mundane ones. As we venture further into the conversation, we discuss how Cobbler mimics the structure of an employee, seamlessly integrating with your existing systems like ERP, data warehouse, and HR system. Our chat takes a fascinating turn as we explore the challenges and evolution of generative AI in the finance sector. Jamie-Lee provides a glimpse into the intricate process of fine-tuning AI models to yield precise results, as well as the hurdles faced while integrating different data sources. We also delve into how the quality of responses can be impacted by limited memory and tokens, emphasising the need for an experienced development team to design a product tailored for specific use cases. Lastly, we touch on some intriguing topics such as the importance of clear communication when purchasing new tools and the power of being an early technology adopter. Jamie also enlightens us on the significance of managing and cleaning data for AI and the future prospects of AI assistants and generative AI. Don't miss out on our engaging discussion about balancing work and family life and how taking small breaks to reset can add perspective to your life. Tune in to get an insightful peek into the power of AI & automation and how it can be leveraged as a tutor for various tasks. --------- WHERE TO FIND JAMIE-LEE --------- - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieleerice/ - Website - https://cobbler.io/ ---------- CHAPTERS --------- (00:00) Automating Finance Work With AI (06:21) Generative AI in Finance (20:14) Honest Communication in Tool Purchases (26:51) Managing and Cleaning Data for AI (40:30) Future of AI Assistants and Generative AI (52:35) Balancing Work, Family Life, and Resets --- 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter for more goodies at - https://www.techforfinance.com/newsletter

Listen in as we explore the fascinating world of finance transformation with our esteemed guest, Anthony Perozzi. A well-known Finance Transformation Advisor, Author, and Founder of FT2OM, Anthony shares his vast experience and practical insights on how finance teams can evolve from mere reporters of results to crucial drivers of business value. He stresses the importance of mindset in transforming finance teams and lays out how to establish a project approach that optimizes existing processes and pinpoints areas needing improvement. We then navigate the critical topic of product selection for organizational transformation. Anthony explains why having a clear vision for finance transformation initiatives is paramount and how the CFO should champion this process. He also introduces us to his ABCs of finance transformation, stressing the need to avoid falling for the "shiniest, newest cool product" on the market and instead, focus on selecting a product that aligns with the organization's goals. As we continue our conversation, we explore the importance of partnership and collaboration during implementations, with Anthony emphasizing the need to validate the capability of your partner in helping you achieve your set objectives. He also shares a helpful exercise to identify core organizational problems and the significance of focusing on underlying data for effective decision-making. Lastly, we talk about change management in transformation programs and how traditional tools like Excel and new collaborative tools can aid in project management. This episode is packed with actionable insights and practical tips that will empower finance teams to drive meaningful change in their organizations. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Preparing for Successful Finance Transformation (0:09:35) - Selecting Products for Organizational Transformation (0:17:55) - Partnering and Collaboration in Implementations (0:27:13) - Business Involvement in Finance Transformation (0:38:14) - Change Management in Transformation Programs (0:46:04) - Excel and Collaborative Tools for Traditionalists --------- SHOW NOTES --------- - Anthony's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-perrozzi/ - Anthony's Website - https://ft2om.com/ --- 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter for more goodies at - https://www.techforfinance.com/newsletter

Join us as we unpack the concept of Finance 5.0 with Anders Liu Lindberg, Parter and Chief Commercial Officer at the Business Partnering Institute. Anders guides us through the evolution of finance, from 4.0, which leveraged technology for efficiency, to 5.0, which brings the human element back to the center of the industry. He shares his expertise on how finance professionals can navigate this changing landscape and discusses how we can create a workplace that supports their growth and development in this digital world. Listen in as we tackle technology's impact on finance careers and how to manage technology fatigue. We also discuss how to make informed decisions when considering new technology for a business process. The importance of having a framework to help limit the information overload and the balance between real-time data and having too much information are all on the table in this enlightening conversation. Finally, Anders shares valuable insights on critical thinking, stakeholder prioritization, effective communication in project implementation, and the usefulness of AI journaling tools. We also discuss the benefits of participating in a Finance Master LinkedIn Live. This episode is filled with practical advice, useful tools, and insightful discussions on how to evolve and thrive in the finance industry. Don't miss out on this opportunity to level up your finance career. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Finance 5.0 (0:05:24) - Technology's Impact on Finance Careers (0:13:18) - Managing Technology Fatigue and Informed Decisions (0:18:59) - Critical Thinking and Stakeholder Prioritization (0:33:13) - Effective Communication in Project Implementation (0:42:33) - The Usefulness of AI Journaling Tools (0:54:17) - Participate in Finance Master LinkedIn Live 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter for more goodies at - https://www.techforfinance.com/newsletter

In this episode, I feature as a speaker on the FP&A Podcast, hosted by Paul Barnhust, sponsored by Datarails. -- This special edition of FP&A Today sees 1,524 finance pros join a LinkedIn Live session. In this episode Paul and a special panel answer all your burning questions on how Finance teams are practically using AI to advance their careers (and bring instant productivity to their businesses). Joining Paul is Adam Shilton, Founder, Tech for Finance and a world expert on “Helping finance pros turn systems into superpowers with AI”. In addition he is joined by Sloane Kolt, Head of Datarails Labs, which recently launched FP&A Genius, an AI powered solution transforming FP&A. Some of your big audience questions answered: What was the last thing you used Generative AI for? Ethical questions in AI and Finance (eg. Do we own the model that AI built?) What are the most common use cases for AI in FP&A, and accounting post ChatGPT? What are the differences between AI in big vs small companies? How should finance leadership use AI and adapt it in their team ethos and processes? Privacy, security, AI and Finance - what are the risks? What are the secrets of effective Prompting in finance? Clarifying tasks with your AI Chat Lessons from building a new finance AI tool Favorite non ChatGPT AI tools you have seen Best advice for getting started with AI in finance Rapid fire questions: favorite Excel function and person I would most like to meet. FP&A Today is brought to you by Datarails,the AI-powered financial planning and analysis platform. Keep your own Excel financial models and spreadsheets and benefit from AI for data consolidation, reporting and planning. Blog post and full transcript - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-fpa-your-big-questions-answered-paul-barnhurst/ Follow Paul Barnhurst on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy/ Follow Datarails on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/datarails/

Join us as we welcome Ashok Manthena, founder of ChatFin and a leading voice in the world of AI and finance. With over a decade of experience in finance analytics, machine learning, and product strategy, Ashok brings a wealth of knowledge on how AI is revolutionizing the finance industry. Listen in as we discuss his vision for ChatFin and how the integration of AI in finance can help teams become more strategic and less bogged down with manual tasks. Throughout the conversation, Ashok takes us through the multi-step process of building an intelligent co-pilot for finance. We touch on the critical role of data gathering and transformation, understanding user intent, and predicting analytics. He also shares valuable insights on utilizing AI tools and emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in thinking and arranging data for AI to produce desired outputs. You'll get a better understanding of the potential of large language models to comprehend domain-specific knowledge and the necessity of capturing context when developing software systems. This episode wouldn't be complete without discussing the challenges of sourcing high-quality data and the transformative potential of AI in web search. We also explore how Generative AI is redefining the finance function, evolving user interfaces, and the role of hard-coded accounting rules, database practices, and personal preferences in finance. Join us as we navigate the world of AI in finance with Ashok Manthena, where he shares his favorite app that he can't live without. Tune in and discover how AI is reshaping the world of finance. --------- SHOW NOTES --------- *Where to find Ashok* - On LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashokman/ - Follow him and look out for his book "Supercharge CFO Office with AI" --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - AI in Finance (0:09:16) - Evolution of AI in Finance Analysis (0:16:59) - Improved Language Models With Context (0:21:51) - Challenges in Contextual Understanding for Models (0:28:33) - Data Quality for Predictive Finance Analytics (0:39:10) - Generative AI in Finance User Interface

Join us for a compelling conversation with Gary Cokins, the founder and CEO of Analytics-Based Performance Management. Throughout this enlightening episode, we traverse Gary's impressive career, from his football days at Cornell University to his impactful roles at Deloitte, KPMG, and SAS. Gary, a celebrated author and inspirational figure in the world of analytics, shares the secret to his youthful energy at 74 years old and the motivations that drive him. We navigate through crucial topics such as overcoming resistance to change and the importance of asking the right questions to spur change. Gary provides valuable insights into obstacles that hinder the integration of performance management methods and shares his formula to overcoming resistance. As we further the discussion, we discuss the importance of strategy maps and key performance indicators in achieving success. Gary provides a deeper understanding of the balance scorecard developed by Dr. Kaplan and Dr. David Norton and offers invaluable advice on data collection and strategy execution. In the final part of our conversation, we transition from data to insights. Gary elaborates on the significance of data modeling and shares his thoughts on the minimum viable amount of data required for advanced analytics. We wrap up with an insightful discussion on how to maximize business success in EPM implementation and the necessary tools to achieve strategic goals. Tune in for this illuminating conversation with Gary Cochens as we explore the intricate world of analytics in performance management. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Analytics in Performance Management (0:09:25) - Overcoming Resistance to Change and Implementation (0:13:43) - Creating Change Through Asking Questions (0:16:52) - Strategy Map and Key Performance Indicators (0:34:16) - From Data to Insights (0:46:56) - Maximizing Business Success in EPM Implementation 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter + More Goodies @ https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech

Episode 033: Join us as we engage with Dr Liren Edelist, a strategic executive leader with over 20 years of experience in Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and Customer Performance Management (CPM). We navigate the intriguing realm of EPM and CPM, exploring how these strategies can provide valuable insights to CEOs and management teams. Dr. Edelist shares insightful examples and draws from his experience as a successful startup founder, discussing the critical role of FB and A professionals in his company. This episode offers an exciting exploration of how EPM and CPM can assist businesses in optimizing their processes, creating value, and generating more revenue. Dr. Edelist stresses the importance of aligning technology with the goals of EPM, and provides a nuanced understanding of customer success. Listen in as we discuss the significance of understanding the scope of EPM required for an organization, and how a full EPM transformation can be implemented with a combination of tools. Furthermore, we discuss the role of technology in increasing productivity and its potential to bridge the gap between expectations and reality. We discuss the potential of AI in revolutionizing the way we approach projects and analyze data, particularly in the financial sector. We also touch upon cost structures for software projects, and how a generic costing framework can be created by coupling CMMI and PMB. Lastly, we chat about Dr. Edelist's LinkedIn and publications, emphasizing the importance of connection and open conversations. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Exploring EPM and CPM Approaches (0:03:54) - Enterprise Performance Management and Customer Success (0:15:24) - Tech Transformation and Business Challenges (0:24:57) - Using Technology to Increase Productivity (0:35:26) - Analyzing Cost Structures for Software Projects (0:44:16) - AI's Future Impact on Financial Relationships (0:57:50) - LinkedIn and Publications

Episode 032: Where we learn from Roi Ben Daniel, founder and CEO of Received. Listen in as Roi walks us through his journey from being a platoon commander in the Israeli Defense Forces to becoming the founder of Received, a platform designed to help finance teams tackle complex billing challenges. He explains the need for a fresh wave of CFO solutions and how the landscape of CFO technology is evolving, especially when considering the different processes required for B2B, B2C, and marketplace businesses. He also points out how payments remain an unfulfilled prophecy in B2B and how unlocking value lies in process and spend management. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of financial systems and the complexities involved in choosing the right one. Roi and I debate the tension between point solutions and fully integrated ERPs, stressing the need for CFOs to not only purge unnecessary SaaS systems but also invest in solutions that meet their specific needs. We also discuss the importance of moving beyond entry-level systems like QuickBooks and the psychological aspects involved in system choice. Towards the end of our discussion, we focus on the advantages of having an ERP system and how a company's operations can dictate the choice of system. Roi shares his insights on the importance of value-based pricing and how customer centricity is key. We also touch on the evolving metrics that CFOs are focusing on, the battle between SaaS and usage pricing, and the pressures they face from investors and customers. Don't miss out as we round off with an interesting chat on the role of referrals in tech marketing and the need for businesses to create so much value that they become the only option for like-minded companies. --------- SHOW NOTES --------- *Where to find Roi* - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roibendaniel/ --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - CFO Solutions and Finance Software Evolution (0:12:43) - The Evolving Landscape of CFO Technology (0:25:43) - Choosing Financial Systems for CFOs (0:32:57) - ERP Systems and Business Revenue (0:47:14) - The Importance of Value-Based Pricing (0:52:06) - CFOs in a Down Market (1:02:43) - Consolidation and Referrals in Tech Marketing 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter + More Goodies @ https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech

Join us as we sit down with Julio Martinez, co-founder and CEO of Abacum, to discuss his journey from banking to tech entrepreneurship, and how he built strategic finance teams in tech. Julio offers fascinating insights into his move to the US with his family to co-found Abacum, a company providing FD&A tools for better revenue forecasting and cost control. His inspiring story serves as a great example of making big moves and understanding local markets while attracting talent. Listen in as we continue the discussion with Julio on the role of group dynamics in business tech stack understanding and accountability. He stresses the importance of verbally committing to tasks and the pivotal role this plays in ensuring follow-through. The conversation also takes us through the role of finance teams in organizations, the limitations of spreadsheets, and how the FT&A category can help mid-market organizations transition from spreadsheets without lengthy implementation periods. Finally, we explore the significant role of automation and AI in finance. Julio emphasizes the need to understand the tech maturity of a business before making major changes and paints a vision of future finance teams that can access and analyze data at the click of a button. He also shares his insights into the security aspects when working with sensitive data, the advantages of Abacum's multi-dimensional modelling engine, and even his personal experiences with sleep improvement. Don't miss this enlightening episode! --------- SHOW NOTES --------- *Where to find Julio* - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejuliomartinez/ *Tools Mentioned* - Abacum (https://www.abacum.io/) - NetSuite (https://www.netsuite.com/) - QuickBooks (https://quickbooks.intuit.com/) - Xero (https://www.xero.com/) - Salesforce (https://www.salesforce.com/) - Looker (https://www.google.com/analytics/data-studio/) - Tableau (https://www.tableau.com/) - Redshift (https://aws.amazon.com/redshift/) - Snowflake (https://www.snowflake.com/) - Slack (https://slack.com/) - Notion (https://www.notion.so/) - Spotify (https://www.spotify.com/) - Upwork (https://www.upwork.com/) - Power BI (https://powerbi.microsoft.com/) - Riverside (https://riverside.fm/) - Podium (https://www.podium.page/) - Perplexity (https://www.perplexity.ai/) - OpenAI (https://openai.com/) - Anthropic (https://www.anthropic.com/) - Notion AI (https://www.notion.ai/) --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Build Strategic Finance Teams in Tech (0:16:02) - Group Dynamics (0:21:12) - Finance Teams' Expanded Role in Organization (0:34:45) - The Importance of Automation in Finance (0:47:25) - AI in Financial Analysis and Data (0:55:53) - Multi-Dimensional Modelling Engine and Sleep Improvement 📧: Sign up for The Tech for Finance Newsletter + More Goodies @ https://linktr.ee/adamshiltontech