FP&A Unlocked

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Alex Fabry, the founder of KFA, an advisory firm focused on scaling businesses.. Alex takes us through his journey from FP&A to private equity, sharing his valuable experiences working at firms like Saber, BCG, and Charles Bank Capital Partners. Their conversation explores how FP&A can serve as a stepping stone to leadership and investment roles, and the key skills that helped Alex succeed in both corporate finance and private equity.Alex Fabry is the founder and managing partner of KFA, a private investment and advisory firm focused on growing and scaling businesses in Saint Louis. Before founding KFA, Alex started his career in FP&A roles at Saber, where he supported multi-billion dollar business units, managed complex budgets, and played a pivotal role in the $1.2 billion sale of Active Network to Global Payments. Alex also has experience as a Vice President at Charles Bank Capital Partners. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.Expect to Learn:How FP&A provides a solid foundation for leadership and private equity operator roles.The significance of automation in improving FP&A efficiency and enabling more strategic analysis.Why private equity and FP&A require different skill sets but can work in tandem to drive business growth.Key skills FP&A professionals need to transition into private equity.The value of relationships and trust in both FP&A and private equity environments.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“The real value of FP&A is in helping businesses make decisions, not just report numbers.” - Alex Fabry“Being a business partner looks different depending on the business—it's about them, not you." - Alex FabryAlex shared thoughtful and practical insights into the evolving role of FP&A in driving business success and the transition to private equity. He highlighted the importance of automation and strategic analysis in improving financial operations, the value of building strong business relationships, and how FP&A professionals can leverage their skills to thrive in the private equity space. Alex’s journey serves as a valuable playbook for those looking to navigate the complexities of both FP&A and private equity, emphasizing the need for adaptability, operational efficiency, and a keen understanding of the bigger business picture.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for general ledger, revenue automation, close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Alex:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-fabry/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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[02:27] - Alex’s Background[03:50] - What Makes Great FP&A?[14:03] -  The Three Key Questions in Finance[18:38] - Private Equity Operations and FP&A[27:14] - Early FP&A Experience at Saber[36:36] - The Reality of Private Equity[43:16] -  Lessons from 100 LinkedIn Posts[53:47] - The Biggest Excel Lesson[54:32] - Wrapping Up the Conversation

Nate Heeren, Senior Managing Director at Riveron Consulting, and Jamie Lukaszewski, Director of Financial Operations at Trivest Partners, bring their expertise to light the evolving role of FP&A in private equity. They discuss the shift towards operational value creation, emphasizing the importance of building data-driven, high-performing FP&A functions. Topics include the necessity of early investment in FP&A infrastructure and the key traits of successful partnerships between PE firms and portfolio companies, focusing on transparency and long-term value.

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Andrej Lapajne, the CEO and founder of Zebra BI. Andrej shares his thoughts on the evolving role of data visualization in financial planning and analysis, the importance of clear communication through standardized visuals, and how automation is transforming the way we analyze and present financial data. Later in the episode, Paul and Andrej discuss the challenges of data modeling, how AI is shaping business intelligence, and why effective data storytelling is crucial for making impactful business decisions.Andrej Lapajne is the CEO and founder of Zebra BI, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the way businesses communicate financial insights. With over 20 years of experience in business intelligence and data visualization, Andrej has helped organizations across industries implement better reporting systems. He is a passionate advocate for the International Business Communication Standards (IBCS), a methodology he helped popularize to improve data reporting and visualization.Expect to Learn:Why is consistent, clear communication in data visualization vital for FP&A professionals?The key skills FP&A professionals need to master such as data modeling and communication.How Zebra BI helps businesses generate actionable insights with ease.Andrej's methodology for data visualization and the importance of standardized charting in business reporting.Key advice on mastering data modeling and communication skills for finance professionalsHere are a few quotes from the episode:“Effective communication is the key to FP&A. You can have all the data, but if you can’t communicate the insights, it’s wasted.” - Andrej Lapajne“AI is transforming the way we consume analytics and freeing up time for more strategic decision-making.” - Andrej Lapajne"If your dashboard doesn’t show variances, it’s not actionable. You’re just looking at pretty colors." - Andrej LapajneAndrej Lapajne shared a clear and insightful perspective on the future of data visualization in financial planning and analysis. He emphasized the need for standardized communication, the importance of clean data, and the power of automation in transforming analytics. Together with Paul Barnhurst, this episode highlights the critical role of FP&A professionals in driving business decisions and how the integration of effective data visualization and modern technology will shape the future of the profession.Get Certified with the FPAC CredentialEarn the only FP&A credential that proves your expertise and commitment to the profession.Use TheFPAGuy-FPAC for $150 off the ExamUse TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP for $100 off the Exam Prep PlatformLearn more: https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certificationsAFP FP&A Forum: All insights. Zero spin.March 23 – 25 in IndianapolisThis immersive, three-day event is built for financial professionals, by financial professionals, and it’s designed to help you sharpen your skills, stay on top of trends, and connect with peers who understand your challenges.Learn more: https://www.financialprofessionals.org/events/meetings/afp-fp-a-forumFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Andrej Lapajne:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lapajne/Website - https://zebrabi.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn 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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[01:51] - Andrej’s Background[02:38] - What Great Data Visualization Looks Like[08:34] - Getting Into Data Visualization[13:15] - Founding Zebra BI[17:50] - IBCS: The Method Behind the Charts[26:14] - Key Elements of a Compelling Visual[34:54] - The Impact of AI on Analytics[40:18] - AI Needs Clean Data[45:27] - Essential FP&A Skills for Success[52:29] - Last Question & Episode wrap-up

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Patrick Culkin, the new President and CEO of AFP. Pat shares his thoughts on leadership, professional development, and the evolving role of finance as AFP looks to expand its global reach and support a changing profession. Later in the episode, Paul gives a walk-through of his scenario planning framework using Gen AI, followed by a conversation with Bryan Lapidus about the return of the FP&A Forum, the state of the profession, and what financial professionals need most right now.Patrick Culkin is the President & CEO of the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), stepping into the role in July 2025 after more than two decades with the organization. He previously served as Executive Vice President and began his AFP journey in Human Resources. Bryan Lapidus, FPAC, is Director of the FP&A Practice at AFP, where he leads thought leadership, education, and community-building for financial planning professionals. With a background in corporate finance and consulting, Bryan is also a certified FPAC holder. Expect to Learn:What drives AFP’s mission and how its leadership is preparing for the future of finance.How finance professionals can navigate uncertainty, AI adoption, and rapid change.Why growing a strong professional network is key to career and organizational success.A practical framework for scenario planning and how Gen AI can support it.What to expect from the FP&A Forum and why it’s become a must-attend event for finance professionals.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“Everything we do at AFP has to drive the success of the corporate finance professional. That’s our North Star.” - Patrick Culkin“Technology is a tool; what really matters is how you use it to drive better business outcomes.” - Bryan Lapidus“Everyone in the company plans, but FP&A is about return on capital; that’s what sets us apart.” - Bryan LapidusPatrick Culkin shared a clear and practical outlook on the future of corporate finance. He highlighted the importance of staying connected, continuing to learn, and being ready to adapt as the profession evolves. Together with insights from Bryan Lapidus and Paul Barnhurst, this episode underscores the growing role of finance as a strategic partner in business.Get Certified with the FPAC CredentialEarn the only FP&A credential that proves your expertise and commitment to the profession.Use TheFPAGuy-FPAC for $150 off the ExamUse TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP for $100 off the Exam Prep PlatformLearn more: https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certificationsAFP FP&A Forum: All insights. Zero spin.March 23 – 25 in IndianapolisThis immersive, three-day event is built for financial professionals, by financial professionals, and it’s designed to help you sharpen your skills, stay on top of trends, and connect with peers who understand your challenges.Learn more: https://www.financialprofessionals.org/events/meetings/afp-fp-a-forumFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Patrick:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-culkin-5981032/Website - https://www.financialprofessionals.org/Follow Bryan:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-lapidus-fpac/Website - https://www.financialprofessionals.org/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn 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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[01:33] - Pat Culkin Introduction[06:30] - Global growth and networks[11:09] - Changing role of finance[13:07] - Challenge for Corporate Finance[16:03] - Opportunities in uncertainty[21:05] - Why Join AFP or Pursue the FPAC[26:54] - Scenario planning framework[41:03] - Bryan Lapidus on the Forum[47:27] - FP&A Forum: What to Expect[53:43] - Wrap-up and closing thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company and a globally recognized leadership coach, to discuss how company culture and employee engagement can drive business success. With his extensive experience building a culture of trust, respect, and belonging, Garry shares how FP&A professionals can align financial strategy with a purpose-driven organizational culture. From leadership to mental health in the workplace, Garry’s insights provide valuable lessons for creating thriving teams and lasting business impact.Garry Ridge is a purpose-driven leader, coach, and global keynote speaker. As the former Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company, Garry led the brand to become one of the world’s most trusted names, achieving over 90% employee engagement and consistent shareholder growth. Known as The Culture Coach, Garry helps leaders create values-driven workplaces where learning, innovation, and connection fuel success. He is the author of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It and co-author of Helping People Win at Work with Ken Blanchard.Expect to Learn:The connection between company culture and business successHow FP&A can guide strategy while fostering engagementWhy servant leadership is key to unlocking innovationPractical advice on building a workplace of belongingThe importance of "learning moments" in continuous improvementHere are a few quotes from the episode:"Great FP&A looks like a road map to a destination that’s directionally very concise and understandable." - Garry Ridge"If only a small percentage of your organization is passionately working on executing your strategy, you’ll get limited outcomes." - Garry Ridge"If you want to create a high-performing culture, focus on building trust, respect, and belonging." - Garry RidgeGarry Ridge offered a powerful vision for the future of leadership and organizational culture, one where trust, respect, and belonging are the foundations of success. He emphasized that great leaders are not just managers, but coaches who inspire their teams to thrive by focusing on values-driven cultures. From building employee engagement to navigating mental health challenges, Garry’s insights provide actionable guidance for leaders looking to create work environments where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to contribute to a greater purpose.Get Certified with the FPAC CredentialEarn the only FP&A credential that proves your expertise and commitment to the profession.Use TheFPAGuy-FPAC for $150 off the ExamUse TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP for $100 off the Exam Prep PlatformLearn more: https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certificationsAFP FP&A Forum: All insights. Zero spin.March 23 – 25 in IndianapolisThis immersive, three-day event is built for financial professionals, by financial professionals, and it’s designed to help you sharpen your skills, stay on top of trends, and connect with peers who understand your challenges.Learn more: https://www.financialprofessionals.org/events/meetings/afp-fp-a-forumFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Garry:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/Website - https://thelearningmoment.net/any-dumb-ass-can-do-it/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn 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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[02:51] - Introduction of Garry Ridge[05:35] - All Models Are Wrong, Some Are Useful[07:18] - Creating Memories with WD-40[12:48] - The Consequences of Ignoring Culture[24:29] - Reactions to Going Back to School as CEO[29:44] - Making "Are You Okay?" Meaningful[32:27] -  Embracing Vulnerability as a Superpower[35:13] - Curiosity as a Business Partner[42:29] - Parting Advice for Improvement[59:47] - Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by William Spengler, founder of Frederick Fox, a recruiting firm specializing in placing top-tier finance and accounting talent. They discuss what employers are looking for in FP&A professionals and the growing demand for technical skills such as Power BI, Tableau, and SQL. William shares insights into the current job market, what makes candidates stand out, and why effective communication and a curious mindset are essential for success in finance. The episode is packed with practical advice for job seekers and finance professionals looking to advance in their careers.William is the founder and principal of Frederick Fox, a recruiting firm that specializes in placing finance and accounting talent. Since its launch in 2019, Frederick Fox has grown rapidly, serving over 700 clients with a team of 55+ experienced recruiters. The firm has achieved this growth without outside funding, focusing on speed, accountability, and results. Frederick Fox has redefined the recruiting process, prioritizing lean systems and performance-based partnerships to help companies make confident hires. Outside of work, William is a guitar-playing father of three, a math nerd turned entrepreneur, and an enthusiast of spicy food and hot yoga.Expect to Learn:Why accounting and finance roles are becoming more crucial to businesses todayHow to stand out as an FP&A candidate in a competitive job marketThe importance of mastering technical tools like Power BI, Tableau, and SQLWhy humble curiosity is key to becoming a better business partnerHow recruiters assess FP&A candidates and what skills they prioritizeHere are a few quotes from the episode:“Accountants are becoming like the new software engineers. They’re in high demand and increasingly critical to business operations.” - William Spengler“The biggest mistake candidates make is not reaching out directly to hiring managers with relevant examples. Networking is key.” - William Spengler“If you're not networking continuously, you're not future-proofing your career.” - William SpenglerWilliam Spengler shared valuable insights into the FP&A job market, highlighting the demand for technical skills, the importance of effective communication, and the value of humble curiosity. His practical advice on networking, understanding business needs, and positioning yourself for success will help both job seekers and finance professionals advance in their careers. World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: Sign up 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? Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4decOf3Follow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow William:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/william-spengler-2193433aWebsite: https://frederickfox.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFoxGroup/Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frederick-fox/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn 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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[02:28] - William's Introduction[07:20] - Build Models or Value Companies[10:42] - What's Driving CPA Demand[16:00] - How People End Up in FP&A[18:09] - CPA is Still the Gold Standard[27:37] - Communicating Data That Drives Action[30:30] - Identifying Action-Oriented Candidates[36:36] - Biggest Mistake Candidates Make[42:38] - No.1 Technical Skill for FP&A[49:16] - Connect With William

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst explores the transformation of finance into a strategic driver of business performance with seasoned CFO Darrell Cox. They unpack the modern challenges of FP&A, emphasizing how teams can move beyond traditional reporting to become proactive, data-savvy partners across the organization. Darrell shares real-world insights on forecasting, revenue intelligence, sales collaboration, and building a tech-enabled finance function that delivers tangible value.Darrell Cox is the Chief Financial Officer at Una Software, bringing over 25 years of executive leadership across high-growth companies. His background includes CFO roles at Vena Solutions and FreshBooks, as well as leadership positions at Virgin Mobile, Rogers Communications, and ATI Technologies. Known for scaling finance teams and overseeing more than $1 billion in exits and transactions, Darrell focuses on blending financial insight with operational data to elevate finance's role as a strategic partner.Expect to Learn:Why FP&A must evolve into strategic finance to remain relevantHow to continuously improve forecasting through agile, data-rich practicesThe critical role of CRM and daily data in revenue intelligenceHow finance and sales can work together as partners, not opponentsCareer advice for FP&A professionals aiming to become CFOsHere are a few quotes from the episode:“If you're not networking continuously, you're not future-proofing your career.” - Darrell Cox“Come bearing gifts, not with a rubber stamp and a hatchet. That's how you partner with sales.” - Darrell Cox“It’s no good having a beautiful bathroom if there’s no water going to it. You need the plumbing.” - Darrell CoxDarrell Cox brings sharp insights and practical wisdom to this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, shedding light on how finance can step up as a true business partner. Whether you're building forecasts, aligning with sales, or plotting a path to CFO, Darrell's experience and advice offer a roadmap to smarter, more strategic finance.Easy Strategic FP&A: Introducing BEZ (BE EASY), with Agentic AI capabilities to maximize FP&A’s strategic impact. Automate complex FP&A processes and have a conversation with your data. Modern FP&A can Be Easy. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3H0DqppFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Darrell:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-cox-547a461/?originalSubdomain=caWebsite - https://unasoftware.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn 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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[04:08] - What Great FP&A Looks Like[06:54] - Enabling the Finance Team[09:12] - Finance Career Insights[12:04] - Overview of Una's Mission and Vision[18:48] - Building a Revenue Forecast[24:00] - Ideal Revenue Data Inputs[27:18] - Counterintuitive Data Insights[32:58] -  Partnering with Sales[42:53] - Career Growth in FP&A

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Snyder explore what really makes a budgeting process succeed, or fall apart. Drawing from decades of experience in finance and corporate strategy, Paul and Glenn share lessons learned from real budgeting cycles, including where things went wrong and how they were fixed. They cover everything from headcount planning mistakes and unrealistic timelines to aligning business partners and creating buy-in at the executive level. Whether you're in the middle of budget season or preparing for one, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can take straight to your team.Glenn Snyder is a strategic finance leader with deep experience across public, private equity, private equity-owned, and family-owned companies. He currently serves as Head of FP&A at Riveron and brings expertise in financial analysis, corporate strategy, modeling, and budgeting. Glenn has worked across several industries including SaaS (healthcare and telecom), eCommerce, data centers, and FinTech. He is also a Fractional CFO, mentor, and educator, with a long-standing connection to UCLA where he supports students and emerging finance professionalsExpect to Learn:Why automation should be baked into FP&A from day oneWhat accountability-based forecasting looks like in practiceHow to shift FP&A from a cost center to an operational partnerPractical methods for protecting your most valuable asset: timeWhy “humble curiosity” is essential to understanding the businessHere are a few quotes from the episode:"Fully burdened compensation isn’t just salary plus bonus, there’s a lot more under the hood." - Glenn Snyder"Budgeting is a chance to learn the business, not just fill in a template." - Glenn Snyder"Finance exists to help the business make better, faster decisions." - Paul BarnhurstGlenn Snyder emphasized that budgeting is most effective when it's collaborative, strategic, and grounded in real business understanding. He reminded us that finance’s role is to support decision-making, not just manage numbers. With clear communication and thoughtful planning, budgeting can become a tool for alignment and impact.Easy Strategic FP&A: Introducing BEZ (BE EASY), with Agentic AI capabilities to maximize FP&A’s strategic impact. Automate complex FP&A processes and have a conversation with your data. Modern FP&A can Be Easy. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3H0DqppFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Glenn:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder/Website - onemomentintimenovel.comFollow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn 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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[04:37] - Why Stay in FP&A?[07:40] - Glenn Outside of Work[13:59] - A Tough Business Transformation[21:31] - Comp, Vacancies & Budget Math[25:32] - Top 5 Budgeting Tips[37:48] - Top 5 Budgeting Pitfalls[50:22] - Planning Over Perfection[59:54] - Closing Thoughts & Budgeting Humor

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Brian McGrath, Co-Founder and COO of FutureView Systems, to explore how FP&A teams can scale smarter, automate faster, and operate as strategic business partners. With over 20 years of experience leading finance transformations in high-growth companies, Brian dives into why finance must be more than a cost center, it should be a driver of operational success and storytelling. From automation frameworks to AI and the power of curiosity, Brian shares lessons that can help FP&A professionals become essential, not just operational.Brian McGrath is the Co-Founder and COO of FutureView Systems, a firm dedicated to delivering scalable, technology-enabled FP&A solutions for growing companies. A graduate of the University of Florida and UNC Chapel Hill, Brian has helped organizations streamline processes, eliminate manual workflows, and build finance functions that influence real-time decisions. His hands-on experience, systems thinking, and deep commitment to automation and business alignment make his insights invaluable for any finance professional ready to modernize their approach.Expect to Learn:Why automation should be baked into FP&A from day oneWhat accountability-based forecasting looks like in practiceHow to shift FP&A from a cost center to an operational partnerPractical methods for protecting your most valuable asset: timeWhy “humble curiosity” is essential to understanding the businessHere are a few quotes from the episode:“The best way to elevate your career? Focus more on your customer’s success than your own.” - Brian McGrath“FP&A should be embedded in operations, helping deploy capital in ways that truly move the business.” - Brian McGrath“Accountability-based forecasting means budget owners own their numbers, finance is there to support, not control.” - Brian McGrathBrian McGrath delivered a compelling vision for the future of FP&A, one where automation, process thinking, and operational alignment are non-negotiable. He emphasized that great FP&A professionals are not just technically skilled, but also curious, empathetic, and strategically embedded within the business. From designing scalable systems to navigating AI and storytelling, Brian’s insights offer actionable guidance for finance leaders looking to evolve from number crunchers to decision enablers.Easy Strategic FP&A: Introducing BEZ (BE EASY), with Agentic AI capabilities to maximize FP&A’s strategic impact. Automate complex FP&A processes and have a conversation with your data. Modern FP&A can Be Easy. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3H0DqppFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Brian:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/financial-planning-and-analysis/.Website - https://www.futureviewsystems.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn 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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[02:04] - Brian’s Background[07:42] - Scaling Finance Teams[09:52] - Accountability Forecasting[14:00] - FP&A as Ops Partner[20:23] - FP&A Get Involved in Ops[24:59] - Developing Curiosity in Finance[29:16] - Guarding Your Time in FP&A[43:21] - How AI is Reshaping FP&A[48:47] - #1 Technical Skill for FP&A Pros[56:14] - Final Advice for FP&A Success

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Jesse Mishler to explore what it takes to build a thriving FP&A function grounded in purpose, people development, and strategic problem-solving. From military discipline to corporate finance leadership, Jesse offers a rare blend of operational rigor and emotional intelligence. His reflections on transforming real estate spaces, empowering teams, and navigating financial complexity will resonate with finance professionals and leaders alike. This episode dives into the evolving role of finance in shaping organizational culture, driving performance, and making workspaces more human-centered and impactful.Jesse Mishler serves as Senior Vice President of FP&A at Carr Properties, where he oversees corporate forecasting, executive reporting, and strategic financial planning. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over two decades of experience, Jesse brings a mission-driven mindset to FP&A leadership. He is known for building high-performing, people-first finance teams, championing cross-functional collaboration, and implementing innovative planning tools like JEDOX to drive operational efficiency. With a master’s in real estate from Georgetown University and a passion for continuous learning, Jesse’s leadership reflects both financial precision and personal authenticity.Expect to Learn:How military principles like integrity and resilience translate to corporate leadership.What makes FP&A a strategic hub, not just a back-office function.Why developing people is one of the most fulfilling aspects of leadership.Key operational metrics in commercial real estate and how they guide decision-making.The power of curiosity in becoming a better business partner.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"FP&A should be the hub of the company, connecting insights, strategy, and communication across the business." - Jesse Mishler"The most rewarding part of my job is seeing others grow and surpass even their own expectations."- Jesse Mishler"Sometimes the most impactful help you can offer takes less than five minutes, it starts with listening." - Jesse MishlerJesse shared powerful insights into how leadership, resilience, and curiosity can shape a successful FP&A career. He highlighted the importance of problem-solving over perfection, the value of building trust through authentic actions, and the transformational impact of investing in people. From leveraging real estate finance to fostering team growth, Jesse’s advice offers practical, inspiring takeaways for finance professionals aiming to elevate their strategic influence and lead with integrity and empathy.Corporate Finance Institute: You know the numbers. Now it’s time to own the story.The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data.Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723Follow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Jesse:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessemishler/Company - https://www.carrprop.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn 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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[03:58] - What Makes Great FP&A[06:05] - Lessons from the Marines[09:01] - FP&A as a Problem Solver[12:36] - Why Real Estate Finance[15:23] - Key Metrics in Real Estate[18:41] - Choosing & Using JEDOX[22:54] - Developing People in FP&A[30:41] - Leadership & Trust[36:26] - No.1 Technical FP&A Skills[41:02] - Favorite Hobby[47:08] - Closing Advice: Be Curious