The FP&A Guy Network

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Mark Proctor to discuss why finance teams struggle with automation, how better data practices can improve reporting, and why FP&A professionals need to think beyond traditional Excel methods. Mark also shares his approach to using AI, building efficient processes, and creating more time for strategic business partnering.

Mark Proctor is the Director of Twenty Seven Solutions Limited, a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), and the creator of Excel Off the Grid and Finance Team Accelerator. With 25 years of experience across accounting, financial reporting, FP&A, and business partnering, he helps finance professionals automate repetitive tasks, improve their Excel skills, and build more efficient processes.

Expect to Learn:
Why data skills are essential for modern FP&A professionals.
How better data structures can reduce manual Excel work.
Why end-to-end processes matter more than individual Excel features.
How to use AI effectively without relying on it for everything.
Why curiosity and influence are important for business partnering.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“AI cannot fix it all for you. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't use AI.” - Mark Proctor
“The one piece of advice I would give is the first normal form inside a table in Excel.” - Mark Proctor

Mark explains why finance teams need to move beyond manual spreadsheets and adopt a data-first approach. By building better processes and using tools such as Power Query and Power Pivot, FP&A professionals can save time, improve reporting, and focus more on supporting business decisions.

Follow Mark:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstephenproctor/
Website: https://exceloffthegrid.com/

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.

Explore Lineos Reporting Intelligence:
Ready to transform financial reporting? See how Lineos Reporting Intelligence helps finance teams connect ERP data directly to Excel, access current data, and spend less time assembling reports.
Watch the Reporting Intelligence demo:
https://www.insightsoftware.com/lineos/resources/Reporting-intelligence-demo/?utm_source=thefpaguy&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=lineos-influencer-oct&utm_content=newsletter1

Earn Your CPE Credit
For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today's Episode:
[00:00] - Introduction
[04:50] - Defining Great FP&A
[07:17] - Journey Into Accounting
[16:21] - AI in Finance
[22:32] - Data Challenges in Finance
[28:17] - Rethinking Excel
[31:30] - Data-Driven Processes
[38:24] - File Management & Version Control
[42:45] - Structured Data Basics
[45:44] - Improving Finance Processes
[50:29] - Essential FP&A Skills
[55:47] - Closing Remarks & Thanks

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss how AI is changing the finance technology stack and what it means for CFOs deciding whether to buy new software, build custom solutions, or improve their existing systems. They explore whether AI could disrupt traditional SaaS platforms, where agentic AI is delivering value, and why core financial systems remain essential.

In this episode, you will discover:
Why AI is changing finance technology without replacing core systems.
What the Finance Stack Survey reveals about AI adoption.
The difference between agentic AI and traditional automation.
When finance teams should buy software or build custom solutions.
Why data quality, integration, and security matter for AI success.

Paul and Glenn emphasize that finance leaders should focus on solving real business problems rather than chasing new technology. The key is choosing reliable tools, improving data connectivity, and using AI where it delivers meaningful value.

Follow Glenn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today's Episode:
[00:00] - Trailer
[04:21] - Is SaaS at Risk?
[10:27] - Buy vs. Build: Filling the Gaps
[11:09] - Finance Stack Survey Findings
[14:00] - What Is Agentic AI?
[18:20] - AI Adoption and Software Satisfaction
[23:36] - Data and Integration Challenges
[29:41] - Custom AI Solutions
[36:17] - The Future Finance Stack
[42:51] - Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Taimour Zaman to discuss why AI-generated financial models often fail to convince lenders, what investors really look for when evaluating financing opportunities, and how financial modelers can build more credible models by focusing on risk, capital protection, and realistic exit strategies.

Taimour is the Founder and Chief Capital Strategist of AltFunds Global, a financial advisory firm with offices in Canada and Switzerland. With more than 11 years of experience, he has advised operators and project sponsors on structured finance transactions ranging from $1 million to $500 million. He has developed 13 structured finance programs and built a network of more than 900 brokers.

Expect to Learn:
Why AI-generated financial models often fail to meet lenders' expectations.
The three critical factors investors look for: capital protection, returns, and exit strategies.
How to approach financial modeling from a lender's perspective rather than a borrower's.
Why geopolitical risks, currency fluctuations, and unexpected events matter in financing decisions.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“Put yourself in the lender banker's shoe. Know and understand the world is full of shocks and surprises and build me a model that protects and manages my risk.” — Taimour Zaman
“So it's AI assisted model building rather than AI building the entire model.” — Taimour Zaman

Taimour explains that a strong financial model is not simply about projecting growth or presenting impressive numbers. It must demonstrate how investors can protect their capital, receive their expected returns, and recover their investment when things do not go according to plan.

Follow Taimour:
Website: https://altfundsglobal.com/
Substack: https://taimour1.substack.com/

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/
Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration that has undergone human editorial review.

In Today's Episode:
[00:00] - Trailer
[06:16] - Taimour's Journey Into Structured Finance
[10:34] - Real Estate & Alternative Financing
[16:55] - Building Models From an Investor's Perspective
[19:57] - Managing Risk & Exit Strategies
[22:20] - What Lenders Look for in Financial Models
[27:17] - Real-World Financing Risks
[32:14] - The Right Role for AI in Modeling
[36:00] - Rapid Fire & Closing Advice

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Jon Laudie to discuss how FP&A can become a critical business function, why finance and operations need to work together, and how FP&A can prepare professionals for senior leadership. Jon also shares what he has learned from serving as both President and CFO of Zerorez and how that experience has changed his approach to leadership.

Jon Laudie is the President and CFO of Zerorez. He began his career in M&A and valuation before moving into corporate and operational FP&A roles at technology and consumer companies. His experience also includes investor relations, M&A integration, and building FP&A capabilities. Jon is also the co-author of Roots, Relationships and Results.

Expect to Learn:
How to build an FP&A function that the business values and trusts.
Why change management is critical to FP&A transformation.
How FP&A can prepare professionals for operational leadership.
Why trust and relationships are essential to effective leadership.
Which technical and soft skills can help FP&A professionals become CFOs.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“If you're not bringing the people along with you, the change management is nearly impossible and FP&A is not going to be successful.” - Jon Laudie
“You have to be a strategic partner at the executive table.” - Jon Laudie

Jon explains that successful FP&A transformation starts by meeting the business where it is rather than immediately pushing best practices. Building trust through better data, visibility, and useful insights creates a foundation for more advanced planning and forecasting.

Follow Jon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonlaudie/
Website: rootsrelationshipsresults.com

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.

Explore Lineos Reporting Intelligence:
Ready to transform financial reporting? See how Lineos Reporting Intelligence helps finance teams connect ERP data directly to Excel, access current data, and spend less time assembling reports.
Watch the Reporting Intelligence demo:
https://www.insightsoftware.com/lineos/resources/Reporting-intelligence-demo/?utm_source=thefpaguy&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=lineos-influencer-oct&utm_content=newsletter1

Earn Your CPE Credit
For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today's Episode:
[00:00] - Finance Meets Operations
[01:32] - Jon’s Career Journey
[05:41] - Building FP&A at Zerorez
[10:19] - Change Management
[16:26] - President & CFO
[24:13] - Finance & Operations
[31:52] - Writing the Book
[34:32] - Leadership Lessons
[42:48] - Trust & Relationships
[51:18] - The “As Soon As” Trap
[56:46] - Skills for Future CFOs
[59:33] - Rapid Fire & Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss why finance professionals should stop chasing every new AI model and focus instead on building strong processes, durable skills, and better workflows. They also explore the race toward AGI, AI guardrails, and how quickly the technology landscape is changing.

Paul and Glenn explain that the real advantage is not knowing every new model or benchmark. It is knowing how to use AI effectively, understand processes, and build systems that can adapt as the tools continue to evolve.

In this episode, you will discover:
Why keeping up with every new AI model is becoming impossible.
Why process design matters more than chasing the latest tool.
How AI is changing the way finance professionals work.
Which AI skills are likely to remain valuable over time.
Why governance and guardrails matter as automation increases.

Paul and Glenn explain that finance professionals do not need to master every new AI release. Instead, they should choose useful tools, learn the fundamentals, and focus on building repeatable processes that can work across platforms.

Follow Glenn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today's Episode:
[00:58] - The Race for AGI
[04:31] - AGI Risks, Regulation & Uncertainty
[07:12] - AI Is Moving Too Fast
[10:32] - Astra vs. Claude
[15:09] - Secret CFO’s Take on AI Updates
[21:38] - Wrap-Up