Excel Will Never Be the Same Again after AI Copilot with Brian Jones

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 LearnWhat “agent mode” means and how it enables automation in spreadsheetsHow AI can help analyse, fix errors, and improve financial modelsWhy Excel still requires strong logic and formula knowledgeHow different AI models impact outputs and workflows in Excel EdgeHere 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 JonesExcel 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 smarterFollow 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=7079020077076905984Sign 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 LearnHow 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 BennettClaude 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.htmlIn 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 LearnHow AI and Copilot are changing the Excel user experienceWhat “agent mode” means for automating spreadsheet tasksHow AI can help analyse and improve financial modelsWhy Excel still requires strong modeling and formula knowledgeHow skill sheets and templates can guide AI inside workbooksHere 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 JonesBrian 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=7079020077076905984Sign 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 LearnHow logistics forecasting connects to financial forecastingWhy forecast accuracy and bias matter in decision-makingHow operational drivers influence financial resultsWays finance, sales, and logistics teams can align betterHow Excel and data analysis support forecasting and planningHere 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 JohnsonAmber 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=7079020077076905984Sign 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 LearnWhy structure and consistency are key in financial modelingThe role of simplicity in building modelsInsights from Nick’s competitive modeling careerHow to balance technical expertise with user-friendly designHere 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 BobergNick 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=7079020077076905984Sign 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

In this episode of The ModSquad, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male put Claude 4.6 to the test on real financial modeling accreditation cases. From three-statement forecasts to complex debt sculpting scenarios, the team examines just how far AI tools have come. The results are impressive, but not flawless. The discussion explores what this leap forward means for finance professionals and whether modeling is truly entering a new AI-assisted era.Ian Schnoor is Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the global accreditation body for financial modeling professionals. He brings extensive experience in modeling, training, and industry standards. Giles Male is Co-Founder of Full Stack Modeller and a two-time Microsoft MVP. He specializes in Excel, financial modeling systems, and practical AI implementation.Expect to LearnHow Claude 4.6 performs on real financial modeling accreditation casesWhere AI tools still make subtle but significant modeling errorsThe difference between automation and augmentation in AI usageWhy strong modeling fundamentals remain essentialPractical ways to begin integrating AI into your modeling workflowHere are a few quotes from the episode:“I’m not even doing this from a testing perspective now. I’m just using it because it’s adding so much value.” – Giles Male“Modeling is just as much about the process as it is about the end result.” – Ian SchnoorClaude 4.6 marks a significant step forward in AI-assisted financial modeling, handling complex builds faster than ever before. However, subtle errors still highlight the need for strong technical knowledge and human oversight. The future of modeling isn’t replacement, it’s skilled professionals using AI to work smarter and deliver greater value.Follow Ian:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/Follow Giles Male:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/In today’s episode:[04:06] – Testing Claude[11:14] – Augmentation vs. Automation in Modeling[18:14] – The Value of Documentation in Modeling[28:43] – Debt Modeling with AI[33:20] – Transition from Manual to AI-Enhanced Modeling[38:16] – Testing with New Tools[41:24] – Debt and Equity Modeling with AI[46:45] – Claude's Progress & Areas for Improvement[57:33] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Chris Reilly, founder of Financial Modeling Education, for an insightful discussion on the importance of mastering financial modeling fundamentals in the age of AI. Chris shares his perspective on how AI is transforming the modeling industry, why understanding the basics is more important than ever, and how dynamic arrays are changing the modeling landscape.Chris Reilly is a financial modeling expert with over 91,000 students trained globally. He has a diverse background, having worked in private equity and FP&A, and has developed a range of training programs through Wall Street Prep, Wharton, LinkedIn Learning, and his own courses. Chris emphasizes that strong foundational knowledge in finance and accounting is crucial to leveraging AI and new technologies effectively.Expect to LearnWhy mastering the fundamentals of financial modeling is essential in an AI-driven worldHow Chris integrates AI tools to enhance his modeling workThe role of dynamic arrays in streamlining financial modelsThe balance between technical skills and business decision-makingInsights on why complex models aren't always betterHere are a few quotes from the episode:“AI is a magnifier. If you know what you're doing, it helps you get more done. If not, it makes problems worse.” - Chris Reilly“The real goal of any model is to help the business understand what to do next, not just to show off technical skills.” - Chris ReillyChris highlights how AI can help with dynamic arrays and improve model efficiency, but stresses that it should never replace the need for a strong understanding of financial fundamentals. His focus is on helping modelers leverage the right technology without bypassing essential knowledge.Follow Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-reilly-mission-capital/Homepage: https://www.financialmodelingeducation.com/Email list: https://financialmodelingeducator.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=7079020077076905984Sign 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:[02:06] - Why Fundamentals Matter in AI Modeling[03:29] - Chris's Focus on Education & Clients[04:44] - How AI Amplifies Strengths & Weaknesses[05:39] - Dynamic Arrays: Excel's Game-Changer[07:09] - Should Dynamic Arrays Be Taught?[09:47] - Combining Functions for Efficient Models[12:01] - Struggles with New Excel Features[13:18] - Technical vs. Business-Focused Models[14:59] - The Joy of Mastering Balanced Models[15:44] - Closing & Chris' Educational Resources

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes back Chris Reilly for a deep and practical conversation on financial modeling fundamentals in the age of AI. Chris shares why mastering the basics still matters more than ever, how AI is changing modeling workflows in reality (not hype), and where automation genuinely adds value versus where human judgment is still essential.Chris Reilly is a former private equity professional and financial modeling expert with experience spanning restructuring, FP&A, treasury, and middle market private equity. He began his career at FTI Consulting during the financial crisis, working on major bankruptcies, including Lehman Brothers, before moving to Hilton Worldwide and later into private equity. Chris is the founder of Financial Modeling Education, where he has trained more than 90,000 professionals worldwide, teaching real-life models used to acquire and manage private equity-backed businesses.Expect to LearnWhy financial modeling fundamentals matter more than ever in an AI-driven worldHow Chris actually uses AI in real client models versus online hypeWhy simple, well-built models outperform overly complex onesHow to balance technical modeling skills with business decision-makingHere are a few quotes from the episode:“AI is a great accelerator if you already understand the fundamentals. If you don’t, it just magnifies the problem.” - Chris Reilly“There’s a missing middle right now where people are skipping the fundamentals and jumping straight to the results.” - Chris ReillyChris emphasizes that while AI and automation can improve efficiency, they do not replace the need for strong accounting knowledge, modeling fundamentals, and business understanding. He explains that the best modelers focus less on tools and functions and more on clarity, reliability, and helping decision makers understand what to do next.Follow Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-reilly-mission-capital/Homepage: https://www.financialmodelingeducation.com/Email list: https://financialmodelingeducator.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=7079020077076905984Sign 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: [02:35] - Fundamentals Before AI[05:55] - From PE to Teaching[09:17] - Dynamic Arrays in Practice[13:25] - Limits of Dynamic Models[18:09] - Modeling vs Technical Debate[21:04] - AI Hype vs Reality[26:45] - Avoiding Bad Models[33:00] - Advice for Modelers[35:38] - Future of AI in Excel[38:02] - Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Luke Phillips, Senior Business Analyst at Access Analytic. Luke shares how he transitioned from Division I basketball to financial modeling, and how he helps clients solve complex budgeting and reporting problems using Solver, Excel, and Power BI.Luke Phillips is a chartered financial modeler and the Senior Business Analyst at Access Analytic. He works with clients across mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and professional services to streamline budgeting and reporting through Solver and Excel. Luke holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he also played Division I basketball.Expect to LearnHow a bad college project helped kickstart Luke’s modeling careerWhat Solver is and how it supports complex planning and reportingTips for simplifying models without losing valueThe role of communication in building useful modelsLuke’s take on AI and dynamic arrays in ExcelHere are a few quotes from the episode:“We're not hiring you for your technical ability, we're hiring you for your potential.” – Luke“I love spreadsheets, the way you can pull complex calculations together and form a view of a company.” – LukeLuke Phillips brings a grounded, real-world perspective to financial modeling, shaped by both professional experience and athletic discipline. His approach blends technical skill with a clear focus on communication and usability. Whether solving client challenges with Solver or exploring new Excel features, Luke keeps modeling practical and purpose-driven.Follow Luke:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-phillips-75859013a/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/access-analytic/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=7079020077076905984Sign 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:[02:09] - Life in Australia & Background[03:16] - First Model Mistake & Lesson[04:46] - From Basketball to Finance[08:49] - What is Solver & Luke’s Role[10:33] - Learning Supply Chain & Ops[13:11] - Simplicity vs. Complexity[18:24] - AFM & CFM Exam Journey[22:46] - XLOOKUP Over INDEX MATCH[27:46] - AI in modeling & Challenges

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Karishma Ramnawaj, a financial modeler based in Mauritius, to talk about her journey in financial modelling, building and reviewing models, and the lessons she’s learned from both success and failure. Karishma shares her experience of learning on the job, why understanding the end user is critical, and how she balances practical standards with flexibility.Karishma is a Certified Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) and FMVA® professional, currently working as a Financial Modeler Associate at Hawkins Eberdal Ltd in Mauritius. With a strong foundation in both project and corporate finance, Karishma specializes in building decision-ready financial models that support capital raising, risk evaluation, and business growth.Expect to LearnWhy using someone else’s model as a template can be riskyThe importance of understanding and communicating key assumptionsHow to tailor models for investors and third-party usersWhat it’s like to fail, and then pass, the AFM examThe value of applying both corporate and project finance in modellingHere are a few quotes from the episode:“If you're going to use someone else's model, make sure you understand everything inside it.” – Karishma“It's not just about Excel. It's about who's using the model and what story you're telling with it.” – KarishmaKarishma's story is a great example of growth through practice, persistence, and passion for financial modeling. Her focus on clarity, flexibility, and end-user needs brings valuable perspective to the modelling process. From overcoming early challenges to passing the AFM exam, she shows the importance of continuous improvement.Follow Karishma:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karishma-ramnawaj/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=7079020077076905984Sign 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:[01:56] - Guest Intro[04:51] - Journey into Modelling[06:00] - Why She Loves Modelling[08:37] - Storytelling with Numbers[10:56] - Key Assumptions & End Users[13:00] - Project vs. Corporate Finance[14:26] - Renewable Energy Focus[15:44] - Modelling Standards & Reviews[22:16] - AFM Exam: Fail to Pass[29:18] - Tools, Tips & Final Advice