FP&A Unlocked13 Mar 2025

How FP&A Can Use External Data to Improve Forecasting with Jeff Casale and Rich Wagner

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (The FP&A Guy) sits down with Jeff Casale and Rich Wagner to explore the role of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). They discuss how AI, external data, and continuous planning are transforming the industry, making FP&A a more strategic function. The conversation covers the power of AI-driven forecasting and how businesses can leverage external economic indicators to gain a competitive edge.

Jeff Casale is the CEO of Board, a leading FP&A software company. With previous leadership roles at MarkLogic, Dell Technologies, VMware, and EMC, Jeff has a deep understanding of enterprise technology and how finance functions can drive business growth. Rich Wagner is the Field CTO at Board and the former CEO & Founder of Prevedere, a predictive analytics company that leverages external data for accurate forecasting. With over 20 years of experience in technology, consulting, and Fortune 500 leadership, Rich brings valuable expertise in the intersection of AI, finance, and business strategy.

Expect to Learn:

How AI is transforming financial planning, reducing manual work, and improving decision-making.
Why integrating external data is essential for more accurate forecasting and risk management.
Why traditional budgeting cycles are outdated and how real-time, agile forecasting is becoming the new norm.
How CEOs and finance leaders rely on FP&A teams for strategic decision-making.
How finance professionals can improve their skills and become more valuable business partners.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

“AI is revolutionizing FP&A by reducing manual work and improving time-to-value.” - Rich Wagner
“The companies that embrace continuous planning will be the winners in their industries.” - Jeff Casale
“External data helps FP&A teams anticipate risks, not just react to them.” - Rich Wagner

This episode reinforced the idea that FP&A is evolving into a strategic powerhouse. AI, external economic data, and real-time forecasting are changing how companies plan, react, and make decisions. FP&A professionals must develop both technical and strategic skills to stay relevant.

Operator’s Guild:

Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3F6sghS

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Jeff:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreycasale/

Board- https://www.board.com/

Follow Rich:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-wagner1/

Prevedere - https://prevedere.com/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

Planning in BI Showcase:

Gone are the days of juggling multiple platforms. Now, with business intelligence tools you can integrate planning directly into your BI system. Join Paul on March 20th for the Planning in BI Showcase, where industry leaders will demonstrate how top BI tools are reshaping strategic planning. See firsthand how modern FP&A solutions can drive real value across your enterprise. Don’t miss out!

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[01:49] - Welcome & Guest Introductions

[03:53] - What Does Great FP&A Look Like?

[06:22] - Why Enter the FP&A Software Space?

[08:05] - Acquiring Prevedere: The Strategy Behind It

[14:28] - How External Data Improves Forecasting

[18:54] - How AI is Changing FP&A

[24:29] - How FP&A Teams Can Start Using External Data

[33:57] - The Shift to Continuous Planning

[41:50] - FP&A’s Role in Leadership & Decision-Making

[47:48] - The #1 Skill for FP&A Professionals

[56:33] - Who Would You Swap Jobs With?

[59:53] - Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More

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