Blood, Sweat & Balance Sheets

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

In this special episode, cohosts Mike Whitmire and Stefan van Duyvendijk join forces to delve into their forthcoming book, "Shift Happens: The Rise of the Operational Mindset and How Controllers Can Drive Real Value." Together, they explore the evolving landscape of the accounting profession, the emergence of the operational mindset, and how controllers can become pivotal in driving organizational success.