Beyond the Hype: Real-World AI in Accounting and Finance

How close are we to expense reports that create themselves? In this crossover episode recorded live at Emburse in Motion, Blake Oliver explores real-world AI implementation with Adriana Carpenter, CFO of Emburse, and Olga Pavlova from PizzaExpress. Discover how PizzaExpress manages 350+ restaurant locations using AI to automatically flag policy violations and detect hidden SaaS subscriptions buried in expense reports. You'll learn specific strategies for vendor consolidation that deliver immediate cost savings, plus hear Adriana's vision for AI agents that guide employees through policy compliance in real time. From keyword detection that prevents VAT errors to mobile-first expense reporting that's "quarters away, not years away," this episode reveals practical automation wins you can implement today.

Meet Our Guests:

Adriana Carpenter
CFO, Emburse


Learn more about Emburse

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Transcripts
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

Creators and Guests

Adriana Carpenter
Guest
Adriana Carpenter
As Chief Financial Officer of Emburse, Adriana is responsible for financial strategy, accounting, treasury, payroll, and financial reporting, planning and analysis. Adriana has 30 years of finance and accounting experience. Prior to joining Emburse, Adriana was the SVP Finance and Chief Accounting Officer at Ping Identity where she managed through several significant transitions, including preparing and operating Ping as a public company. Prior to joining Ping in 2013, Adriana was the Global Controller at TeleTech where she managed multinational accounting and shared service operations. Adriana also spent 12 years in the assurance practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), where she served large multinational clients in technology, information and communications, aerospace and defense, as well as high-growth technology startups. She has significant experience in M&A transactions, debt offerings and fraud investigations. Adriana received her BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University and MMAS in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is a certified public accountant licensed in Colorado and Texas.
 Olga Pavlova-Grebliauske FCCA
Guest
Olga Pavlova-Grebliauske FCCA
Experienced Systems Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the Hospitality industry. Skilled in Project Management, Management, Processes & Requirements Analysis, Broad Operational Finance experience. Strong IT & Finance professional with a ACCA focused in Accounting and Finance from ACCA.
Beyond the Hype: Real-World AI in Accounting and Finance
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