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
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