In this special launch episode of The Mod Squad, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by co-hosts Giles Male and Ian Schnoor to explore the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and financial modeling. Together, they introduce a new podcast series, The ModSquad, designed to test AI tools built for financial modelers, FP&A professionals, and analysts. The trio shares their excitement, cautious optimism, and the pressing questions they hope to answer through hands-on experimentation with cutting-edge tools that promise to transform the modeling landscape.

Paul, Giles, and Ian bring decades of combined experience across FP&A, corporate finance, Excel training, and financial modeling accreditation. This introductory episode sets the tone for a candid, unscripted, and deeply analytical journey into the practical realities of AI in finance.

Expect to Learn

Why AI won't replace financial modelers, but will transform the way they work
How AI tools are being developed to serve finance professionals specifically
The importance of judgment, communication, and scoping in effective modeling
What The Mod Squad plans to test: from three-statement models to Excel esports
How to prepare your career for the AI revolution in modeling

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

“Just because it looks cool doesn’t mean it gives you a finished product.” - Giles Male
“Modeling is just as much the journey as it is the destination.” - Ian Schnoor

Follow Ian Schnoor:

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

Follow Giles Male:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/

In today’s episode:

[01:21] - Introduction of the Episode

[04:57] - Why This Series? Helping Modelers Cut Through the AI Noise

[09:14] - Fear & Job Security: Will AI Replace Financial Modelers?

[14:14]- The Human Element in Modeling: Judgment, Communication, Scoping

[21:03] - Series Format: Tools We’ll Test & Why

[26:03] - Testing Assignments: Who’s Doing What?

[29:03] - FP&A Use Cases Paul Will Explore

[35:21] - What to Expect: Raw Prompts, Real Results

[36:52] - Closing: Why This Series Matters & How You Can Engage

Introducing the ModSquad: Testing AI Financial Modeling Tools, So you Don't Have To... with Ian and Giles.

The FP&A Guy Network