FP&A Unboxed

Want to find out how your FP&amp;A function stack up against the best in class? Take our FREE FP&amp;A Assessment and get personalized insights. 👉 https://bit.ly/fpand-a-maturity-assessmentIn this powerful episode of the FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh is joined by Dhawal Parvatikar, co-founder of the FP&amp;A Professional Institute and an experienced CFO and finance mentor with nearly two decades of leadership across India and the Middle East. Dhawal shares his personal journey from audit to FP&amp;A leadership, offering actionable advice on adapting mindsets, building cross-functional relationships, and harnessing automation in finance.With stories from Bharat Petroleum to building a 200+ CFO community and launching an FP&amp;A certification, Dhawal unpacks what it truly means to be a strategic finance partner in today’s fast-changing, tech-enabled world.This episode is a must-listen for any finance professional aiming to elevate their influence, credibility, and strategic value in the organization.Key TakeawaysShift from Audit to FP&amp;A: Embrace continuous processes and focus on business decision-making over compliance.Two Critical FP&amp;A Skills: CFOs are looking for business acumen and relationship-building — not Excel formulas.Automate to Elevate: Save time from manual reporting and reallocate effort toward analysis and strategic support.Reverse Engineer Your Insights: Always start with what your stakeholders actually want — and deliver just that.FP&amp;A’s AI Future: Leaner teams with embedded AI will define the next phase of FP&amp;A transformation.Noteworthy Quotes“Finance professionals need to start with solutions, not just say no.” – Dhawal Parvatikar“You don’t need 10 analysts to scale — you need automation and sharper skills.” – Dhawal Parvatikar“Reverse engineer your reports with the stakeholder in mind.” – Dhawal Parvatikar“Relationships and business sense beat tools every time.” – Dhawal Parvatikar“AI will reduce manual work, but the sense check will always be your responsibility.” – Dhawal ParvatikarKey Timestamps00:17 – Coming up next &amp; Call to Action01:42 – Introduction to guest – Dhawal Parvatikar02:56 – Career beginnings &amp; FP&amp;A learning curve05:36 – Audit to FP&amp;A: Key mindset and skill shifts07:40 – Navigating cross-cultural and multi-entity challenges11:28 – Real-life automation wins and ROI16:05 – Influence at the executive level: Less is more20:07 – Two must-have skills for modern FP&amp;A professionals22:51 – Founding FP&amp;A Professional Institute32:17 – The future of FP&amp;A: AI, lean teams &amp; new certifications33:26 – Advice for FP&amp;A beginners and career movers36:20 – What finance often gets wrong in cross-functional relationships40:32 – Final thoughts: Business acumen + tech = future-proofFOLLOW OUR GUEST DHAWAL PARVATIKAR ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhawal-parvatikar-520b771a/ FP&amp;A Professionals Institute https://www.linkedin.com/company/fpa-professionals/ FOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasparikh/Website: https://aksharconsulting.co.uk/FOLLOW FP&amp;A UNBOXED PODCAST ON:Website: <a...

Want to find out how your FP&amp;A function stack up against the best in class? Take our FREE FP&amp;A Assessment and get personalized insights.&nbsp; 👉 https://bit.ly/fpand-a-maturity-assessmentIn this insightful episode of the FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh is joined by two dynamic finance leaders: Alwyn Jones, CFO at Luno, and Megan Walbyoff, soon-to-be maternity leave-taker and Commercial Finance Director at Luno. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities in FP&amp;A within the crypto and financial services industry, touching on how agility, data-driven decisions, and strategic forecasting play pivotal roles in shaping business outcomes. The episode dives deep into how finance teams must adapt and collaborate across departments to maintain effective decision-making processes amidst fluctuating markets. From unit economics to the balance of commercial insights, this discussion provides valuable takeaways for finance professionals navigating an unpredictable business landscape.Key TakeawaysBalance of Data and Intuition: In fast-moving industries like crypto, FP&amp;A teams need to blend data analysis with business intuition for effective decisions.Strategic Forecasting: Scenario planning and thoughtful forecasting are key to managing market volatility, knowing certainty is elusive.Customer Unit Economics: Analyzing customer profitability helps drive strategic shifts and better decision-making, as seen with Luno.Partnership with Business Teams: FP&amp;A must collaborate with business leaders to align financial strategy with business goals.Adapting to Change: Quick adjustments to forecasts and strategies are essential in fast-changing environments.Noteworthy Quotes"FP&amp;A is the cool side of finance." – Megan Walbyoff"The real skill in FP&amp;A is not just analysis but judgment." – Alwyn Jones"Numbers are right if based on real-time data, but strategy comes in interpretation." – Tejas Parikh"FP&amp;A is about partnership, not just spreadsheets." – Alwyn Jones"Every business has that one person who says the number is wrong." – Tejas Parikh"FP&amp;A pros need balance between detail and big-picture thinking, plus curiosity." – Megan Walbyoff"The future of FP&amp;A is integrating financial and operational data for actionable insights." – Alwyn Jones"In volatile markets, the right number today may not be right tomorrow—stay adaptable." – Megan WalbyoffKey Timestamps00:28 - Intro: Welcome and Call to Action for the Episode01:10 - Meet the Guests: Alwyn Jones and Megan Walbyoff Introduction02:33 - Balancing FP&amp;A and Commercial Finance Priorities07:06 - Adapting to Market Shifts and Forecasting Challenges11:10 - Managing Forecasts and Board Expectations in Volatile Markets13:14 - Navigating a Disruptive Market and External Influences20:52 - When FP&amp;A's forecast convinces the board or investors to back a bold initiative.31:28 - Key attribute that FP&amp;A professionals should have 37:48 - FP&amp;A's Role in Gaining Board Confidence During Crisis38:58 - Future of FP&amp;A: Evolving with Data-Driven Decisions50:08 - Closing Thoughts on FP&amp;A, Strategy, and Business PartnershipsFOLLOW OUR GUEST ALWYN JONES &amp; MEGAN WALBYOFF ON: LinkedIn Alwyn Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alwynhjones/ LinkedIn Megan Walbyoff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-w-33668622/FOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasparikh/Website: https://aksharconsulting.co.uk/FOLLOW FP&amp;A UNBOXED PODCAST ON:Website:...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to Power BI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this insightful episode of the FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh chats with Manoj Jain, Head of Finance at The Marbrook Centre &amp; Ardale care homes group, an experienced finance professional and business leader. Manoj shares his experiences as a CFO, especially after implementing Power BI and Aimplan in his organization. The conversation dives deep into the challenges and transformations that come with upgrading financial systems and reporting processes, while highlighting the strategic role of finance in SMEs. Manoj discusses how targeted realism in forecasting, driver-based budgeting, and collaborative planning have reshaped financial decision-making in his company.This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals looking to elevate their approach to forecasting, reporting, and strategic business planning.Key TakeawaysTargeted Realism in Forecasting: Forecasts must strike a balance between ambition and defensibility through scenario planning and sensitivity analysis.Collaboration Over Control: Successful financial models are co-created with business partners who understand the key drivers of performance.Effective Communication: Finance professionals need to not only build models but also confidently communicate and challenge assumptions.Cashflow Visibility: In SMEs, cashflow management is crucial, daily visibility and adaptable models are key to survival.Invest in the Build Phase: Rushing through the build of a financial model compromises credibility. Strong foundations are essential to withstand investor scrutiny.Noteworthy Quotes"Your forecast is right for now. It’s not a crystal ball, it's a living, changing tool." – Manoj Jain"Driver-based planning has to be collaborative. It’s not top-down or bottom-up, it’s across." – Manoj Jain"Don’t rush the build. If your model isn’t watertight, investors will drive a truck through it." – Manoj Jain"We are owners, not renters, in finance, no matter if you’re fractional or full-time." – Manoj Jain"Forecasting is both an art and a science, knowing how to structure and when to adapt." – Manoj JainKey Timestamps00:00 – Coming up next &amp; Call to Action01:15 – Introduction to guest – Manoj Jain03:51 – Choosing the Right Partner05:30 – Before vs After Power BI &amp; Aimplan06:24 – Finance &amp; COO Collaboration Shift07:56 – Standardized Models &amp; Automation09:13 – Consolidation Challenges &amp; Sector Complexity10:38 – Variance Analysis Enabling Fast Decisions12:06 – Scalability &amp; Forecasting for Growth13:35 – Biggest Win &amp; Key Challenges17:14 – Strategic Focus Through Automation19:51 – Future of Finance &amp; Broader Data Use21:34 – What Makes a Great Transformation Partner26:47 –&nbsp; Closing thoughtsFOLLOW OUR GUEST MANOJ JAIN ON:&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manojfinanceFOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasparikh/Website: https://aksharconsulting.co.uk/FOLLOW FP&amp;A UNBOXED PODCAST ON:Website: <a href="https://aksharconsulting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to Power BI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this insightful episode of FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh sits down with Gemma Doran, Portfolio Chief Finance Officer at The CFO Centre UK who specializes in the leisure and hospitality sectors, treasury management, and fundraising. With extensive experience scaling SMEs and startups, Gemma unpacks the art of balancing “targeted realism” in financial forecasting, how to structure cashflows that adapt in fast-paced environments, and the real value of immersive business understanding in FP&amp;A.Gemma shares practical advice on building flexible models, engaging stakeholders through collaborative driver-based budgeting, and how storytelling and communication are essential tools in the finance professional’s toolkit. Whether you’re a junior FP&amp;A analyst or a seasoned CFO, this episode delivers tangible takeaways to elevate your forecasting and financial storytelling game.Key TakeawaysTargeted Realism in Forecasting: Forecasts must reflect ambition while staying defensible through scenario planning and sensitivity analysis.Collaboration Over Control: Driver-based models are only effective when co-created with business partners who understand the real levers of performance.Communication is Crucial: Great analysts and CFOs must not only build models but also explain and challenge assumptions with confidence.Cashflow Visibility is Everything: In SMEs, cashflow management is often hand-to-mouth, daily visibility and flexible models are key.Invest Time in the Build Phase: Rushing a financial model compromises credibility, building strong foundations to withstand investor scrutiny.Noteworthy Quotes"Your forecast is right for now. It’s not a crystal ball, it's a living, changing tool." – Gemma Doran"Driver-based planning has to be collaborative. It’s not top-down or bottom-up, it’s across." – Gemma Doran"Don’t rush the build. If your model isn’t watertight, investors will drive a truck through it." – Gemma Doran"We are owners, not renters, in finance, no matter if you’re fractional or full-time." – Gemma Doran"Forecasting is both an art and a science, knowing how to structure and when to adapt." – Gemma DoranKey Timestamps[00:00] Coming up next &amp; Call to Action[01:17] Introduction to guest – Gemma Doran[02:09] The rise of fractional CFOs in the SME world[05:24] Balancing targeted realism in SME forecasting[07:32] Driver-based budgeting and stakeholder alignment[09:25] Core mindsets needed in a chaotic SME finance environment[13:20] Visuals vs. logic: Effective storytelling in SME FP&amp;A[16:09] Pitfalls in theoretical financial modelling[19:42] Cashflow control at a micro level in SMEs[25:13] Why you must invest time in the model-building phase[26:29] Structuring rolling forecasts for shifting business landscapes[28:11] Forecasting: art or science?[29:18] ESG and the future of finance modeling[30:32] What FP&amp;A teams really need to be better strategic partnersFOLLOW OUR GUEST GEMMA DORAN ON:&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-doran-a7a68b28p/Website: https://www.cfocentre.com/FOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasparikh/?originalSubdomain=uk" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to Power BI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this powerful episode of FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh speaks with Erik Lidman, Founder and CEO at Aimplan - Extending Power BI and Fabric with Operational and Financial Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting. With 29 years of experience in the CPM space, Erik shares his journey from consulting to founding Aimplan and discusses how finance professionals can leverage technology, data, and AI for better decision making and business success.Erik shares challenges of managing data in finance, the importance of selecting the right financial planning tool, and how platforms like Power BI can revolutionize the way organizations handle reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. He also offers practical advice for finance leaders on how to stay relevant as automation and AI continue to evolve the finance landscape.Key TakeawaysData Ownership &amp; Integration: Owning your data warehouse and integrating it across systems like Power BI is crucial for future-proofing your finance operations.Power BI for FP&amp;A: Finance leaders should embrace tools like Power BI not just for analytics but for financial reporting and planning.AI and Automation: As AI and automation shape the future of finance, finance professionals should focus on enhancing their data analysis skills rather than just administrative tasks.Selecting the Right EPM Tool: Understand your requirements and business maturity before selecting a CPM tool, as not all tools fit every company’s needs.Noteworthy Quotes"Data ownership is key, if you don't own your data, you're putting your business at risk." – Erik Lidman"Power BI is a game-changer for finance, it’s not just for dashboards, but for true financial reporting and forecasting." – Erik Lidman"The future of FP&amp;A is not just about finance, it's about integrating business data to drive decision-making across the entire organization." – Erik Lidman"Automating your processes is important, but knowing the business and adding strategic value is what makes a great finance leader." – Erik Lidman"If you can't explain the data and give real insights to the business, you’re just presenting numbers, not making an impact." – Erik LidmanKey Timestamps[00:00] Coming up next &amp; Call to Action[01:35] Introduction of guest - Erik Lidman[07:05] The role of Power BI in transforming FP&amp;A functions[10:01] Leveraging Power BI for financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting[13:25] Understanding your data: From ERP to finance systems[15:40] Why selecting the right EPM tool is critical for organizational growth[19:00] The challenges of data quality and how to overcome them[22:30] The evolving role of FP&amp;A professionals with AI and automation[28:43] How to get started with Power BI in finance[33:00] The importance of requirement gathering in selecting the right financial tool[37:30] The future of FP&amp;A: Key trends and skills for finance leaders[46:00] Closing thoughts and advice for aspiring FP&amp;A professionalsFOLLOW OUR GUEST ERIK LIDMAN ON:&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriklidman/Website: https://www.aimplan.com/FOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasparikh/?originalSubdomain=uk" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to PowerBI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this dynamic episode of FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh chats with Alysha Randall, Founder &amp; CEO of Fast Growth Consulting Limited, Author of the Book: Financial Leadership Fundamentals: How to become a CFO in a startup or scaleup, Founder &amp; Finance Professional Trainer at Financial Leadership Foundations, Treasurer Trustee at Sustainable Merton, and Founding Member of the Female Founders Directory. Alysha takes us through her 20-year journey from scaling startups like LoveFilm and Funding Circle to becoming a fractional CFO and leadership coach.She shares powerful lessons on how automation has transformed finance roles, why building a strong foundation matters more than tools, and what truly makes a finance leader effective in high-growth environments. Alysha also opens up about her transition from manager to leader, the wake-up call that changed her mindset, and her mission to help others lead with confidence.Whether you're a finance analyst battling Excel chaos, a CFO navigating fast growth, or an aspiring leader trying to level up, this episode is packed with real talk, practical advice, and empowering takeaways.Key TakeawaysDon’t chase tools, fix your processes first.Strong foundations (reconciliations, compliance, process reviews) are critical before scaling.Leadership is not about working harder, it's about changing how you think and support others.Finance leaders need to regularly revisit, review, and refine their operations.Communication and confidence are essential to modern FP&amp;A and leadership success.Noteworthy Quotes“If your company quadrupled today, would your finance function survive?” – Alysha Randall“Being a leader doesn’t mean working the hardest. It means knowing what really matters and leading with intention.” – Alysha Randall“If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” – Alysha Randall“Leadership isn’t about having the title, it’s about shifting how you think, communicate, and influence.” – Alysha Randall“Confidence doesn’t come with the title. You build it before you earn it.” – Alysha Randall“The best ideas come when you give your brain space to rest.” – Alysha Randall“Your finance function is only as scalable as your processes allow it to be.” – Alysha RandallKey Timestamps00:00 – Coming up next &amp; Call to Action01:43 – Alysha’s startup journey from LoveFilm to Funding Circle07:52 – Key Components of a Finance Functions10:01 – The evolution of finance ops &amp; impact of automation13:25 – Process design vs. shiny new tools15:40 – Getting control without losing ability23:06 – Leadership wake-up call &amp; imposter syndrome28:43 – Communication &amp; team development tips33:11 – Gender gaps, asking for what you're worth, and equal pay39:29 – One thing Most FP&amp;A functions need today to become better43:53 – Closing thoughtsFOLLOW OUR GUEST ALYSHA RANDALL ON:&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysharandall/Website: https://fastgrowthconsulting.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastgrowth_consulting/FOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:LinkedIn: <a...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to PowerBI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this engaging episode of the FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh sits down with Paul Barnhurst, the Founder of The FP&amp;A Guy, Co-Founder of Plan Buddies, Podcast Host of Financial Modeler's Corner and FP&amp;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&amp;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&amp;A tools and technology. He highlights the evolution of FP&amp;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&amp;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 TakeawaysFP&amp;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&amp;A infrastructure (technology, process, and data ownership) is key to team productivity and retention.Successful FP&amp;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&amp;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 BarnhurstKey Timestamps[00:00:00] Coming up next &amp; Call to Action[00:01:41] Welcoming Paul Barnhurst &amp; Career Background, Journey[00:07:23] Entrepreneurship, Risk &amp; Early Business Challenges[00:10:01] Evolution of FP&amp;A Functions &amp; Tech Adoption[00:13:25] Data Governance: People vs. Tools[00:15:40] Future of FP&amp;A Tools &amp; AI's Role[00:23:06] The Critical Role of Data Ownership[00:26:28] Storytelling &amp; Presentation Skills for Finance Professionals[00:28:43] Importance of FP&amp;A Infrastructure &amp; Team Retention[00:33:11] Podcasting Insights: Excel MVPs, Modeling Fails &amp; Fun Anecdotes[00:40:36] Market Trends: Platform Preferences &amp; Excel’s Role[00:45:09] Successful Implementation of FP&amp;A Tools: Key Criteria[00:49:17] The Future of FP&amp;A Roles: Strategic and Operational Blend[00:51:52] Top Skills &amp; Certifications for Aspiring FP&amp;A Professionals[00:55:17] Closing Reflections &amp; Sign-OffFOLLOW OUR GUEST PAUL BARNHURST ON:&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy/Company: <a href="https://www.thefpandaguy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to PowerBI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this episode of FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh chats with Dan Crumb, Chief Financial Office at Kansas City Chiefs from 15 years. Dan shares his unique journey into sports finance, highlighting the distinct challenges of forecasting and budgeting for a major sports franchise, including handling variable revenues like ticket sales, sponsorship, and game-day operations affected by weather and team performance. He discusses how implementing modern financial systems like Vienna transformed their budgeting process by improving accuracy, transparency, and empowering business units. Dan also shares how strategic finance leadership supports both short-term agility and long-term initiatives like stadium development and international expansion. This episode is packed with actionable insights for finance professionals looking to lead finance functions in dynamic and complex industries.Key TakeawaysSports finance involves unique forecasting challenges driven by game-day variables and team performance.Transitioning from Excel-based processes to integrated systems like Vienna can drastically reduce budgeting cycle times and improve accuracy.Empowering departments to manage their own budgets enhances ownership and agility.Strategic finance leadership is critical for supporting major initiatives like stadium projects and global market expansion.A forward-looking mindset and strong data governance enable agile decision-making and capitalizing on growth opportunities.Noteworthy Quotes"We want people who think like the owner, treating every dollar as if it’s theirs." – Dan Crumb"Switching to Vienna cut our budgeting process by 3 to 4 weeks and improved transparency." – Dan Crumb"In sports, you must prepare every season as if you’re going to the Super Bowl." – Dan Crumb"Good data and flexible modeling are the foundation of effective forecasting." – Dan Crumb"Leadership is about trust, embracing change, and leveraging technology." – Dan CrumbKey Timestamps[00:00:00] Coming up next &amp; Call to Action[00:01:23] Introduction &amp; Welcome to Dan Crumb [00:06:33] Unique Challenges of Sports Finance Forecasting[00:13:55] Supporting Strategic Initiatives: Stadium &amp; Expansion[00:19:45] Scenario Planning &amp; Revenue Stream Modeling[00:25:18] Moving from Reactive to Predictive Finance[00:28:32] Key Hiring Criteria for Forward-Looking Finance Teams[00:32:26] Advice for Aspiring CFOs &amp; FP&amp;A Leaders[00:39:25] What Skills and certification requires for entering FP&amp;A[00:42:38] Closing Thoughts on Leadership and CultureFOLLOW OUR GUEST DAN CRUMB ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-crumb-971a1915/Company: https://www.chiefs.com/FOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasparikh/Website: https://aksharconsulting.co.uk/FOLLOW FP&amp;A UNBOXED PODCAST ON:Website: <a href="https://aksharconsulting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to PowerBI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this insightful episode of the FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh speaks with Duke Heninger, CPA, Partner at Amplēo and creator of CFO systems. Duke brings years of experience in helping CFOs and organizations improve their financial strategy and decision-making processes. He shares his journey from accounting to strategic finance, highlighting how FP&amp;A can drive organizational success through data-driven insights and business partnering.Duke discusses the importance of speed over precision in smaller companies, the evolution of the CFO role, and how FP&amp;A professionals can shift from traditional accounting functions to becoming strategic business partners. This episode provides actionable tips for CFOs and finance professionals on building effective teams, embracing technology, and making impactful business decisions.Key TakeawaysSpeed vs. Accuracy in Small Business: How prioritizing speed over absolute accuracy can benefit smaller organizations.Evolving CFO Role: The transition from traditional accounting to a strategic finance role, focusing on business growth.Building Effective Teams: The importance of having the right people, processes, and technology to elevate the CFO role.AI in Finance: How AI is transforming finance functions, especially in small businesses, and enhancing productivity.Business Partnering: The value of communication and understanding the business to become a true finance partner.Noteworthy Quotes "Speed is better than accuracy, especially in small businesses where decisions must be made quickly." – Duke Heninger"The role of FP&amp;A is evolving, and we must embrace technology to help drive better decision-making." – Duke Heninger"In smaller businesses, you need to balance the technical side with a deep understanding of business operations." – Duke Heninger"AI won’t take your job, but it will change your job for the better if you embrace it." – Duke Heninger"To be a true business partner, you must understand not only the numbers but also what drives those numbers." – Duke HeningerKey Timestamps[00:00:00] Coming up next &amp; Call to Action[00:01:17] Introduction to Duke Heninger and his career journey[00:04:53] Biggest Breakthrough is Forecasting and Cash Forecasting[00:07:01] How CFOs evolve from accounting to strategic leadership[00:12:30] Building the right team with people, processes, and technology[00:17:45] The impact of AI on finance and business decisions[00:22:00] How to become a true business partner in finance[00:27:00] Leveraging technology to improve business performance[00:47:21] The future of FP&amp;A and its growing importance in smaller businesses[00:50:42] Closing thoughts: Elevating finance to add value to the organizationFOLLOW OUR GUEST DUKE HENINGER ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dukeheninger/Company (CFO System): https://www.cfosystem.com/Company (Amplēo): https://ampleo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dukeheninger/FOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:LinkedIn: <a...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to PowerBI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/powerbi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this insightful episode of the FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh speaks with Deepak Hooda, a Commercial Finance Director with a history in Private Equity Specializing in Multiple PE Exits and M&amp;A. Deepak brings over a decade of experience in the M&amp;A and exit environment, offering unique perspectives on the financial, operational, and strategic elements crucial for a successful business exit. He shares his expertise on preparing businesses for sale, the importance of telling a compelling business story, and the critical role FP&amp;A plays in supporting decision-making. Deepak also discusses the need for system maturity, effective governance, and incentivizing teams during the exit process. This episode is packed with practical advice for finance leaders navigating exits and M&amp;A, emphasizing the importance of a well-prepared business and strong communication between teams and stakeholders.Key TakeawaysStorytelling in Exits: A compelling business story can make or break a transaction, even in challenging times.Aligning KPIs: Understanding headcount, costs, and performance helps craft a convincing growth narrative during exits.Technical Competency: Knowing accounting standards and revenue recognition is critical for preparing for a successful exit.System Maturity: Relying on Excel models during exit signals risk; robust systems ensure smoother transitions.Team Incentives: Rewarding teams, even if the exit doesn’t go as planned, maintains morale and prepares for future opportunities.Financial Cycles &amp; Reforecasting: Flexible forecasting is vital for aligning with buyer expectations and adjusting during the exit process.Noteworthy Quotes "The story is the first thing; without a compelling story, no one will buy your business." – Deepak Hooda"Having a solid financial and operational story, even after a tough period, can greatly aid in securing a successful exit." – Deepak Hooda"In M&amp;A, transparency is key. If you're transparent about your challenges and improvements, buyers are more likely to trust your business." – Deepak Hooda"If your systems aren't up to date and you're relying on Excel, you're sending a red flag to potential buyers." – Deepak Hooda"Team incentives are critical; they keep everyone motivated through a tough exit process." – Deepak HoodaKey Timestamps[00:00:00]&nbsp; Coming up next &amp; Call to Action[00:05:17]&nbsp; Deepak’s Journey in Commercial Finance &amp; Private Equity[00:07:10]&nbsp; The Role of FP&amp;A in M&amp;A &amp; Exit Strategy[00:09:43]&nbsp; Telling a Compelling Story for Buyers[00:11:00]&nbsp; Balancing Transparency and Optimism in Storytelling[00:13:30]&nbsp; Measuring Influence and KPIs during Exit Planning[00:17:12]&nbsp; The Importance of Understanding Complex Revenue Streams[00:19:40]&nbsp; Creating a Robust Financial Cycle &amp; Reforecasting[00:22:24]&nbsp; System Maturity &amp; Leveraging Technology in Exit Preparation[00:27:15]&nbsp; Linking Staff Costs to Business Strategy[00:30:23]&nbsp; Team Structure &amp; Mindset During an Exit Process[00:35:25]&nbsp; The Importance of Incentives &amp; Recognition During the Exit Process[00:39:12]&nbsp; Preparing Your Team for Future ExitsFOLLOW OUR GUEST DEEPAK HOODA ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepakhooda/?originalSubdomain=ukFOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:LinkedIn: <a...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to PowerBI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this episode of the FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh speaks with Kevin Flaming, Chief Financial Officer at Elder HQ, a role he has held for nearly six years. Kevin shares his unique journey from auditor and accountant to CFO, highlighting his passion for using finance as a strategic partner to drive business success. They discuss how FP&amp;A plays a pivotal role in guiding business decisions, the importance of aligning finance with operational realities, and the power of storytelling in influencing stakeholders. Kevin also shares fascinating insights on leveraging AI to transform customer insights and the evolving role of FP&amp;A in agile, fast-paced businesses.This episode is packed with real-world examples and practical advice for finance professionals seeking to elevate their role and impact within organizations.Key TakeawaysStrategic Finance: Finance guides the business like a radar and rudder, not just a back-office function.Data Integration: Combining operational and financial data drives deeper insights and better decisions.Aligned KPIs: Simple, clear KPIs aligned across departments prevent silos and promote success.Storytelling: Translating data into relatable stories influences cross-functional leaders.Agile FP&amp;A: Frequent performance reviews enable early issue detection and quick adjustments.Early Leadership: Strategic finance leadership early on boosts valuation and readiness.AI Insights: AI helps predict customer behavior and reduce churn proactively.Curiosity: FP&amp;A pros must stay curious, dive deep, and challenge assumptions.Noteworthy Quotes "Finance is the radar and rudder of the ship." – Kevin Flaming "Overlaying operational data with financials gives you a fundamentally different view of the business." – Kevin Flaming "Storytelling is essential, translating financials into language non-financial stakeholders understand." – Kevin Flaming "Bring in your finance leadership early, ideally 2-3 years before a fundraising or exit event." – Kevin Flaming "Curiosity is key, be willing to get into the weeds and challenge the status quo." – Kevin FlamingKey Timestamps [00:00:00] Coming up next &amp; Call to Action [00:01:15] Introduction &amp; Kevin’s Career Journey [00:05:35] Finance as the Radar and Rudder of Business [00:07:30] Case Study: Online vs Offline Customer Journey &amp; Data Insights [00:13:30] FP&amp;A Operating Rhythm &amp; Alignment with Strategy [00:17:00] KPIs &amp; Business Equation Simplification [00:22:30] The Role of Storytelling in Finance [00:39:30] When to Bring in Strategic Finance Leadership [00:44:00] Impact of Early Finance Leadership on Business Valuation [00:46:00] Using AI to Understand Customer Behavior &amp; Predict Churn [00:51:36] Skills &amp; Certifications for Aspiring FP&amp;A ProfessionalsFOLLOW OUR GUEST KEVIN FLAMING ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/businessoxygen/?originalSubdomain=ukCompany: https://elder.org/FOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasparikh/Website: <a href="https://aksharconsulting.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to PowerBI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this episode of the FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh speaks with Gowthaman Balendra, the Head of FP&amp;A at Verian Group. With over 7 years of experience in senior finance roles, Gowthaman shares his journey from a senior finance manager to heading the FP&amp;A function at a fast-paced, private equity-backed company.Gowthaman shares the key challenges he faced in the first 90 days of his new leadership role, his approach to building a data-driven FP&amp;A function, and his perceptions into the evolving role of finance professionals in today’s fast-paced business environment. He discusses the importance of aligning financial strategy with business goals, the value of automation in FP&amp;A, and building strong relationships with C-suite executives. This episode is packed with actionable insights for finance professionals aiming to become strategic partners within their organizations and to lead FP&amp;A teams toward success.Key TakeawaysStrategic Finance: Finance guides the business like a radar and rudder, not just a back-office function.Data Integration: Combining operational and financial data drives deeper insights and better decisions.Aligned KPIs: Simple, clear KPIs aligned across departments prevent silos and promote success.Storytelling: Translating data into relatable stories influences cross-functional leaders.Agile FP&amp;A: Frequent performance reviews enable early issue detection and quick adjustments.Actionable Forecasting: Forecasts should connect directly to strategy and department goals.Early Leadership: Strategic finance leadership early on boosts valuation and readiness.AI Insights: AI helps predict customer behavior and reduce churn proactively.Curiosity: FP&amp;A pros must stay curious, dive deep, and challenge assumptions.Noteworthy Quotes"Having a personal strategy is crucial – write it down, define your mission, and break it into actionable goals." – Gowthaman Balendra"Data inputs are the foundation of your analysis. Garbage in, garbage out." – Tejas Parikh"In FP&amp;A, you are the gatekeeper of the single source of truth in the business." – Gowthaman Balendra"The role of FP&amp;A is not just about reporting numbers but about telling the story behind those numbers." – Gowthaman Balendra"The future of FP&amp;A is about making data-driven decisions in real time, not waiting for reports." – Gowthaman BalendraKey Timestamps[00:00:00] Coming up next &amp; Call to Action[00:01:10] Guest Introduction: Gowthaman’s career and leadership journey[00:04:08] The challenges of building an FP&amp;A function from scratch[00:07:30] Personal career strategy and how it guides decision-making[00:11:00] Key differences between senior finance roles and FP&amp;A leadership[00:17:00] First 90 days: Assessing the FP&amp;A function and setting priorities[00:21:30] Quick wins for building credibility in a new leadership role[00:25:00] Understanding data inputs: The importance of clean data[00:28:00] The importance of automation and its role in FP&amp;A[00:32:30] How to become a strategic finance business partner[00:36:00] The future of FP&amp;A in 3 to 5 years: Virtual analysts and live data[00:49:45] Skills and Certification looking to acquire at the Start of FP&amp;A [00:53:52] Closing thoughts: Building strong relationships and adding valueFOLLOW OUR GUEST GOWTHAMAN BALENDRA ON:LinkedIn: <a...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to PowerBI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this episode of the FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh from Akshar Business Consulting Ltd speaks with Ron Monteiro, CPA, CMA Speaker, Facilitator, and Coach at Clear Concept Inc., and Founder of KiCT and has over 15 years of experience in senior finance roles. He’s worked at Kraft Foods, Campbell Soup, and Kruger Products, moving from analyst to Director of FP&amp;A and VP of Finance. Ron is also a coach, consultant, and author of the book Love Mondays,&nbsp;Ron shares insights into the importance of a growth mindset, how to foster relationships across functions, and how finance professionals can become more effective business partners. Ron discusses the importance of soft skills, such as leadership and communication, in addition to technical skills. He emphasizes how these qualities allow finance professionals to build confidence and make better business decisions.Key TakeawaysGrowth Mindset: The importance of embracing change, even for naturally introverted finance professionals.Balancing Soft Skills &amp; Technical Skills: Why a successful FP&amp;A professional must have both.The Role of Confidence in Leadership: How to work on soft skills and have a presence in meetings.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Why it's critical to build relationships with other departments to gain a holistic understanding of the business.Making Bold Decisions: How to present well-informed, impactful recommendations that drive business growth.How to Lead Change: Effective strategies for implementing change and gaining buy-in from teams.Noteworthy Quotes"You can’t make decisions in a vacuum. You need the full picture from every part of the business." – Ron Monteiro"Soft skills are just as important as technical skills, especially for leaders in finance." – Ron Monteiro"Change is inevitable, but the ability to adapt to it and lead through it is what separates great finance professionals from good ones." – Ron Monteiro"To be successful in FP&amp;A, you must embrace the gray areas, not just the black and white." – Ron Monteiro"You have to be confident enough to challenge the status quo and present your recommendations, even in the face of resistance." – Ron MonteiroKey Timestamps[00:00:00] Coming up next and Call to Action[00:01:19] Guest Introduction &amp; Ron’s Career Journey[00:03:00] How Ron transitioned from accounting to FP&amp;A[00:07:45] The importance of soft skills in leadership and finance[00:12:30] The value of cross-functional collaboration for finance professionals[00:17:15] Building relationships and trust across departments[00:22:00] Implementing change and managing resistance in teams[00:28:30] Leading with confidence: the key to being a successful FP&amp;A leader[00:30:38] Ron’s advice for aspiring FP&amp;A professionalsFOLLOW OUR GUEST RON MONTEIRO ON:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronmonteiro18/Website: https://clearconceptinc.ca/https://www.kictinc.com/FOLLOW OUR HOST TEJAS PARIKH ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasparikh/Website: <a...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to PowerBI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-training__________________________________________________In this episode of the FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh from Akshar Business Consulting Ltd speaks with Andy Cox, the founder of Optimum Value Limited. They discuss the evolution of finance business partnering, particularly in the context of rapidly changing business environments driven by technology and data. Andy shares his extensive experience in the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors, emphasizing the shift in finance roles from traditional reporting to strategic business support. Andy highlights the need for finance professionals to adapt to changes, embrace technology, and develop their emotional intelligence to succeed as true business partners. If you're a finance professional, this episode offers an in-depth look at how finance business partnering is evolving and what steps you can take to ensure you stay ahead in your career.Key TakeawaysEmbracing Technology – Automation and AI are shifting finance roles from reporting to offering strategic insights.Leadership and Culture – Strong leadership fosters a culture of empowerment and collaboration, as demonstrated at Microsoft.Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – EQ is crucial for building relationships and influencing business decisions.The Power of Data – Data science is transforming financial decision-making, enabling finance professionals to add greater value.Being Brave and Bold – Stand by your convictions, ask the right questions, and make bold recommendations.The Future of FP&amp;A – FP&amp;A roles will focus more on business partnering and data-driven insights over the next 3-5 years.Noteworthy Quotes"Finance isn’t just about counting the dots; it’s about joining them and connecting the entire business." – Andy Cox"You need to have the right mindset to help your organization grow, and technology is there to help support that growth." – Andy Cox"It’s about asking the right questions, not having all the answers." – Andy Cox"Embrace change and technology—it’s the future of the finance profession." – Andy Cox"The real value comes when finance professionals stop just reporting and start recommending the next steps for the business." – Andy CoxKey Timestamps [00:00:00] Coming up next and Call to Action [00:01:11] Guest Introduction &amp; Overview of Optimum Value Limited [00:02:11] Andy's Career Journey: From TMT Sector to Finance Business Partner [00:09:30] Importance of Understanding How Business Functions Work Together [00:12:33] The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Finance [00:15:45] How Technology and Automation Shape the Future of Finance [00:20:14] How Marketing and Finance Can Work Together [00:23:09] The Role of Data Science in Finance [00:32:25] Balancing Financial Controls with Strategic Decision-Making [00:37:10] Building Relationships and Understanding Internal Customers [00:42:56] Key Tips for Developing Stronger Financial Business Partnerships [00:47:00] Predictions for the Future of FP&amp;A and Finance Business PartneringFOLLOW OUR GUEST ANDY COX ON&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcox1/&nbsp;Website: <a href="https://www.optimum-value.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to PowerBI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-trainingIn this episode of the FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh speaks with Daniel Paik, a former CFO and the founder of CuroWork. They discuss how back-office teams, including finance, can transform from cost centers into value creators, and how leveraging data and strategic initiatives can help drive business growth. Daniel shares insights from his career, highlighting the importance of understanding time management, automation, and the need for back-office teams to be aligned with business objectives.Daniel provides a fresh perspective on optimizing back-office operations and how he successfully implemented these strategies at his own company, resulting in impressive revenue growth and operational efficiency. He also touches on how finance professionals can contribute to business growth and how the shift in mindset is essential for success.If you work in finance, FP&amp;A, or lead a back-office team, this episode offers valuable advice on how to shift the focus from routine tasks to strategic work that directly impacts the bottom line.Key TakeawaysTransforming Back Office to Value Creator – How back-office teams can go from being seen as cost centers to contributing directly to business growth.The Role of Data in Back Office Efficiency – How tracking and managing time spent on tasks helps identify inefficiencies and prioritize growth.Leadership’s Role in Shaping Strategy – The impact of leadership on back-office teams’ understanding of business strategy and alignment.Automating and Standardizing Back Office Work – How automation and standardization can free up time for more strategic work.The Importance of Shifting Mindsets – Changing the way back-office teams view their roles and focusing on adding value to the company’s growth.Practical Steps to Optimize Back Office Operations – Daniel shares his approach to transforming back-office functions and achieving impressive results.Noteworthy Quotes"The back office is not just a cost center. It’s a value creator that can drive business growth." – Daniel Paik"Data is the foundation that helps back office teams transform from being reactive to being proactive in driving business outcomes." – Daniel Paik"We need to shift the mindset of back office teams to think about how they can help the business grow, not just keep it running." – Tejas Parikh"When you understand where your team is spending their time, you can start making decisions that drive efficiency and growth." – Daniel Paik"Leadership's job is to inspire and create a culture where back-office teams can help drive the company forward." – Daniel PaikKey Timestamps [00:00:00] Coming up next and Call to Action [00:01:15] Guest Introduction &amp; Overview of CuroWork [00:01:45] Daniel’s Journey from CFO to Founder of CuroWork [00:05:07] The Challenges Back Office Teams Face [00:09:30] Aligning Back Office with Business Strategy [00:12:20] Shifting the Mindset of Back Office Teams [00:15:20] Standardization and Automation in Back Office Operations [00:17:30] Real-Life Examples of Optimizing Back Office Work &amp; What is Strategy? [00:22:33] Measuring Success and Impact in Back Office Teams [00:31:55] System of Records &amp; The Future of Back Office Operations [00:34:27] How CuroWork Helps Optimize Back Office Functions [00:39:52]...

Get out of Excel Hell and enhance your financial analytics skills with our FREE Introduction to PowerBI for Financial Analysis: https://bit.ly/power-bi-financial-ananlysis-training_____________________________________________________In this episode of FP&amp;A Unboxed Podcast, host Tejas Parikh talks with Steve Rosvold about how finance roles are changing and what skills finance professionals need to succeed today. They go over how FP&amp;A is becoming more important in business decisions, what makes a great CFO, and how finance professionals can move beyond reporting numbers to influencing strategy.Steve Rosvold, the founder of CFO. University, shares lessons from his career as a CFO and explains the key areas that finance professionals should focus on to grow in their roles. He also talks about how technology and data are affecting finance and what professionals can do to stay ahead.If you work in FP&amp;A, finance, or want to become a CFO, this episode has useful advice on building a strong finance career, improving decision-making, and becoming a key part of your company’s success.Key TakeawaysThe Role of FP&amp;A is Changing – Finance teams today do more than just budgeting and reporting. They help companies make better decisions and prepare for the future.How FP&amp;A is Becoming More Strategic – Companies now rely on FP&amp;A teams to understand trends, manage risks, and plan for growth.Skills Finance Professionals Need – It’s not just about knowing numbers. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are just as important.How to Build a Great Finance Team – What to look for when hiring and how to help team members improve and grow in their roles.The Impact of Technology in Finance – Automation and data analytics are changing how finance teams work, and professionals need to keep up with these changes.Where FP&amp;A is Headed – What the future looks like for finance teams and how professionals can prepare.Noteworthy Quotes"Finance is no longer just about tracking numbers. It plays a big role in shaping business decisions." – Steve Rosvold"Good finance professionals don’t just analyze data, they help businesses make smarter choices." – Tejas Parikh"If you want to grow in FP&amp;A, don’t just focus on spreadsheets. Learn how to communicate and influence decisions." – Steve Rosvold"Finance teams that stay close to the business will always add more value." – Tejas Parikh"Understanding numbers is important, but understanding people is what makes a finance leader stand out." – Steve RosvoldKey Timestamps:[00:00:00] Intro Clip &amp; Call to Action[00:01:39] Steve’s Background and Career Journey[00:03:00] Why CFO University Was Created[00:03:37] The Four Key Areas Every CFO Should Focus On[00:06:28] The Four Pillars of CFO University[00:09:53] From Crisis to Growth: A Controller’s Transformation[00:12:30] The Role of Finance in Business Growth[00:15:19] A Real-Life Story of a Finance Team Making an Impact[00:20:56] The Most Important Skills for Finance Professionals[00:25:59] Why Finance Professionals Should Focus on Communication &amp; Leadership[00:31:51] FP&amp;A: The CFO’s Growth Engine in a Data-Driven Era[00:43:10] The Future of FP&amp;A and Where It’s Headed[00:45:38] Certifications &amp; Training Programs That Can Help in FP&amp;A[00:51:27] Final Thoughts &amp; Where to Learn MoreFOLLOW OUR GUEST STEVE ROSVOLD ON:Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steverosvold/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Hosted by Tejas Parikh, FP&amp;A Unboxed is your go-to podcast for mastering Financial Planning &amp; Analysis (FP&amp;A) with Excel. Each episode unpacks real-world challenges, best practices, and expert insights into financial strategy, budgeting, and forecasting. Tejas and his expert guests—CFOs, FP&amp;A leaders, and finance professionals—share actionable advice to help you streamline reporting, optimize financial processes, and leverage Excel like a pro. Whether you're looking to enhance your finance team's efficiency, improve decision-making, or embrace technology in FP&amp;A, this podcast delivers unfiltered discussions and practical takeaways to power your financial success.