Blood, Sweat & Balance Sheets

What does a top venture investor think about AI's impact on accounting, and what should finance professionals actually do about it?

In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Balance Sheets, FloQast CEO Mike Whitmire sits down with Roy Luo, General Partner at ICONIQ Capital — an investor in Anthropic, Snowflake, Databricks, and Stripe — to break down what the AI wave really means for the accounting profession.

They cover:

1. Why accounting is facing a talent shortage that AI is uniquely positioned to solve
2. How the shift to AI mirrors the Excel revolution — and what that means for your career
3. The concept of "token rationing" and why accounting departments may be last in line for AI resources
4. Why founders with product intuition are better positioned to navigate paradigm shifts
5. What it means to be a trusted partner vs. a vendor in the age of AI

Whether you're a controller, CFO, or just trying to future-proof your career, this conversation offers a rare outside-in perspective on where the profession is heading.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of accounting, technology, and leadership.

Billy Klein went from working 60-80 hour weeks as an EY auditor to helping build FloQast Transform—the fastest-growing product in FloQast history. In this episode, he breaks down how accounting teams are actually implementing AI automation, what makes AI auditable, and why most accountants want to build their own workflows (not outsource to IT).

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

- The 4 ways customers implement FloQast Transform (and why DIY builders are the largest group)
- How to make AI auditable: why "free-thinking" AI doesn't work for accounting
- Why accountants need to own their automation (especially during 3-5 day close windows)
- The imposter syndrome reality of starting in Big 4 at 21 years old
- From audit to startups to solutions consulting: Billy's career journey
- What "building products with audit in mind" actually means (it's not just SOC reports)

👤 ABOUT BILLY KLEIN:

Billy Klein is a Solutions Consultant at FloQast working on Transform, the company's AI automation platform. He started his career as an auditor in Ernst & Young's financial services practice before moving to tech startups. At FloQast, he helped design and build Transform from the ground up, working directly with customers to understand their needs and bringing those insights to the product team. Now he leads demos and implementation strategy for Transform.

🔗 LINKS:
FloQast Transform: https://floqast.com/transform
FloQast: https://floqast.com

CONNECT:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/floqast

🎙️ ABOUT BLOOD, SWEAT & BALANCE SHEETS:

Hosted by Mike Whitmire, Co-Founder & CEO of FloQast, FCA and inactive CPA. We explore the future of accounting through conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and the accountants building the profession's next chapter.


#Accounting #AIAccounting #FloQast #AccountingAutomation #PublicAccounting #FinTech #MonthEndClose #Controller #CFO #CPA #AccountingCareer #FloQastTransform #Big4 #AccountingTech

In this episode of Blood, Sweat, and Balance Sheets, FloQast CEO Mike Whitmire sits down with Dan Callaghan, FloQast's Chief Accounting Officer, to discuss his 30+ year career journey and share his bold vision for the future of accounting in the age of AI.

What You'll Learn:

1. Why AI is accounting's "tractor moment" and what that means for your career
2. How Dan went from KPMG auditor to CAO of multiple pre-IPO tech companies
3. The truth about AI replacing accountants (spoiler: it won't)
4. Why every accountant needs to upskill NOW to stay competitive
5. Inside look at the FloQast Certified Accountant (FCA) program
6. How AI will free accountants from spreadsheet drudgery to become strategic business partners

Key Takeaways: Dan argues that AI isn't eliminating accounting jobs -- it's eliminating the manual grind of data entry, reconciliation, and spreadsheet analysis. Just like tractors revolutionized farming without replacing farmers, AI will transform accountants from "counters" into strategic advisors and business partners.

This is your opportunity to shape your own future in the profession. The accountants who embrace AI and accounting transformation platforms today will be the ones sitting at the board table tomorrow.

About the Guest: Dan Callaghan is the Chief Accounting Officer at FloQast with 30+ years of experience, including helping take three companies public from the controllership role.

🔗 Learn more about the FloQast Certified Accountant program: https://www.floqast.com/floqast-certified-accountant

#Accounting #AI #FutureOfWork #AccountingTech #CFO #FloQast #CareerAdvice

Brett Turner has raised nearly $200M and generated over $700M in shareholder value across 4 tech companies. But his journey from Big 4 CPA to serial fintech founder wasn't smooth—and every failure taught him something critical.

FloQast CEO and Host Mike Whitmire sat down to discuss his journey to Trovata, and everything he's learned along the way. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

- Why his first board meetings as CFO were brutal (and the all-nighter solution that saved him)

- The real story behind 3 major startup exits

- Why he left Deloitte after 2 years — and why it was the right call

- The $12 trillion in corporate deposits earning zero interest (and why that's about to change)

- How stablecoins are "coming like a freight train" to disrupt traditional banking

- Why managing Amazon's SEC reporting prepared him for fintech

- Career advice: How to turn accounting expertise into executive-level impact

ABOUT BRETT TURNER:

Brett Turner is CEO and founder of Trovata, a next-gen cash management platform that has raised $85M (Series B). Since leaving Amazon in 2005, he's built 4 successful tech companies with 3 major exits totaling over $700M in shareholder value. He started his career at Deloitte as a CPA and spent 8 years in Controller roles before joining Amazon to manage SEC reporting. Trovata's investors include JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, and other major financial institutions.

ABOUT BLOOD, SWEAT & BALANCE SHEETS:

Hosted by Mike Whitmire (CEO, FloQast), this podcast features former accountants who've had extraordinary career journeys—proving that accounting skills can take you anywhere.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT TROVATA: https://trovata.io

FLOQAST ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS: https://floqast.com

#accounting #fintech #stablecoins #career #cfo #treasury #startup #floqast 

Five years ago, a CFO's main focus was cutting costs and boosting efficiency, but that conversation has dramatically shifted, with artificial intelligence (AI) now topping the priority list. In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Balance Sheets, host Mike Whitmire sits down with Andrew Moses, Associate Director at Cross Country Consulting, to dive into the evolving role of the modern CFO and the urgent need to adopt AI.

They'll unpack why AI is no longer a "nice to have," but an essential budget item. You’ll learn:

1. How finance leaders can overcome the challenge of implementing AI, especially when general-purpose tools like Copilot and Python fall short for accounting-specific tasks.
2. The critical difference between general-purpose and purpose-built AI solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing accounting systems.
3. How to view AI as an investment not just in technology, but in your people.

This discussion will provide a clear path for companies to effectively and easily adopt solutions purpose-built for the accounting function, making AI a practical reality.

Welcome to a very special "Best Of" episode of Blood, Sweat & Balance Sheets!  

Join host Mike Whitmire and longtime producer John Siegel as they revisit the most impactful and entertaining moments from the podcast over the past year (and even a little further back). 

Beyond the highlights, Mike and John dive into a candid discussion about how the accounting landscape has dramatically shifted. They'll explore key accounting trends, regulatory updates, and evolving workplace dynamics that are reshaping the profession for finance professionals and accountants today. 

Episode highlights include: 

• The Auditor to Accountant Transition
• The Alarming Accounting Talent Gap
• Rebranding Accounting for the Future
• AI in Accounting: Dispelling Fears & Boosting Value
• Building Company Culture Across Continents
• Hiring High-Potential Talent
• A "Tommy Boy" Cover Letter & Unconventional Hires

Find more from Blood, Sweat & Balance Sheets: 

• Subscribe on Spotify 
• Connect with FloQast on LinkedIn 
• Visit the FloQast website 

On this episode of Blood, Sweat & Balance Sheets, FloQast co-founder and CEO, Mike Whitmire, CPA (inactive), sits down with Edwine Alphonse, Senior Controller at Ramp, to discuss how she’s shaping the future of accounting.
 
Edwine shares her inspiring career story, from finding her passion for accounting to driving team success at one of the most innovative and fastest-growing companies in fintech. The conversation dives into her approach to tackling industry challenges, her strategies for building high-performing teams, and how Ramp’s rapid growth is fueled by technology and forward-thinking strategies.
 
Explore the transformative role of AI in easing workload pressures, bridging the talent gap, and empowering accountants to focus on high-value work. Gain actionable insights from Edwine’s experience and vision for an industry navigating rapid change.
 
Whether you're a seasoned professional, a tech enthusiast, or curious about the evolution of accounting, this episode offers fresh perspectives and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.

Key Highlights: 
Edwine Alphonse’s Career Journey
From discovering her passion for accounting to making an impact at Ramp, hear her personal story.
Ramp’s Rapid Growth in Fintech
Explore how Ramp is leading the way as one of fintech’s fastest-growing companies, driving innovation at scale.
Innovative Approaches to Accounting
Learn how Edwine tackles industry challenges and builds successful, high-performing teams.
The Role of AI in Accounting
Insights into how AI is transforming the profession, easing workloads, and driving efficiency.
Future of the Accounting Industry
Edwine's vision for navigating rapid changes and addressing the talent gap.
 
Don’t miss this engaging conversation filled with expertise, actionable advice, and a glimpse into the future of accounting!

On this episode of Blood, Sweat & Balance Sheets, host Mike Whitmire sits down with Vicky LeVay, Sr. Director of Compliance, Risk, and Information Security at FloQast, and Jaysen Dyal, Product Marketing Manager at FloQast and former accountant. Together, they discuss the growing role of AI in accounting and FloQast’s achievements, including earning ISO 42001 certification.

Vicky provides insights into what it takes to secure this critical certification and why it’s essential for building trust and ensuring accountability in AI-driven processes. The conversation dives into the ethical challenges of implementing AI in the accounting field and how FloQast’s vision paves the way for innovation, efficiency, and solving industry challenges. Learn how AI-powered tools are reshaping the profession, empowering accountants to move beyond manual tasks and tackle strategic work with confidence.

Key Takeaways

1. AI’s Role in Accounting: How artificial intelligence is streamlining accounting processes and enabling accountants to focus on strategic initiatives.
2. ISO 42001 and Trust in AI: Why FloQast pursued ISO 42001 certification and its significance in ensuring trust and compliance in AI workflows.
3. Addressing Ethical Challenges: Exploring risks like prompt injection, AI hallucinations, and the importance of integrating robust safeguards.
4. FloQast’s Vision for AI: How FloQast is driving innovation with AI-powered products, reducing workloads, boosting efficiency, and preventing burnout for accounting teams.
5. Preparing for the Future: Insights into how ethical AI is shaping the future for accountants and helping them take on more impactful roles within their organizations.

Listen in for actionable insights and perspectives on the intersection of AI, compliance, and innovation in accounting.

On this episode of Blood, Sweat & Balance Sheets, Mike Whitmire is joined by Shivang Patel and Megan Gallagher, two former accountants whose expertise in audit and accounting paved the way for their success at FloQast. They share how their deep understanding of the accounting profession uniquely positions them to solve client challenges, connect with peers, and drive innovation in roles like sales engineering and beyond.

Additionally, the group discussed FloQast’s vision for deploying its Accounting Transformation Platform, with its enhanced with AI, support accountants by automating manual, time-intensive tasks. This enables teams to transition from preparer roles to strategic reviewers, tackling challenges like staffing shortages, boosting efficiency, and improving work-life balance for today’s accounting professionals.

Key Takeaways / Learning Objectives:

1. Career Foundations in Audit and Accounting
2. Hear about Megan and Shivang’s early roles in audit and accounting, including the challenges they encountered, and how those experiences prepared them for their future careers.
3. Adapting to New Opportunities
4. Understand the learning curve Shivang and Megan faced when transitioning out of accounting, and how they leveraged their expertise to excel in new roles.
5. Life at FloQast
6. Learn how Megan and Shivang grew within FloQast, building out teams, innovating processes, and taking on leadership roles to help drive the company's success.
7. The Role of Technology in Accounting
8. Explore how FloQast’s Accounting Transformation Platform and AI tools are automating tedious tasks, enabling accountants to focus on impactful work, and fostering innovation within their organizations.
9. Addressing the Accounting Talent Gap
10. Delve into the growing shortage of accountants and how FloQast empowers teams to do more with fewer resources while reducing burnout and supporting career development.
11. Future-Forward Thinking for Accountants
12. Gain insights into FloQast's vision for how technology will continue to shape accounting and how accountants can evolve to take on more strategic and fulfilling roles.

2025 is upon us, but what does that mean for the accounting profession? From dwindling headcounts to heightened expectations, an expected bullish IPO/M&A market to a new emphasis on utilizing technology in the profession, there's a lot we don't know. On this episode of *Blood, Sweat & Balance Sheets*, join Stefan van Duyvendijk, FloQast's Accounting Operations Evangelist and a former financial controller at Skullcandy Inc. and Kodiak Cakes, and Mike Whitmire, FloQast co-founder and CEO, as they unpack the accounting predictions shaping 2025. The profession is facing unprecedented changes—from technology to talent—and the time to adapt is now. With expert insights and practical advice, Stefan and Mike outline what leaders and teams need to do today to remain competitive and resilient tomorrow.

Key Topics
* The talent shortage crisis and actionable ways to bridge the gap
* AI's growing role in building smarter, more strategic accounting teams
* Why financial transformation should be every CFO’s top priority
* Turning compliance from a burden into a strategic advantage for growth