FP&A Tomorrow

In this special episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Cassie McCombs, Marcus Gadson, and Mario Vasquez. Together, they share their experiences with the Certified Corporate FP&A Professional (FPAC) credential from the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). The guests discuss how earning the FPAC has shaped their careers, the impact it’s had on their professional growth, and why this certification is becoming an essential asset for finance professionals.Cassie is the Vice President of FP&A at Ultradent Products, a dental manufacturing company, where she played a key role in building the company’s first FP&A team from the ground up. Marcus serves as the Senior Finance Director at Wellpath, a healthcare company, where he is passionate about making finance accessible across all departments. Mario is the Senior Director of Finance at E.W. Scripps Company, brings over 25 years of experience in FP&A. He was part of the first cohort to earn the credential and shares valuable insights on how the certification helped him stand out and advance in his career.Expect to Learn:The impact of continuing education on staying up-to-date in the field of FP&A.The value of the credential and how it can impact your career in FP&A.Key insights on how to prepare for the exam and tips for success.The importance of continuous learning and staying updated in the financial industry.The role of FP&A in driving business strategy and decision-making.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"Data is not a four-letter word. It's essential to understanding and improving the business." - Cassie McCombs"If you’re not learning, you're going backward. The FPAC credential helps you stay on top of industry trends." - Mario Vasquez"Collaborating with non-finance teams is essential for making an impact as a finance leader." - Marcus GadsonCassie, Marcus, and Mario shared valuable perspectives on the impact of the FPAC credential on their careers and the financial planning and analysis profession. Their advice on the importance of continuous learning, collaboration across departments, and staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry provides actionable steps for finance professionals seeking to advance their skills and make a greater impact within their organizations. The experiences and wisdom shared in this episode are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of FP&A and drive long-term business success.FP&A Community Hub: Tired of searching for answers and sifting through sales pitches? The FP&A Hub is your go-to online community where finance professionals connect, learn, and grow without the distractions of sales pitches or generic LinkedIn content. Engage in real conversations, attend exclusive events, and gain insights from over 100 FP&A experts.Be a part of the future of FP&A networking. Join for free at https://bit.ly/3DQWLrJFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Mario:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-vasquez-finance/Follow Marcus:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusgadson/Follow Cassie:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-mccombs-fpac-10a373a4/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFP&A Certificates: FP&A Certificates is where finance professionals go to level up, stand out, and grow their careers. Built by FP&A experts for the FP&A community, this platform features the top certificate programs from Wharton Online,, CFI, FMI, and more. It’s the smartest way to compare your options, find the right fit, and get exclusive discounts. Show your commitment to FP&A and take your skills to the next level. Explore now at https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certificationsExplore the resources and discounts available:FPAC Program from Association of Financial Professionals (AFP)Use Code Exam: TheFPAGuy-FPAC – Exam for $150 DiscountUse Code Exam Prep Platform: TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP – Exam Prep Platform for $100 DiscountCertificate of FP&A from Wharton Online and Wall Street Prephttps://secure.enroll.wharton.wallstreetprep.com/referral/Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 – $300 Program DiscountCertified Global FP&A Professional (CGFPA) | FP&A ProfessionalsUse Code: FPAGUY - $200 Program DiscountFinancial Modeler's Corner Podcast - FMICode: Podcast for a 15% Program DiscountCorporate Finance Institute (CFI) ProgramsFinancial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)Code: FPAGUY30 for a 30% discount on the FMVA and FP&A Specialization programsFP&A specializationCertification in Financial Planning & Analysis Modeling (CFPAM™) | Wall Street PrepEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode [01:34] - Introduction of Episode [02:35] - Meet the Guests: Cassie, Marcus, and Mario [04:30] - What Makes Great FP&A? [07:21] - The Decision to Get Certified [10:13] - Other Credentials Considered [13:19] - Career Impact of the FPAC [19:19] - Study Approaches & Exam Tips [27:06] - Continuing Education with AFP [29:23] -'s Long-Term Career Impact [41:41] - Top FP&A Skills [46:36] - Fun Questions with the Guests

Karan Sood, a global pricing expert with over a decade in revenue management, dives deep into the effects of tariffs on businesses. He discusses how different industries must avoid one-size-fits-all strategies and highlights the importance of tailored pricing approaches. Karan emphasizes cross-department collaboration to effectively manage the financial implications of tariffs. He also shares insights on creating flexible pricing models to adapt quickly to market changes and the necessity of transparency with customers during these transitions.

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) speaks with Alfredo Kinanga and Jihane Mochamad, two graduates of the Certified Global FP&A Certificate Program (CGFPAC). They share why they chose the program, the key takeaways that shaped their professional growth, and how the course helped them sharpen both technical and soft skills. From business partnering and financial modeling to data storytelling and AI, their experiences offer practical insight for anyone considering an FP&A certification or looking to elevate their career in finance.Alfredo Kinanga is a finance and trade marketing professional with 14+ years of experience in accounting, planning, and commercial finance.He’s passionate about driving business growth and using FP&A to connect strategy and execution. Jihane Mochamad is a CPA from Canada with over 10 years in payroll, financial reporting, and budgeting.She works in the senior living industry, focusing on automation and preparing for the future of finance.Expect to Learn:What Alfredo and Jihane gained from the strategy and AI modulesHow financial modeling and data storytelling helped transform their workThe power of co-creation and business partnering in FP&AWhy communication, empathy, and stakeholder relationships are must-have skillsHow the program helped them reconnect with foundational finance knowledgeHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Strategy gave me a big picture view, even from a payroll position.” - Jihane Mochamad“FP&A is about empathy, collaboration, and understanding the business.” - Paul Barnhurst“Data storytelling taught me how to present insights with clarity.” - Alfredo KinangaAlfredo and Jihane brought energy, honesty, and real-life examples to this episode, sharing how the Certified Global FP&A Program helped reshape their careers and perspectives. From strengthening their technical and soft skills to embracing AI and strategy, their stories show what’s possible when you invest in your own development and approach FP&A with curiosity and collaboration.FP&A Community Hub: Tired of searching for answers and sifting through sales pitches? The FP&A Hub is your go-to online community where finance professionals connect, learn, and grow without the distractions of sales pitches or generic LinkedIn content. Engage in real conversations, attend exclusive events, and gain insights from over 100 FP&A experts.Be a part of the future of FP&A networking. Join for free at https://bit.ly/3DQWLrJFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Alfredo:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-kinanga/?trk=org-employees&originalSubdomain=aoFollow Jihane:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jihane-mochamad/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFP&A Certificates: FP&A Certificates is where finance professionals go to level up, stand out, and grow their careers. Built by FP&A experts for the FP&A community, this platform features the top certificate programs from Wharton Online, FPAC, CFI, FMI, and more. It’s the smartest way to compare your options, find the right fit, and get exclusive discounts. Show your commitment to FP&A and take your skills to the next level. Explore now at https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certificationsExplore the resources and discounts available:FPAC Program from Association of Financial Professionals (AFP)Use Code Exam: TheFPAGuy-FPAC – Exam for $150 DiscountUse Code Exam Prep Platform: TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP – Exam Prep Platform for $100 DiscountCertificate of FP&A from Wharton Online and Wall Street Prephttps://secure.enroll.wharton.wallstreetprep.com/referral/Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 – $300 Program DiscountCertified Global FP&A Professional (CGFPA) | FP&A ProfessionalsUse Code: FPAGUY - $200 Program DiscountFinancial Modeler's Corner Podcast - FMICode: Podcast for a 15% Program DiscountCorporate Finance Institute (CFI) ProgramsFinancial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)Code: FPAGUY30 for a 30% discount on the FMVA and FP&A Specialization programsFP&A specializationCertification in Financial Planning & Analysis Modeling (CFPAM™) | Wall Street PrepEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[02:20] - Meet Alfredo and Jihane[04:08] - What Makes Great FP&A[06:10] - Discovering the CGFPAC Program[12:35] - Alfredo’s Biggest Takeaway[16:23] - Co-Creation in Finance[18:36] - Jihane’s Shift Toward FP&A[23:56] - Favorite Course Modules[30:32] - AI Section Highlights[33:33] - Advice for Future Students[38:40] - Must-Have Technical Skills[40:25] - Top Soft Skills for FP&A[42:58] - Career Reflections and Final Thoughts

In this episode, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) sits down with Dan Cotoia and Anh Tran, two accomplished finance professionals who recently completed the FP&A Certificate Program from Wharton Online in collaboration with Wall Street Prep. They share their reasons for enrolling, how the program supported their career growth, and what aspiring FP&A professionals can expect. From personal career pivots to practical tools and concepts, this conversation offers a clear and relatable look at the value of formal training in today’s finance landscape.Dan Cotoia is a Senior Finance Director in the pharmaceutical industry with 18+ years of FP&A experience across commercial finance, R&D, and cost accounting.Anh Tran is a finance professional with a background in investment banking and regulatory finance, recently returning to corporate finance after completing the Wharton FP&A Certificate Program.Expect to Learn:Why Dan and Anh chose the Wharton FP&A Certificate over other programsWhat makes the program stand out, from live interaction to practical contentKey takeaways they applied directly to their jobsHow much time you’ll actually spend on the courseworkHow the program supports career transitions and networkingThe role of AI and Power Query in modern FP&A trainingHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“The AI module helped me see where FP&A is heading. It’s not just Excel anymore.” - Dan Cotoia“It’s not just about learning concepts, it’s about connecting with others who live FP&A every day.” - Anh TranDan Cotoia and Anh Tran shared honest, practical experiences about completing the Wharton FP&A Certificate Program.Their stories show how structured learning and the right tools can make a real difference in everyday finance work.FP&A Community Hub: Tired of searching for answers and sifting through sales pitches? The FP&A Hub is your go-to online community where finance professionals connect, learn, and grow without the distractions of sales pitches or generic LinkedIn content. Engage in real conversations, attend exclusive events, and gain insights from over 100 FP&A experts.Be a part of the future of FP&A networking. Join for free at https://bit.ly/3DQWLrJFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Dan:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancotoia/Follow Anh:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anh-tran-fpna-ccar-ppnr/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFP&A Certificates: FP&A Certificates is where finance professionals go to level up, stand out, and grow their careers. Built by FP&A experts for the FP&A community, this platform features the top certificate programs from Wharton Online, FPAC, CFI, FMI, and more. It’s the smartest way to compare your options, find the right fit, and get exclusive discounts. Show your commitment to FP&A and take your skills to the next level. Explore now at https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certificationsExplore the resources and discounts available:FPAC Program from Association of Financial Professionals (AFP)Use Code Exam: TheFPAGuy-FPAC – Exam for $150 DiscountUse Code Exam Prep Platform: TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP – Exam Prep Platform for $100 DiscountCertificate of FP&A from Wharton Online and Wall Street Prephttps://secure.enroll.wharton.wallstreetprep.com/referral/Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 – $300 Program DiscountCertified Global FP&A Professional (CGFPA) | FP&A ProfessionalsUse Code: FPAGUY - $200 Program DiscountFinancial Modeler's Corner Podcast - FMICode: Podcast for a 15% Program DiscountCorporate Finance Institute (CFI) ProgramsFinancial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)Code: FPAGUY30 for a 30% discount on the FMVA and FP&A Specialization programsFP&A specializationCertification in Financial Planning & Analysis Modeling (CFPAM™) | Wall Street PrepEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[02:05] - Dan and Anh’s Backgrounds[06:33] - Defining Great FP&A[10:31] - Why Anh Chose Wharton[15:55] - Team Reaction to Dan Upskilling[17:47] - Cohort and Community Experience[24:27] - Anh’s Takeaways and Connections[27:29] - Dan’s Practical Learnings[31:44] - How Anh Built Her FP&A Network[38:51] - Favorite Modules and Tools[50:16] - Key FP&A Skills Today

In this episode Host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) sits down with Elias Apel, the CEO of Lucanet, to explore the evolving landscape of financial planning and analysis. From transforming the Office of the CFO with AI to driving strategic acquisitions, Elias shares how he’s leading Lucanet through hypergrowth and innovation while staying grounded in customer-centric leadership.Elias Apel is the CEO of Lucanet, a global provider of “Office of the CFO” software solutions for enterprises and SMEs. Founded in 1999, Lucanet offers tools for financial planning, consolidation, ESG reporting, tax compliance, and treasury management. The company supports nearly 6,000 customers in over 50 countries, with offices across Germany, Europe, the UK, Asia, and North America. Elias previously served as Lucanet’s CFO and VP of International Go-to-Market. He is also the co-founder of Argonas Corporate Finance Advisors, specializing in complex M&A and financing transactions.Expect to Learn:What makes FP&A truly impactful and strategicHow to build trust across finance functionsLeveraging AI to boost financial operationsTransitioning from advisor to successful CEOIntegrating data analytics under finance leadershipStrategy behind Lucanet’s acquisition of CausalHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"Communication is the most important soft skill for any finance business partner.""Data analytics is the number one technical skill FP&A professionals should master today.""A modern CFO needs to be commercially minded, not just financially accurate."Elias Apel shares valuable knowledge on leading through transformation, leveraging AI, and redefining the role of the CFO. He emphasizes the importance of trust, data-driven decision-making, and staying customer-focused. Whether you're in FP&A or executive leadership, his journey offers inspiration for building an agile, future-ready finance team. Operators Guild:Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3F6sghSFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Elias:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasapel/Website - https://www.lucanet.com/en/solutions/extended-planning-and-analysis/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFP&A Community Hub: Tired of searching for answers and sifting through sales pitches? The FP&A Hub is your go-to online community where finance professionals connect, learn, and grow without the distractions of sales pitches or generic LinkedIn content. Engage in real conversations, attend exclusive events, and gain insights from over 100 FP&A experts.Be a part of the future of FP&A networking. Join for free at https://bit.ly/3DQWLrJEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[01:51] - Introduction to the Episode[03:34] - Defining Great FP&A[09:18] - From M&A Advisor to CEO[14:49] - Shifting from Operator to Strategic Leader[19:31] - Why Roles Beyond Finance Matter[25:36] - Embedding Data to Empower Finance Teams[27:26] - The Evolving Role of the CFO[35:51] - The Thinking Behind Lucanet’s M&A Strategy[47:31] - Top Technical Skill for FP&A Professionals[54:01] - Final Thoughts and Career Advice

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka the FP&A Guy) welcomes Glenn Snyder, a seasoned FP&A leader with over 20 years of experience. Glenn shares insights on financial planning and analysis, leadership strategies, and building effective business partnerships. He discusses the keys to driving business impact, managing teams, and navigating career growth in FP&A.Glenn Snyder is a Senior Director at Riverrun Consulting, specializing in interim financial leadership. With a career spanning financial services, fintech, SaaS, private equity, and more, he has held leadership roles at Franklin Templeton, Visa, Charles Schwab, and Digital Realty. Glenn is also an author, educator, and board member, passionate about mentoring finance professionals and improving FP&A effectiveness.Expect to Learn:The key elements of great FP&A and how it drives executive decisionsHow to balance company goals with employee career developmentStrategies for building strong business partnerships in FP&AThe role of automation and efficiency in FP&A reporting and analysisHow to successfully transition into a new leadership roleOvercoming resistance from business leaders and earning trust in financeThe importance of storytelling and data visualization in financial reportingHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“The best leaders give credit to their teams and create opportunities for them to shine.” - Glenn SnyderYour career growth is your responsibility. Stay curious, stay connected, and keep learning.” - Glenn Snyder“You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room, but you must be the most adaptable.” - Glenn SnyderIn this episode, Glenn Snyder shared his expertise on what makes FP&A impactful, how to lead finance teams, and the importance of strong business partnerships. He emphasized that great FP&A professionals don’t just report numbers, they drive decisions, build trust, and continuously improve processes. Being proactive, investing in relationships, and focusing on delivering insights, not just reports, are key. Success in FP&A comes from adapting, influencing, and always adding value.Operator’s Guild:Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3F6sghSFollow 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/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFP&A Community Hub: Tired of searching for answers and sifting through sales pitches? The FP&A Hub is your go-to online community where finance professionals connect, learn, and grow without the distractions of sales pitches or generic LinkedIn content. Engage in real conversations, attend exclusive events, and gain insights from over 100 FP&A experts.Be a part of the future of FP&A networking. Join for free at https://bit.ly/3DQWLrJEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[01:39] - Introduction to the Episode[04:12] - What Great FP&A Looks Like[09:17] - Transitioning to Leadership[14:49] - Balancing Change in a New Role[18:20] - Early Leadership Challenges[23:36] - Flexibility in FP&A[27:03] - Playing Sponge[34:16] - Managing Career Growth[46:51] - The #1 Technical Skill for FP&A[59:32] - Great Advice for FP&A

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (The FP&A Guy) sits down with Jeff Casale and Rich Wagner to explore the role of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). They discuss how AI, external data, and continuous planning are transforming the industry, making FP&A a more strategic function. The conversation covers the power of AI-driven forecasting and how businesses can leverage external economic indicators to gain a competitive edge.Jeff Casale is the CEO of Board, a leading FP&A software company. With previous leadership roles at MarkLogic, Dell Technologies, VMware, and EMC, Jeff has a deep understanding of enterprise technology and how finance functions can drive business growth. Rich Wagner is the Field CTO at Board and the former CEO & Founder of Prevedere, a predictive analytics company that leverages external data for accurate forecasting. With over 20 years of experience in technology, consulting, and Fortune 500 leadership, Rich brings valuable expertise in the intersection of AI, finance, and business strategy.Expect to Learn:How AI is transforming financial planning, reducing manual work, and improving decision-making.Why integrating external data is essential for more accurate forecasting and risk management.Why traditional budgeting cycles are outdated and how real-time, agile forecasting is becoming the new norm.How CEOs and finance leaders rely on FP&A teams for strategic decision-making.How finance professionals can improve their skills and become more valuable business partners.Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“AI is revolutionizing FP&A by reducing manual work and improving time-to-value.” - Rich Wagner“The companies that embrace continuous planning will be the winners in their industries.” - Jeff Casale“External data helps FP&A teams anticipate risks, not just react to them.” - Rich WagnerThis episode reinforced the idea that FP&A is evolving into a strategic powerhouse. AI, external economic data, and real-time forecasting are changing how companies plan, react, and make decisions. FP&A professionals must develop both technical and strategic skills to stay relevant.Operator’s Guild:Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3F6sghSFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Jeff:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreycasale/Board- https://www.board.com/Follow Rich:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-wagner1/Prevedere - https://prevedere.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyPlanning in BI Showcase:Gone are the days of juggling multiple platforms. Now, with business intelligence tools you can integrate planning directly into your BI system. Join Paul on March 20th for the Planning in BI Showcase, where industry leaders will demonstrate how top BI tools are reshaping strategic planning. See firsthand how modern FP&A solutions can drive real value across your enterprise. Don’t miss out!Register today for free at https://bit.ly/4aLzEe0Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[01:49] - Welcome & Guest Introductions [03:53] - What Does Great FP&A Look Like?[06:22] - Why Enter the FP&A Software Space?[08:05] - Acquiring Prevedere: The Strategy Behind It [14:28] - How External Data Improves Forecasting [18:54] - How AI is Changing FP&A [24:29] - How FP&A Teams Can Start Using External Data [33:57] - The Shift to Continuous Planning [41:50] - FP&A’s Role in Leadership & Decision-Making [47:48] - The #1 Skill for FP&A Professionals [56:33] - Who Would You Swap Jobs With? [59:53] - Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (The FP&A Guy) welcomes Albert Ramos. He shares his thoughts about financial planning and analysis (FP&A), the role of AI in finance, and how businesses can leverage predictive analytics to make better strategic decisions. They also discuss pricing strategy, AI adoption, and the growing importance of financial professionals transitioning into advisory roles. Albert Ramos is a fractional CFO, AI strategist, and the founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, an AI-powered fractional CFO and virtual Chief AI Officer firm. With 15 years of executive leadership across finance, operations, sales, and technology, Albert has worked with publicly traded, private equity-backed, and employee-owned companies. He is a strong advocate for mental health awareness in high-pressure industries, emphasizing how AI can help reduce stress and improve efficiency.Expect to Learn:How AI and predictive analytics are shaping the future of finance.Why businesses often get pricing wrong and how FP&A can help fix it.How AI and agent-based automation are streamlining financial processes.Transitioning into a strategic business partner and the key skills required.How AI tools can help reduce anxiety, stress, and improve work-life balance.Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“AI won’t replace finance professionals, but those who use AI will replace those who don’t.”“AI can enhance financial modeling, but the human element of strategic thinking is irreplaceable.”“Companies that ignore AI today will be struggling to catch up in the next two years.”Albert explains how AI is revolutionizing finance, why pricing strategy is critical for business success, and how finance professionals can future-proof their careers by evolving into strategic advisors. He also shared an important perspective on mental health, emphasizing how AI can help reduce stress by automating repetitive tasks, allowing finance professionals to focus on higher-value work.Operator’s Guild:Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3F6sghSFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Albert:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertramosjr/Company - https://www.strategointel.com/Email - albertramosjr@strategointel.comFollow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyPlanning in BI Showcase:Gone are the days of juggling multiple platforms. Now, with business intelligence tools you can integrate planning directly into your BI system. Join Paul on March 20th for the Planning in BI Showcase, where industry leaders will demonstrate how top BI tools are reshaping strategic planning. See firsthand how modern FP&A solutions can drive real value across your enterprise. Don’t miss out!Register today for free at https://bit.ly/4aLzEe0Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[01:38] - Meet Albert Ramos[04:16] - What Makes Great FP&A?[06:56] - Pricing Strategy Mistakes & Best Practices[15:20] - Albert’s Experience in Fitness Industry[19:08] - Going Full-Time as a Fractional CFO[23:19] - AI tools and agentic workflows[28:06] - The Future of AI in FP&A[41:43] - AI’s Impact on Mental Health & Work-Life Balance[48:08] - How to Get Started with AI in Finance[51:46] - FP&A Quickfire Questions[01:00:10] - Where to Find Albert Ramos

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, sits down with Hugh Cumming, the CTO of Vena Solutions. They explore how AI and technology are transforming financial planning and analysis (FP&A) by discussing real-world AI implementations. With over 20 years of experience in fintech and digital transformation, Hugh shares his perspectives on AI-driven efficiency, the evolving role of FP&A professionals, and the future of Excel in financial modeling.Hugh Cumming is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Vena Solutions, a leading FP&A platform for Excel users. Hugh has led global teams in engineering, UX, cloud computing, and AI-driven innovation at companies like Finastra, SecureKey Technologies, ADP Canada, and Manulife. Hugh talks about his passion for using technology to drive efficiency and smarter decision-making, and helping to overcome change resistance in finance teamsExpect to Learn:How AI is reshaping FP&A workflows and automating financial reporting.The role of AI-powered copilots in driving business efficiencies.Why change resistance in FP&A is common and how to overcome it.The future of Excel, Python, and automation in financial modeling.Practical advice for FP&A professionals to prepare for AI-driven changes.Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“One of the biggest barriers to AI adoption in FP&A is simply finding the time to implement it.”“AI-driven tools should feel like an extension of your team, not an external system you have to fight against.”“When you start using AI for small tasks, you quickly realize how much time you’ve been wasting on manual work.”Hugh Cumming provided incredible knowledge about how AI-powered tools like Vena Copilot are helping finance teams become more efficient, strategic, and data-driven. Excel isn’t going anywhere, but it’s getting smarter. AI isn’t replacing people, but it’s making their work more valuable. As Hugh emphasized, those who adapt and leverage these innovations will thrive in the evolving financial landscape. The AFP FP&A Forum:The Association for Financial Professionals FP&A Forum, March 17–19 in Austin, is the must-attend event for finance professionals seeking sales-free, expert-led insights on AI, process efficiency and strategic planning. With 18+ actionable sessions and a community of peers, this forum is all about real learning, no fluff—join us and take your finance game to the next level.Explore the agenda: https://bit.ly/40W1eChUse the code FPAGuy2025 for $200 off: https://bit.ly/40Cts3BFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Hugh:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughwcumming/Company - https://www.venasolutions.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyPlanning in BI Showcase:Gone are the days of juggling multiple platforms. Now, with business intelligence tools you can integrate planning directly into your BI system. Join Paul on March 20th for the Planning in BI Showcase, where industry leaders will demonstrate how top BI tools are reshaping strategic planning. See firsthand how modern FP&A solutions can drive real value across your enterprise. Don’t miss out!Register today for free at https://bit.ly/4aLzEe0Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[01:44] - Meet Hugh Cumming[02:53] - What Does Great FP&A Look Like?[06:27] - Hugh’s Early Start with Programming [09:38] - The Rise of AI in FP&A[14:44] - Vena’s Vision for AI in FP&A[19:28] - Managing AI Hallucinations & Building Trust[26:23] - Real AI Use Cases in FP&A[29:13] - Advice for FP&A Professionals on AI Adoption[32:42] - The Future of Excel & AI[35:18] - Rapid-Fire Questions[42:54] - Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect

Chris Walker, CEO of Pasetto and Executive Chairman of Refine Labs, shares his expertise in B2B go-to-market strategies. He discusses why finance struggles with measuring marketing ROI and how they can optimize go-to-market investments. Chris advocates for finance's proactive role in shaping business strategy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with marketing and sales teams. He challenges traditional attribution models and stresses aligning customer data with financial insights to enhance decision-making and drive profitability.