Why Understanding Data is a Critical FP&A Skill with Mark Proctor

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Mark Proctor to discuss why finance teams struggle with automation, how better data practices can improve reporting, and why FP&A professionals need to think beyond traditional Excel methods. Mark also shares his approach to using AI, building efficient processes, and creating more time for strategic business partnering.

Mark Proctor is the Director of Twenty Seven Solutions Limited, a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), and the creator of Excel Off the Grid and Finance Team Accelerator. With 25 years of experience across accounting, financial reporting, FP&A, and business partnering, he helps finance professionals automate repetitive tasks, improve their Excel skills, and build more efficient processes.

Expect to Learn:

• Why data skills are essential for modern FP&A professionals.
• How better data structures can reduce manual Excel work.
• Why end-to-end processes matter more than individual Excel features.
• How to use AI effectively without relying on it for everything.
• Why curiosity and influence are important for business partnering.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “AI cannot fix it all for you. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't use AI.” - Mark Proctor
• “The one piece of advice I would give is the first normal form inside a table in Excel.” - Mark Proctor

Mark explains why finance teams need to move beyond manual spreadsheets and adopt a data-first approach. By building better processes and using tools such as Power Query and Power Pivot, FP&A professionals can save time, improve reporting, and focus more on supporting business decisions.

Follow Mark:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstephenproctor/
• Website: https://exceloffthegrid.com/

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.

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Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today's Episode:

[00:00] - Introduction

[04:50] - Defining Great FP&A

[07:17] - Journey Into Accounting

[16:21] - AI in Finance

[22:32] - Data Challenges in Finance

[28:17] - Rethinking Excel

[31:30] - Data-Driven Processes

[38:24] - File Management & Version Control

[42:45] - Structured Data Basics

[45:44] - Improving Finance Processes

[50:29] - Essential FP&A Skills

[55:47] - Closing Remarks & Thanks