The FP&A Guy Network

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst is joined by Josh LaSov to explore how FP&A is evolving with data, BI, and AI. They discuss how finance professionals can move beyond traditional reporting by combining financial and operational data, and why understanding data at a deeper level is now essential. Josh shares how AI is changing analysis, forecasting, and workflows, and how FP&A teams can use it to increase productivity and deliver faster insights.

Josh LaSov is an FP&A and data professional with experience in consulting, ERP implementations, and analytics. He has implemented NetSuite and FP&A tools across many companies and previously co-founded Satori Reporting, a BI platform for NetSuite users that was later acquired by private equity. He is now the founder of Causi AI, where he focuses on building AI agents to help finance teams automate analysis, processes, and forecasting.

Expect to Learn:
What makes FP&A professionals stand out today
Why combining financial and operational data is critical
How BI tools expand the role of FP&A
How AI is improving analysis, forecasting, and workflows

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“AI helps you save a lot of time, but the judgment and analysis still need to be done by you.” - Josh LaSov
“You can’t explain why numbers changed if you don’t understand the data behind them.” - Josh LaSov

Josh highlights that FP&A is no longer just about building reports or models. The role is shifting toward deeper analysis and faster decision-making. While AI can handle large amounts of data and speed up workflows, the real value still comes from understanding the business and communicating insights clearly.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:
Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,
close management, and more, all in one unified platform.
Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguy

Follow Josh:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-lasov-7897334/
Homepage: https://www.cauzzy.ai/
AI Agent Marketplace: https://marketplace.cauzzy.ai/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cauzzyAI

Follow Glenn:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder

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
[02:25] – Introducing Josh LaSov
[04:59] – What Great FP&A Looks Like
[09:52] – Building Satori Reporting
[13:19] – BI Tools and Reporting Challenges
[16:25] – Introduction to Causi AI
[25:05] – AI Agents and Accuracy Challenges
[29:22] – How FP&A Should Use AI
[36:10] – AI Tech Stack & Future Direction
[43:05] – Key Skills for FP&A
[46:53] – Get To Know Function

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Shannon Nash to discuss how finance roles are evolving and how AI is changing the way businesses operate. They talk about Shannon’s career journey, the importance of understanding operations, and how companies are handling AI at different levels.

Shannon Nash is a CPA, attorney, and experienced C-suite leader. She has worked as CFO at companies like Wing, Reputation.com, and Inside Source. She is now a Partner at Alpha AI, focusing on AI governance for executives and boards.

In this episode, you will discover:
Why career paths are not linear anymore
Why finance leaders need to understand operations
How AI is being used across companies
The gap between AI usage and leadership awareness
What CFOs need to manage when it comes to AI
Key questions boards should ask about AI

AI is becoming part of everyday business, but many companies are still catching up when it comes to managing it properly. Understanding where AI is used and how it’s controlled is becoming essential for leaders.

Follow Shannon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonknash/
Podcast: https://www.noboxesjustverses.com/

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

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

Follow QFlow.AI:
Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

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:
[01:03] – Shannon Nash Background
[05:54] – Why Switching Careers Is the New Normal
[09:00] – Finance Leaders & Operations Mindset
[08:33] – From AI Tools to AI Strategy
[14:26] – The Challenge of Catching Up with AI
[20:00] – How Boards Should Approach AI Oversight

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Brian Jones to explore how Excel is evolving in the era of AI and large language models. They discuss how Copilot, agent mode, and AI-driven capabilities are transforming the way users build, analyse, and improve spreadsheets. Brian shares insights into how Excel is becoming more like a developer tool and how AI can automate repetitive tasks while enhancing productivity for both beginners and advanced users.
Brian Jones is the Vice President of Microsoft Excel, Forms, and Office Platforms. He has been with Microsoft since 1999, working across multiple productivity products, including Word, Office Forms, and developer extensibility tools. In his current role, Brian leads a global team responsible for Excel and related platforms, driving innovation and integrating AI capabilities like Copilot and agent mode into the product ecosystem.

Expect to Learn
What “agent mode” means and how it enables automation in spreadsheets
How AI can help analyse, fix errors, and improve financial models
Why Excel still requires strong logic and formula knowledge
How different AI models impact outputs and workflows in Excel Edge

Here are a few quotes from the episode:
“Excel really is like a developer tool. When you're writing formulas, you're essentially coding.” – Brian Jones
“It’s not just about building from scratch, it’s about improving what you already have.” – Brian Jones

Excel is evolving into a more intelligent and interactive platform where AI acts as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement. From fixing broken references to building dashboards and automating workflows, tools like Copilot and agent mode are helping users work faster and smarter

Follow Brian:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brijones/
Website: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/brian_jones/

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:
LinkedIn Page- 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 receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.

In today’s episode:
[00:51] – Introducing Brian Jones
[02:50] – Returning to the Excel Team
[04:05] – AI & the Future of Excel
[06:38] – Customer Questions About Copilot
[10:22] – Agent Mode Explained
[11:41] – Modeling the community about the Excel agent
[13:14] – AI Models & Output Differences
[17:16] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder are joined by Vikram Bhandari to explore how organizations should approach AI in finance and FP&A. They discuss why most companies fail with AI adoption, the importance of enterprise-wide strategy over siloed tools, and how finance teams can evolve from reporting to forward-looking decision-making. Vikram shares practical insights on AI readiness, forecasting, and how leaders can leverage AI to drive better business outcomes.
Vikram is the Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Riveron, where he leads AI, digital transformation, and finance modernization initiatives. With nearly 25 years of experience, Vikram works closely with CFOs to transform finance functions through technology. He previously served as the President and CEO of Yantra, a company he founded and led for over 15 years before its acquisition by Riveron.
Expect to Learn:
Why most AI implementations fail and how to avoid common mistakes
The importance of enterprise AI strategy vs. siloed tool adoption
How FP&A is evolving into a forward-looking, decision-making function
What it takes to prepare your data, processes, and governance for AI

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
The real question is not which AI tool is best, it’s whether your finance architecture is ready to absorb AI.” - Vikram Bhandari
If you treat AI as a feature, you get incremental gains. If you treat it as a strategy, you get competitive advantage.” - Vikram Bhandari

Vikram emphasizes that AI should be treated as a capability multiplier rather than a shortcut. He highlights the importance of strong data foundations, governance, and enterprise strategy to unlock real value. The episode reinforces that the future of FP&A lies in combining machine intelligence with human judgment to drive better, faster decisions.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:
Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,
close management, and more, all in one unified platform.
Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguy

Follow Vikram:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikrambhandari/
Company: https://riveron.com/
Website: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/

Follow Glenn:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder

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
[02:08] – Introducing Vikram Bhandari
[03:16] – What Great FP&A Looks Like
[05:21] – AI in Finance Today
[05:09] – Why Most AI Implementations Fail
[11:05] – Enterprise AI Strategy vs. Siloed Tools
[15:16] – AI Readiness: Data, Decisions, Governance
[17:54] – AI Forecasting: Calibration & Trust
[23:14] – Skills Finance Needs in an AI World
[34:24] – AI Agents, Excel, and Productivity vs. Strategy
[41:40] – Final Advice on AI Strategy
[47:52] – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Glenn Hopper and special guest Shannon Nash to explore how AI is transforming the role of finance leaders and boardrooms. The conversation dives into AI adoption, governance, and the shift from traditional finance responsibilities to more strategic, decision-driven roles.
Shannon Nash is a global C-suite leader, CPA, attorney, and board director with over 30 years of experience across finance, technology, and governance. She is a Partner at Alpha AI, where she helps organizations strengthen AI governance and strategic decision-making. Shannon has served as CFO at companies like Wing, Reputation.com, and Inside Source, and currently sits on multiple boards, including SoFi Bank and NetScout Systems.

In this episode, you will discover:
Why finance professionals must continuously retool in the age of AI
How AI is changing the role of CFOs and decision-making
The importance of AI governance at the board level
How to manage AI investment alongside “AI sprawl.”
What key questions boards should be asking about AI

AI is rapidly evolving from a tool that supports workflows to one that actively drives decisions. As Shannon highlights, this shift requires stronger governance, better alignment between leadership and operations, and a proactive approach from both CFOs and boards. The future of finance will belong to those who can balance innovation with control and strategy with execution.

Follow Shannon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonknash/
Podcast: https://www.noboxesjustverses.com/

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

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

Follow QFlow.AI:
Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

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:
[02:37] – Shannon Nash Background
[04:53] – Career Journey & Non-Linearity
[09:00] – Finance Leaders & Operations Mindset
[11:44] – AI & Alpha AI
[17:47] – AI Across Companies
[24:32] – AI Governance & Board Questions
[31:31] – AI in Decision-Making
[35:26] – Shannon’s Podcast
[42:22] – AI Questions & Closing