In this masterclass Shifra Isaacs, developer Relations Advocate at Ascend.io, delves into her experience as data scientist, technical writer, and support lead providing fresh insights for FP&A and finance professionals.
In this episode:
Data science vs business analytics
Pulling data not yet able to be modeled
Python for Excel
The right models for risk scoring, variance analysis and forecasting
Replicating a process with a new tool using AI
How can we survive in an AI first world
Connect with Shifra Isaacs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shifra-isaacs/
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54:12
Curiosity, Ambition, Service: FP&A at Dashlane
Taylor Otstot, Vice President Finance, Dashlane joined GoDaddy (now a $30billion valued) domain registry, domain registrar and web hosting company before their IP. In 8 years he climbed to senior Director of Finance running an FP&A team of 14. From this experience and as VP Finance at DashLane he says he hires for 3 things: curiosity, ambition, and finance leaders who are service-oriented. “If you bring those three things to the table, you're able to wade through a lot of the ambiguity that comes with those decision making processes.”
Also in this episode:
Finance and FP&A as antidote to the machine of Big 4
3- 4 years in audit as the “perfect amount”
Getting to strategy in FP&A
Partnership vs accountability as a false choice for FP&A
Improv comedy having its moment in finance
The Tarantino approach to finance presentations
Connect with Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorotstot/
Subscribe to CFO Frameworks newsletter on Substack: https://www.cfoframeworks.com/
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53:48
Dave Sackett: How FP&A Can Stay Relevant In The AI Age
Dave Sackett is Co-Founder and CFO of ecommerce company, AIOne, and former CFO of semiconductor company, ULVAC Technologies. He is a vocal advocate for blockchain and AI and finance, bringing a blend of tech savvy, operational rigor, and a focus on “servant leadership" - that is putting the needs of the employees first and helping people develop and perform as highly as possible. He's a frequent keynote speaker, a Forbes contributor, and an active member of Financial Executives International.
Cost accountant to CFO and AI leader
How I practice servant leadership mindset as a CFO
Being an introvert CFO leader and overcoming the challenges
Costly failures of traditional forecasting in FP&A
Where FP&A Software is going to be in 5 years
Finance AI use cases
FP&A as custodians of financial truth in AI age
Connect with Dave Sackett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davesackett/
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32:30
Cycling in tariff territory – FP&A at top e-bike brand
Derek Paulson is Director of Finance and Performing Marketing at Rad Power Bikes, a Seattle-based e-bike company changing transportation. In this episode he talks about his approach to navigating tariffs (“There no, no word in the English language more scary to a finance professional than the word uncertainty” says Paulson as he discusses required “efficiency” and “flexibility” in their supply chains). He also reveals his approach to the finance transformation required to shift Rad Power from a direct-to-consumer to an e-commerce and retail focused model, that is “starting with a blank Excel sheet to do the modeling for Rad Power Bikes”.
In this episode:
How Honeywell and PepsiCo are top training grounds for finance leaders
Efficiency vs flexibility in supply chains
Is an MBA worth it in finance?
Data privacy, AI, and finance
Making the case for SUMIFs
Connect with Derek Paulson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekpaulson/
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48:05
Big shifts in FP&A – Bryan Lapidus
“The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) is a non-for-profit with a really simple mission, which makes it really easy for me to wake up and know what I’m doing every day,” says Bryan Lapidus, Director, FP&A Practice at the Association for Financial Professionals. “We exist for the success of the corporate finance and treasury professionals. FPAC, our certified corporate FP&A certification has been in the market for about 11 years now and 5,000 people have earned it in more than 80 countries.”
Returning guest Lapidus joins Glenn Hopper as they discuss the climate for FP&A including:
Evolution of FP&A and AI
Certificates vs Certification
Why business school doesn’t prepare you for FP&A roles
The impact of Sarbanes-Oxley on changing the CFO role
Why you need different CFOs at various stages of a company lifecycle
Why FP&A professionals are so hirable and promotable
How to become CFO from an FP&A role
FP&A Today is the podcast for Financial Planning and Analysis. The weekly show dives into the challenges and opportunities within the world of FP&A, interviewing FP&A leaders, CFOs and other finance pros in order to give you the freshest insights and takeaways. Each week our top guests provide actionable advice about financial planning and analysis – from career goals to navigating challenges, and powerful Excel tips.
Our weekly show provides unrivalled insights for navigating FP&A.
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