In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst talks with Andrew Hull, a seasoned finance leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. They explore the role of FP&A professionals in driving business results, navigating inflation, and transitioning from traditional budgeting to impactful analytics.

Andrew Hull is a financial executive with over two decades of experience in CPG. Currently the Vice President of Finance at UNFI Canada, Andrew has a proven track record of partnering with business leaders to deliver results through strategic insights and principled financial analysis. With a competitive spirit and passion for team leadership, Andrew shares his unique approach to FP&A, analytics, and the importance of actionable storytelling.

Expect to Learn:

1. The three pillars of great FP&A are technical skills, storytelling, and actionable decisions.
2. Why Andrew advocates for changing FP&A to “FA&P” and focusing more on analytics.
3. Lessons learned from leading finance during the pandemic.
4. Key metrics for success in the distribution industry include variable margin and truck utilization.
5. Practical advice for accelerating budget processes and focusing on analytics that drive results.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

1. "The most value FP&A can add is when we take complex data and distill it into actionable insights." - Andrew Hull
2. "Variable margin is the backbone of understanding financial performance in a distribution business."- Andrew Hull
3. "A one-page visual with clear recommendations is the best way to communicate with executives."- Andrew Hull

Andrew Hull shared a wealth of knowledge for FP&A professionals, including rethinking the role of analytics to the importance of actionable storytelling. His practical advice on managing inflation, leading during a crisis, and accelerating the budgeting process offers valuable lessons.

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Follow Andrew:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhull4/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Earn Your CPE Credit

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

In Today’s Episode

[01:59] - Meet Andrew Hull

[02:50] - Redefining Great FP&A

[06:46] - Career Highlights in CPG

[10:35] - Leading Finance at UNFI Canada

[18:55] - Managing Inflation with Analytics

[22:24] - The Art of Storytelling in FP&A

[35:47] - Revolutionizing the Budget Process

[51:20] - Beyond Work: Hobbies and Passions

[58:07] - Closing Thoughts