FP&A Unlocked

Welcome to FP&A Tomorrow, where we discuss financial planning and analysis, examining its current state and future prospects, with your host Paul Barnhurst.In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst delves into the dynamic world of financial planning and analysis (FP&A). He is joined by Josh Aharonoff, an experienced finance professional who has navigated the complexities of FP&A, accounting, and entrepreneurship. The conversation offers insights into the current state of FP&A and its evolving future, with practical advice for both aspiring and seasoned finance professionals.Josh Aharonoff is a seasoned finance expert with a background in accounting and a wealth of experience in both big four accounting and startups. After obtaining his CPA and working in global banking services, Josh ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding a startup and later establishing his own firm, Mighty Digits, specializing in outsourced finance and accounting services. Josh is also a prominent figure on LinkedIn, with nearly 400,000 followers, and runs a popular daily newsletter and YouTube channel.Here is a summary of the key points from the discussion:Understanding what makes financial planning and analysis effective and impactful.Josh’s professional journey from big four accounting to entrepreneurship and becoming a fractional CFO.Insights into the chaotic yet rewarding environment of early-stage companies.Essential technical and soft skills needed to excel in financial planning and analysis.How to leverage social media for professional growth and its impact on career opportunities.Quotes:Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode "Great FP&A is quick access to data that does not conflict with one another and easy inputs to see different scenarios, different outcomes." - Josh Aharonoff"If you're working for someone and you're thinking of going off on your own, it's a good idea to try to pick up some clients while you're still working." - Josh Aharonoff"In FP&A, it’s crucial to understand how to put together a forecast that not only tells the future but also showcases the past and allows you to easily tell the story of where the company has been." - Josh Aharonoff"People think that you create a financial model once. Okay, now you're done with it. In reality, every single month you should be updating your assumptions. You should be analyzing what exactly took place." - Josh AharonoffWorld-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: Signup 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 signup below:https://bit.ly/4decOf3Follow Josh:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshaharonoff/Website - https://www.mightydigits.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEnroll for Financial Planning & Analysis Certificate Program:Level up your career and build skills for financial planning and analysis. Sign up for the 8 week online financial planning & analysis certificate program by Wharton Online and learn the art of forecasting, analysis, business partnering and financial storytelling:https://bit.ly/4debs46Earn 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] Introduction to the show and welcoming the guest[02:14] Josh shares his perspective on what constitutes great financial planning and analysis.[02:44] Josh discusses his career journey, from big four accounting to starting his own firm.[05:31] Josh explains why he enjoys working with startups and the unique challenges they present.[06:54] Josh shares memorable experiences with clients, particularly with the company Chili Piper.[09:25] Josh reflects on why big four accounting wasn’t the right fit for him and what he learned from the experience.[15:51] Discussion on the biggest challenges of working with startups, including fundraising and constant evolution.[21:48] Josh offers advice for those looking to start their own advisory services.[26:05] Josh talks about his favorite aspects of working in FP&A.[34:55] Josh shares his journey of growing a significant following on LinkedIn and being recognized as a top voice.[40:12] Josh discusses his recent recognition by Microsoft and what it means to him.[41:25] Quick insights into Josh’s technical and soft skills, favorite tools, and personal preferences.[50:53] Information on how listeners can reach out to Josh and learn more about his offerings.

Welcome to FP&A Tomorrow, where we discuss financial planning and analysis, examining its current state and future prospects, with your host Paul Barnhurst.In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst explores the evolving landscape of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) with expert insights from Ron Monteiro. The discussion centers on the crucial role of FP&A in shaping business strategies, driving financial performance, and fostering cross-functional collaboration within organizations.Ron Monteiro is a seasoned FP&A professional with extensive experience in the consumer goods industry. Having worked with major brands like Kraft Foods, Campbell Soup, and Kruger Products, Ron brings a wealth of knowledge in financial analysis, business partnership, and strategic decision-making. He now runs his own training business, helping finance teams worldwide enhance their skills and impact.Here is a summary of the key points from the discussion:The essential attributes of great FP&A and how it contributes to business success.Practical strategies for FP&A professionals to integrate themselves into business operations.The importance of building trust and cross-functional relationships in FP&A roles.Key operational metrics in the consumer goods industry and how to use them effectively.Tips for transitioning from accounting to FP&A and developing strong presentation skills.Follow Ron:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronmonteiro18/Website - https://www.kictinc.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyWorld-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: Signup 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 signup below:The FP&A Guy (thefpandaguy.com)Wharton FP&A Certificate ProgramFP&A Tomorrow Listeners are eligible to receive $300 off tuition for the FP&A Certificate Program from Wharton Online and Wall Street Prep.Learn More (use discount code THEFPAGUY300)The FP&A Certificate Program is a self-paced rigorous online program for professionals pursuing careers in corporate finance.PROGRAM AT A GLANCEFormat: Self-Paced & Live Office Hours (8 hours/week) Certificate: Issued by Wharton Online and Wall Street PrepClosing Ceremony in NYC (Attend Live or Virtually)Enrollment is currently open for the September 2024 cohort. Please note that the program is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.In today's episode:[01:36] - Paul Barnhurst introduces the podcast and welcomes Ron Monteiro to the show.[02:17] -Ron shares some light-hearted and embarrassing stories about Paul.[03:43] - Discussion on what makes FP&A great and its role in business involvement.[04:35] -Ron talks about the importance of trust and getting involved with other business functions.[05:26] - Ron shares his career journey from the University of Toronto to his current role in training.[09:11] - Ron reflects on his time in the consumer goods industry and memorable product launches.[11:38] - The critical operational metrics in consumer goods and their significance.[14:40] - Challenges and advice for moving from accounting to an FP&A role.[27:28] - Ron's journey from being terrified of presenting to becoming a confident presenter, with tips for others.[33:23] - Why FP&A departments should invest in training and continuous learning.[38:03] - Insight into Ron’s upcoming book and its focus on finding joy and passion in your career.[41:01] - Quick answers on technical and soft skills, forecasting methods, and more.[46:20] - Final tips on being better business partners and embracing a growth mindset.[47:08] - Information on how listeners can reach out to Ron Monteiro. 

Ken Lane, a seasoned financial controller and FP&A professional from Ontario, dives into the evolving landscape of financial planning and analysis. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration across business entities to drive meaningful change. Ken discusses the necessity for mid-market companies to invest in technology to modernize operations, particularly in the post-COVID supply chain context. He also touches on the influence of Gen Z's expectations on tech investments, urging businesses to adapt swiftly to remain competitive.

Welcome to FP&A Tomorrow, where we discuss financial planning and analysis, examining its current state and future prospects, with your host Paul Barnhurst.In today’s episode, Paul engages with Andrew Jepson, to discuss the world of Financial Planning and Analysis.Andrew, founder of the FBPteam, has over 20 years of experience in financial planning and analysis, starting his career as an auditor and evolving into a sought-after business partner and trainer. As a passionate advocate for professional development, Andrew has authored a book on business partnering, facilitated numerous training programs worldwide, and is dedicated to elevating the capabilities of finance professionals.Here is a concise summary of the key points from the discussion:The great FP&A professionals go beyond just reporting numbers—they anticipate future trends and needs. This proactive approach is crucial for providing real value to the organization.Transitioning from a focus on being right to being effective is vital. Andrew shares his personal journey of learning to communicate better and build stronger relationships within the business.Business partnering involves working cohesively with other departments to solve real business problems and achieve strategic goals. Andrew outlines a framework for becoming an effective business partner, emphasizing understanding the business, effective communication, and building strong relationships.Time management, perception of finance, and systems and processes are common barriers to effective business partnering. Andrew provides practical advice on how to navigate and overcome these challenges.Mental Health and Work-Life Balance and the importance of seeking professional help. This episode highlights the need for self-awareness and taking care of one's mental health to maintain a successful career in finance.Quotes:Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode "You do have time. What you've got to decide is what you choose to do at that time.”-Andrew Jepson"It's not what you say, it's how you say it. Your energy, all that sort of stuff."-Andrew Jepson"I think FP&A has a spectrum from average to really good. I think the average FP&A person is generally just pumping out numbers to their organization."-Andrew JepsonIn this episode, Andrew shares his journey from auditor to business partner and offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of FP&A. Remember to prioritize your mental health and continuously seek ways to improve your processes and time management.Link to courses: FP&A Business Partnering (thinkific.com)Modern Microsoft Excel (thinkific.com)Follow Andrew:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/financebusinesspartnering/Website - https://www.thefbpteam.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyIn today's episode:[01:01] - Introduction[01:43] - Guest Introduction[02:35] - Defining Great FP&A[03:34] - Anticipation in FP&A[05:21] - Andrew’s Career Journey[08:10] - Importance of Business Partnering[11:45] - Key Skills for FP&A Professionals[15:45] - Transitioning from Being Right to Being Effective[28:10] - Common Themes in FP&A Struggles[43:17] - Rapid Fire Session[50:01] - Get to know the Guest[53:15] - Conclusion

Bonnie Tomei, CFO of Salience Labs and Chief Strategy Officer for K2X, shares her extensive expertise in finance and strategic planning. She discusses how FP&A professionals can act as strategic partners, emphasizing the importance of understanding both internal and external factors. The conversation delves into the transformative role of AI in finance, underlining the necessity for human intelligence. Bonnie highlights the essential skills for aspiring CFOs, including relationship building and strategic thinking, crucial particularly in M&A activities.

Michael Dion, a finance professional, discusses the importance of collaboration in FP&A. He emphasizes using generative AI and Python for data analysis. Automation and AI streamline processes, enhancing efficiency. FP&A professionals must focus on strategic decision-making and integrating data across departments.

Welcome to FP&A Tomorrow, where we discuss financial planning and analysis, examining its current state and future prospects, with your host Paul Barnhurst. In today’s episode, Paul engages in an insightful roundtable discussion with Julio Martinez on how mid-market companies can harness the power of technology, data, and business partnering to drive performance and accountability.Julio, a visionary in the finance world, currently serving as the CEO of Abacum. His passion for innovation and technology makes him a leading voice in transforming the finance sector. With over two decades of experience in finance, investment banking, and fintech, Julio brings unparalleled insights into the evolving landscape of FP&A.Key takeaways from this week's episode include:Here is a concise summary of the key points from the discussion:Effective FP&A requires breaking down traditional silos in finance, fostering collaboration, empathy, and rapport to influence and persuade stakeholders across the organization.Mid-market companies face unique challenges with data volume and complexity. They require tailored solutions that provide sophisticated capabilities without the long implementation times of enterprise-level software.Clean, well-organized data is essential. Many FP&A teams still spend excessive time on data cleaning and assembly, limiting their ability to focus on strategic business partnering.The CFO's role is evolving towards a Chief Performance Officer, integrating strategy, operations, and performance management to drive accountability and execution throughout the organization.There is a growing trend for FP&A to take on revenue operations and data analytics roles, ensuring objective performance analysis and avoiding biases from other departments.Despite advancements in technology, mastery of spreadsheets remains a critical technical skill for FP&A professionals, along with knowledge of SQL and potentially Python for data modeling.Taking a sabbatical can be a powerful, life-changing experience, providing valuable personal and professional growth that can significantly impact one's career trajectory.Quotes:Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode "FP&A will become the command center of the company's operational rhythm.”- Julio Martinez“The mid-market is a very unique, complex, sophisticated, and underserved category.”- Julio Martinez“I think professionals still need to master Excel and Google Sheets and that spreadsheet realm.”- Julio MartinezThis conversation with Julio Martinez offers an in-depth look into the current and future state of FP&A, emphasizing the importance of business partnering and the transformative power of technology. As the FP&A field continues to evolve, professionals can take inspiration from Julio's journey and the innovative approaches discussed in this episode to excel in their roles.Exciting AnnouncementI am excited to share my two new digital FP&A Courses with you FP&A Business Partnering, and Modern Excel. They just launched and I am excited to offer a 20% discount to my listeners using code PODCAST.Link to courses:  FP&A Business Partnering (thinkific.com) Modern Microsoft Excel (thinkific.com)Follow Julio:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejuliomartinez/Website - https://www.abacum.io/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFor CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions. For AFP FPAC certification answer the questions and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In today's episode:[00:50] - Introduction[01:48] - Guest Introduction[03:54] - Blending of Operations in FP&A[04:47] - Guest’s Background and Career Journey[07:00] - The Value of a Sabbatical[09:12] - The Impact of Community in Microfinance[14:57] - Launching Fintech Startups and the Transition to Abacum[18:16] - Why FP&A for a Startup- Motivation from Guest[20:30] - Identifying Key Pain Points in FP&A[23:34] - Mid-Market FP&A Challenges and Opportunities[33:59] - Opportunities in Business Partnering for FP&A[36:00] - Rapid-Fire Session[39:50] - Get to Know Guest[42:22] - Conclusion

Welcome to FP&A Tomorrow, where we discuss financial planning and analysis, examining its current state and future prospects, with your host Paul Barnhurst. In today’s episode, Paul engages in an insightful roundtable discussion with Nathan Kaemingk & Karan Sood on LinkedIn. In the episode, we discuss the nuances of strategic pricing and its immense impact on business profitability.Karan, a seasoned pricing professional, shares his extensive experience across various industries, emphasizing the importance of cross-functional alignment and value-based pricing.Nathan, with a unique background in mechanical engineering and forecasting, highlights the critical role of understanding costs and leveraging pricing strategies to combat inflation and optimize profits.Key takeaways from this week's episode include:Here is a concise summary of the key points from the discussion:Effective pricing requires collaboration between finance, FP&A, and pricing teams. Transparent communication and alignment on goals are essential to ensure cohesive strategies that drive profitability.Value-based pricing is the gold standard, especially in service industries. By quantifying and communicating the value provided to customers, businesses can justify higher prices and enhance profitability.Inflation significantly affects pricing strategies. Companies must adjust prices to keep up with rising costs and maintain profit margins, making strategic pricing more critical than ever.Relying solely on cost-plus pricing can lead to missed opportunities. Understanding customer value and competitive positioning allows for more strategic price setting, rather than simply adding a margin to costs.Constructively using promotions and discounts can drive volume without eroding profit margins. Measuring and optimizing these strategies ensures they contribute positively to overall profitability.Rebates can be effective for maintaining uniform pricing across different channels and incentivizing performance. However, companies must measure and adjust rebate programs regularly to ensure they are beneficial.Accurate forecasting and aligning sales with operational capacity are crucial. Effective sales inventory and operations planning [SIOP] can significantly increase net profit margins by optimizing resource utilization and pricing strategies.Quotes:Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode "The art of pricing goes beyond just number crunching, it goes into cross-functional alignment on what the goals are."“The 1% increase in price leads to an 11% increase in profit margins coming out of McKinsey years ago. It still holds true.”“It's amazing how easy it is to increase profits by being good at pricing.”“Pricing is going to become one of the most important things that we get good at over the next half-decade.”Exciting AnnouncementI am excited to share my two new digital FP&A Courses with you FP&A Business Partnering, and Modern Excel. They launched yesterday and I am excited to offer a 20% discount to my listeners. Use code PODCAST.Link to courses: FP&A Business Partnering (thinkific.com)Modern Microsoft Excel (thinkific.com)Follow Karan:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soodkaran/Website - https://www.kobo.com/Follow Nathan:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathankaemingk/Website - https://www.betterforecasting.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFor CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions. For AFP FPAC certification answer the questions and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In today's episode:[01:10] - Introduction[02:00] - Guest Introduction[03:00] - Misconceptions About Pricing[04:20] - The importance of Value-Based Pricing[07:00] - The Role of FP&A in Pricing[11:40] - Leveraging Digital Courses for FP&A Professionals[12:00] - Guest Backgrounds[18:40] - Impact of Inflation on Pricing[22:00] - Strategies for Competitive Markets[26:30] - Effective Rebate Strategies[31:00] - Collaboration Between Finance and Pricing Teams[36:10] - Rapid-Fire Session[58:30] - Conclusion

Philip Watson, CFO of Paddle and former FP&A leader at ZoomInfo, discusses the evolving skills needed in financial planning amid advancements like AI. He emphasizes the importance of blending technical skills with strong communication and operational involvement. The conversation highlights the power of incremental improvements, effective change management, and the transformative role of FP&A in strategic business discussions. Watson also shares insights on navigating complex global financial landscapes and fostering team dynamics.

Welcome to FP&A Tomorrow, where we discuss financial planning and analysis, examining its current state and future prospects, with your host Paul Barnhurst. In today’s episode, Paul engages in an insightful interaction with Tyler Cypher, for a discussion on how generative AI is reshaping FP&A, the importance of business partnering, and optimizing cloud spend.Tyler, the founder and CEO of OpsCipher, shares his journey from Disney finance intern to leading FP&A at top cybersecurity firms. He is an expert in leveraging generative AI for strategic decision-making. Also a passionate advocate for effective business partnering and optimizing cloud spending.Key takeaways from this week's episode include:Here is a concise summary of the key points from the discussion:Generative AI simplifies data processing, enabling FP&A teams to focus more on strategic analysis and decision-making, ultimately enhancing their value to the organization.Success in FP&A hinges on understanding business challenges, effective communication, and building trust with stakeholders. Being curious and proactive is key to growth.Effective cloud spend management requires visibility, collaboration across teams, and financial stewardship from the early stages of product development to avoid unnecessary costs.Financial operations play a critical role in managing cloud costs. Establishing a dedicated FinOps team or center of excellence can provide significant benefits.How skills from varied roles like investment banking and consulting can enhance FP&A effectiveness. Exposure to various business aspects through FP&A provides a strong foundation for leadership roles.The discussion highlights the necessity of mastering copywriting to communicate effectively and set clear expectations with stakeholders. For FP&A professionals this skill helps in selling ideas and managing business relationships successfully.The title sponsor for this week’s episode of FP&A Tomorrow is Plan Buddies. Plan Buddies, where professionals meet excellence. Ready to elevate your career? Visit plan-buddies.com and become a member today. Here's a special treat. Use the promo code the FP&A Guy, that is TheFPandAGuy for an exclusive 25% discount on your first-year membership.Quotes:Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode "The people who are the most successful have a genuine curiosity about the business. It's very hard to go into those teams and try to be that analytical value-add extension if you can't understand their challenges."“If you think about software business, generally, the two biggest expenses are people and then the cost of running the software.”“FinOps as an organizational structure. So from the first part, I think, it's inherent in the word financial operations. It's a financial stewardship-driven culture in the first place.”Follow Tyler:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercyphersWebsite - http://opscipher.comFollow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFor CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions. For AFP FPAC certification answer the questions and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In today's episode:(1:20) - Introduction(01:50) - Guest Introduction(02:26) - Defining Great FP&A(05:01) - Impact of Generative AI on FP&A(06:59) - Future of FP&A with AI(13:25) - Becoming A Strategic Business Partner(17:40) - Cash Flow for Coders Newsletter(21:30) - Optimizing Cloud Spend(30:12) - Advice for Managing Cloud Spend(44:12) - Rapid-Fire Session(46:40) - Essential Skills for FP&A Professionals(47:40) - Guest’s Personal Insights.(50:42) - Advice for FP&A Business Partners