The Complexity Trap in Finance for FP&A Pros to Escape Using Simpler Tools & Strategy - Matt Brattin

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst talks with Matt Brattin, a former CFO who’s now building solutions to cut down on the complexity that often slows finance teams down. Drawing from his 20-year career in FP&A, Matt shares what inspired him to start Siplify and Close Pack, two platforms designed to save time and reduce manual work, especially around sales commissions and reporting. The conversation also explores leadership, analytics, and what it really takes to drive value in finance.

Matt Brattin is a finance leader turned entrepreneur. After serving as a CFO, Matt launched two startups: Siplify, which helps automate and streamline sales commission processes, and Close Pack, a tool aimed at making financial reporting more efficient. He’s also writing The Art of Analytics, a book that ties together strategy, storytelling, and behavioral insights. Matt brings a deep understanding of finance, technology, and human behavior to every conversation.

Expect to Learn:

• Why most commission plans fail, and how to fix them
• The value of simplicity in finance systems and processes
• How behavioral insights and empathy can improve analytics
• Why storytelling matters more than models at the executive level
• Tips for building tools that actually make a difference for finance teams

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Nobody gives a crap about your model. They want the story, and they want the numbers to make sense." -  Matt Brattin
• "Authentic leadership; there is no substitute for that. Life is too short to act like somebody else when you're at work." - Matt Brattin

Matt Brattin shows how true FP&A impact comes from simplifying complexity, leading with authenticity, and combining technical skill with a deep understanding of human behavior. His journey from CFO to founder highlights the value of clarity, behavioral insight, and thoughtful system design.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,

close management, and more, all in one unified platform.

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

Follow Matt:

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

Website -  https://siplify.io/

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

[02:27] - Matt’s Mission: Saving a Million Hours

[04:11] - What Great FP&A Really Looks Like

[08:26] - Leadership Lessons from the CFO Seat

[14:10] - Writing ‘The Art of Analytics’

[21:53] - Building Siplify and Close Pack

[28:16] - Real Talk on Sales Commissions

[37:02] - Advice for First-Time Commission Owners

[45:04] - FP&A Skills: From Excel to Selling the Story

[55:49] - Final Thoughts and How to Connect