Navigating the Challenges of Being a Controller in a Startup Environment

Exploring the significance of defining business aspects, like revenue and risk assessments, and tackling challenges like gaining management support by being productive and earning trust through wins.

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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.

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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 erik@turpentine.co.

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X/SOCIAL:

https://twitter.com/sashaorloff (Sasha)

https://twitter.com/heysowmya (Sowmya)

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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