Future Finance

In this episode, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper explore the challenges and opportunities that come with incorporating AI into finance. They discuss why so many AI projects fall short of expectations, the importance of having clear processes and clean data, and how businesses can get the most out of these technologies. The conversation also covers the practical uses of tools like ChatGPT and Excel Copilot, and the need for realistic expectations when adopting new technology.In this episode, you will discover:Why 95% of AI projects don’t deliver the results businesses expect.The critical role that data quality and solid workflows play in making AI work.How businesses are using tools like ChatGPT and Excel Copilot to enhance financial operations.How to integrate these tools effectively into existing systems.The importance of setting realistic goals and expectations when using new technologies.Paul and Glenn stress that while AI offers great potential, it’s important to approach it with a clear understanding of its capabilities and limitations. They discuss how businesses can align technology with existing processes, manage expectations, and avoid common pitfalls.Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode:[00:41] - Welcome to the Episode[01:07] - Funny News of This Week[04:00] - Why AI Projects Underperform[09:12] - AI Automation for New Hires: Realistic or Hype[16:01] - Understanding AI Fundamentals in Finance[17:41] - Thoughts on ChatGPT-5[31:06] - Summary of Key Takeaways from the Episode

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst welcome Dennis Jiang, co-founder and CEO of Rosie. Dennis shares how Rosie helps professionals navigate complex spreadsheets, debug formulas, and optimize financial models. The conversation explores how AI is transforming spreadsheet use, streamlining tedious tasks, and empowering users to focus on strategic insights. Dennis also explains the unique challenges of integrating AI into financial workflows and how Rosie is changing the landscape of Excel usage for power users.Dennis Jiang is the co-founder and CEO of Rosie, an AI-powered assistant that helps professionals understand, build, and analyze spreadsheets with ease. Dennis started his career as a consultant at Bain & Company, where he became an Excel whiz, so much so that he later worked as a freelance Excel consultant for high-profile clients like Apple. Having seen firsthand how much his clients and colleagues rely on spreadsheets yet struggle with them, Dennis founded Rosie to leverage agentic AI to finally solve that problem and help professionals focus on insights rather than wrestling with formulas.In this episode, you will discover:How Rosie’s AI assistant redefines how professionals use Excel.The role of AI in auditing and debugging complex financial models.How Rosie saves time for finance teams by automating tedious tasks.The difference between Rosie and tools like Microsoft Copilot for advanced users.Why Dennis believes that spreadsheets will remain central to finance, even as AI technology evolvesDennis shared his journey from consulting to founding Rosie, offering an inspiring look at how AI is transforming Excel modeling and financial workflows. His insights into automating tedious tasks, debugging complex models, and enhancing financial analysis provide invaluable guidance for professionals looking to leverage AI to improve productivity and decision-making.Follow Dennis:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-jiang-0387923/Website - https://www.askrosie.ai/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=futurefinance1Special Offer for Our Listeners: Enjoy 1 free month of Rosie Premium (a $20 value) using the code FUTUREFINANCE at checkout.Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode:[03:04] - Why Rosie Was Created[05:22] - Microsoft’s AI Integration Struggles[06:45] - Rosie vs. Microsoft Copilot[10:05] - Managing AI Hallucinations with Rosie[12:55] - Rosie’s First Fan Club Website[17:08] - The Future of Entry-Level Roles in Finance[20:50] - Modeling with Punch Cards[26:23] - The Future of Financial Analyst Roles[33:05] - The Aha Moment for Rosie[36:21] - Wrapping Up and Free Access to Rosie

In this episode of Future Finance, host Glenn Hopper and co-host Paul Barnhurst welcome Nicolas Kopp, a visionary leader in the AI-native ERP space. Nicolas shares how AI is transforming finance operations by offering real-time visibility, automation, and a path to zero-day close. He explains how AI integration redefines financial workflows, from data ingestion and processing to output, offering a more streamlined approach compared to traditional systems.Nicolas Kopp is the founder and CEO of Rillet, the AI-native ERP designed to automate accounting and close books faster. Backed by Sequoia, Rillet empowers accountants by integrating AI seamlessly into financial workflows. Previously, Nicolas served as the US CEO of N26, a fintech bank valued at $9 billion, where he played a key role in leading its expansion into the US market. Prior to N26, he spent five years in investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Nicolas holds a BA from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and an MSc in Accounting from the London School of Economics.Expect to Learn:The difference between AI-native ERP systems and legacy systemsHow AI is transforming data ingestion and transaction processing in financeThe role of AI agents in automating finance workflows, from cash transfers to accrualsWhy legacy systems struggle to integrate AI and how ReLit does it differentlyThe typical implementation process for AI-native ERPs and how it compares to traditional ERP rolloutsNicolas Kopp provided an insightful look at the future of finance and the potential of AI-native ERP systems. His work with ReLit showcases how AI can transform finance operations, offering real-time visibility and automating complex workflows. From narrowing the scope of AI agents to building smarter systems, Nicolas’ insights are invaluable for finance professionals looking to leverage AI for operational success. Follow Nicolas:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-kopp/Website - https://www.rillet.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul: LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode:[01:10] - What Makes an AI-native ERP?[03:22] - Integrating AI into Legacy Systems[04:51] - Exploring AI Agents in Workflows[07:24] - How Close Are We to Autonomous AI Agents?[11:31] - The Challenge of Quick ERP Implementations[15:45] - Celebrating Success and Sequoia Backing

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst sit down with Nicolas Kopp, the founder and CEO of Rillet, to discuss how AI is transforming finance operations. The episode dives deep into the practical applications of AI-native ERPs, with Nicolas explaining how his platform redefines general ledger management. The discussion explores the future of finance workflows, from the zero-day close to AI-driven automation in accounting tasks. It's a compelling conversation about integrating advanced technology into finance without needing deep technical expertise.Nicolas Kopp is the founder and CEO of Rillet, the AI-native ERP designed to automate accounting and close books faster. Backed by Sequoia, Rillet empowers accountants by integrating AI seamlessly into financial workflows. Previously, Nicolas served as the US CEO of N26, a fintech bank valued at $9 billion, where he played a key role in leading its expansion into the US market. Prior to N26, he spent five years in investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Nicolas holds a BA from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and an MSc in Accounting from the London School of Economics.In this episode, you will discover:How AI-native ERP systems like Rillet are revolutionizing general ledger operations.The process of automating complex accounting workflows with AI agents.Why finance leaders need to embrace AI and the practical steps to do so.The challenges and benefits of shifting from legacy systems to AI-driven platforms.How CFOs can leverage AI today, even without a dedicated tech team.Nicolas shared his journey from investment banking to leading Rillet, offering an inspiring look at how AI-native ERPs are transforming finance operations. His insights on automating workflows, achieving zero-day closes, and embracing AI-driven innovation provide essential guidance for finance leaders looking to stay ahead in the evolving landscape. This episode is a must-listen for professionals eager to drive change, innovate, and lead with purpose in the AI-powered future of finance.Follow Nicolas:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-kopp/Website - https://www.rillet.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode:[02:57] - What is an AI Native ERP?[06:41] - AI Agents and Workflow[09:15] - The Future of AI Agents with Autonomy[11:47] - The Story Behind the General Ledger[16:15] - The ERP Implementation Process[23:43] - CFO Hesitations in Competitive Deals[27:34] - Preparing Finance Leaders for AI Integration[31:43] - Zero-Day Close as a Sport[34:26] - Wrapping Up with Nicholas Kopp

In this episode, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss the latest updates in AI and how these advancements are impacting the finance sector. They explore the practical challenges that come with integrating AI into existing finance workflows and the real-world limitations of AI tools. The conversation covers new tools like Claude for financial services and the recent developments from OpenAI, while also delving into how AI can be used in financial modeling and analysis. The hosts also share their personal experiences, frustrations, and optimism about the future of AI, offering a balanced view of the excitement and challenges that come with these technologies.In this episode, you will discover:How Claude for Financial Services is changing AI in finance.Insights on OpenAI’s agent rollout and its impact on the industry.The challenges of integrating AI into financial workflows, especially Excel.The practical limitations of AI in real-world finance applications.The future potential of AI tools and their role in financial decision-making.Paul and Glenn highlighted the potential of AI tools like Claude and OpenAI’s agents in finance, stressing the importance of understanding their limitations. While these technologies offer exciting opportunities, integrating them effectively into existing workflows is key to realizing their value. The journey to fully harness AI in finance continues, and practical, cautious adoption will be crucial.Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode:[00:43] - Welcome to the Episode[01:09] - Claude for Financial Services[04:59] - OpenAI’s $10 Million Model[06:41] - Integrating AI into Excel Workflows[11:56] - Maintaining Data Integrity in AI Models[13:37] - AI Integration via Spreadsheet Sidebars[16:10] - Testing Data Formats: CSV vs JSON for LLMs[21:59] - SNL Skit with Debbie Downer[24:54] - Closing Remarks

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome digital transformation expert Tariq Munir to explore how AI and data are reshaping finance leadership. The conversation centers on the core message of Tariq’s upcoming book, Reimagine Finance: A Guide to Leading in the Age of Data, AI and Digital, and how finance professionals can drive transformation without needing deep technical expertise. The episode emphasizes mindset shifts, the human role in AI adoption, and the practical use of digital twins and reasoning models in finance.Tariq Munir is a keynote speaker, writer, and digital transformation consultant with over two decades of experience working with Fortune 500 companies. Formerly with PepsiCo, Tariq recently transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship. His work focuses on empowering CFOs and finance teams to lead enterprise-wide digital transformations. He’s also the author of the forthcoming book Reimagine Finance, scheduled for global release with Wiley.In this episode, you will discover:Why mindset, not technical expertise, is the key to digital transformation in finance.How AI is changing leadership expectations and essential skillsets.What digital twins are and how they can optimize finance processes.The challenges of applying reasoning models in financial AI use cases.Why critical thinking and human judgment remain vital in an AI-driven world.Tariq shared his inspiring transition from corporate executive to digital transformation leader, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone aiming for future-proof finance in the AI era. His reflections on leadership, his vision for human-centered AI adoption, and practical strategies like digital twins offer essential insights for finance professionals seeking to embrace innovation, drive change, and lead with purpose in an increasingly data-driven world.Follow Tariq:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariq-munirWebsite - https://www.tariqmunir.me/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode:[02:23] - Writing "REIMAGINE FINANCE"[03:45] - Key Takeaways For Finance Leaders[06:02] - Career Shift And Current Update[09:56] - AI And The New Breed Of Leaders[14:57] - Balancing AI And Human-Centricity[20:21] - Jobs And Technological Change[28:42] - Challenges With AI Reasoning Models[36:00] - Fun Questions & Episode Wrap-Up

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Siqi Chen, founder and CEO of Runway. Siqi opens up about the challenges he faced understanding finance as a founder, and how those frustrations led him to build a more intuitive platform. The conversation explores what’s broken in traditional finance tools and how better design can make finance easier to grasp for everyone in the business, not just the experts.Siqi is a builder and investor with a background that spans NASA, gaming, and high-growth startups. Before Runway, he led products at Zynga and Postmates, served as CEO of Sandbox VR, and invested in companies like Clubhouse and Amplitude. His journey gives him a unique perspective on how product design can solve real business pain points, especially in finance.Expect to Learn:Why traditional finance tools are often disliked.The common spreadsheet struggles growing teams face.How user-friendly design improves collaboration.Why Runway focuses on clarity and flexibility over complexity.What it means to build a thinking tool, not just a planning tool.Siqi shares practical, hard-earned insights on what it takes to build a truly useful finance platform, one that prioritizes clarity, flexibility, and collaboration. If you're frustrated by rigid systems or drowning in spreadsheet chaos, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how thoughtful design and a new approach to financial modeling can help you make better, faster decisions.Follow Siqi:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/siqic/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/runway/Twitter - https://x.com/bladerJoin hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul: LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode:[01:05] - Origin of Runway[03:00] - Early Challenges & First Users[04:10] - Early Demo & Launch Delay[05:29] - User-Friendly Design[11:43] - Winning by Being Different[15:53] - Powerful Tech, Simple Design[16:33] - From Workflow to Thinking Tool

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Siqi Chen, founder and CEO of Runway, a finance platform built to help operators understand their business without needing a degree in finance. The discussion explores how traditional FP&A tools fall short, and why Runway is reimagining financial modeling by combining flexibility, design, and deeper thinking. Siqi is the founder and CEO of Runway, a modeling platform designed for operators and finance professionals who need flexible, intuitive tools to manage business complexity. He previously served as CEO of Sandbox VR, VP of Product at Postmates, and Head of Product at Zynga. Siqi has also invested in over 100 startups, including Clubhouse, Amplitude, Pipe, and Italic. Early in his career, he worked at NASA, where he was awarded a Congressional Space Act Award while still in school for his work on the Mars Exploration Rover.In this episode, you will discover:Why FP&A platforms often fail to replace spreadsheets for financial modeling.How Runway is addressing the core pains of collaboration, complexity, and data integration.Why flexibility and speed of thought matter more than workflow automation.How Siqi thinks about AI’s role in making finance tools more usable and accessible.A remarkable story of how a meme coin helped fund life-saving research for his daughter’s brain tumor.Siqi shared his remarkable journey from NASA engineer and tech executive to founder of a finance platform built for modern operators. His experiences across product leadership, startup growth, and personal resilience highlight why tools like Runway are redefining how finance professionals think, plan, and collaborate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to move beyond outdated systems and embrace a more flexible, human-centered approach to financial modeling and decision-making.Follow Siqi:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/siqic/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/runway/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode:[01:48] - Siqi’s Background[04:41] - Runway Journey So Far[07:11] - Approachable Finance Tools[14:28] - UX & What Makes Runway Unique[20:26] - Thinking Tool Idea[24:28] - Excel Flexibility Trade-Offs[33:46] - AI as a Financial Exoskeleton[40:21] - The Meme Coin Surprise[44:40] - Wrap-Up

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome John Glasgow, the founder and CEO of Campfire. With backing from Y Combinator and Foundation Capital, Campfire is rethinking the general ledger using AI-powered workflows that streamline accounting and accelerate financial reporting. John shares his journey, his experience with traditional finance systems, and how Campfire is bringing AI to the forefront of finance transformation.John is the founder and CEO of Campfire, a cutting-edge AI-powered ERP platform that redefines how finance teams manage the general ledger. With a career that spans strategic roles in companies like Adobe, Magento Commerce, and Buildcon, John’s expertise in finance and corporate development has helped shape his vision for the future of financial reporting. He shares insights on how his career led him to solve the pain points in the finance sector, particularly around outdated software and complex financial processes.Expect to Learn:How AI is transforming finance systems, especially in accounting and financial reporting.The challenges of ERP implementation and how Campfire is tackling them with AI-powered solutions.Insights on getting closer to a “day zero” close and speeding up financial closing cycles.The evolution of the general ledger and how modern ERPs are rethinking traditional finance tools.John offers practical insights and forward-thinking strategies for embracing AI in finance. If outdated systems and slow processes have been holding you back, this episode provides a refreshing look at how AI can drive efficiency and smarter decision-making in finance.Follow John:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnglasgow/Website - https://campfire.ai/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul: LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode:[00:23] - John’s Background[01:34] - $35M Series A Announcement[02:46] - Career Background & Campfire[04:45] - Long-Term Vision & Career Decisions[07:22] - Accelerating Financial Close[12:05] - Modern Ledger vs. Legacy

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome John Glasgow, founder and CEO of Campfire, a modern AI-native ERP system designed for finance teams. The discussion centers on why traditional ERPs are no longer meeting the needs of growing businesses and how Campfire is offering a new solution built with automation and finance-first design. John shares insights from his career in finance and explains how his own challenges inspired the creation of Campfire.John is the founder and CEO of Campfire, an ERP platform developed for mid-sized and enterprise finance teams. With prior roles at Adobe and Invoice2Go, where he led strategic finance and corporate development, John has experienced firsthand the limitations of legacy ERP systems. Campfire, backed by Y Combinator and Foundation Capital, is rethinking the general ledger using AI to accelerate financial reporting, reduce manual work, and help finance professionals focus on strategic insights.In this episode, you will discover:Why companies are replacing legacy ERPs like NetSuite and what they look for in a modern solution.What a modern general ledger looks like, and how AI can support, not replace finance teams.Why finance leaders need systems that enable real-time visibility and decision-making.How strategic accounting is becoming a core part of modern finance.John shared his insightful journey from finance leader to founder, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in modernizing finance through technology. His experiences in building an AI-native ERP, tackling the challenges of traditional systems, and redefining the role of finance offer valuable lessons for professionals seeking to drive efficiency, accuracy, and strategic value in their organizations.Follow John:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnglasgow/Website - https://campfire.ai/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode:[04:36] - Career Journey & Inspiration[06:35] - From Finance to Founder[10:12] - Day-Zero Close & Real-Time Finance[14:58] - Modern vs. Legacy Ledgers[19:48] - The Case for a New ERP Tool[23:14] - Campfire’s AI in Action[28:20] - Key Differences: FP&A vs. Accounting[31:17] - How to Humanize Finance[35:08] - Wrap-Up & Takeaways