Financial Modeler's Corner
Financial Modeler's Corner is a podcast where we talk all about the art and science of financial modeling with distinguished Financial Modeler's from around the globe. Financial Modeler's Corner is hosted by Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, a global thought leader in the field of finance. The Financial Modeler's Corner podcast is brought to you by Financial Modeling Institute. FMI offers the most respected accreditations in financial modeling.
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Why Structure and Design are Critical Elements of Trust and Credibility in Financial Modeling with Nick Boberg
<p>In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Nick Boberg, a financial modeler and consultant based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Paul and Nick explore the essentials of building well-structured, effective financial models. They discuss Nick’s approach to simplicity and consistency, the importance of clarity in model design, and the role of competition in refining one’s Excel and modeling skills. </p><p>Nick is a financial modeler and the co-founder of Boberg Advisory, a consultancy that specializes in providing financial modeling services to SMEs. With extensive experience as Finance Director at Anglesea Hospital and Asso...
We Tested Claude Opus 4.6 and the Results were Super Impressive
<p>In this episode of The ModSquad, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male put Claude 4.6 to the test on real financial modeling accreditation cases. From three-statement forecasts to complex debt sculpting scenarios, the team examines just how far AI tools have come. The results are impressive, but not flawless. The discussion explores what this leap forward means for finance professionals and whether modeling is truly entering a new AI-assisted era.</p><p>Ian Schnoor is Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the global accreditation body for financial modeling professionals. He brings extensive experience in modeling, training, and...
AI in Finance for Modelers to Succeed by Mastering the Fundamentals with Chris Reilly
<p>In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Chris Reilly, founder of Financial Modeling Education, for an insightful discussion on the importance of mastering financial modeling fundamentals in the age of AI. Chris shares his perspective on how AI is transforming the modeling industry, why understanding the basics is more important than ever, and how dynamic arrays are changing the modeling landscape.</p><p>Chris Reilly is a financial modeling expert with over 91,000 students trained globally. He has a diverse background, having worked in private equity and FP&A, and has developed a range...
Financial Modelers Must Master the Fundamentals Before Trusting AI with Chris Reilly
<p>In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes back Chris Reilly for a deep and practical conversation on financial modeling fundamentals in the age of AI. Chris shares why mastering the basics still matters more than ever, how AI is changing modeling workflows in reality (not hype), and where automation genuinely adds value versus where human judgment is still essential.</p><p>Chris Reilly is a former private equity professional and financial modeling expert with experience spanning restructuring, FP&A, treasury, and middle market private equity. He began his career at FTI Consulting during the fi...
The Excel Techniques for Modelers to Build Real World-Business Forecasts - Luke Phillips
<p>In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Luke Phillips, Senior Business Analyst at Access Analytic. Luke shares how he transitioned from Division I basketball to financial modeling, and how he helps clients solve complex budgeting and reporting problems using Solver, Excel, and Power BI.</p><p>Luke Phillips is a chartered financial modeler and the Senior Business Analyst at Access Analytic. He works with clients across mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and professional services to streamline budgeting and reporting through Solver and Excel. Luke holds a BBA in Finance from the University of...
The Storytelling Techniques for Financial Modelers to Impress Investors with Karishma Karishma Ramnawaj
<p>In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Karishma Ramnawaj, a financial modeler based in Mauritius, to talk about her journey in financial modelling, building and reviewing models, and the lessons she’s learned from both success and failure. Karishma shares her experience of learning on the job, why understanding the end user is critical, and how she balances practical standards with flexibility.</p><p>Karishma is a Certified Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) and FMVA® professional, currently working as a Financial Modeler Associate at Hawkins Eberdal Ltd in Mauritius. With a strong foundation in bo...
How Excel AI Agents Actually Work for Financial Modelers to Understand LLMs & Tools with Tim Jacks
<p>In this episode of The ModSquad, hosts Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male welcome Tim Jacks, founder of Taglo, for an insightful discussion on the integration of AI in financial modeling. Tim’s expertise bridges the worlds of financial modeling and AI, and in this episode, he shares his journey and discusses how AI is reshaping the financial modeling landscape.</p><p>Tim Jacks is the founder of Taglo, a company dedicated to improving financial modeling with AI technology. His career journey spans financial consulting and software development, including building financial modeling tools. Over time, Tim's interest in ar...
Financial Modeling for Corporate Finance Teams to Unlock Business Without Templates - Carolina Lago
<p>In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Carolina Lago, a seasoned FP&A professional, to discuss how financial modelers can transform data into actionable insights while avoiding common modeling pitfalls. Together, they explore best practices in financial modeling, the dangers of hard-coded models, and why structure, flexibility, and clear purpose are essential for effective decision-making. Carolina also shares lessons from her international career, including her experience supporting a major IPO and leading global software implementations.</p><p>Carolina Lago is an FP&A professional with over 15 years of international experience across multiple industries. She ha...
What 2025 Taught Us About Excel AI and Where Financial Modeling Is Heading in 2026
<p>In this special episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst recaps an exciting 2025 and outlines what's ahead for 2026. Paul reflects on the top five most downloaded episodes of the year, shares insights from key guests, and highlights major developments in financial modeling, including Excel's newest features and the growing role of AI.</p><p>Expect to Learn</p>Key trends in Excel and financial modeling from 2025How AI is changing the way models are built, tested, and auditedThe importance of simplicity, documentation, and user involvement in model designWhy communication and business understanding are becoming essential skills for mo...
How Curiosity and Listening Help Financial Modelers Build Trusted Models with Ian Bennett
<p>In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Ian Bennett, Partner and Deals Modelling Leader at PwC Australia, to discuss the art and science of financial modeling. Together, they explore what makes a good financial modeler, how Excel has evolved dramatically in recent years, and how emerging tools and AI are shaping the future of modeling. Ian reflects on his decades-long career, from his early days discovering Excel during audits to leading a large team of modelers across Australia and India.</p><p> </p><p>Ian Bennett is the Deals Modelling Partner at PwC Australia an...
