Financial Modeler's Corner

• Why Most Financial Models Fail for FP&A Pros to Build Business-Aligned Models with Maria Zlobina

  In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Maria Zlobina, a finance professional with over a decade of experience in Big Four audit, FP&A, and business partnering roles across the US, Australia, and Russia. The conversation explores the importance of understanding the purpose behind financial models, the challenges of inheriting others’ models, and the value of continual learning in finance. Maria also shares insights into the Advanced Financial Modeler certification, her passion for efficiency, and her experience navigating the world of financial modeling.Maria, who has a rich background in financial modeling, discusses her journey in the finance industry, her love for continuous learning, and her adventures living in different countries. She offers practical advice for modelers and professionals, including tips on making financial models dynamic, understanding the business context, and utilizing the right tools like Power BI and XLOOKUP. Maria also touches on her passion for languages and learning, sharing how her diverse experiences contribute to her success as a financial modeler.Expect to Learn:Why financial models are critical for decision-making and how to avoid common pitfallsThe importance of understanding the context and objectives behind a modelTips for inheriting and improving existing financial modelsThe benefits of continuous learning, both professionally and personallyInsights on dynamic financial models and best practices for forecasting Here are a few quotes from the episode:"The magic of financial modeling isn’t in the model itself, but in how it helps guide decisions." - Maria Zlobina"It’s not about creating the perfect model, but the model that gives the best insight for decision-makers." - Maria Zlobina"The best financial models don’t just answer one question; they provide a range of answers." - Maria ZlobinaIn this insightful episode, Maria Zlobina emphasizes the importance of dynamic financial models and understanding the business context behind them. She highlights the value of continuous learning and staying curious to improve as a financial modeler. With practical advice on overcoming challenges in modeling and working with stakeholders, Maria reminds us that great models support better decision-making. Follow Maria :LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-zlobina-afm-4642576b/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguyFollow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign...

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• How FMI and Ian Schnoor Are Helping Financial Professionals Build Better Models Around the Globe

  In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Ian Schnoor, Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute. The conversation focuses on the growing role of financial modeling in uncertain markets, the expanding reach of FMI, and the importance of structure, clarity, and accreditation in building better business decisions. Ian shares practical insights from his global work, recent collaborations, and lessons from building multiple businesses.Ian Schnoor is the Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the only organization offering globally recognized financial modeling accreditation. He founded The Marquee Group, which was acquired by Training the Street in 2023. Ian has trained thousands of professionals in modeling, valuation, and Excel. He teaches at Queen’s University, holds a CFA charter, and began his career in investment banking with Citigroup and BMO. He’s focused on raising the standard of modeling across the world through education and certification.Expect to Learn:Why financial modeling is essential during market volatilityHow FMI is earning global recognition from top firmsThe impact of adding financial modeling to the CFA programInsights from FMI’s expansion into China and IndiaThree principles for building a successful businessA creative use of Excel to solve a real-world inventory challenge Here are a few quotes from the episode:“A good model helps you ask the right ‘what if’ questions, not deliver perfect answers.” - Ian Schnoor“The true purpose of a model is to give decision-makers confidence in uncertain times.” - Ian Schnoor“Getting the AFM means you’ve shown up, done the work, and proved your skills under pressure.” - Ian SchnoorIan Schnoor shared powerful insights on the role of modeling in today’s uncertain world.He emphasized clarity, structure, and the value of accreditation in building trust and better decisions. His global work is helping elevate modeling into a true professional discipline. A strong reminder that great models lead to great leadership.Follow Ian Schnoor:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/?originalSubdomain=caWebsite - https://fminstitute.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit

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• How Startup Founders Can Build Investor Ready Models to Win VC Trust with Arta Ramaj

  In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Arta Ramaj, co-founder of 360 Finance, for a discussion into the real-world challenges and nuances of financial modeling. Arta shares her journey from a geography degree to a thriving career in finance and entrepreneurship. Together, they explore the art and science of building robust financial models, the entrepreneurial mindset, and the evolving role of finance as a strategic business partner.Arta Ramaj is the co-founder of 360 Finance, a boutique consultancy specializing in financial modeling, FP&A, and finance system implementations for private equity and venture-backed companies. With a background in private equity and a passion for bridging financial data with strategic execution, Arta brings a unique entrepreneurial perspective to the finance world. She’s dedicated to creating investor-ready financial solutions and scaling businesses through dynamic, data-driven insights.Expect to Learn:How Arta transitioned from studying geography to founding a financial consulting firm.The critical importance of structure and design in financial modeling.Key strategies for building "investor-ready" financial models.The role of soft skills and storytelling in becoming a great finance business partner.Why simplifying assumptions and focusing on key metrics are essential for early-stage modeling success.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“If you're scaling and your finance function isn't solid, you're really scaling on shaky foundations." - Arta Ramaj”Credibility and clarity are the north stars for building investor-ready financial models." - Arta Ramaj“Modeling for a startup is often more about flexibility and storytelling than creating a perfect spreadsheet." - Arta RamajArta Ramaj gave us a fascinating look into the world of financial modeling for startups and private equity-backed businesses, showing how structure, clarity, and strategic insight shape high-impact financial decision-making. Her experiences revealed how finance principles, business partnering skills, and storytelling all intersect to build trust with investors and stakeholders. From building investor-ready models to navigating the entrepreneurial journey, this episode showcased the critical role financial modelers play in driving growth, strategic planning, and value creation.Follow Arta:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/artaramaj/Website - https://www.three6ixtyfinance.comFollow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-

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• Litigation Risk Modeling for Finance Professionals with David Perla

  In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes David Perla, Vice Chair of Burford Capital and a pioneering voice in the legal finance industry. David discusses how financial modeling plays a central role in evaluating and funding high-stakes litigation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how his team monetizes legal risk with structured financial strategies. From managing long litigation timelines to leveraging Monte Carlo simulations and AI tools, David shares how Burford builds sophisticated models to guide investment decisions and mitigate risk. David Perla has an extraordinary background at the intersection of law, entrepreneurship, and finance. He’s a former president of Bloomberg Law, co-founder of legal outsourcing pioneer Pangea3 (acquired by Thomson Reuters), and was named a top 50 innovator by The American Lawyer. At Burford Capital, David is helping reshape how the legal world accesses and deploys capital.Expect to Learn:What legal finance actually is and how it worksHow Burford structures deals and evaluates legal riskThe modeling techniques used to forecast legal outcomesWhy Monte Carlo simulations are central to their underwriting processHow AI is used (and misused) in legal financeHere are a few quotes from the episode:“Behavior that’s irrational but predictable? We can model that. Idiosyncratic behavior? We avoid it.” - David PerlaModeling helps us decide not only how to price a deal, but how to structure incentives.” - David PerlaEverything we do depends on modeling.” - David PerlaDavid Perla gave us a fascinating look into the world of legal finance and how modeling plays a critical role in managing complex litigation risk. His knowledge revealed how finance principles, AI tools, and human judgment all intersect in this unique investment space. From non-recourse funding to Monte Carlo simulations, this episode showcased the depth of modeling required in high-stakes legal decision-making.Follow Dave:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidperla/Website - https://www.burfordcapital.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit

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• The Real Cost of Trump’s Tariffs for Pricing Teams with Karan Sood

  In this special episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Karan Sood, a global pricing expert with over a decade of experience in revenue management and pricing strategies. Karan shares his knowledge on the impact of tariffs on global trade and pricing models. He talks about the complexities of tariffs, offering advice on how businesses can effectively manage the financial implications and adapt their pricing strategies during these uncertain times. Karan discusses the importance of collaboration across departments and creating flexible models that can quickly adjust to changing market conditions.Karan Sood is a global pricing expert and the Director of Sales Operations with a wealth of experience overseeing revenue management for over $6 billion across a wide range of industries. He is passionate about using pricing as a powerful tool to drive profitability and improve business performance. Karan has worked across industries including automotive, digital marketing, consumer goods, and more, developing pricing strategies that create real business value.Expect to Learn:How tariffs impact different industries and pricing strategies.Why a one-size-fits-all approach to tariffs is flawed and the importance of tailored strategies.The role of cross-functional collaboration in managing tariff impacts.How to create flexible pricing models that can quickly adjust to shifting market conditions.The importance of transparency with customers when adjusting prices due to tariffs.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"Every industry is different; you can’t use the same assumptions for all goods under tariffs." - Karan Sood"Stay calm, don’t make decisions too quickly. Information is constantly changing." - Karan Sood"The key to managing tariffs is creating a flexible pricing model that can adapt quickly to new developments." - Karan SoodKaran Sood shared meaningful strategies for managing the complexities of tariffs in today’s global trade environment. His advice to stay calm, work collaboratively, and prioritize flexibility in pricing models is invaluable for finance professionals looking to navigate the challenges posed by tariffs. By emphasizing the importance of cross-departmental communication and transparency with customers, Karan offers actionable steps that can help businesses succeed in a volatile market.Follow Karan:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soodkaran/?originalSubdomain=caWebsite - https://substack.com/@karansoodFollow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-

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