FP&Ai Podcast: Ep 0 :Transformation in Finance
Roger Knocker • August 29, 2025
Welcome to Episode 0 of the FP&Ai Podcast – Where Finance Meets the Future!
In this debut episode, host Roger Knocker is joined by co-hosts Anthony Wilson and Donovan Moses to introduce the vision behind the FP@&Ai Podcast. Together, they explore the future of finance, the transformational impact of AI and automation, and how finance professionals can adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Conversation Highlights:
[0:04] Roger Knocker welcomed listeners to the FP&AI Podcast, describing it as a platform where finance meets the future. Episode 0 introduced co-hosts Anthony Wilson, co-founder of FP&AI, and Donovan Moses, a chartered accountant and recent hire. The focus of the podcast is finance transformation, particularly the role of FP&A and AI.
[0:50] Anthony highlighted the importance of exploring current and future technology trends in finance, sharing insights on AI’s growing role in the office of finance, and helping professionals become early adopters.
[2:16] Donovan explained that his experience in finance and operations drives his interest in AI applications. He is excited to explore practical use cases where AI can improve both controls and business partnerships, and to share real-world examples from finance professionals.
[3:32] Roger reflected on his long-standing interest in the intersection of finance and technology, noting how the gap between IT and finance has narrowed over the years. He emphasized that AI is the latest advancement, allowing finance teams to leverage new technologies effectively.
[6:03] Donovan discussed how AI can address common challenges in finance, such as lack of time and inefficient reporting. He stressed that AI can empower professionals to gain insights faster and partner more effectively with the business.
[7:51] Roger stated that the podcast targets finance professionals at all levels, from CFOs to finance operations staff, but also benefits other business departments that interact with finance. The aim is to share practical insights and foster learning.
[10:01] Donovan highlighted the importance of discussing AI-related risks, particularly data privacy and integrity, and the need for controlled environments to experiment safely with AI tools.
[12:57] Both hosts emphasized that the content will be real, practical, and future-oriented, showcasing achievable outcomes in finance through AI and data-driven insights.
[14:05] The podcast will release at least two episodes per month, featuring tools, frameworks, practical demonstrations, and guest interviews. The format will remain flexible and agile to respond to listener feedback.
[15:01] Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, enable notifications, and engage through comments to shape future episodes. The podcast aims to build a community around finance transformation and practical application of AI.
Discover how finance teams can move beyond reporting to lead strategy—turning data into direction and driving better, faster business decisions.
When did finance become the department of “no”? “No, we can’t spend that.” “No, that’s not in the budget.” “No, that’s not how we do it.” Here’s the truth: If finance is just a gatekeeper, it’s failing the business. Finance Isn’t Just About Numbers Andrew Brown put it bluntly on the FP&AI Podcast: “Finance should be leading conversations about the future, not just reporting the past.” Think about it— What’s the point of a month-end pack that no one reads? What’s the point of perfectly reconciled accounts if they don’t change the way decisions are made? Finance isn’t just about accuracy. It’s about impact . The Business Partner Mindset T he best finance professionals think like entrepreneurs. They ask: Where are we really making money? What assumptions are broken? How do we change the levers to hit our goals? They don’t just report results. They interpret them. They walk into the room with a story, a strategy, and a plan. What Johan Taught Us Remember Johan, the volunteer deacon who turned financial updates into action? He wasn’t trying to impress anyone with accounting jargon. He used a worm chart and a waterfall chart to tell a simple story: Are we on track with donations? If not, where are we falling behind—and why? It worked because it made the future clear. That’s what business partnering looks like. The Shift Every Finance Team Must Make B ookkeepers report. Business partners lead. The shift is subtle but powerful: From data-dumping to decision-driving. From hiding behind compliance to leading with insight. From “here are the numbers” to “here’s what they mean—and what to do next.” Your Move So, is your finance team stuck in bookkeeping mode? Or are you stepping up as a commercial conscience— the team that sees ahead and helps the business win? The mindset shift starts here: Stop asking “What happened?” Start asking “What’s next?” ________________________________________ This article is inspired by my conversation with Andrew Brown on the FP&AI Podcast – Episode 1: Finance as a True Business Partner – Beyond the Numbers.
