Learn It. Test It. Use It.

AI for Business Operations

A newsletter for practical applications of AI for finance and operations professionals. Learn how to implement, optimize, and assess AI tools to drive real business results.

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Learn It.

Case studies and guides on implementing AI tools that save money, give executives back valuable time, reduce errors, and fuel growth.

Test It.

Frameworks for measuring ROI, validating accuracy, and ensuring compliance with AI implementations.

Use It.

Real-world applications and best practices for integrating AI into daily operations without disruption.

Practical insights

Inside Every Issue

Each newsletter delivers curated insights from our team of finance and AI experts, featuring real implementation stories and actionable takeaways.

  • Case studies in AI adoption from real businesses
  • Tips and frameworks for understanding AI technologies
  • Lessons learned in building custom solutions
  • Product reviews and discussions
Free Resource

Our Exclusive 4-Part Series

Breakdown on AI That Actually Works in Finance

A short, actionable email series for finance leaders who want real ROI from AI

Week 1

The Hidden Cost of Manual Finance

whats inside

Small business finance teams waste 35-55% of time on manual tasks,

neglecting strategy. We explore how a “hybrid AI model” can ensure you have reliable and trustworthy numbers while also taking advantage of the natural language processing and generative capabilities of AI.

Week 2

Four AI Use Cases Delivering 90-Day ROI

whats inside

If used right, AI can free hours on the finance team. We examine four AI use

cases that deliver 90-day ROI for mid-market finance teams: automated reconciliation, board reporting, compliance monitoring, and inventory intelligence. Real use cases with real results.

Week 3

Why 70% of AI Projects Fail

whats inside

The majority of AI transformation projects fail due to implementation,

not tech. In fact, AI success mirrors that of other IT transformation projects of the past. To forge a path to success, we bust myths about AI implementation that can help any organization make the most of their transformation initiative.

Week 4

Leading AI Transformation

whats inside

Successful change management is vital for successfully harnessing AI in

your team. What’s new and different about scaling AI across an organization and how can you ensure your team is on a road to success?

Our founders combine decades of experience in finance, operations, and AI to bring you actionable insights every week.

The Minds Behind the Newsletter

Ariana Smetana, Founder of AccelIQ Digital and Excelinsight

Ariana Smetana

CEO and Founder
I started AccelIQ in 2021 to build AI-powered solutions that solve complex operational problems and drive measurable business results, after 20+ years in corporate finance (Shell, PwC, Continental), witnessing manual processes. I’m the CEO & founder of AccelIQ.digital, an AI-native strategy + product firm with the ExcelInsight.io solution. Our core differentiation is our build, deploy, and embed approach, utilizing ExcelInsight AI to transform spreadsheet analysis sprawl into reliable, decision-grade reporting fast, modernizing finance and operations. For the last two years, I have also served over 6,000 global executives as a Program Leader and Subject Matter Expert for the Kellogg Executive Education program, AI Strategies for Business Transformation, focused on bridging the gap between AI experimentation and enterprise value.  

Uma Welingkar, Head of Product at Excelinsight

Uma Wellingkar

Head of Product
I am a product and strategy leader who has spent my career helping organizations turn complexity into clarity. I have led transformations at global SaaS organizations, including Siebel, Oracle, Infor and Avalara,  as well as early-stage startups by building high-performing teams, streamlining operations, and managing complex product portfolios to drive sustainable growth. I have partnered with customers of all sizes to adopt practical AI use cases across both back-office and front-office applications, focusing on measurable business outcomes. Today, I work with Ariana Smetna, Founder of AccelIQ.digital, an AI-native strategy and solutions firm behind ExcelInsight.io using intelligence-embedded approach that transforms how businesses analyze and optimize performance. I also serve on the AI Advisory Council at Product That Counts, contributing to the advancement of AI-driven product leadership and responsible innovation.