Financial Modeler's Corner

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Brian Jones to explore how Excel is evolving in the era of AI and large language models. They discuss how Copilot, agent mode, and AI-driven capabilities are transforming the way users build, analyse, and improve spreadsheets. Brian shares insights into how Excel is becoming more like a developer tool and how AI can automate repetitive tasks while enhancing productivity for both beginners and advanced users.
Brian Jones is the Vice President of Microsoft Excel, Forms, and Office Platforms. He has been with Microsoft since 1999, working across multiple productivity products, including Word, Office Forms, and developer extensibility tools. In his current role, Brian leads a global team responsible for Excel and related platforms, driving innovation and integrating AI capabilities like Copilot and agent mode into the product ecosystem.

Expect to Learn
What “agent mode” means and how it enables automation in spreadsheets
How AI can help analyse, fix errors, and improve financial models
Why Excel still requires strong logic and formula knowledge
How different AI models impact outputs and workflows in Excel Edge

Here are a few quotes from the episode:
“Excel really is like a developer tool. When you're writing formulas, you're essentially coding.” – Brian Jones
“It’s not just about building from scratch, it’s about improving what you already have.” – Brian Jones

Excel is evolving into a more intelligent and interactive platform where AI acts as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement. From fixing broken references to building dashboards and automating workflows, tools like Copilot and agent mode are helping users work faster and smarter

Follow Brian:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brijones/
Website: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/brian_jones/

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:
LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/
Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.

In today’s episode:
[00:51] – Introducing Brian Jones
[02:50] – Returning to the Excel Team
[04:05] – AI & the Future of Excel
[06:38] – Customer Questions About Copilot
[10:22] – Agent Mode Explained
[11:41] – Modeling the community about the Excel agent
[13:14] – AI Models & Output Differences
[17:16] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of The ModSquad, Ian Bennett, Partner at PwC, joins Paul Barnhurst, Giles Male, and Ian Schnoor to discuss the rapid changes happening in financial modeling with the rise of AI. The team explores how AI tools like Claude are revolutionizing the industry, the critical role of strong modeling skills, and the ongoing importance of trust in financial modeling. They also touch on the future of Excel in the age of AI and how professionals can adapt to stay ahead in this rapidly changing landscape.
Ian Bennett is a Partner at PwC, leading Deals Modeling in Australia and globally. With over 25 years of experience, Ian has built and reviewed complex models for transactions, infrastructure, finance transformations, and BAU forecasting across Australia and the UK. Ian is a founding member of the Financial Modeling Institute's (FMI) Advisory Council and a member of FMI's Financial Modeling Global Leaders Council. He is also the lead author of PwC’s Global Financial Modeling Guidelines.

Expect to Learn
How AI tools like Claude are reshaping the financial modeling process.
The crucial role of human oversight and strong modeling skills, even with advanced AI.
Why AI in financial modeling is seen as an augmentation tool rather than a replacement.
How the role of financial modelers is evolving in the age of AI and automation.
What the future holds for Excel, and how AI integration is transforming it.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:
“We all trade in trust. Whether you use AI or not, it’s your name behind it. That’s the most valuable thing in our profession.” - Ian Bennett
“Financial modeling is so much more than just building a calculator in a spreadsheet. It’s a profession, it’s a discipline, it’s a career.” - Ian Bennett

Claude and other AI tools are significantly enhancing the way financial modeling is done, but as Ian Bennett highlights, trust and deep foundational knowledge remain critical. The future of financial modeling isn’t about AI replacing human modelers; it’s about how professionals can use AI to work smarter, faster, and more accurately.

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

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

Follow Ian Bennett:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianrbennett/
Website - https://www.pwc.com.au/deals/modelling.html

In today’s episode:
[02:10] – Introducing Ian Bennett
[07:00] – Testing Claude in Excel
[10:10] – Focusing Beyond the Build Phase
[14:00] – How AI is Enhancing Modeling Phases
[17:30] – The Importance of Reviewing AI-Generated Models
[19:45] – Trusting AI: Augmentation vs. Replacement
[25:00] – Rethinking the Role of Financial Modelers
[30:00] – The Future of Excel and AI Agent Mode
[33:00] – Reinventing the Financial Modeling Profession
[36:00] – The Future of Excel in the AI Era
[39:30] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Brian Jones, Vice-President: Microsoft Excel, Forms, Office Platforms, to discuss how Excel is evolving in the era of AI and large language models. They explore how Copilot, agent mode, and AI-driven features are reshaping how professionals build, analyse, and improve spreadsheets. Brian also shares insights into how AI can assist financial modelers, automate tedious spreadsheet tasks, and help users understand complex workbooks faster.
Brian Jones is the Vice-President: Microsoft Excel, Forms. He has worked at Microsoft since 1999 across several productivity platforms, including Word, Office Forms, and developer extensibility tools. In his current role, Brian leads the Excel product team as they integrate AI capabilities like Copilot and agent mode to expand what users can accomplish inside spreadsheets.

Expect to Learn
How AI and Copilot are changing the Excel user experience
What “agent mode” means for automating spreadsheet tasks
How AI can help analyse and improve financial models
Why Excel still requires strong modeling and formula knowledge
How skill sheets and templates can guide AI inside workbooks

Here are a few quotes from the episode:
“Excel really is like a developer tool. When you're writing formulas, you're essentially coding.” – Brian Jones
“One of the strengths of Excel is that the work is visible. You can see the formulas, the logic, and how the result was produced.” – Brian Jones

Brian explains how AI is transforming Excel from a traditional spreadsheet tool into a more collaborative environment where users can interact with their data through conversation. Copilot can analyse spreadsheets, suggest formulas, correct errors, and even rebuild broken references automatically.

Follow Brian:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brijones/
Website: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/brian_jones/

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:
LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/
Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.

In today’s episode:
[02:53] – Brian’s Background at Microsoft
[03:09] – Returning to the Excel Team
[04:24] – The Rise of AI and LLMs in Excel
[07:08] – Customer Questions About Copilot
[10:39] – AI Rollouts and Product Updates
[12:03] – How modelers Are Using Excel AI
[17:52] – What Skill Sheets Are and Why They Matter
[23:07] – Power Query and Excel Programming Languages
[30:51] – Do We Still Need to Learn Formulas
[36:07] – Getting the Most Out of Copilot
[38:40] – Favorite Excel Shortcut and Functions
[41:31] – Where to Follow Brian

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Amber Johnson to discuss forecasting, financial modeling, and how operational decisions impact financial outcomes. They explore the connection between logistics forecasting and financial forecasting, the importance of tracking forecast accuracy and bias, and how small operational issues can create large financial impacts. Amber also shares lessons from her experience working with data, forecasting demand, and helping businesses improve their systems and decision-making.
Amber Johnson is a fractional industrial engineer and the founder of Peachy Profitability, where she helps teams work smarter through process improvement, data storytelling, and automation. She began her career as a “beer psychic,” forecasting demand at Anheuser-Busch, and has since built logistics networks, optimized warehouse flows, and guided businesses through transformational change. Amber is also the creator of Office Hours with Amber, a weekly livestream that encourages continuous improvement with curiosity and confidence.

Expect to Learn
How logistics forecasting connects to financial forecasting
Why forecast accuracy and bias matter in decision-making
How operational drivers influence financial results
Ways finance, sales, and logistics teams can align better
How Excel and data analysis support forecasting and planning

Here are a few quotes from the episode:
“Sometimes the smallest operational issue becomes the biggest financial problem later.” – Amber Johnson
“Good forecasting isn’t about being perfect, it’s about learning and adjusting.” – Amber Johnson

Amber Johnson shared practical insights on forecasting, operational drivers, and financial modeling. She highlighted how understanding logistics and operational data can improve financial decisions and help businesses plan more effectively.

Follow Amber:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambernjohnsonwmu/
Website: https://peachyprofitability.com/

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:
LinkedIn Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/
Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.

In today’s episode:
[02:23] – Amber’s Background
[08:21] – Founding Peachy Profitability
[10:38] – Learning Excel and Forecasting
[15:37] – Logistics vs Financial Forecasting
[18:59] – Forecast Accuracy and Bias
[23:59] – Finance vs Logistics Perspectives
[31:41] – Aligning Teams Around Goals
[36:07] – Favourite Excel Shortcuts
[37:46] – Rapid Fire: modeling Opinions
[44:39] – Where to Find Amber

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Nick Boberg, a financial modeler and consultant based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Paul and Nick explore the essentials of building well-structured, effective financial models. They discuss Nick’s approach to simplicity and consistency, the importance of clarity in model design, and the role of competition in refining one’s Excel and modeling skills.
Nick is a financial modeler and the co-founder of Boberg Advisory, a consultancy that specializes in providing financial modeling services to SMEs. With extensive experience as Finance Director at Anglesea Hospital and Associate Director at PwC, Nick has built and reviewed hundreds of models, many focused on cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and management reporting. He is also an accomplished competitor in the Financial Modeling World Cup and the Microsoft Excel World Championships, where he has achieved finalist and semifinalist placements.

Expect to Learn
Why structure and consistency are key in financial modeling
The role of simplicity in building models
Insights from Nick’s competitive modeling career
How to balance technical expertise with user-friendly design

Here are a few quotes from the episode:
"The beauty of financial modeling lies in its simplicity. If you can make a model both functional and easy to follow, you've mastered it." - Nick Boberg
"Consistency in formatting is key. A model that looks clean and well-structured builds trust with the user, especially when it's used for important decision-making." - Nick Boberg

Nick shares that the core of building great financial models lies in structure and simplicity. He emphasizes the importance of creating models that are not only accurate but also easy to follow and understand. Whether in competition or in client work, Nick highlights that clear, well-structured models make a real difference in their effectiveness and usability.

Follow Nick:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickboberg/
Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boberg-advisory/

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:
LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/
Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.

In today’s episode:
[03:30] – Worst Modeling Experience
[08:08] – Running Boberg Advisory
[12:11] – Competing in Excel Championships
[17:42] – Importance of Structure
[20:00] – Risks of Complex Formulas
[23:20] – Avoiding Hard Codes
[27:13] – Building "Pretty" Models
[30:10] – Dynamic Arrays in modeling
[36:05] – Rapid fire Section
[40:54] – Last Question & Wrap up