Mastering FP&A in the Age of AI | Smarter Forecasting and Financial Models with Christian Wattig

In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, host Wassia Kamon, CPA, CMA, MBA, sits down with Christian Wattig, one of the most trusted voices in modern FP&A, to break down what it really takes to succeed in finance as AI reshapes the profession. From smarter forecasting techniques to cleaner, faster financial models, this conversation goes far beyond tools and gets to the mindset, skills, and habits that separate average analysts from true business partners. ➡️ Christian shares lessons from his global finance career at Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Squarespace, along with insights gained from training thousands of finance professionals worldwide through Inside FP&A and the Wharton FP&A Certificate Program. You’ll hear why forecasting should never rely on a single method, how to simplify complex models without losing rigor, and why AI should be treated as a thinking partner rather than just a productivity shortcut. The discussion also explores the human side of FP&A, including storytelling with numbers, psychological safety, and why interpersonal skills will matter more than ever as automation accelerates. Whether you’re a CFO, FP&A leader, or early-career finance professional, this episode delivers practical frameworks and clear guidance to help you work smarter, move faster, and create real impact in an AI-driven finance world. 🌐 Learn more about Wassia Kamon, explore resources, and connect directly at https://www.wassiakamon.com ✅ Subscribe to the channel:    / @thediaryofacfopodcast   💬 What FP&A skill do you think will matter most in the next five years — technical modeling or business partnering? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 👉 If becoming a CFO is in your 5-year plan, get your free CFO Readiness Scorecard here: http://thecfo.scoreapp.com ------------- 🎧 Listen to The Diary of a CFO Podcast on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts ▶️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify ▶️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2w2bL55... 🔗 Connect with Guest Christian Wattig on LinkedIn:   / christian-wattig   Websites: https://executiveeducation.wharton.up... https://www.insidefpa.com/ -------------- *Welcome to the official YouTube channel of Wassia Kamon | The Diary of a CFO*, where finance leadership meets real-world experience, strategic insight, and honest conversations from the executive table. Hosted by Wassia Kamon, CPA, CMA, MBA, this channel explores what it truly means to lead in finance today. Through in-depth interviews with CFOs, FP&A leaders, executives, and industry experts, you’ll gain practical insights into financial leadership, strategic decision-making, AI in finance, forecasting, digital transformation, crisis management, and career growth at the highest levels. ➡️ Each episode goes beyond numbers and theory, focusing on the mindset, skills, and leadership principles that drive sustainable impact across organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Whether you’re an aspiring CFO, a seasoned finance leader, or a professional looking to strengthen your strategic influence, this channel delivers actionable frameworks, candid lessons, and perspectives you can apply immediately. Subscribe now and activate notifications so you never miss an episode, and stay ahead in the evolving world of finance leadership. -------------- 📲 Connect with Host Wassia Kamon LinkedIn:   / wassiakamon   Instagram:   / wassiakamon   📲 Follow The Diary of a CFO Podcast on social media! LinkedIn:   / the-diary-of-a-cfo-podcast   X (Twitter): https://x.com/thediaryofacfo? TikTok:   / csuitestories   📬 Get Involved Have a question or topic suggestion? Email: Ask@thediaryofacfo.com -------------- 🗣️ Noteworthy Quotes: “Being a CFO isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about being at the table, making decisions that move the organization forward.” – Teri Kozub “You need to trust your team and allow them to do their jobs. That’s how you build strong, effective leadership.” – Teri Kozub -------------- 🎬 Video chapters: 00:00 Trailer & Christian’s journey 02:14 The $100M factory model under pressure 06:13 From Unilever to Squarespace 08:05 Launching FP&A Bootcamp 09:33 Common FP&A gaps across teams 15:46 Forecasting methods that work 20:24 From “what works” to “what’s better” 22:13 Real finance business partnering 24:15 Psychological safety (Project Aristotle) 26:55 A leadership turning point 30:29 What finance leaders should invest in 35:01 How AI is reshaping FP&A careers 37:00 Life outside work: fatherhood -------------- #WassiaKamon #TheDiaryOfaCFO #FPnALeadership #FinanceLeadership #StrategicFPnA #AIInFinance #FinancialModeling #FutureOfFinance #FPnATools #FinanceCareers #BusinessPartnering #FinanceTransformation #CFOInsights