FP&A Unlocked – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Note: Please note that all opinions and thoughts shared during this episode represent those of our guest, who joined in his own personal capacity and he is not representing any of the companies he works for.

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Todd Niemann, Treasurer at Varo Bank, who shares his unique path through finance, treasury, and FP&A across multiple startup banks. Todd discusses how he helped launch and scale three new banking institutions, how FP&A supports better decision-making in banking, and why he believes Python is transforming financial analysis.

Todd Niemann is the Treasurer at Varo Bank, where he oversees treasury and FP&A functions. A CFA charterholder with an MBA from Brigham Young University and a BA from Utah State University, Todd has helped build treasury and FP&A teams for three startup banks. His background spans banking, investing, and corporate finance, making him an authority on financial analytics and modeling in regulated industries.

Expect to Learn:

• How to build and scale FP&A and treasury functions at startup banks
• Why speed and accuracy are essential hallmarks of effective FP&A
• How to forecast effectively when historical data doesn’t exist
• The benefits of learning Python for finance automation and analytics

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The best FP&A teams don’t wait for perfect data; they create frameworks that help the business move forward anyway.” - Todd Niemann
• “In finance, speed matters. The faster you can analyze accurately, the more valuable you are.” - Todd Niemann

Todd Niemann brings clarity to how FP&A drives smarter banking decisions through data, speed, and precision. His journey shows the power of combining technical skill with curiosity and innovation. This episode proves that the future of finance belongs to those who build, automate, and never stop learning.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for 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 Todd:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddniemann/

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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[02:58] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[05:27] - Building FP&A at New Banks

[10:37] - Banking and Regulation

[15:08] - Challenges of FP&A in Early-Stage Banks

[23:08] - Learning and Applying Python in Finance

[31:51] - Predicting Deposits with Big Data

[38:21] - Recommended Reading for Finance Pros

[40:19] - Top Technical and Soft Skills for FP&A

[42:48] - What Todd Would Change About FP&A

[47:00] - Wrapping Up the Conversation

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Alex Fabry, the founder of KFA, an advisory firm focused on scaling businesses.. Alex takes us through his journey from FP&A to private equity, sharing his valuable experiences working at firms like Saber, BCG, and Charles Bank Capital Partners. Their conversation explores how FP&A can serve as a stepping stone to leadership and investment roles, and the key skills that helped Alex succeed in both corporate finance and private equity.

Alex Fabry is the founder and managing partner of KFA, a private investment and advisory firm focused on growing and scaling businesses in Saint Louis. Before founding KFA, Alex started his career in FP&A roles at Saber, where he supported multi-billion dollar business units, managed complex budgets, and played a pivotal role in the $1.2 billion sale of Active Network to Global Payments. Alex also has experience as a Vice President at Charles Bank Capital Partners. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Expect to Learn:

• How FP&A provides a solid foundation for leadership and private equity operator roles.
• The significance of automation in improving FP&A efficiency and enabling more strategic analysis.
• Why private equity and FP&A require different skill sets but can work in tandem to drive business growth.
• Key skills FP&A professionals need to transition into private equity.
• The value of relationships and trust in both FP&A and private equity environments.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The real value of FP&A is in helping businesses make decisions, not just report numbers.” - Alex Fabry
• “Being a business partner looks different depending on the business—it's about them, not you." - Alex Fabry

Alex shared thoughtful and practical insights into the evolving role of FP&A in driving business success and the transition to private equity. He highlighted the importance of automation and strategic analysis in improving financial operations, the value of building strong business relationships, and how FP&A professionals can leverage their skills to thrive in the private equity space. Alex’s journey serves as a valuable playbook for those looking to navigate the complexities of both FP&A and private equity, emphasizing the need for adaptability, operational efficiency, and a keen understanding of the bigger business picture.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for 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 Alex:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-fabry/

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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[02:27] - Alex’s Background

[03:50] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[14:03] -  The Three Key Questions in Finance

[18:38] - Private Equity Operations and FP&A

[27:14] - Early FP&A Experience at Saber

[36:36] - The Reality of Private Equity

[43:16] -  Lessons from 100 LinkedIn Posts

[53:47] - The Biggest Excel Lesson

[54:32] - Wrapping Up the Conversation

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Jesse Mishler to explore what it takes to build a thriving FP&A function grounded in purpose, people development, and strategic problem-solving. From military discipline to corporate finance leadership, Jesse offers a rare blend of operational rigor and emotional intelligence. His reflections on transforming real estate spaces, empowering teams, and navigating financial complexity will resonate with finance professionals and leaders alike. This episode dives into the evolving role of finance in shaping organizational culture, driving performance, and making workspaces more human-centered and impactful.

Jesse Mishler serves as Senior Vice President of FP&A at Carr Properties, where he oversees corporate forecasting, executive reporting, and strategic financial planning. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over two decades of experience, Jesse brings a mission-driven mindset to FP&A leadership. He is known for building high-performing, people-first finance teams, championing cross-functional collaboration, and implementing innovative planning tools like JEDOX to drive operational efficiency. With a master’s in real estate from Georgetown University and a passion for continuous learning, Jesse’s leadership reflects both financial precision and personal authenticity.

Expect to Learn:

• How military principles like integrity and resilience translate to corporate leadership.
• What makes FP&A a strategic hub, not just a back-office function.
• Why developing people is one of the most fulfilling aspects of leadership.
• Key operational metrics in commercial real estate and how they guide decision-making.
• The power of curiosity in becoming a better business partner.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "FP&A should be the hub of the company, connecting insights, strategy, and communication across the business." - Jesse Mishler
• "The most rewarding part of my job is seeing others grow and surpass even their own expectations."- Jesse Mishler
• "Sometimes the most impactful help you can offer takes less than five minutes, it starts with listening." - Jesse Mishler

Jesse shared powerful insights into how leadership, resilience, and curiosity can shape a successful FP&A career. He highlighted the importance of problem-solving over perfection, the value of building trust through authentic actions, and the transformational impact of investing in people. From leveraging real estate finance to fostering team growth, Jesse’s advice offers practical, inspiring takeaways for finance professionals aiming to elevate their strategic influence and lead with integrity and empathy.

Corporate Finance Institute:

You know the numbers. Now it’s time to own the story.

The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data.

Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Jesse:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessemishler/

Company - https://www.carrprop.com/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[03:58] - What Makes Great FP&A

[06:05] - Lessons from the Marines

[09:01] - FP&A as a Problem Solver

[12:36] - Why Real Estate Finance

[15:23] - Key Metrics in Real Estate

[18:41] - Choosing & Using JEDOX

[22:54] - Developing People in FP&A

[30:41] - Leadership & Trust

[36:26] - No.1 Technical FP&A Skills

[41:02] - Favorite Hobby

[47:08] - Closing Advice: Be Curious

In this episode of FP&A Today, host Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, welcomes Christopher Ortega for a candid conversation about the evolution of finance and building a business from the ground up. From basketball analogies to real-world advice, this episode blends personal experience with professional insight. Chris opens up about what it takes to grow a consulting business, how to handle setbacks, and why financial professionals need to think beyond spreadsheets and become true business partners.

Christopher Ortega is the CEO and founder of Fresh FP&A, a financial strategy firm that supports small and mid-sized businesses with fractional CFO services. With more than 20 years in accounting, FP&A, and finance leadership, Chris has built a career around driving growth, navigating acquisitions, and helping organizations build financial clarity. He’s worked with global companies, led finance teams through complex M&A deals, and now channels that experience into helping others succeed

Expect to Learn:

• Why FP&A needs to evolve from reporting to a real business partnership
• How Chris shifted his mindset from CFO to CEO
• The importance of focusing on the right industries instead of trying to serve everyone
• Why failing early became one of his greatest learning tools
• What to do before you land your first paid client

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "You either win or you learn. You only lose if you don’t learn." - Christopher Ortega
• "To scale, I had to stop thinking like a CFO and start thinking like a CEO." - Christopher Ortega
• "Sales and marketing taught me more about business than any finance book." - Christopher Ortega

Christopher shared valuable insights on evolving from a technical finance role to a strategic business partner, the mindset shift required to grow from CFO to CEO, and the power of narrowing your focus in business. His advice on embracing failure, building with purpose, and putting impact before income offers meaningful takeaways for anyone looking to lead with confidence in the finance world.

Corporate Finance Institute:

You know the numbers. Now it’s time to own the story.

The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight, not just report the data.

Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Chris:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/freshcfo/

Website - https://freshfpa.com/our-team/john-kobs-ceo/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com

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

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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[03:14] - What Does Great FP&A Look Like?

[07:21] - Starting the Entrepreneurial Journey

[11:21] - Reflecting on College Memories

[16:36] - Embracing Failure in Finance

[22:11] - Starting Without a Paid Client

[20:23] - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

[26:08] - Revenue Before Quitting

[37:44] - Dream Boxing Matches

[27:35] - The Hardest Part of Entrepreneurship

[34:18] - Essential Technical Skill for Professionals

[44:30] - Roles in Business: The Football Analogy

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Adam Rakich, founder and Consulting Director at Northexis, to discuss why the budgeting process is universally loathed and how to fix it. Drawing from decades of experience implementing planning and consolidation systems, Adam shares strategies to transform budgeting from a burdensome task into a strategic advantage. With humor, insight, and plenty of real-world experience, Adam breaks down common pitfalls and offers practical, actionable advice for finance professionals at every level.

Adam Rakich has spent over a decade streamlining finance processes across industries, working with top software platforms like Adaptive Insights, Workday, and OneStream. As the author of The Business User’s Guide to Data Integration, he is known for making complex finance concepts accessible, especially to non-technical professionals. At Northexis, Adam helps organizations build better, more collaborative FP&A functions without the pain.

Expect to Learn:

• Why most budgeting processes are broken and how to shift the mindset to fix them.
• The importance of soft skills in elevating finance's strategic impact.
• How to avoid the "Jurassic Park" trap of doing more just because you can.
• The value of driver-based planning and why simplicity often beats complexity.
• The "James Bond Philosophy" of budgeting: when to seduce and when to take a firmer stance.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "The James Bond approach to budgeting: seduce when you can, shoot when you have to metaphorically, of course." - Adam Rakich
• "Pick your battles. If you ask for everything, people will tune out and give you nothing." - Adam Rakich
• "Budgeting works best when it’s not adversarial. Finance shouldn’t be the department of ‘no’." - Adam Rakich

Adam shared valuable insights into why budgeting processes often fall short and how a shift in mindset can make all the difference. He emphasized the power of simplicity, the role of soft skills in finance, and the importance of involving stakeholders in meaningful ways. His practical advice on driver-based planning, managing expectations, and building strong business relationships offers key takeaways for finance professionals looking to lead more effective and collaborative FP&A functions.

Corporate Finance Institute:

You know the numbers. Now it’s time to own the story.

The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data.

Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Adam:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/northexis/

Website - https://northexis.com/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com

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

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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[01:29] - Guest’s Background

[04:06] - Defining Great FP&A

[07:58] - Why People Hate Budgeting Process

[09:28] - 10 Ways to Fix Budgeting

[19:51] - Driver Tree and Revenue Impact

[23:39] - Jurassic Park Hubris and Budgeting

[30:23] - Accountant vs. FP&A Professional

[43:42] - James Bond Philosophy & Budgeting

[46:51] - No.1 Technical Skill

[52:17] - Superhero of Choice

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Alex Holt, the CFO of Milo’s Hamburgers, to discuss the intersection of finance, business operations, and growth. Alex shares his journey from public accounting to the food service industry, offering insights into the challenges of managing finance in a family-owned, fast-growing restaurant chain. He also discusses the unique dynamics of budgeting, forecasting, and providing advice for aspiring finance leaders.

Alex Holt is the CFO of Milo’s Hamburgers, a beloved 23-unit fast-food chain known for its iconic burgers and sweet tea, based in Alabama. With experience as the Executive Vice President of Finance at Capstone Communities and a background in real estate, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge in finance, data visualization, and process improvement. He is passionate about making data useful and has a strong focus on enhancing financial operations.

Expect to Learn:

• How the role of FP&A extends beyond reporting to driving business change.
• The unique challenges of managing finances in a growing, family-owned restaurant chain.
• The importance of process improvement and documentation when scaling operations.
• How Alex uses technology to improve efficiency and communication.
• Key metrics and strategies for managing finance in the restaurant industry, including labor and food costs.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "I use ChatGPT every day for communication, summarizing information, and even Excel formulas. It's a great productivity tool." - Alex Holt
• "If accounting is reporting what happened, great FP&A is about understanding the why behind the business activities." - Alex Holt
• "Great FP&A is about pulling insights from what's going on in the business and using that to drive change." - Alex Holt

Alex shared valuable insights on what makes a great FP&A professional, the importance of process improvement in a growing company, and how technology can enhance financial operations. His practical advice on managing costs, forecasting, and building consensus provides key takeaways for aspiring finance leaders.

Corporate Finance Institute:

You know the numbers. Now it’s time to own the story.

The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data.

Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Alex:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/holtale/

Twitter - https://x.com/holtale

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com

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

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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[04:02] - What Does Great FP&A Look Like?

[06:28] - Alex’s Transition to CFO at Milo’s Hamburgers

[08:13] - The First 90 Days as CFO

[14:36] - Using AI in Daily Operations

[16:14] - Standardizing Processes for Growth

[23:44] - Expense Ratios in Fast Food

[25:02] - Considering Franchising at Milo’s

[27:06] - Budgeting Horizons in Real Estate

[30:45] - Advice for Aspiring CFOs

[36:57] - Soft Human Skill

[42:56] - Theme Song for Entering a Room

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Raheli Sasson, the Director of FP&A at JFrog. Raheli shares her expertise on the evolving role of FP&A professionals, discussing the importance of being proactive, clear, collaborative, and continuously learning. She also dives into the challenges of managing cloud hosting costs in a hypergrowth environment and how AI is transforming the finance industry. Raheli discusses the use of AI tools for productivity, forecasting, and machine learning, and provides insights on data storytelling and its impact on decision-making.

Raheli Sasson is the Director of FP&A at JFrog, where she partners with executive leadership to deliver financial and operational results. With deep expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and process automation, Raheli is passionate about leveraging technology and AI to drive efficiency in finance. She has managed budgets exceeding $1 billion and spearheaded global initiatives to integrate AI in finance.

Expect to Learn:

• How finance can act as a strategic partner to drive company growth, especially in the early stages.
• The importance of balancing growth with sustainability in high-growth SaaS companies.
• Key metrics and strategies for scaling operations and go-to-market efforts in early-stage startups.
• Insights into how AI is changing the landscape of finance and operations.
• Tips on building trust and accountability within teams to ensure collaborative success.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "The ability to present financial data clearly and compellingly is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your FP&A toolbox." - Raheli Sasson
• "AI is transforming finance, and for me, it's not just about automation. It's about leveraging it to forecast better and make smarter, data-driven decisions." - Raheli Sasson
• "A great FP&A professional is not just reactive but proactive, anticipating needs before they arise and simplifying complex financial data for everyone." - Raheli Sasson

Raheli shared key insights on what makes a great FP&A professional, the importance of collaboration in high-growth environments, and how AI is transforming finance. Her practical advice on managing costs, forecasting, and data storytelling provides valuable takeaways for aspiring finance leaders.

Corporate Finance Institute:

You know the numbers. Now it’s time to own the story.

The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data.

Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Raheli:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahelisasson/?originalSubdomain=il

Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jfrog-ltd/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com

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

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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[03:49] - What’s Great FP&A?

[07:15] - Transitioning from Auditing to FP&A

[10:35] - Managing Cloud Hosting Costs in Hypergrowth

[15:48] - Passion for AI and Becoming an Advocate

[22:57] - Impact of AI Workshops on Team Productivity

[27:44] - Introduction to Deep Research

[33:36] - Best Use Cases for AI in FP&A

[37:15] - Implementing AI Training in Finance

[43:04] - Favorite Gen AI Tool

[44:55] - Soft FP&A Skill

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Rohit Divate, to discuss the intersection of finance, operations, and the high-growth startup world. They explore how finance leaders can partner with teams to drive growth while maintaining sustainability, the role of AI in finance, and the importance of communication and trust in leadership. The conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities faced by finance professionals in high-growth environments and provides actionable insights for those navigating this fast-paced industry.

Rohit is a seasoned finance leader with expertise in high-growth SaaS companies. Having raised over $500 million and driven revenue growth from $20 million to over $500 million, Rohit has a deep passion for improving finance team effectiveness and is especially active in the AI space. He currently serves as the head of operations and finance at Sprig, an all-in-one product experience platform.

Expect to Learn:

• How finance can act as a strategic partner to drive company growth, especially in the early stages.
• The importance of balancing growth with sustainability in high-growth SaaS companies.
• Key metrics and strategies for scaling operations and go-to-market efforts in early-stage startups.
• Insights into how AI is changing the landscape of finance and operations.
• Tips on building trust and accountability within teams to ensure collaborative success.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "You need to build trust with your teams before you can build accountability. It’s not about numbers, it’s about relationships." - Rohit Divate
• "AI is going to be a game changer. Right now, we’re still figuring out how to use it in finance, but I’m excited for the day it makes me 10x more productive." - Rohit Divate
• "In early-stage companies, you don’t really know what your metrics are yet, but you can always measure improvement." - Rohit Divate

Rohit shares valuable insights, real stories, and practical advice for anyone in finance, particularly those working in high-growth startups. If you’re looking to understand the dynamics of scaling a business, driving sustainable growth, and partnering effectively with teams, this episode is for you. Rohit talks about what’s worked for him, the challenges he’s faced, and the key lessons he’s learned throughout his career, offering actionable takeaways for aspiring finance leaders.

Corporate Finance Institute:

You know the numbers. Now it’s time to own the story.

The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data. Enroll by July 1st and get 40% of this new Certification.

Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Rohit:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/divate/

Twitter - https://x.com/rohitdv8 

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com

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

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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[03:41] - What’s Great FP&A?

[06:13] - Growth Challenges

[14:26] - Product-Market Fit at Pre-seed

[17:37] - Go-to-Market Strategy for Growth

[27:54] - Building Trust Through Action

[32:02] - Why Rohit Loves Equals

[35:17] - CFO’s Guide to AI Scaling

[46:49] - Biggest Opportunity for FP&A

[50:18] - Fun Questions

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with John Sanchez, an expert in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) with over 20 years of experience. John, now the managing director of FP&A Group, discusses his journey from accounting to FP&A, the importance of effective communication in finance, and why understanding the business is crucial to delivering great financial analysis. The episode delves into how FP&A professionals can elevate their work beyond spreadsheets by getting involved with business partners and focusing on the bigger picture.

John Sanchez brings over 20 years of experience in FP&A and corporate finance. He has worked with world-class organizations such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and AutoNation, and now trains finance professionals through his consulting firm, FP&A Group. With a background in accounting and M&A, John brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to FP&A, including the importance of business acumen and communication skills for financial professionals.

Expect to Learn:

• How great FP&A professionals go beyond Excel to understand the business.
• The importance of business acumen in making impactful financial decisions.
• Why communication, especially listening, is crucial in FP&A.
• Insights on John’s career journey from accounting to FP&A.
• Practical tips for improving communication and networking in finance.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Great FP&A is about getting out of your chair, away from Excel, and interacting with your business partners to understand how the business really works." - John Sanchez
• "Communication is everything in FP&A. If you’re not a good listener, you’re going to miss a lot." - John Sanchez
• "If you’re just good at Excel, you’ll always be an Excel monkey. You need to understand the business to truly add value." - John Sanchez

John shares valuable insights, real stories, and practical advice for anyone in FP&A. If you want to level up in finance or just learn from someone who’s been there, this episode is for you. He shares what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the key lessons he’s learned along the way.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-FP&A guy/?utm_source=FP&A guy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow John:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fpajohn/

Website: https://thefpagroup.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FPAFastTrack 

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com

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

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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

 [04:00] - What is Great FP&A?

[15:13] - From Accounting to M&A

[22:00] - The Power of Communication

[28:14] - Life Keeps Going

[37:57] - Communication in FP&A

[45:57] - Top Technical Skill

[52:38] - Get to know You

[54:32] - Superpower Question

[56:09] - Closing Remarks

In this episode, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Clarke Carter and Landon Cortenbach, two finance professionals who’ve taken different paths into the world of FP&A and both turned to Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) to level up their skills. They discuss why Excel still dominates the finance world, what separates good FP&A from great, and how to pick the right certification to match your career goals. How Clarke used CFI’s FP&A specialization to move from accounting into planning and analysis, and how Landon, a seasoned CFO, turned to CFI’s FMVA program to sharpen his modeling and Excel chops after years in senior roles.

Clarke Carter is a CPA and CMA working as a senior accountant in the healthcare industry. He supports budgeting and planning and has deep experience with Adaptive Insights and Excel modeling. Landon Cortenbach is a veteran CFO and finance executive who has scaled startups and worked with Fortune 50 companies. With a background in accounting, operations, and enterprise tech, Landon’s passion is in financial transformation and continuous learning. He’s a CPA, Six Sigma Green Belt, and a big advocate for real-world financial education.

Expect to Learn:

• Why mastering Excel is still foundational in FP&A
• The difference between theory and real-world finance training
• How Power Query can save you hours every week
• What separates effective FP&A teams from the rest
• How to choose between certifications like CFA, FMVA, or FPAC

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Slow and steady wins. Make time daily to learn, and you’ll be amazed where you end up." - Clarke Carter
• "Power BI and Excel together are unstoppable once you know how to use them." - Clarke Carter
• "The moment I understood how three-statement models fit together, everything clicked." - Landon Cortenbach

Clarke and Landon bring practical advice, personal stories, and a lot of perspective. If you’re looking to level up in FP&A or just want to hear from two people who’ve learned through doing, this one’s for you. They share what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d tell anyone trying to move forward in finance.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-FP&A guy/?utm_source=FP&A guy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Landon:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/landonjcortenbach/

Follow Clarke:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarke-carter-cpa-cma-47392180/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com

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

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 FP&A  Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[02:18] - Guest Introductions

[06:22] - What Is Great FP&A?

[08:57] - Choosing the CFI Program

[14:20] - Program Impact

[17:19] - Top Skills Learned

[23:42] - Study Advice

[28:07] - Modeling & Excel

[32:16] - Advice about the CFO

[39:13] - Soft Skills for FP&A

[47:17] - Book Recommendation