FP&A Today

In this engaging conversation, Jeff Gudim, a senior financial analyst and Excel evangelist at Strategic Education, shares his journey from private wealth management to corporate FP&A. He reveals how Excel transformed his career and highlights his favorite Excel model along with time-saving tips for FP&A professionals. The discussion covers advanced Excel features like dynamic arrays and Lambda functions, the potential of AI integration, and the importance of storytelling in financial analysis. Tune in for indispensable insights into mastering Excel in finance!

Shifra Isaacs, a Developer Relations Advocate at Ascend.io with a rich background in data science and finance, shares her insights for finance professionals. She discusses the distinction between data science and business analytics, emphasizing the power of AI in enhancing decision-making. Shifra also dives into Python’s role in Excel, effective modeling techniques for risk and variance analysis, and the importance of adapting to an AI-driven landscape. Additionally, she highlights the synergy between technical skills and storytelling in finance for improved forecasting.

Taylor Otstot, Vice President of Finance at Dashlane and author of CFO Frameworks, shares his journey from GoDaddy to leading FP&A. He emphasizes hiring for curiosity, ambition, and service orientation for addressing ambiguity in finance. Discussing the interplay between strategy and FP&A, he also tackles the misconception of partnership versus accountability. Taylor introduces improv techniques as a creative tool for collaboration and highlights the value of data segmentation and machine learning in enhancing finance strategies.

Dave Sackett, Co-Founder and CFO of AIOne and AI advocate, delves into the future of finance in the age of artificial intelligence. He shares his journey from cost accountant to CFO, emphasizing servant leadership and the importance of empowering teams. Sackett discusses the pitfalls of traditional forecasting and how AI can revolutionize FP&A practices. He also highlights the essential partnership between AI and human insights, shedding light on the evolving role of CFOs as custodians of financial truth amid technological advancements.

Derek Paulson, the Director of Finance at Rad Power Bikes, shares his journey in navigating the complex world of finance at a leading e-bike brand. He emphasizes the challenges of uncertainty in supply chains and the balance of efficiency and flexibility. Derek discusses the finance transformation as Rad shifts to an e-commerce model, highlighting the importance of rigorous modeling. He also delves into career insights, touching on the value of mentorship and exploring how AI and data privacy intersect with finance and business strategies.

Bryan Lapidus, Director of the FP&A Practice at the Association for Financial Professionals, discusses the transformative shifts in Financial Planning and Analysis. He explores how AI is reshaping finance and challenges the notion that business school prepares students for FP&A roles. Lapidus highlights the evolving responsibilities of CFOs, particularly in private equity, and why FP&A professionals are highly sought after. Moreover, he shares insights on the significance of certifications in navigating the finance landscape and the essential skills for future finance leaders.

Annette DeYoung, Principal Solutions Consultant at Datarails, is an accountant-turned FP&A manufacturing leader. She has deep experience in leading finance teams at manufacturing companies including Berner Food and Beverage, Rockford Products, Fairbanks Morse Engine, and JL Clark. It was at JL Clark, as Director of FP&A, that Annette implemented FP&A Solution, Datarails to mop up inefficiencies and end drain all-late night sessions at the finance department— she  liked the product so much she ended up joining the company and has since spoken to more than 1000 FP&A professionals seeking to love FP&A again by removing tedious repetitive processes. In this episode  Why I fell in love with manufacturing and finance over my career  How creativity drew me from accounting to FP&A Why a hard-coded accountant attitude was difficult to reconcile with more creative FP&A  How to create finance business partnerships on the manufacturing floor  Why I brought Datarails into my finance team at JL Clarke  The future of Excel in FP&A Is finance (finally) making a move with AI?  The power of getting out of your comfort zone in finance  Connect with Annette on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahdeyoung/

Craig Barry, a seasoned finance consultant with a rich background at companies like Pixar and LinkedIn, shares insights from his incredible journey in strategic finance. He details his unique path from environmental studies to key FP&A roles, emphasizing the importance of revenue growth in creative industries. Barry discusses the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions, and the process of building FP&A from scratch at BioRender. He also touches on the evolution of financial practices in startups and the transformative role of AI in Excel.

In this engaging discussion, Mike Dion, a seasoned finance leader with a rich background spanning Fortune 100 companies and startups, reveals his insights on enhancing organizational efficiency. He shares how automation has allowed him to unlock tens of millions in value. The conversation explores the evolution of finance through AI, dynamic modeling secrets, and the challenges teams face with forecasts. Additionally, Mike emphasizes the importance of simple, approachable finance content and even shares a hint about his favorite Excel function.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Bayer, CFO of Wasabi Technologies, and Cathy Yang, CFO of Trexon Global, dive into the complexities of today’s financial landscape. They explore the impact of tariffs on business operations and pricing strategies amid trade tensions. The conversation also highlights the transformative role of AI in enhancing supply chain visibility and financial forecasting. Additionally, they address the talent crisis looming in the accounting field, stressing the need for adaptability and continuous learning in finance.