Burning Ledgers Podcast

Burning Ledgers Podcast

By Ernest AnunciacionBusinessTechnology
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Burning Ledgers Podcast episodes

  • EP09: The Quintessential CFO-First AI Strategy
    Matthias sits down with Marco Horvat, CFO at ELB Learning, to unpack what an effective AI strategy actually looks like for modern finance leaders. Marco breaks down the three pressures CFOs have to balance at once - shareholder value, customer expectations, and employee development - and explains why most organizations are getting AI wrong when they treat it as an isolated tool instead of part of the broader enterprise strategy. Marco also shares why finance leaders should stop obsessing over perfect data as the end goal and start from the decisions they want to make. That shift alone changes how you think about AI, analytics, risk, and the future of finance work.If you're a CFO, finance leader, or operator trying to implement AI without losing control, this conversation gives you a clear framework for moving fast, staying safe, and creating real value. Essential listening for leaders who want AI to strengthen the business, not just automate it. Marko Horvat, CPA, is a passionate financial executive with more than two decades of experience transforming finance functions and guiding organizations through complex business and digital transformations. With a career spanning CFO, controller, and advisory leadership roles, Marko has consistently driven performance through the integration of efficient processes, top-tier talent, and innovative technology. He has advised Fortune 500 companies, private equity sponsors, healthcare institutions, and nonprofits, helping them achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence, and financial resilience. Currently serving as CFO for ELB Learning, he partners with business leaders to shape strategies for sustainable evolution and organizational success. Marko's career highlights include leading finance transformation strategies as Vice President at Gartner, directing financial modernization efforts at Clinica Sierra Vista and Kern Medical, and advancing private equity–backed finance maturity as Managing Director at E78. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, he has contributed to conferences, podcasts, and advisory boards—including serving on the Strategic AI Advisory Board at the University of San Francisco and the Forbes Finance Council. His areas of expertise span business and digital transformation, AI in finance, strategic planning, revenue cycle, treasury, and compliance. Marko's work reflects his commitment to helping organizations unlock their full potential through innovation, insight, and execution. You can find him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-horvat-cpa/
    48 min
  • EP08: The Role of Governance in AI
    In this episode of Burning Ledgers, Matthias is joined by Michael Rasmussen, GRC Pundit and founder of GRC 20/20. As AI's capabilities grow, so does the complexity of governing it responsibly. The stakes are high: reckless adoption risks reputation, compliance breaches, or worse, financial losses. But with the right governance architecture—integrated, continuous, and laser-focused on outcomes—organizations can unlock AI's true potential for competitive edge and resilience. Michael Rasmussen is an internationally recognized authority, thought leader, and pioneer in the disciplines of governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC). With over 30 years of experience, he is globally known for defining and shaping GRC strategy, processes, and technology. In February 2002, while at Forrester Research, Michael developed the concept of GRC — establishing the foundation for how organizations approach strategy, process, and technology in today's complex business environment. For this, he is widely acknowledged as the "Father of GRC." A trusted advisor to boards, executives, and professionals around the world, Michael has dedicated his career to helping organizations design and implement effective GRC strategies that are aligned with business objectives. His work empowers organizations to be more effective, efficient, resilient, and agile. He is a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and advisor, with his thought leadership influencing legislation, regulatory frameworks, and corporate best practices globally. Michael is the host of the Risk is Our Business and the Hitchhiker's Guide to the GRC Technology podcasts, where he leads conversations with global experts exploring the evolving frontiers of risk, resilience, and corporate integrity.
    30 min
  • EP07: Practical AI Applications in Risk Management

    In this episode, Heather C Holding, Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at Best Egg, shares insights on how risk management teams are adopting AI, the associated AI risks, and frameworks for safe implementation. She and Matthias go deep into practical use cases and governance strategies you can deploy today.

    As the CRO, Heather oversees Enterprise Risk Management, Operational Risk Management, Third-Party Risk Management, and the Bank Partnership Strategy, ensuring the company scales responsibly while maintaining strong consumer and regulatory safeguards.

    With more than 20 years of experience across banking and financial services, she has led large-scale risk transformation initiatives and built enterprise frameworks that align innovation with disciplined risk management. She is recognized for her strategic approach to emerging risks, including AI governance, fintech partnerships, and regulatory engagement, and for advancing risk management as a business enabler in high-growth, technology-driven organizations.

    Finally, you can catch her video series titled "AI with Heather" where she shows listeners how to practically use AI in their everyday work. Check out Heather's YouTube channel here!

    32 min
  • EP06: The AI Revolution in Finance Transformation
    In this episode, Matthias is joined by Jasmine Ahmed, VP of Finance Systems at Legends Global. They explore how AI is transforming finance and get into examples of strategic insights, practical applications, and leadership tips for leveraging AI to gain competitive advantage and foster innovation. Jasmine is a CPA, MBA, and a Finance Transformation Executive. She is executively known for unleashing the human potential in a digital economy. Jasmine leans into disruption turning ambiguity into a competitive advantage creating the future of finance empowered to drive better business decisions at speed and scale every day. As a transformational leader, she inspires talent at all levels with a culture of innovation, builds future proof skills augmented by emotional intelligence, and rebuilds outdated operating systems achieving organizational and personal success. Jasmine breaks down silos, makes the complex simple, and challenges conventional methods delivering transformational agendas creating sustainable value at speed. She unites diverse perspectives and builds long-lasting relationships across key stakeholders, suppliers and customers to accelerate strategic decision-making. Over the past decade, Jasmine managed $200M+ budgets, delivered $175M+ annual benefits, led 500+ teams, and changed the way 20K+ people work across 50+ countries. Jasmine's transformation portfolio includes Pfizer, National Grid, Dentsu, NewsCorp, Coca-Cola, and Blackstone and Sixth Street owned private equity companies. Jasmine holds a BS from the University of Virginia Commerce School and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University, followed by a Digital Leadership program from Columbia Business School. Jasmine serves as an adjunct professor at Rutgers Business School working with the future of talent in finance and accounting.
    41 min
  • EP05: Digitally Native Audits
    Matthias is joined by Christina Ho, former PCAOB board member and AI advocate, where they discuss how digital transformation is redefining audits by boosting accuracy and transforming the role of CFOs and auditors alike. She shares groundbreaking insights into what a truly digitally native audit looks like, explaining how AI and cloud platforms are enabling 100% population testing, continuous auditing, and faster risk assessment. Discover how emerging tools like agentic AI are already changing the game and offering immense ROI while reducing human error. Christina is a finance and technology transformation executive who excels at working at the intersection of finance, technology, and policy. She recently completed her tenure as a Board Member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), where she promoted the use of AI in auditing to enhance audit quality and public trust, and chaired a working group on emerging technologies. A sought-after thought leader, an engaging public speaker and published expert, her work has appeared in the Journal of Accountancy and other leading industry publications. She was profiled in The Wall Street Journal and has been quoted by Bloomberg, Reuters, The Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Earlier in her career, Christina held senior roles at the U.S. Treasury, the University of Maryland, and Elder Research (acquired by Mantech). She spent her early career at Deloitte & Touche rising to audit senior manager and holds CPA and CISA certifications.
    42 min
  • EP04: Scaling AI Projects in Finance

    In this episode of Burning Ledges, Matthias Steinberg speaks with Carla Aranda, CFO of L'Oreal's Professional Products Division in North America. They discuss the transformative impact of AI on finance and Carla's journey in leveraging AI technologies at L'Oreal, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation. Finally, Carla shares insights on overcoming challenges in implementing AI projects, the significance of simplicity in work processes, and the evolving role of the CFO.

    Carla Aranda is a global finance executive and the "Chief Simplifier" who advocates for the discipline of subtraction to drive organizational excellence. With over 25 years of experience leading operations for global corporations, Carla specializes in leveraging technology to automate the routine and illuminate the strategy. Having lived and worked in the U.S., Brazil, and Argentina, she is a passionate advocate for empowering high-performing multicultural teams and the next generation of finance leaders.

    For more content from Carla, check out this LinkedIn article where she expands on her philosophy titled "Simplicity at Work." https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/simplicity-work-joinblend-au7qe/

    To learn more about Blend, click here: https://www.joinblend.com/

    37 min
  • EP03: The Role of AI for CFOs in 2026

    Matthias is joined by Mark McDonald, founder of Finance Next, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on finance, exploring its evolution, current use cases, and future implications. Hear their thoughts on emphasizing the importance of understanding ROI, the need for CFOs to adapt to new technologies, and the cultural shifts required for successful AI adoption.

    Mark brings over two decades of hands on operations and corporate finance leadership mostly at Siemens in the US and in Germany. After earning his Master's in Software Engineering from Harvard with a focus on Data Science, Machine Learning, and AI, Mark joined Gartner where he established the AI competency in the finance practice, helping hundreds of clients introduce AI to their finance operations. He now leads Finance Next, an independent consulting practice dedicated to helping finance leaders responsibly transition their operations to AI and assisting software providers in addressing the accounting and finance market.

    59 min
  • EP02: The Future of Audit

    Listen to Matthias' conversation with Rachel Kirkham, Chief Technology Officer at MindBridge, as they explore how artificial intelligence is impacting public accounting firms and their external audit and assurance services.

    Rachel is responsible for leading AI product strategy and the data science teams. Prior to joining MindBridge, she was the Head of Data Analytics Research at the UK National Audit Office, leading a team of data scientists and analysts in developing unique capabilities for financial auditors. Rachel is an ACA-qualified chartered accountant and holds an MBA from Imperial College.

    41 min
  • EP01: CFOs as Transformation Architects

    In this episode, guest co-host Stephen DeWitt joins Matthias Steinberg to discuss the transformative impact of AI in finance with guests Marie Myers (CFO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise) and Geoffrey Moore (Author and Advisor). Listen now as they explore the evolving role of the CFO, the importance of trust and integrity in financial operations, and the need for companies to embrace AI to enhance productivity and decision making.

    40 min
  • EP00: Introduction to Burning Ledgers

    Executive producer Ernest Anunciacion interviews Burning Ledgers host, Matthias Steinberg as he shares what "Burning Ledgers" means, how AI is reshaping the CFO's role, and what to expect from future guests and episodes.

    Matthias has more than 15 years experience in investing in and managing high growth technology businesses. Prior to MindBridge he was CFO of IONOS, Europe's largest mass market hoster where he also served on the board of several group companies. He as held leadership roles in several organizations including Summit Partners and Lokad SaS. Matthias holds a master of engineering and an MBA from INSEAD.

    15 min

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Every finance transformation begins with a question: how can we do better?