How to Become a Finance Athlete with Zach Rial

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Show Notes

Welcome to FP&A Tomorrow, where we discuss financial planning and analysis, examining its current state and future prospects, with your host Paul Barnhurst. In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst dives into the evolving role of FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) within organizations. The discussion focuses on the shift towards a more strategic and operations-focused approach to finance, exploring how modern finance professionals can become indispensable business partners. The conversation also touches on the concept of a "finance athlete" and the importance of being versatile and adaptable in today's dynamic business environment. This week’s guest is Zach Rial, the Senior Director of Finance and Strategy at Peak, a travel company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. With a background in finance, holding a bachelor's degree from Utah State and an MBA from the University of Utah, Zach brings a unique perspective to FP&A, blending operational insights with financial strategy. Known for his hands-on approach to finance, Zach shares his journey from operations to senior finance roles, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business from the ground up. Here is a summary of the key points from the discussion:

1. What defines great FP&A and why partnerships are crucial for financial success.
2. The concept of a "finance athlete" and how it applies to modern finance roles.
3. The importance of intellectual curiosity and its role in driving business insights.
4. How to manage tough conversations in the workplace with transparency and trust.
5. The evolving role of finance professionals in strategic decision-making and operations.

Quotes:

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode?

"Great FP&A is about great partnerships. It’s understanding the business, what drives different departments, and being a great partner to make things better." - Zach Rial

"A finance athlete is someone who says, ‘I do finance,’ and that means many different things. It’s about helping the business in whatever way is needed." - Zach Rial

"I consider myself an unusual finance person because I approach finance from an operations perspective—always asking, ‘What does this mean for the business?’” - Zach Rial

"Finance is finance. Whether it's a software company or consumer goods, if you understand what drives the business, you can adapt and succeed." - Zach Rial

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