In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul is joined by strategic advisor and podcast host Moataz Mukhaimer to explore the intersection of finance and strategy, where true business impact is made. With over 20 years of experience guiding SMEs, family-owned businesses, and startups across the Middle East, Moataz explains why finance professionals must step beyond Excel and deeply understand the business to add real value. From diagnosing problems through numbers to designing KPIs that reflect a company’s vision, this episode is a masterclass in how FP&A can lead, not just support.

Moataz Mukhaimer is a strategic and financial advisor with over 20 years of experience supporting SMEs across the MENA region. A graduate of McGill University (MBA) and Boston University (BA in Accounting & Finance), he specializes in helping businesses identify challenges and align strategy with execution. His client portfolio spans sectors including retail, med-tech, e-commerce, ed-tech, manufacturing, and software.

Expect to Learn:

• Why cash from operations is the true measure of business value
• How to design KPIs that align with both strategy and financial outcomes
• Why most pricing problems are rooted in poor positioning, not high costs
• How to diagnose problems through both numbers and conversations
• The two most important habits for connecting finance with strategy

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Most companies aren’t overpricing, they’re underpricing and positioning poorly.” - Moataz Mukhaimer
• “Cash from operations is the truest form of value creation.” - Moataz Mukhaimer

Moataz Mukhaimer reminds us that the power of FP&A lies in understanding the whole business, not just the numbers. By aligning strategy with financial planning, simplifying KPIs, and focusing on communication, finance professionals can become essential partners in growth. If you're ready to elevate your impact, this episode is for you.

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Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguy

Follow Moataz:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/moataz-mukhaimer/

Website - https://moatazmukhaimeradvisory.com/

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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[04:05] - What Defines Great FP&A?

[05:56] - Great Planning in Action

[08:40] - Cash Flow is Queen

[14:15] - Why Budgeting Often Fails

[26:45] - Pricing: The Hidden Problem

[30:04] - Moataz’s Four-Part Strategy Framework

[33:07] - Diagnosing Problems Through People and Numbers

[36:27] - Advice for Connecting Finance to Strategy

[40:09] - Hosting Business Talk and Giving Back

[43:36] - FP&A Fast Five

[48:31] - Final Advice: Always Tie Finance to Strategy