Illuminate On Demand
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The Future of Finance:
Where Automation Meets Innovation
Get a front-row seat to the future of finance. Learn how automation and machine learning can transform your finance operations across global payments, accounts payable, procurement, and expense management. And discover insights, trends, and best practices so you can take your finance operation to the next level.
Featured Speakers
Experts on finance automation and operations for growing companies share their insights and expertise during a day of streaming sessions.
CEO, Tipalti
CFO, ImaginAb
Editor & Publisher, Inside the Creator Economy
Partner, Technology Solutions BPM
CPO, Tipalti
CFO, Tipalti
Partner, PWC
President, Tipalti
CMO, Tipalti
Assistant Controller, Scribd
CFO, AppLovin
CEO, ThoughtLeaders
Head of Finance, A.Team
Managing Partner & Co-Founder, 01 Advisors
CFO, Distrokid
Chen is a veteran high-tech executive and repeat entrepreneur. Before founding Tipalti, Chen successfully founded and led multiple SaaS companies from inception to over $100 million in annual sales.
Roby is a serial entrepreneur with vast experience in software and technology. Prior to Tipalti, Roby was the VP of Product of Snoox.com, a social recommendations engine. Roby also co-founded Cent2Cent.
Rob is the President of Tipalti, helping to set their business, customer, and growth strategy. He previously led global marketing, alliances, and Tipalti’s Europe business, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience to the company.
Des is a seasoned executive-level marketing professional with extensive expertise helping B2B SaaS companies scale by driving growth and innovation. Des began his tech career at Apple, driving strategy for multiple product lines and initiatives.
As Tipalti’s CFO, Sarah is responsible for global finance, global accounting, and the legal organization. Additionally, she leads related areas like fundraising, investor relations, and Tipalti’s financial infrastructure to scale globally.
David, CFO at ImaginAb, oversees internal/external financial reporting, capital raising, and corporate governance. Previously CFO at ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, he managed SEC reporting and played a key role in capital raising.
Jim, a media and technology leader for 25 years, built and sold two startups to prominent media companies. He hosts numerous sessions and events, and boasts a track record of building innovative companies. Jim also authors the widely-read LinkedIn newsletter, “Inside the Creator Economy.”
David is a Principal at PWC, specializing in Operations Financial Management, accounting, finance capabilities for Mid-Market firms, cash flow improvement, M&A, IPO, ERP optimization, cost reduction, corporate reporting, and organizational alignment.
Bryan, a seasoned professional with 17+ years of management and consulting experience, specializes in operational improvements through technology consulting. His expertise includes large-scale ERP implementations, such as NetSuite, JD Edwards, and PeopleSoft, and aligning business strategy with technology for sustainable models.
Barb has extensive experience in accounting leadership roles. She has successfully modernized traditional accounting practices and implemented scalable solutions. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Controller at Scribd, the world’s leading digital library.
Herald Chen is AppLovin’s President, Chief Financial Officer and board member. Herald also serves on the Board of Directors of WebMD, Internet Brands, GoDaddy, Teach for America-Bay Area, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Management and Technology Program.
David Tintner is the CEO at ThoughtLeaders, a company designed to help creators monetize their content and establish strong relationships with brand partners. ThoughtLeaders is a leader in sponsorship intelligence, providing data and insights on digital content sponsorships for brands and publishers.
Chris is the Head of Finance at A.Team, the first members-only network of the world’s top engineers, product managers, designers, and marketing talent. A.Team is designed to help growing companies accelerate product development through the power of great teams.
Dick Costolo works with startup CEOs and executives advising them on scaling and leadership as a Managing Partner at 01 Advisors. Dick was CEO of Twitter from 2010 to 2015 and has been Founder and CEO of multiple startups.
Robin is the Chief Financial Officer at Distrokid, a distribution platform for independent artists. She has over twenty years of experience, specialized in corporate financial planning & analysis, valuation and financial advisory services, and investment banking.
Illuminate 2023 Agenda
CEO Keynote
9:00-9:30 AM PT
Description:
Hear from Tipalti’s CEO, Chen Amit, as he takes you through the convergence of automation and innovation, highlighting the impact of automation and machine learning that allows finance teams to be more strategic and businesses to run more efficiently.
Speaker:
Chen Amit
CEO, Tipalti
Read More +
Chen is a veteran high-tech executive and repeat entrepreneur. Before founding Tipalti, Chen successfully founded and led multiple SaaS companies from inception to over $100 million in annual sales.
Tipalti Solution Overview
9:30-10:00 AM PT
Description
Join Tipalti CPO Roby Baruch and other product leaders as they showcase how a centralized finance automation solution helps businesses navigate challenging economic times. Learn how Tipalti is building more functional depth into its AP Automation, Global Payments, Card, PO Management, Expenses, and Global Remittance solutions to empower greater automation with visibility and control in one unified system. See how Tipalti leverages Generative AI and decision-making to improve financial accuracy and reduce operational costs.
Speaker:
Roby Baruch
CPO, Tipalti
Read More +
Roby is a serial entrepreneur with vast experience in software and technology. Prior to Tipalti, Roby was the VP of Product of Snoox.com, a social recommendations engine. Roby also co-founded Cent2Cent.
Efficient Company Growth – Walking the Tightrope
10:00 – 10:50 AM PT
Description
In recent years, companies focused on growth as the ultimate business driver, but in today’s economic reality forward-thinking leaders must also prioritize efficiency. They understand that balancing growth and efficiency is crucial for sustained success. How can these two sometimes opposing goals be balanced? Our session features senior leaders from high-growth SaaS businesses discussing how they’ve successfully balanced growth and efficiency in their organizations.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how business leaders are balancing growth and efficiency in their companies
- Adapt metrics as your company grows to support strategic alignment
- Discover the pros and cons of using generative AI and automation to drive efficient growth
- Use technology to enhance business performance while promoting human connection
Moderator:
Des Cahill
CMO, Tipalti
Read More +
Des is a seasoned executive-level marketing professional with extensive expertise helping B2B SaaS companies scale by driving growth and innovation. Des began his tech career at Apple, driving strategy for multiple product lines and initiatives.
Speakers:
Rob Israch
President, Tipalti
Read More +
Rob is the President of Tipalti, helping to set their business, customer, and growth strategy. He previously led global marketing, alliances, and Tipalti’s Europe business, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience to the company.
Dick Costolo
Managing Partner & Co-Founder, 01 Advisors
Read More +
Dick Costolo works with startup CEOs and executives advising them on scaling and leadership as a Managing Partner at 01 Advisors. Dick was CEO of Twitter from 2010 to 2015 and has been Founder and CEO of multiple startups.
Robin Wheeler Akkerman
CFO, Distrokid
Read More +
Robin is the Chief Financial Officer at Distrokid, a distribution platform for independent artists. She has over twenty years of experience, specialized in corporate financial planning & analysis, valuation and financial advisory services, and investment banking.
Unlocking AP Potential: Steps to a Strategic Global Accounts Payable Strategy Eligible for CPE Credit
10:00 – 10:50 AM PT
Description
Often viewed as a tactical back-office function, accounts payable (AP) can become a strategic lever for enhancing business growth and optimizing working capital. By aligning AP with your organization’s broader goals, finance leaders can unlock new avenues for generating a positive return on investment. In this session, we will redefine AP’s role, showcasing its potential as a strategic powerhouse that drives value creation.
Learning Objectives
- Devise a compelling AP mission, articulating strategic value to stakeholders
- Apply best practices to enhance AP’s role in your organization
- Explore emerging trends and AI’s transformative power in reshaping AP
Moderator:
David Shebay
Partner, PWC
Read More +
David is a Principal at PWC, specializing in Operations Financial Management, accounting, finance capabilities for Mid-Market firms, cash flow improvement, M&A, IPO, ERP optimization, cost reduction, corporate reporting, and organizational alignment.
Speakers:
Bryan Rhody
Partner, Technology Solutions BPM
Read More +
Bryan, a seasoned professional with 17+ years of management and consulting experience, specializes in operational improvements through technology consulting. His expertise includes large-scale ERP implementations, such as NetSuite, JD Edwards, and PeopleSoft, and aligning business strategy with technology for sustainable models.
David Fractor
CFO, ImaginAb
Read More +
David, CFO at ImaginAb, oversees internal/external financial reporting, capital raising, and corporate governance. Previously CFO at ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, he managed SEC reporting and played a key role in capital raising.
Barb Tang
Assistant Controller, Scribd
Read More +
Barb has extensive experience in accounting leadership roles. She has successfully modernized traditional accounting practices and implemented scalable solutions. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Controller at Scribd, the world’s leading digital library.
Charting the Future of Finance and Technology: A Conversation with Herald Chen
11:00 – 11:50 AM PT
Description
Join us for a dynamic discussion with Herald Chen, President and CFO of AppLovin, hosted by Tipalti’s CFO, Sarah Spoja. This session traverses Chen’s illustrious career journey from investment roles to executive leadership, with a focus on leadership skills and the intersection of finance and technology. It offers deep-dive insights into the evolving skill sets needed in future finance leaders, the transformative role of technology in finance, and the importance of work-life balance in high-intensity roles. A must-attend for finance professionals seeking to navigate their own path in this ever-changing field.
Moderator:
Sarah Spoja
CFO, Tipalti
Read More +
As Tipalti’s CFO, Sarah is responsible for global finance, global accounting, and the legal organization. Additionally, she leads related areas like fundraising, investor relations, and Tipalti’s financial infrastructure to scale globally.
Speaker:
Herald Chen
CFO, AppLovin
Read More +
Herald Chen is AppLovin’s President, Chief Financial Officer and board member. Herald also serves on the Board of Directors of WebMD, Internet Brands, GoDaddy, Teach for America-Bay Area, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Management and Technology Program.
Boosting Growth Through Payment Transparency and Strong Business Relationships
11:00 – 11:50 AM PT
Description
Digital brands face challenges in managing relationships with creators, influencers, and freelancers. Balancing fair compensation, long-term partnerships, and a positive payee experience is crucial. Our session explores best practices for nurturing creative partnerships, focusing on prioritizing the payee relationship and sustainable strategies for a growing network.
Learning Objectives
- Identify factors for a positive payee experience and measure satisfaction
- Understand the role of payment transparency for maintaining strong partnerships
- Create mutually beneficial contracts with effective strategies for payees
Moderator:
Jim Louderback
Editor & Publisher, Inside the Creator Economy
Read More +
Jim, a media and technology leader for 25 years, built and sold two startups to prominent media companies. He hosts numerous sessions and events, and boasts a track record of building innovative companies. Jim also authors the widely-read LinkedIn newsletter, “Inside the Creator Economy.”
Speakers:
David Tintner
CEO, ThoughtLeaders
Read More +
David Tintner is the CEO at ThoughtLeaders, a company designed to help creators monetize their content and establish strong relationships with brand partners. ThoughtLeaders is a leader in sponsorship intelligence, providing data and insights on digital content sponsorships for brands and publishers.
Chris Gonzalez
Head of Finance, A.Team
Read More +
Chris is the Head of Finance at A.Team, the first members-only network of the world’s top engineers, product managers, designers, and marketing talent. A.Team is designed to help growing companies accelerate product development through the power of great teams.
CPE Credits
This event is eligible for 1 CPE credit for CPAs (field of study: Management Services) which will be issued by CPAacademy.org, a sponsor of continuing professional education with NASBA. You must remain logged into the session and respond to the attendance checks to earn credit. CPAacademy.org will send a notification when your CPE certificates are available up to a week following the conclusion of the event. Please note, State Boards of Accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.
Thank you to our Illuminate Sponsors!
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“Excellent explanation of the Creator market. Glad you guys talked about common causes of friction. The back-and-forth discussion was very refreshing!”
Illuminate 2022 attendee
