FP&A Unlocked

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

Chris Ortega, CEO and founder of Fresh FP&A, shares his insights from over two decades in finance. He discusses the critical shift from being a CFO to embracing a CEO mindset, stressing the need for financial professionals to move beyond spreadsheets. Chris emphasizes the importance of niching down to serve specific industries effectively and reveals how early failures became powerful learning moments. Plus, he uses engaging analogies from basketball and football to articulate business roles and the value of advisory partnerships.

Adam Rakich, Founder and Consulting Director at North Texas, discusses the frustrating world of budgeting and offers transformative strategies for finance professionals. He humorously addresses why budgeting is often disliked, highlighting the 'Jurassic Park' trap of unnecessary complexity. Adam emphasizes the importance of soft skills and collaboration in elevating finance's impact. He introduces driver-based planning to simplify the process, alongside the intriguing 'James Bond Philosophy' for effective budgeting. Tune in for insightful, actionable advice!

Alex Holt, CFO of Milo’s Hamburgers, shares his journey from public accounting to the fast-food industry. He discusses the unique challenges of budgeting and cash flow forecasting in a growing family-owned restaurant. Alex highlights the importance of data visualization and how technology, including AI, is transforming financial operations. He also dives into the critical aspects of labor and food cost management, as well as the role of empathy and curiosity in fostering better business relationships.

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Raheli Sasson, the Director of FP&A at JFrog. Raheli shares her expertise on the evolving role of FP&A professionals, discussing the importance of being proactive, clear, collaborative, and continuously learning. She also dives into the challenges of managing cloud hosting costs in a hypergrowth environment and how AI is transforming the finance industry. Raheli discusses the use of AI tools for productivity, forecasting, and machine learning, and provides insights on data storytelling and its impact on decision-making.Raheli Sasson is the Director of FP&A at JFrog, where she partners with executive leadership to deliver financial and operational results. With deep expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and process automation, Raheli is passionate about leveraging technology and AI to drive efficiency in finance. She has managed budgets exceeding $1 billion and spearheaded global initiatives to integrate AI in finance.Expect to Learn:How finance can act as a strategic partner to drive company growth, especially in the early stages.The importance of balancing growth with sustainability in high-growth SaaS companies.Key metrics and strategies for scaling operations and go-to-market efforts in early-stage startups.Insights into how AI is changing the landscape of finance and operations.Tips on building trust and accountability within teams to ensure collaborative success.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"The ability to present financial data clearly and compellingly is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your FP&A toolbox." - Raheli Sasson"AI is transforming finance, and for me, it's not just about automation. It's about leveraging it to forecast better and make smarter, data-driven decisions." - Raheli Sasson"A great FP&A professional is not just reactive but proactive, anticipating needs before they arise and simplifying complex financial data for everyone." - Raheli SassonRaheli shared key insights on what makes a great FP&A professional, the importance of collaboration in high-growth environments, and how AI is transforming finance. Her practical advice on managing costs, forecasting, and data storytelling provides valuable takeaways for aspiring finance leaders.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 Raheli:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahelisasson/?originalSubdomain=ilCompany - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jfrog-ltd/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.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[03:49] - What’s Great FP&A?[07:15] - Transitioning from Auditing to FP&A[10:35] - Managing Cloud Hosting Costs in Hypergrowth[15:48] - Passion for AI and Becoming an Advocate[22:57] - Impact of AI Workshops on Team Productivity[27:44] - Introduction to Deep Research[33:36] - Best Use Cases for AI in FP&A[37:15] - Implementing AI Training in Finance[43:04] - Favorite Gen AI Tool[44:55] - Soft FP&A Skill

Rohit Divate, a seasoned finance leader and head of operations at Sprig, shares his insights into driving growth in high-growth SaaS environments. He discusses the shifting role of finance from traditional analytics to a key strategic partner. Rohit emphasizes the balance between rapid scaling and sustainable practices. The episode highlights the impact of AI on finance and operational metrics. There’s also a playful dive into topics like the thrill of aviation and nostalgic childhood memories, reminding listeners of the joys beyond the boardroom.

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with John Sanchez, an expert in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) with over 20 years of experience. John, now the managing director of FP&A Group, discusses his journey from accounting to FP&A, the importance of effective communication in finance, and why understanding the business is crucial to delivering great financial analysis. The episode delves into how FP&A professionals can elevate their work beyond spreadsheets by getting involved with business partners and focusing on the bigger picture.John Sanchez brings over 20 years of experience in FP&A and corporate finance. He has worked with world-class organizations such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and AutoNation, and now trains finance professionals through his consulting firm, FP&A Group. With a background in accounting and M&A, John brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to FP&A, including the importance of business acumen and communication skills for financial professionals.Expect to Learn:How great FP&A professionals go beyond Excel to understand the business.The importance of business acumen in making impactful financial decisions.Why communication, especially listening, is crucial in FP&A.Insights on John’s career journey from accounting to FP&A.Practical tips for improving communication and networking in finance.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"Great FP&A is about getting out of your chair, away from Excel, and interacting with your business partners to understand how the business really works." - John Sanchez"Communication is everything in FP&A. If you’re not a good listener, you’re going to miss a lot." - John Sanchez"If you’re just good at Excel, you’ll always be an Excel monkey. You need to understand the business to truly add value." - John SanchezJohn shares valuable insights, real stories, and practical advice for anyone in FP&A. If you want to level up in finance or just learn from someone who’s been there, this episode is for you. He shares what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the key lessons he’s learned along the way.Corporate Finance Institute: Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-FP&A guy/?utm_source=FP&A guy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_adsFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow John:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fpajohn/ Website: https://thefpagroup.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FPAFastTrack Follow Paul: Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.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 [04:00] - What is Great FP&A? [15:13] - From Accounting to M&A [22:00] - The Power of Communication [28:14] - Life Keeps Going [37:57] - Communication in FP&A [45:57] - Top Technical Skill [52:38] - Get to know You [54:32] - Superpower Question [56:09] - Closing Remarks