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FP&A Unlocked

FP&A Unlocked

Paul Barnhurst 138 episodes Nov 5, 2026

FP&A Unlocked is hosted by Paul Barnhurst, also known as The FP&A Guy. The podcast explores how financial planning and analysis professionals can unlock a seat in the boardroom and increase their influence within organizations. It discusses the skills, strategies, and career lessons needed to succeed in FP&A and broader finance leadership.

Episodes

How to Forecast Your AI Token Costs with Jason Brisbane and Tanvi Lal
How to Forecast Your AI Token Costs with Jason Brisbane and Tanvi Lal Nov 5, 2026 58:28 In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Jason Brisbane and Tanvi Lal to discuss the economics of generative AI, why traditional SaaS metrics fall short, and how finance teams can forecast AI costs. They explore token pricing, AI budgeting, and the role FP&A can play in managing AI investments.Jason Brisbane is the CEO and Founder of FinHelm, with over 15 years
What Finance Gets Wrong About Sales Compensation with Josh Miller
What Finance Gets Wrong About Sales Compensation with Josh Miller Oct 29, 2026 01:11:05 In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Snyder sit down with Josh Miller to discuss effective sales compensation plans, aligning incentives with business goals, and avoiding common commission mistakes. They also explore balancing base salary and variable pay, setting realistic quotas, and improving collaboration between finance and sales teams.Josh Miller is the
Why Understanding Data is a Critical FP&A Skill with Mark Proctor
Why Understanding Data is a Critical FP&A Skill with Mark Proctor Oct 22, 2026 59:04 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.M
Trust and Leadership Lessons for FP&A From 100+ Top Leaders with CFO Jon Laudie
Trust and Leadership Lessons for FP&A From 100+ Top Leaders with CFO Jon Laudie Oct 15, 2026 01:02:48 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
Will AI Replace Enterprise Performance Management? | David den Boer
Will AI Replace Enterprise Performance Management? | David den Boer Oct 8, 2026 49:36 In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with David Den Boer to debate the future of enterprise performance management, Excel, and AI. They explore whether traditional EPM platforms are being disrupted, how AI could reshape forecasting and finance workflows, and why governance, transparency, and accountability still matter.David Den Boer is the CEO and Founder of Column5
When AI Does the Analysis, What Makes an FP&A Professional Valuable with Valerie Martin
When AI Does the Analysis, What Makes an FP&A Professional Valuable with Valerie Martin Oct 1, 2026 52:29 In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Snyder sit down with Valerie Martin to discuss how AI is changing FP&A, leadership, and business partnering. They explore why greater efficiency does not automatically create greater value and how finance teams can use AI without losing judgment, context, or trust with the business.Valerie Martin is a Finance Executive
The Three Foundations of Strategic FP&A with Chithra Rajagopalan
The Three Foundations of Strategic FP&A with Chithra Rajagopalan Sep 24, 2026 01:00:44 In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Chithra Rajagopalan, Head of Finance at Obsidian Security, to discuss what great FP&A looks like in high-growth companies, why strong data foundations matter, and how finance teams can become more strategic business partners. Chithra shares lessons from scaling finance teams, supporting hypergrowth companies, and using da
Are You Solving Business Problems or Just Reporting Numbers? with Eric Alexander
Are You Solving Business Problems or Just Reporting Numbers? with Eric Alexander Sep 17, 2026 50:03 In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Eric Alexander about building effective FP&A functions, developing business acumen, and preparing finance professionals for leadership. Eric explains why finance teams need to look beyond the numbers, understand the business, communicate effectively, and develop the leadership skills needed to create greater impact.Eric Alexander
Only 6% of Finance Teams Actually Influence Decisions | Soufyan Hamid
Only 6% of Finance Teams Actually Influence Decisions | Soufyan Hamid Sep 10, 2026 58:02 In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Soufyan Hamid about financial storytelling, finance business partnering, and how finance professionals can move from reporting numbers to influencing business decisions. Soufyan explains why numbers need context, how finance teams can systematize storytelling, and why communication, business acumen, and empathy are essential skills f
Why Your Brilliant Financial Analysis Gets Ignored: The Precision Trap with Asif Masani
Why Your Brilliant Financial Analysis Gets Ignored: The Precision Trap with Asif Masani Sep 3, 2026 47:10 In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Asif Masani about his new book, The Precision Trap, and why finance teams can focus too much on accuracy and miss the decision window. Asif explains how FP&A professionals can deliver timely analysis, influence business decisions, and become stronger business partners.Asif Masani is a Director at FP&A Professionals Institute
The Budget Isn't the Goal. Building a Better Business Is with Zach & Chris
The Budget Isn't the Goal. Building a Better Business Is with Zach & Chris Aug 27, 2026 01:02:45 In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Zach Rial and Chris Ortega, alongside co-host Glenn Snyder, to discuss budgeting and forecasting best practices. The conversation explores how finance teams should think about the purpose of budgeting, balancing control with agility, involving the business in the planning process, and using forecasting as a tool for better deci
Should Finance Pros Be Using Vibe Coding to Build Their Own Tools? with Brock & Natalia
Should Finance Pros Be Using Vibe Coding to Build Their Own Tools? with Brock & Natalia Aug 20, 2026 58:59 In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Brock Beyer and Natalia Kudinova to discuss how vibe coding is changing the way finance professionals automate work and build practical tools. They explore real-world use cases, AI token costs, security and maintenance concerns, and why finance teams should start with simple, repetitive processes rather than business-critical

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