E10: How OpenAI Controller Sowmya Raganathan Uses AI to Superpower Accounting

OpenAI Controller Sowmya Ranganathan sits with Sasha Orloff to share accounting insights from her experience at Square, Rippling, and OpenAI. She discusses automation and using AI in accounting, how difficult software motivated her to make the move to Controller at Rippling, and how she’s streamlining the accounting workflow at OpenAI, where she is currently Controller. Sowmya also explains how AI is making accounting easier and why future accounting teams may be small and broadly skilled. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812 📈 ECON 102 W/ NOAH SMITH - Keeping econ entertaining - Noahpinion author Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg break down business news and politics every week. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812 --- This show is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://www.turpentine.co --- SPONSORS: ATTIO 📊 Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join ElevenLabs, Replicate, Modal and more at https://bit.ly/attioturpentine NETSUITE 📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks. BEEHIIV 🐝 Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. Go to https://beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months BRAVE 🎯Get first-party targeting with Brave’s private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “Turpentine” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign. --- This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. --- X/SOCIAL: https://twitter.com/sashaorloff (Sasha) https://twitter.com/heysowmya (Sowmya) --- TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Preview and Intro (02:51) Soumya's Journey: From Square to Rippling (03:14) Challenges and Learnings in Public Accounting (07:30) Automation in Accounting: A Necessity (10:02) Joining Rippling: Building from the Ground Up (11:47) Balancing Controls and Growth in Startups (14:52) Sponsor: NetSuite | Attio (16:52) Putting On the Auditor's Hat (18:24) What If There's No Buy-in from Management? (21:02) Stepping into OpenAI and Embracing AI in Accounting (24:12) Transforming Accounting with ChatGPT (25:35) Real-World Applications and Success Stories (26:29) Future of AI in Accounting (29:44) OpenAI's Accounting Team and Processes (30:02) Sponsor: Beehiiv | Brave (33:12) Innovative Tools and Systems (37:36) Advice for Future Accountants (45:30) Addressing Fear of AI in Accounting (47:41) Wrap