The FP&A Guy Network

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

In this episode of The ModSquad, Ian Bennett, Partner at PwC, joins Paul Barnhurst, Giles Male, and Ian Schnoor to discuss the rapid changes happening in financial modeling with the rise of AI. The team explores how AI tools like Claude are revolutionizing the industry, the critical role of strong modeling skills, and the ongoing importance of trust in financial modeling. They also touch on the future of Excel in the age of AI and how professionals can adapt to stay ahead in this rapidly changing landscape.
Ian Bennett is a Partner at PwC, leading Deals Modeling in Australia and globally. With over 25 years of experience, Ian has built and reviewed complex models for transactions, infrastructure, finance transformations, and BAU forecasting across Australia and the UK. Ian is a founding member of the Financial Modeling Institute's (FMI) Advisory Council and a member of FMI's Financial Modeling Global Leaders Council. He is also the lead author of PwC’s Global Financial Modeling Guidelines.

Expect to Learn
How AI tools like Claude are reshaping the financial modeling process.
The crucial role of human oversight and strong modeling skills, even with advanced AI.
Why AI in financial modeling is seen as an augmentation tool rather than a replacement.
How the role of financial modelers is evolving in the age of AI and automation.
What the future holds for Excel, and how AI integration is transforming it.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:
“We all trade in trust. Whether you use AI or not, it’s your name behind it. That’s the most valuable thing in our profession.” - Ian Bennett
“Financial modeling is so much more than just building a calculator in a spreadsheet. It’s a profession, it’s a discipline, it’s a career.” - Ian Bennett

Claude and other AI tools are significantly enhancing the way financial modeling is done, but as Ian Bennett highlights, trust and deep foundational knowledge remain critical. The future of financial modeling isn’t about AI replacing human modelers; it’s about how professionals can use AI to work smarter, faster, and more accurately.

Follow Ian:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/

Follow Giles:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/

Follow Ian Bennett:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianrbennett/
Website - https://www.pwc.com.au/deals/modelling.html

In today’s episode:
[02:10] – Introducing Ian Bennett
[07:00] – Testing Claude in Excel
[10:10] – Focusing Beyond the Build Phase
[14:00] – How AI is Enhancing Modeling Phases
[17:30] – The Importance of Reviewing AI-Generated Models
[19:45] – Trusting AI: Augmentation vs. Replacement
[25:00] – Rethinking the Role of Financial Modelers
[30:00] – The Future of Excel and AI Agent Mode
[33:00] – Reinventing the Financial Modeling Profession
[36:00] – The Future of Excel in the AI Era
[39:30] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst is joined by Vincent Messina and Ilana Esterrich to discuss how organizations should approach ROI and transformation. They dive into why traditional ROI methods often fail, the concept of Return on Change, and how financial leaders can better manage software implementations and drive business outcomes.
Vincent is a seasoned enterprise software sales leader with over 25 years of experience. Vincent is currently the Northeast Director of business development at UHY, a CPA firm, and works on advising CFOs through his partnership with UHY. Ilana is the Chief Financial Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where she oversees a comprehensive portfolio, including accounting, treasury, compliance, and financial planning.

Expect to Learn:
Why ROI calculations often fail and how Return on Change provides a more effective approach.
How to align financial decisions with business outcomes.
The evolving role of FP&A professionals in driving decisions beyond traditional reporting.
Key strategies for managing change during financial transformations.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“The real value comes when technology enables people to do different, more impactful work.” - Vincent Messina
“As CFOs, our job is to help guide the organization by providing the right insights for informed decision-making.” - Ilana Esterrich

Vincent Messina and Ilana Esterrich emphasize the importance of shifting from traditional ROI to Return on Change in financial transformations. They highlight the crucial role of FP&A professionals in driving strategic decisions and managing change effectively.

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 Vincent:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vmessina/
Company: https://uhy-us.com/

Follow Ilana :
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Ilanaesterrich/
Website: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

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
[02:30] – Introducing Vincent Messina
[02:55] – Introducing Ilana Esterrich
[05:00] – What Great FP&A Looks Like
[08:00] – Why ROI Fails in Transformations
[13:00] – Shifting from ROI to Return on Change
[19:00] – The Importance of Consensus in Transformation
[25:00] – Business Outcomes vs. Software Decisions
[30:00] – How to Make Change Work
[35:00] – Mindset Shifts in CFOs and FP&A
[40:00] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst are joined by John Thomas Foxworthy, the founder and CEO of the Global Institute of Data Science (GIDS). John discusses the role of augmented intelligence in the future of AI, particularly in finance, and shares his insights from his book The Augmented Intelligence Revolution: How Leaders Win in the AI Century.
John Thomas is the Founder and CEO of the Global Institute of Data Science (GIDS), a consulting and professional development organization focused on helping organizations successfully implement AI and data science initiatives. He serves as a Fractional Chief AI Officer for Fortune 500 companies and teaches AI and machine learning courses at Caltech CTME and UC San Diego Extended Studies.

In this episode, you will discover:
The role of augmented intelligence in finance
How GIDS helps companies implement AI
Overcoming AI adoption challenges and cognitive biases
The evolution of machine learning and AI terminology
How AI enhances decision-making and operations in finance

John highlights how the rapid evolution of AI can create challenges in its adoption, especially within complex industries like finance. The Global Institute of Data Science addresses these issues by focusing on feasibility studies, AI strategy, and tackling cognitive biases, ensuring the successful integration of AI in business operations.

Follow John:
GIDS: https://gidsco.substack.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thomas-foxworthy-m-s-data-science-1718073/
Future Alpha Event: https://www.alphaevents.com/events-futurealphaglobal/agenda-page/filter?_gl=1*1j0347f*[…]ovIhoCWOYQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAomEzrlLzh-epjUJjbfXNnASlChga

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:
[01:50] – John’s Background and Expertise
[03:11] – The Augmented Intelligence Revolution
[05:40] – Machine Learning vs. Augmented Intelligence
[08:45] – The Global Institute of Data Science
[11:04] – Feasibility Studies in AI Projects
[15:17] – Managing AI Expectations
[17:18] – Closing Thoughts and Book Release