FP&A Unlocked

Disclaimer: This is a podswap episode from The Growth Minded CFO, hosted by Lauren Pearl and Alex Lewis, featuring Kate Gulliver, CFO and CEO of Wayfair.The path to becoming a CFO today is rarely a straight line. Finance leaders are increasingly coming from diverse backgrounds, bringing a broad range of skills to the role. After all, the best CFOs don’t just manage numbers; they shape strategy, foster talent, and drive innovation across an organization.In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, hosts Lauren and Alex sit down with Kate Gulliver, CFO and CAO of Wayfair. It's an insightful conversation about leadership, adaptability, and impact. Kate shares her journey from investor relations to overseeing finance, legal, talent, and corporate communication—offering a rare look at the evolution of a top executive.She reflects on the challenges of stepping into new roles, the power of an entrepreneurial mindset in a high-growth company, and the lessons learned from integrating finance with people strategy. Kate also opens up about balancing a demanding career with motherhood and the importance of fostering an inclusive, authentic workplace.In this Episode:[00:58] - Meet Kate Gulliver: Wayfair's Multifaceted Leader[01:53] - Journey Through Wayfair: From IPO to CFO[06:55] - Transitioning to Talent: A Leap of Faith[10:28] - Learning and Leading in Talent Management[16:08] - The CFO Perspective: Integrating Talent and Finance[17:11] - Navigating the CFO Role: Insights and Reflections[18:50] - The Importance of Cross-Departmental Communication[21:30] - Wayfair's Latest Launch: Wayfair Verified[24:49] - Operationalizing New Ideas at Wayfair[29:59] - Balancing Work and Life[33:23] - The Importance of Authenticity at WorkConnect with Kate:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-gulliver-3b242762/Connect with Alex:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlouisy/

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Glenn Snyder and Rosemary Linden to talk about the important role of FP&A in today’s business world. They share stories from their careers, including lessons learned from failures, unique requests they've received, and their experiences navigating the complex world of finance.Glenn Snyder brings years of experience in finance and FP&A, focusing on budgeting, strategy, and improving financial processes. Rosemary Linden is the founder and president of Momentum CFO, where she provides fractional CFO services and FP&A consulting. With over 25 years in the industry, she recently won CFO of the Year from the San Diego Business Journal and is passionate about mentoring women in finance.Expect to Learn:How clarity, influence, and foresight define great FP&A workThe importance of empathy and communication in leadership rolesReal-world lessons from career failures and how to bounce backBest practices for budgeting and data governanceHow to make sure your financial forecasting is both transparent and trustworthyHere are a few quotes from the episode:“FP&A is all about helping leaders make better, faster decisions.” – Glenn Snyder“The way you say things can matter just as much as what you say in FP&A.” – Rosemary LindenGlenn and Rosemary shared valuable insights on the strategic role of FP&A, the importance of empathy in leadership, and how to learn from failures. Their stories and advice will help anyone in finance make a greater impact within their organization. Tune in for more practical tips on navigating the world of FP&A!Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the 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 Rosemary Linden:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemarylinden/Company -  https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumcfo/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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode:[02:04] – What makes great FP&A[07:00] – Glenn’s career failure and lesson[11:06] – Rosemary on empathy and tone in FP&A[19:09] – Managing failure[26:00] – Unusual FP&A requests[38:40] – Streamlining budgeting and setting targets[45:30] – Importance of data governance[49:40] – FP&A’s role in raising capital[54:35] – Final thoughts on FP&A’s impact

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Omar Choucair, the CFO of Trintech, to discuss the evolving role of the CFO, the importance of technology in finance, and the strategic value of FP&A teams. Omar shares insights on how AI is transforming financial operations, the need for technical skills in FP&A, and the shift in CFO responsibilities over the years.Omar Choucair brings over 25 years of experience in corporate finance, accounting, governance, and FP&A. His background spans private equity, public company software businesses, and M&A deals, having successfully navigated over 40 major transactions. With expertise in financial software solutions, he leads Trintech in helping businesses automate and streamline critical financial processes.Expect to Learn:The evolving responsibilities of CFOs and the strategic value they provide in today's organizationsHow AI and technology are revolutionizing finance and FP&A functionsThe critical role of FP&A in helping companies understand and act on dataWhy intellectual curiosity and technology expertise are essential for modern FP&A professionalsKey insights on hiring and developing top FP&A talentHere are a few quotes from the episode:“To be successful in FP&A, you have to be technically savvy. If you are afraid of technology, you will not do well in FP&A.” – Omar Choucair“The CFO is the voice of reason, objective under pressure, and the protector of the company and its employees.” – Omar ChoucairOmar discusses the increased pressure on CFOs, the growing reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT, and the importance of being inquisitive to drive better financial insights. He also touches on the importance of collaboration between FP&A and other departments to drive business success and better decision-making.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the 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 Omar:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-choucair-cpa-80264815/Company - https://www.trintech.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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode:[02:04] - Omar’s Career Journey and Experience in Finance[04:41] - Defining Great FP&A and What It Looks Like in Practice[07:19] - The Role of Technology in Modern FP&A[11:40] - Leveraging AI to Drive Efficiency in Finance[14:04] - The Key to Unlocking FP&A Success[26:21] - Best Practices for Building and Leading an FP&A Team[33:13] - Integrating Business Intelligence into FP&A Workflows[38:55] - Managing the Budgeting Process and Alignment with ELT[44:27] - Key Skills for Future FP&A Leaders and Career Advice

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Rishi Sapra to explore how finance professionals can leverage business intelligence tools like Power BI to drive better decision-making. Rishi discusses how the role of FP&A is evolving with technology, and why it’s essential for finance teams to not only consume data but to create and model it in ways that deliver actionable insights.Rishi Sapra is a Group Manager at Avanade, a global technology consulting firm, and a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). With over 20 years of experience in major firms such as Deloitte, KPMG, HSBC, and Accenture, Rishi combines his financial expertise with cutting-edge data and AI solutions. Rishi is also the founder of Power Platform Finance, where he runs an accelerator program to teach finance professionals how to use tools like Power BI, Power Query, and semantic modeling to transform business data into actionable insights.Expect to Learn:Why learning Power Query is a must-have skill for every finance professionalThe mindset shift from being a consumer of data to becoming a creator of data solutionsHow to build simple, effective data models and dashboards using Power BITips for applying semantic models and data storytelling in financial reportingHow AI and business intelligence tools are changing the role of FP&A professionalsHere are a few quotes from the episode:“As a finance professional, you need to understand not just the data, but how to create the solutions that bring out insights from it.” – Rishi Sapra“It’s less about learning every tool, and more about understanding the fundamentals that remain the same, regardless of the software.” – Rishi SapraRishi Sapra highlights the importance of shifting from being a consumer to a creator of data solutions within finance teams. By mastering tools like Power BI and embracing a mindset of data storytelling, finance professionals can unlock actionable insights and drive meaningful change. Rishi’s advice empowers finance teams to not just adapt to technology, but to lead the way in transforming business intelligence.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the 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 Rishi:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rsaprano/Website - www.rishisapra.comCompany 1 - www.msfabrictraining.comCompany 2 -  www.learndatainsights.comCompany 3 - www.powerplatformfinance.comEarn 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] - Rishi’s Career Journey[04:41] - Career Expectations After Accounting[07:19] - Becoming a Microsoft MVP[11:40] - Why Finance Needs Power BI[14:04] - Shifting from Consumer to Creator[26:21] - Best Ways to Learn BI[33:13] - Integrating BI into FP&A[38:55] - Dashboard & Visualization Tips[44:27] - Best Career Advice

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst takes you inside the Campfire Finance Forward AI Summit in San Francisco, a one-of-a-kind event exploring how AI is transforming finance. Instead of one guest, this special edition features four conversations with top finance leaders and innovators who share what they’re seeing, building, and doing with AI in real time. From ERP innovation to the EQ behind great CFOs, this episode delivers tactical advice and big-picture thinking from the forefront of modern finance.John Glasgow is the CEO and co-founder of Campfire, leading the charge in AI-native ERP innovation for modern finance teams. CJ Gustafson, the founder of Mostly Metrics and a former CFO, brings real-world insights on scaling, AI adoption, and the shift from executive to creator. Libby Francke, Head of Finance at Klarity, shares her experience modernizing data infrastructure and running a lean, high-impact finance function with Campfire. Kevin Neary, VP of Finance at Brainly, reflects on managing global finance operations and how AI is helping his team boost efficiency and productivity.Expect to Learn:Why Campfire is building an AI-native ERP with its own large accounting modelHow to identify when legacy systems like QuickBooks are holding your company backWhat makes great FP&A beyond technical skill: EQ, storytelling, and sniff testsHow to think tactically about AI adoption, agents, and automationHere are a few quotes from the episode:“Trying to make the most of AI and low-cost solutioning is how we’re building the finance function of the future.” - Libby Francke“A lot of companies are stuck in pilot purgatory; they test AI, think it’s cool, but don’t know how to roll it out.” - CJ GustafsonThis special episode of FP&A Unlocked captures the momentum and insight from the Campfire Finance Forward AI Summit, showcasing how finance leaders are navigating the rapid shift toward AI-native systems. From foundational models to practical automation, the conversations with John Glasgow, CJ Gustafson, Libby Francke, and Kevin Neary highlight that the future of finance isn’t just about technology; it’s about strategic thinking, clean data, and bold leadership.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the 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 John:LinkedIn -  www.linkedin.com/in/johnglasgow/Follow CJ Gustafson:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Follow Libby:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-francke-cpa-831b4854/Follow Kevin:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-neary-cpa/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 [01:37] - Overview of the Campfire Summit & Key Panels [07:39] - Interview: John Glasgow on Building Campfire and AI-Native ERP [15:47] - Interview: CJ Gustafson on Scaling, AI Hype, and EQ in Finance [29:00] - Interview: Libby Francke on ERP Migration, Data, and Lean Finance Teams [37:58] - Interview: Kevin Neary on Global Finance Ops and Getting AI-Ready [44:52] - Final Reflections & Takeaways

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul welcomes James Myers, a financial systems and planning expert known for helping organizations modernize their FP&A functions. Drawing from years of experience implementing planning, modeling, and consolidation tools, James breaks down what makes FP&A software implementations succeed or fail. From understanding when your system has reached its limits to managing change and choosing the right implementation partners, James shares the steps every finance leader should take to avoid expensive mistakes.James Myers has led multiple large-scale planning system implementations for global organizations. He specializes in modeling and financial planning solutions that help companies reduce reliance on spreadsheets, improve collaboration, and achieve scalable performance management. His consulting work spans industries including manufacturing, technology, and retail, where he focuses on aligning processes, people, and systems for long-term success.Expect to Learn:The signs your FP&A system is broken and ready for replacementHow to select the right planning or modeling tool for your company sizeThe real cost behind system implementation (and how to plan for it)Why clean data and cross-functional collaboration are essentialBest practices for RFPs, vendor selection, and proof of concept testingHere are a few quotes from the episode:“Reducing reliance on Excel isn’t about killing it, it’s about freeing up your team to think strategically.” - James Myers“The role of FP&A is to be a true value partner to the business—combining data, strategy, and people.” - James MyersJames Myers reminds us that FP&A transformation is less about tools and more about mindset. By focusing on vision, data quality, and collaboration, finance teams can build systems that scale with their companies instead of holding them back. If you’re preparing for a software upgrade or implementation, this episode will help you do it right the first time.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the 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 James:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmyersw/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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[00:00] - Trailer[01:58] - What Makes Great FP&A[03:17] - Signs Your Current System is Broken[07:03] - The Hidden Cost of Excel Dependency[08:16] - How to Choose the Right FP&A Tool[13:35] - Setting a Vision Before Selecting Vendors[22:52] - RFP and Demo Best Practices[30:36] - Negotiating the Best Deal Without Cutting Corners[36:35] - Why Change Management Matters Most[47:00] - Implementation Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them[52:40] - Final Thoughts: Building the Future of FP&A

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul is joined by strategic advisor and podcast host Moataz Mukhaimer to explore the intersection of finance and strategy, where true business impact is made. With over 20 years of experience guiding SMEs, family-owned businesses, and startups across the Middle East, Moataz explains why finance professionals must step beyond Excel and deeply understand the business to add real value. From diagnosing problems through numbers to designing KPIs that reflect a company’s vision, this episode is a masterclass in how FP&A can lead, not just support.Moataz Mukhaimer is a strategic and financial advisor with over 20 years of experience supporting SMEs across the MENA region. A graduate of McGill University (MBA) and Boston University (BA in Accounting & Finance), he specializes in helping businesses identify challenges and align strategy with execution. His client portfolio spans sectors including retail, med-tech, e-commerce, ed-tech, manufacturing, and software.Expect to Learn:Why cash from operations is the true measure of business valueHow to design KPIs that align with both strategy and financial outcomesWhy most pricing problems are rooted in poor positioning, not high costsHow to diagnose problems through both numbers and conversationsThe two most important habits for connecting finance with strategyHere are a few quotes from the episode:“Most companies aren’t overpricing, they’re underpricing and positioning poorly.” - Moataz Mukhaimer“Cash from operations is the truest form of value creation.” - Moataz MukhaimerMoataz Mukhaimer reminds us that the power of FP&A lies in understanding the whole business, not just the numbers. By aligning strategy with financial planning, simplifying KPIs, and focusing on communication, finance professionals can become essential partners in growth. If you're ready to elevate your impact, this episode is for you.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the 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  Moataz:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/moataz-mukhaimer/Website - https://moatazmukhaimeradvisory.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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[04:05] - What Defines Great FP&A?[05:56] - Great Planning in Action[08:40] - Cash Flow is Queen[14:15] - Why Budgeting Often Fails[26:45] - Pricing: The Hidden Problem[30:04] - Moataz’s Four-Part Strategy Framework[33:07] - Diagnosing Problems Through People and Numbers[36:27] - Advice for Connecting Finance to Strategy[40:09] - Hosting Business Talk and Giving Back[43:36] - FP&A Fast Five[48:31] - Final Advice: Always Tie Finance to Strategy

Note:This episode is a pod swap from The Diary of a CFO. We’re sharing it here to help you discover another excellent show in the finance leadership space. All content belongs to the original podcast and host Wassia Kamon.In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, Wassia Kamon sits down with Paul S. Young, EVP and CFO at Liberty Bank, to uncover what modern finance leadership looks like in an era of rapid transformation. With decades of experience across institutions like TD Bank, Citizens Bank, and Siemens, Paul shares how CFOs can lead with purpose by aligning strategy, driving innovation, and cultivating future-ready talent. From intelligent automation to authentic leadership, this episode offers a comprehensive framework for CFOs navigating complexity at scale.Paul S. Young is the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Liberty Bank, the oldest and largest independent mutual bank in the U.S. With over 25 years of experience spanning finance, digital transformation, and strategy, Paul is a respected leader in shaping the future of finance. He serves on the AICPA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group and the AICPA Council, helping steer the next generation of financial professionals.Expect to LearnHow Liberty Bank integrates strategic planning into its budgeting cycle for real impactWhy creating a Business Transformation Office and EPMO was a game-changerWhere AI and intelligent automation fit in the finance function, without losing the human touchHow finance apprenticeship and rotational programs are developing future leadersPaul’s leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity, gratitude, and work-life balanceHere are a few quotes from the episode:“You prepare for this all your life. Have the courage of your convictions and don’t be afraid to fail.” – Paul S. Young“AI won’t replace people, but it will replace the people who don’t embrace AI.” – Paul YoungConnect with Guest Paul S. YoungLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pyoungcpa/ Liberty Bank: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liberty-bankct/ Liberty Bank (Website): https://www.liberty-bank.com/ AICPA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group: https://www.aicpa-cima.comConnect with Host Wassia Kamon onLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wassiakamon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wassiakamon/Connect with The Diary of a CFO Podcast onLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-diary-of-a-cfo-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thediaryofacfopodcast/featuredWebsite: https://www.thediaryofacfo.com X (Twitter): https://x.com/thediaryofacfo?TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@csuitestories?Episode Breakdown with Timestamps[00:00:00] – Introduction to Paul Young and His Role at Liberty Bank[00:02:00] – From Prudential Insurance to CFO: Paul's Career Journey[00:07:11] – Lessons from the Transition to Corporate CFO[00:12:15] – Aligning Strategic Planning and Budgeting for Agility[00:18:40] – Launching the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO)[00:24:00] – How the Business Transformation Office Enables Intelligent Automation[00:31:00] – AI in Finance: Balancing Tech and Human Judgment[00:37:20] – Cultivating Talent Through Apprenticeships and Rotational Programs[00:46:00] – Paul’s Leadership Principles: Authenticity, Gratitude, and Balance[00:47:45] – Personal Reflections: Family, Boating, and Life as “PopPop”

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul and Glenn are joined by Carl Seidman to explore a powerful but often overlooked role in finance: being a teacher. Drawing from decades of experience across consulting, education, and finance leadership, Carl discusses how FP&A professionals must learn to teach, whether it’s helping executives see the story behind the numbers, guiding junior staff, or translating finance for cross-functional teams. The episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and thoughtful insights about how teaching, influence, and communication shape success in finance.Carl Seidman is a seasoned management consultant, fractional CFO, and educator. With over 20 years of experience advising companies from startups to Fortune 500s, Carl also teaches at Rice University and runs finance training programs for corporate teams. He brings a unique blend of technical mastery, business strategy, and teaching skill, making him the perfect voice to discuss why FP&A must go beyond the spreadsheet and into the realm of influence.Expect to Learn:Why teaching is an essential skill for every FP&A professionalHow to tailor your message to different audiences, from analysts to executivesWhy oversharing details can derail your influenceHow to spot when your audience is confused (and how to pull them back in)Practical strategies for teaching finance without using jargon or acronymsHere are a few quotes from the episode:“The best presenters speak to the audience’s needs, not their own ego.” - Carl Seidman“FP&A is often the bridge, translating finance for operations and operations for finance.” - Glenn SnyderCarl Seidman reminds us that the heart of FP&A isn’t just analysis, it’s communication, clarity, and connection. Through teaching, finance professionals can elevate their impact, build trust, and drive real business understanding. This episode reinforces that the most effective finance leaders don’t just present data, they help others make sense of it.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the 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 Carl:LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/carlseidmanWebsite: seidmanfinancial.comEarn 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[02:30] - Meet Carl Seidman[04:48] - What Does “FP&A as a Teacher” Mean?[08:20] - Teaching Early in Your Career[19:33] - Who Does FP&A Need to Teach?[25:54] - Teaching Financial Impact[29:19] - Ditch the Jargon[35:44] - Spotting Confused Audiences[41:59] - Teaching for Long-Term Growth[43:58] - Celebrity on a Deserted Island

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst talks with Matt Brattin, a former CFO who’s now building solutions to cut down on the complexity that often slows finance teams down. Drawing from his 20-year career in FP&A, Matt shares what inspired him to start Siplify and Close Pack, two platforms designed to save time and reduce manual work, especially around sales commissions and reporting. The conversation also explores leadership, analytics, and what it really takes to drive value in finance.Matt Brattin is a finance leader turned entrepreneur. After serving as a CFO, Matt launched two startups: Siplify, which helps automate and streamline sales commission processes, and Close Pack, a tool aimed at making financial reporting more efficient. He’s also writing The Art of Analytics, a book that ties together strategy, storytelling, and behavioral insights. Matt brings a deep understanding of finance, technology, and human behavior to every conversation.Expect to Learn:Why most commission plans fail, and how to fix themThe value of simplicity in finance systems and processesHow behavioral insights and empathy can improve analyticsWhy storytelling matters more than models at the executive levelTips for building tools that actually make a difference for finance teamsHere are a few quotes from the episode:"Nobody gives a crap about your model. They want the story, and they want the numbers to make sense." -  Matt Brattin"Authentic leadership; there is no substitute for that. Life is too short to act like somebody else when you're at work." - Matt BrattinMatt Brattin shows how true FP&A impact comes from simplifying complexity, leading with authenticity, and combining technical skill with a deep understanding of human behavior. His journey from CFO to founder highlights the value of clarity, behavioral insight, and thoughtful system design.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the 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 Matt:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbrattin/Website -  https://siplify.io/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] - Matt’s Mission: Saving a Million Hours[04:11] - What Great FP&A Really Looks Like[08:26] - Leadership Lessons from the CFO Seat[14:10] - Writing ‘The Art of Analytics’[21:53] - Building Siplify and Close Pack[28:16] - Real Talk on Sales Commissions[37:02] - Advice for First-Time Commission Owners[45:04] - FP&A Skills: From Excel to Selling the Story[55:49] - Final Thoughts and How to Connect