How Finance Analysts Can Solve Excel Chaos Build Authority and Launch a Business with Paul Barnhurst

FP&A Unboxed

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In this engaging episode of the FP&A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh sits down with Paul Barnhurst, the Founder of The FP&A Guy, Co-Founder of Plan Buddies, Podcast Host of Financial Modeler's Corner and FP&A Tomorrow and Co-Host of Future Finance. Paul shares his fascinating career journey from government procurement and corporate finance at American Express to launching his own FP&A consulting business and becoming a thought leader with over 300 podcast interviews under his belt.

Paul candidly discusses the transition from traditional employment to entrepreneurship, the unique challenges of managing cash flow and value creation in a solo business, and the immense growth of FP&A tools and technology. He highlights the evolution of FP&A from a support function to a strategic business partner, emphasizing the critical importance of data ownership, infrastructure, and storytelling.

Whether you’re building an FP&A team, considering implementing new tech, or trying to level up your storytelling and business partnership skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights, personal stories, and tactical advice to help you succeed.

Key Takeaways

FP&A is increasingly seen as a strategic, consultative function, not just a reporting team.

Building a personal brand can open unexpected doors—even for introverts—with structured effort and deliberate practice.

Data problems are often people and process problems in disguise.

A strong FP&A infrastructure (technology, process, and data ownership) is key to team productivity and retention.

Successful FP&A tool implementation depends more on clean data, thoughtful change management, and the right partner than just the software.

Noteworthy Quotes

"Data problems are rarely data problems. They're usually processes and people problems." – Paul Barnhurst

"Own your data before you try to go fancy with platforms." – Paul Barnhurst

"No one ever joined FP&A because they love cleaning spreadsheets." – Paul Barnhurst

"Being curious is not enough, you need humble curiosity to truly understand the business." – Paul Barnhurst

"Good infrastructure turns good people into great performers." – Paul Barnhurst

Key Timestamps

[00:00:00] Coming up next & Call to Action

[00:01:41] Welcoming Paul Barnhurst & Career Background, Journey

[00:07:23] Entrepreneurship, Risk & Early Business Challenges

[00:10:01] Evolution of FP&A Functions & Tech Adoption

[00:13:25] Data Governance: People vs. Tools

[00:15:40] Future of FP&A Tools & AI's Role

[00:23:06] The Critical Role of Data Ownership

[00:26:28] Storytelling & Presentation Skills for Finance Professionals

[00:28:43] Importance of FP&A Infrastructure & Team Retention

[00:33:11] Podcasting Insights: Excel MVPs, Modeling Fails & Fun Anecdotes

[00:40:36] Market Trends: Platform Preferences & Excel’s Role

[00:45:09] Successful Implementation of FP&A Tools: Key Criteria

[00:49:17] The Future of FP&A Roles: Strategic and Operational Blend

[00:51:52] Top Skills & Certifications for Aspiring FP&A Professionals

[00:55:17] Closing Reflections & Sign-Off

FOLLOW OUR GUEST PAUL BARNHURST ON:

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

Company: https://www.thefpandaguy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefpandaguy/

FOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:

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

Website: https://aksharconsulting.co.uk/

FOLLOW FP&A UNBOXED PODCAST ON:

Website: https://aksharconsulting.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aksharconsultingltd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aksharbusinessconsulting

X: https://x.com/AksharBusiness

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aksharbusinessconsulting?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc