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Accounting Apps Podcast

Heather Smith | Accountant & Storyteller

Exploring the intersections of accounting, technology and modern practice methodologies. Each month guests share how they built their business and how your business or clients can use technology to be more effective and efficient. This may include exploring:

*How you can implement and integrate business tools with your online accounting software to automate processes, improve productivity, and profitability;
*How to build a business developing business apps; or
*How to build a tech stack that meets your business needs or introduce your clients to them.

Brilliant guests include entrepreneurs, founders, business consultants, accountants, bookkeepers, small business owners, cloud advisors, developers, cloud integrators and solution providers.

Hosted by Heather Smith, an award winning Chartered Accountant with a flair for storytelling. Heather is obsessed with how effective automation and integration can produce timely clean data, to surface information for brave, fast data-informed ...

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S6 · E296
Wednesday · 26 min
How AI Is Changing Accounting Work 🤖| John Munden
AI and automation are changing accounting, but the bigger opportunity is not simply automating individual tasks. In this episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I speak with John Munden, Chief Strategy Officer at Cloud Office, about rethinking workflows, connecting fragmented data and preparing accounting firms for a world where more compliance work happens automatically. We explore why successful technology adoption starts with understanding the problem you are trying to solve. John shares his perspective on change management, including mapping workflows before introducing new software, involving the team in the process and developing internal champions who can support adoption. Key discussion points: Rethink workflows before adding AI. Rather than bolting AI onto existing processes, firms should understand how work moves through the practice, identify the problem they are solving and redesign workflows around the capabilities of their technology. Connected data creates a stronger foundation. John discusses overcoming data silos through integrations, APIs and two-way syncing, with the goal of creating a reliable single source of truth across the practice. Experimentation needs a path to production. Vibe coding, bots and AI-powered automations can accelerate ideas and create useful prototypes, but firms also need to consider maintenance, security, data storage and what happens when the person who created an automation leaves. The accounting career pathway is changing. As more junior-level production and compliance work becomes automated or completed offshore, firms need new ways to help emerging accountants learn what good work looks like and develop professional judgement. Communication, advisory and professional judgement become increasingly important. As technology handles more repetitive work, accountants have an opportunity to spend more time interpreting information, communicating with clients and providing meaningful advice. The conversation ultimately comes back to what accountants can do with the time technology gives them. Automation may increasingly handle repetitive compliance and administrative work, but professional judgement, relationships and responsibility remain important. The opportunity is to use AI, automation and connected technology to create space for accountants to have better conversations, deliver stronger advisory services and spend more time being accountants. Episode resources and links: John Munden https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmunden/ Cloudoffis https://cloudoffis.com.au/ If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
S6 · E295
October 7 · 16 min
Why Professional Identity Matters in the Age of AI 🧠
Are You Proud to Call Yourself an Accountant? As AI and automation become increasingly embedded in accounting workflows, we spend a lot of time asking what technology can do. But perhaps there is another question worth exploring: what does using AI do to us as accountants and bookkeepers? In this thought bubble episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I explore professional identity and why being proud to call yourself an accountant matters. Inspired by Professor Megan Hess’s work on accounting ethics, professional identity and the public interest, I consider how our connection to the profession influences scepticism, integrity and our willingness to question what is put in front of us. Technology can remove repetitive work and give us more time for valuable conversations, investigation and critical thinking. But when systems increasingly recommend, calculate, analyse and explain on our behalf, we also need to make sure we retain the knowledge and confidence to challenge them. Key Takeaways Professional identity matters: Being proud to identify as an accountant or bookkeeper connects us with the ethics, integrity and responsibilities of our profession. Beware of automation bias: When technology confidently produces an answer, there is a risk we trust it simply because “the system said so”. Professional scepticism remains essential. Understand the accounting behind the technology: Accountants need enough foundational knowledge to recognise when a balance sheet, GST calculation, spreadsheet or AI-generated output simply does not make sense. Human conversations remain incredibly valuable: Client conversations can uncover significant information that might never surface through a standard workflow, automated process or routine questioning. AI can strengthen the profession: Removing repetitive tasks can create more time for judgement, investigation and critical thinking. The challenge is ensuring we continue developing the skills required to question technology and take responsibility for the outcome. Ultimately, this is not an argument for keeping humans manually involved in every accounting process. It is about making sure that as technology takes on more of the work, we continue to understand, question and exercise professional judgement. AI, automation and spreadsheets are tools we work alongside. Our professional identity is something different. Whatever part of the accounting and bookkeeping profession you belong to, understand the value of what you do, own your expertise and be proud to call yourself an accountant. Episode resources and links: https://www.sir.advancedleadership.harvard.edu/articles/accounting-ethics-professional-identity-public-interest https://www.alexandriabrief.com/dash-overspent-its-budget-by-3-7-million-a-spreadsheet-error-hid-it-for-months/ If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
S6 · E294
September 30 · 26 min
Is AI Making Accountants Less Intelligent?🧠
Is AI Making Accountants Less Intelligent? AI is helping accountants and bookkeepers work faster, automate repetitive tasks and reduce cognitive load. But as AI moves beyond calculation and automation into writing, analysing, explaining, brainstorming and reasoning, an interesting question emerges: what happens to the thinking skills we developed by doing those things ourselves? In this episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I explore how AI may be changing the way accountants and bookkeepers think. I look at neuroplasticity, the “useful struggle” involved in developing expertise, and why professional judgement becomes even more important when AI can produce a polished answer in seconds. Technology has always allowed accountants to shift attention away from repetitive activities. Spreadsheets removed much of our manual arithmetic. Accounting software automated processes that once took hours. AI is another step along that path, but there is an important distinction between using technology to remove cognitive clutter and allowing it to do the valuable thinking for us. Key Takeaways 🧠 Neuroplasticity and accounting expertise: Repeatedly completing tasks such as bank reconciliations builds pattern recognition and experience. When we stop practising particular cognitive skills, the way we use and develop those skills can change. 🤖 AI can remove cognitive clutter: Summarising information, drafting routine correspondence, extracting information and preparing meeting notes are examples of where AI can reduce workload and create more space for professional thinking. 🔍 Don’t outsource the useful struggle: Investigating something that doesn’t look right, testing ideas and forming hypotheses are part of developing accounting expertise. Rather than immediately asking AI for an answer, spend time developing your own view first. 💡 Use AI to challenge your reasoning: There is an important difference between asking AI, “Tell me what’s wrong,” and asking it to test a hypothesis you have already developed. AI can act as a second set of eyes while you remain actively involved in the thinking. 🎯 Professional judgement becomes more valuable: Materiality, professional scepticism, ethics, context, relationships and knowing when something simply doesn’t smell right become increasingly important as AI produces more of the first draft. Episode resources and links: Debunking Brain Myths: What’s Really Holding You Back from Change with Sarah McKay https://podcasts.apple.com/bm/podcast/debunking-brain-myths-whats-really-holding-you-back/id792555885?i=1000700760179 Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392560878_Your_Brain_on_ChatGPT_Accumulation_of_Cognitive_Debt_when_Using_an_AI_Assistant_for_Essay_Writing_Task Exam Study Expert https://examstudyexpert.com/dr-sarah-mckay/ Dr Sarah McKay home page : https://drsarahmckay.com/ (Neuroscience for real life, with a focus on women’s brain health. For women, professionals and organisations.) If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
S6 · E293
September 23 · 18 min
What Is a Calendar Audit and Why Should You Do One? 📅
How a Monthly Calendar Audit Improves Productivity When was the last time you looked back at your calendar and asked whether all those meetings, commitments and hours were actually a good use of your time? In this episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I unpack the monthly calendar audit I use to understand where my time has gone, identify follow-ups that may have slipped through the cracks, and question activities that perhaps should not be there at all. My process combines Google Workspace, Google Calendar, Google Apps Script and Google Sheets to turn a month of calendar activity into something I can review line by line. Colour coding and categorisation help me separate personal activities, non-billable administration, speaking engagements, podcasting, writing, CPD and other commitments. The audit is not simply about productivity. It gives me distance from my calendar so I can consider my energy levels, protect productive hours, manage meetings more deliberately and ask whether the technology supporting my workflow still makes sense. Key Takeaways Audit where your time actually goes. Reviewing your calendar at the end of each month can highlight low-value commitments, non-billable work and meetings that took significant time without delivering meaningful outcomes. Use calendar colour coding and categorisation. Google Calendar categories make it easier to group activities and understand the balance between personal time, client work, administration, CPD, speaking, writing and other commitments. Protect your productive hours and energy. A calendar audit can reveal patterns around when you do your best thinking, whether meetings are consuming those productive periods, and whether late-night international commitments require additional buffer time. Use the audit as a second check for follow-ups. Looking back over meetings can prompt forgotten action points, unanswered requests, CPD that needs recording, projects that need finalising or conversations that require another follow-up. Audit the technology as well as the calendar. Calendly offers useful functionality such as meeting buffers and automated emails, but Google also provides appointment scheduling. Reviewing overlapping technology can identify opportunities to simplify workflows and reduce subscriptions. A calendar audit takes time. Mine can take two or three hours, but that is partly because I use the process to stop, think and review what happened during the month. It gives me an opportunity to ask some useful questions. Why did I take that meeting? Did anything come from it? Should it have been an hour, or would 15 minutes have been enough? Am I protecting my capacity and bandwidth? Is my calendar supporting the way I want to work? The goal is not to create the perfect calendar. It is to become more deliberate about where time and energy are going, recognise what is working, and make better-informed choices about what deserves space in the calendar next month. Episode resources and links: Descript, Camtasia, ChatGPT, Google Workspace, Google Calendar, Google Apps Script, Google Sheets, Calendly, Microsoft If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
S6 · E292
September 16 · 23 min
Digital Nomad Tips for Working Overseas 💻
Working overseas brings unexpected opportunities and challenges. Discover practical digital nomad lessons about connectivity, co-working spaces, travel, banking, medication, client meetings and making technology work anywhere. Technology and business transformation are not simply about making businesses more efficient. They can also enable us to work differently and create more flexible lifestyles. In this episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I’m recording from a capsule hotel at Gatwick Airport after spending a month in England, and sharing some of the practical lessons I picked up while working and travelling abroad. Digital nomading can sound wonderfully straightforward when you have a laptop and cloud technology, but the reality involves Wi-Fi, time zones, phone connectivity, banking, transport and plenty of unexpected situations. Some things worked beautifully. Others required a little improvisation. Here are some of the experiences and lessons that stood out. Reliable Wi-Fi and co-working can transform your productivity. After struggling with connectivity at my mum’s house, I spent a couple of days at a co-working space in Cheltenham. For £25 a day, I had fast Wi-Fi, a sit-stand desk, an additional monitor, good lighting, air conditioning, coffee and cake. More importantly, I could get through a significant amount of focused work. Technology makes international travel easier, but test what you depend on. International roaming through amaysim made staying connected relatively straightforward, while a Wise card provided another option for spending overseas. However, I also discovered that an Australian prescription app I expected to access was geo-blocked once I arrived in England. Being able to find prescription information through my health records helped me eventually organise an emergency supply through a Boots pharmacy. Working internationally means actively managing time zones and communication. Staying in England while working with people in Australia and New Zealand occasionally meant starting meetings at 4:30 in the morning. At the same time, being in the UK created opportunities to meet people face-to-face, attend industry events and record a podcast in the local time zone. Make room for real-world connections. I attended London Zero Con and Richard Sargent’s event in Bristol, where I met people I had known online for years, including Xero co-founder Gary Turner, whom I had been talking with online for around 14 years. I also found value in simply speaking with locals, asking for recommendations and connecting with people in co-working spaces. Digital nomading requires flexibility and a willingness to work differently. I stayed in pod and capsule hotels, travelled extensively by train, rented a car on my own for the first time and recorded this podcast from a tiny hotel room at Gatwick. Not every environment was comfortable or predictable, but having the right technology and being willing to adapt meant I could continue working while extending my time overseas. Digital nomading does not mean everything works perfectly wherever you open your laptop. There will be unreliable Wi-Fi, confusing transport, unfamiliar systems and unexpected detours. But technology gives us considerably more flexibility to navigate those challenges and continue working. For me, doing a few hours of work in the morning meant I could spend an extended period in England, spend time with my mum, connect with people in the accounting technology community and still keep things moving professionally. Sometimes the best approach is not waiting until you are back at your desk with the perfect setup. Charge your technology, find a workable space, stay open to the experience and make it work where you are. If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
S6 · E291
September 9 · 52 min
Louis Theroux’s Lessons for Accountants 👂
Great client relationships start with curiosity. Discover how Louis Theroux’s interviewing techniques can help accountants listen deeply, ask simple questions and understand the person behind the numbers. Heather Smith and Alex Falcon Huerta explore lessons from Louis Theroux’s London Xerocon keynote. What can accountants and bookkeepers learn from one of the world’s most recognisable interviewers? Quite a lot, as it turns out. In this episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I’m joined by Alex Falcon Huerta to unpack Louis Theroux’s Xerocon London keynote and explore how his interviewing techniques translate surprisingly well into client relationships. We discuss listening properly, asking simple questions, allowing silence into conversations, understanding the person behind the numbers, and recognising the privileged position accountants and bookkeepers hold when clients trust us with their financial lives. Understand the person behind the numbers. Financial information only tells part of a client’s story. Understanding their family, ambitions, long-term goals and personal circumstances can help accountants provide more meaningful advice and support. Build trust through genuine human connection. Being present, making eye contact and listening carefully can strengthen client relationships. We also explore how recording and transcription technology can actually help us become more present rather than more distracted. Ask the simple questions and embrace silence. Louis Theroux’s approach reminds us that we don’t always need to demonstrate how much we know. Asking an obvious or seemingly naive question can uncover valuable information, while leaving a little silence can give clients the space to share something we might never have thought to ask. Recognise the responsibility that comes with financial trust. Accountants and bookkeepers often know things about clients that even their friends and family don’t know. That privileged access brings responsibility, from protecting confidentiality to helping clients understand cash flow, tax obligations, financial performance and the consequences of important decisions. Use conversations to uncover opportunities to help. Clients may not realise the breadth of services their accountant can provide. By listening to what is happening in their business and their life, we can identify opportunities around systems, processes, growth, technology, mergers, acquisitions and longer-term planning. What stayed with me from Louis Theroux’s Xerocon conversation was the importance of curiosity. Accountants and bookkeepers have extraordinary access to the real story behind a business, but numbers alone don’t necessarily tell us what our clients are trying to achieve. Sometimes we need to stop preparing the next question, listen to what is actually being said, and give people enough space to tell us what really matters. Alex and I also explore how technology fits into this increasingly human conversation. AI, meeting transcription and recording tools can support better client service, training and knowledge sharing, but they shouldn’t replace our judgement, empathy or curiosity. Perhaps one of the most useful lessons we can take from a professional interviewer is beautifully simple: listen more closely, ask better questions and get to know the human behind the numbers. Episode resources and links: Louis Theroux’s resources Website : https://www.louistheroux.com/ Podcast : https://www.louistheroux.com/podcasts Apps & Tools Mentioned: ChatGPT, Claude, Gmail, Streak, ApprovalMax, Dext, Apron, The Gap, Brief, Fathom, Clarity HQ, Bluedot, Loom, Notion If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
S6 · E290
July 29 · 37 min
Inside Xerocon London 2026⚡Announcements with Diya Jolly
Discover the biggest announcements from XeroCon London 2026, including Xero Force, Partner Hub, Smart Document Capture, AI-powered automation, and what's next for accountants. At XeroCon London 2026, Xero unveiled a wave of AI-powered innovations designed to help accountants and bookkeepers work more efficiently while supporting the needs of increasingly complex businesses. In this episode, Heather Smith speaks with Diya Jolly, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Xero, about the company's latest product announcements, the thinking behind its AI strategy, and how these developments will shape the future of the Xero ecosystem. XeroCon London 2026 highlights: Xero celebrates reaching five million subscribers and unveils major product announcements, including Xero Force, Xero Ultra and the new Xero Partner Hub. Smarter practice workflows: Learn how Book Health, Month End Readiness, Auto Bank Reconciliation and Smart Document Capture use AI to reduce manual work and improve bookkeeping accuracy. Building for larger businesses: Discover why Xero Ultra has been introduced and how Xero plans to support businesses as they grow without requiring a move to enterprise software. The future of AI at Xero: Diya explains Xero Force, AI agents, practical automation, and how AI is being embedded across the platform to help accountants deliver greater value. Lessons from the Australian outages: An open discussion about the AWS infrastructure incident, what happened behind the scenes, and how Xero is strengthening platform resilience. Whether you're an accountant, bookkeeper or Xero user, this conversation offers an inside look at the strategy, technology and product direction emerging from XeroCon London 2026. It provides valuable context behind the announcements and practical insights into how AI and automation are set to transform accounting workflows in the years ahead. Apps & Tools Mentioned: Xero, Xero Partner Hub, Book Health, Month End Readiness, Auto Bank Reconciliation, Smart Document Capture, Hubdoc, Xero Files, Xero Force, Xero Ultra, Xero Payments, AWS, Amazon Web Services, OCR, JAX, AI Studio, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT Episode resources and links: Diya Jolly Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/diyajolly/ Xero https://www.xero.com/ If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
S6 · E289
July 29 · 1 hr 3 min
289 Accounting Tech Updates Q2 2026 🚀
The second quarter of 2026 has delivered another wave of innovation across the accounting technology landscape. In this episode, Heather Smith is joined by Tyler Caskey from The Bean Counters to unpack the recent product releases, AI developments, payroll changes, reporting enhancements, and practice management updates shaping the profession. Alongside practical commentary on the latest features from leading accounting platforms, they discuss cybersecurity lessons, the impact of industry layoffs, emerging AI-first accounting systems, and several standout apps that deserve attention. Whether you're an accountant, bookkeeper, advisor, or business owner, this episode offers practical insights to help you stay informed and identify technology worth exploring. Key discussion points Heather and Tyler discuss major updates from QuickBooks, MYOB, Xero and Easy Business App, including AI-powered reconciliation, open banking developments, Employment Hero integration, and evolving automation features. They explore emerging accounting platforms including Digits and Prosaic, examining how AI-native general ledgers could reshape the future of bookkeeping and financial management. The conversation covers important payroll and compliance developments, including Beam, Employment Hero, Tanda, and practical considerations for Australian businesses adapting to the new requirements. A wide range of specialist apps are highlighted, including RecHound, XBert, Calxa, HoneyBook, TaxDome, MinuteDock, DataSights, Archer Cards, Hello Cashflow, Kloud Connect, WorkGuru, EzyCollect and many more, with practical commentary on where each solution fits. Heather also shares her recent experience recovering a compromised Google account, reinforcing the importance of cybersecurity, strong authentication, backup recovery methods, and maintaining trusted professional networks. The accounting technology ecosystem continues to evolve at an incredible pace, with AI, automation, compliance, and integration driving much of the innovation. While not every new feature will suit every business, understanding what's available helps accountants and bookkeepers make better technology decisions for themselves and their clients. This episode provides a practical snapshot of where the industry is heading and highlights the solutions that are genuinely worth keeping on your radar. This episode is also syndicated to Accountants Daily Under the Hood podcast. Read here how I work with some solutions mentioned https://endorsementdisclosure.com/ Apps & Tools Mentioned: Apps & Tools Mentioned: Dext – https://dext.com/ Google Workspace (Gmail) – https://workspace.google.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com GoCardless – https://gocardless.com Reddit – https://www.reddit.com QuickBooks – https://quickbooks.intuit.com Employment Hero – https://employmenthero.com MYOB – https://www.myob.com MYOB Solo – https://www.myob.com/au/products/solo Airwallex – https://www.airwallex.com NAB Connect – https://www.nab.com.au/business/internet-banking/nab-connect CommBiz – https://www.commbank.com.au/business/online-banking/commbiz.html ING – https://www.ing.com.au Xero – https://www.xero.com Claude – https://claude.ai Anthropic – https://www.anthropic.com Easy Business App – https://easybusinessapp.com.au Digits – https://digits.com Ignition – https://www.ignitionapp.com Karbon – https://Karbonhq.com Reach Reporting – https://reachreporting.com Prosaic – https://www.prosaic.works/ Zoho – https://www.zoho.com RecHound – https://rechound.com Easy Month-End – https://easymonthend.com HoneyBook – https://www.honeybook.com TaxDome – https://taxdome.com XBert – https://www.xbert.io/ Calxa – https://www.calxa.com Beam – https://www.beamconnect.com.au Hero Force – https://employmenthero.com Tanda – https://www.tanda.co MinuteDock – https://minutedock.com Google Authenticator – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator2&hl=en&pli=1 Microsoft Authenticator – https://www.microsoft.com/security/mobile-authenticator-app Xero Verify – https://www.xero.com/security/two-step-authentication Archa Cards – https://www.archa.com.au/ Wise – https://wise.com Weel – https://www.weel.com.au DataSights – https://datasights.co Microsoft Azure – https://azure.microsoft.com Power BI – https://powerbi.microsoft.com Lovable – https://lovable.dev Cadence – https://cadenceapp.com.au Hello Cashflow – https://www.hellocashflow.com/ Float – https://float.app Kloud Connect – https://www.kloudconnect.com.au/ FYI – https://fyidocs.com SharePoint – https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/sharepoint com.au – https://pay.com.au EzyCollect – https://ezycollect.com.au Apple Pay – https://www.apple.com/apple-pay Google Pay – https://pay.google.com WorkGuru – https://www.workguru.io Dashboard Insights – https://dashboardinsights.com.au Wagepoint – https://wagepoint.com Sage – https://www.sage.com Episode resources and links: Tyler Caskey : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/ The Bean Counters : https://www.thebeancounters.com.au/ If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#288
July 8 · 23 min
🌟 Why the Best Opportunity Might Be One You Pass On
Not every opportunity that lands in your inbox is the right fit. In this episode, Heather (me!) explores the concept of "handball referrals" and why passing opportunities to the right person can strengthen relationships, build trust, and create value across the accounting profession. Drawing on real-world examples from speaking engagements, networking experiences, and community involvement, she shares practical advice on becoming a thoughtful connector within your professional network. Key Discussion Points Why saying "no" can be the most professional response when an opportunity falls outside your expertise. How to identify the right person in your network and make meaningful referrals. The importance of maintaining professional credibility by matching opportunities with genuine expertise. Lessons learned from speaking engagements, panel discussions, and community involvement. How strategic introductions build trust, strengthen industry relationships, and contribute to long-term professional success. Conclusion Professional networks thrive when people actively support one another. Whether it's a speaking opportunity, client referral, advisory role, or project, taking a few minutes to connect the right people can have a lasting impact. Heather encourages listeners to think beyond simply declining opportunities and instead consider how they can contribute to a stronger, more connected accounting community. Episode resources and links: If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#287
July 1 · 50 min
🧩 Simplifying Your Firm’s Tech Stack for Better Workflow Visibility
Technology should make accounting firms more efficient, but many firms have accumulated layers of disconnected tools that create complexity rather than clarity. In this discussion, Heather Smith is joined by Tyler Caskey from The Bean Counters and John Munden from Cloud Office to explore how firms can simplify their technology stack, improve workflow visibility, reduce manual work and make better technology decisions. Key Discussion Points Tyler Caskey shares why firms often accumulate too many disconnected tools and how visualising workflows can reveal inefficiencies. John Munden explains how standardised workflows help reduce bottlenecks, improve onboarding and create consistency across teams. The panel discusses common technology traps including decision fatigue, duplicated processes and underutilised software. Practical advice is shared on auditing a tech stack, identifying manual processes and prioritising integrations. The conversation explores leadership, change management, client communication challenges and the future role of automation and API-driven workflows. The key takeaway is that firms do not need more technology. They need better connected technology, clearer workflows and a structured approach to change. By focusing on visibility, automation and process consistency, accounting firms can reduce overwhelm and create scalable systems that support long-term growth. Episode resources and links: Tyler Caskey : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/ John Munden : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmunden/ Cloudoffis : https://cloudoffis.com.au/ Apps & Tools Mentioned Xero, SharePoint, APS, Excel, Microsoft Lists, HandiSoft, BGL, NowInfinity, FYI Docs, Xero Practice Manager, Content Snare, Annature, Adobe Sign, DocuSign, Employment Hero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Stripe, Pinch Payments, Macquarie Bank Feeds, Mayday, Seamless If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#286
June 24 · 1 hr 1 min
🌍 From Hawke’s Bay to Canada: Ben Richmond on Accounting, Tech & Leadership
Accounting technology leader Ben Richmond joins the podcast to discuss his remarkable journey from regional accounting practice in New Zealand to becoming President and CEO of WagePoint in Canada. Drawing on decades of experience across public practice, corporate finance, Xero’s international expansion and payroll technology, Ben shares lessons on leadership, customer relationships, change management and the future of accounting. The conversation explores how accountants can broaden their career horizons, embrace public speaking, leverage AI effectively and build more meaningful advisory relationships with clients. Ben also reflects on what it takes to grow software businesses across different countries and why the accounting profession remains one of the most impactful careers available today. Key Discussion Points Ben Richmond's career journey from public accounting to Xero and WagePoint. Lessons learned scaling accounting technology across New Zealand, the US and Canada. Why public speaking, emotional intelligence and relationship skills matter more than ever. The opportunities and challenges AI presents for accountants and bookkeepers. How payroll, advisory and specialist services create valuable growth opportunities. Ben’s perspective offers a refreshing blend of optimism and realism. While acknowledging the disruption created by AI and rapid technological change, he argues that accountants and bookkeepers who embrace innovation, strengthen their advisory capabilities and invest in relationships are exceptionally well positioned for the future. The discussion highlights the importance of curiosity, adaptability and customer-centric thinking in both accounting and software businesses. Apps & Tools Mentioned: Ben Richmond : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-richmond-ca-b8794220/ WagePoint https://www.wagepoint.com/ Xero https://www.xero.com Stripe https://stripe.com/ QuickBooks, https://quickbooks.intuit.com Episode resources and links: If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#285
June 18 · 27 min
Inside Dext’s 2026 Roadmap: AI, Payments and Practice Insights 📊
I sat down with Paul Wittich, General Manager APAC at Dext, to explore how the platform is evolving beyond document capture into a fully automated bookkeeping workflow. We discuss AI Assist, payments, underused features, pricing transparency and what 2026 looks like for the profession. Paul’s career journey from management accountant to APAC leader at Dext Dext’s evolution from OCR tool to end-to-end bookkeeping automation platform AI Assist and how it learns user behaviour to reduce repetitive work Underused features: Vault, supplier statements, supplier rules and practice insights Pricing transparency, ecosystem competition and what is coming next in 2026 The profession is shifting rapidly. As AI accelerates change, the firms that embrace automation thoughtfully and strategically will be best positioned to move beyond compliance and into higher-value advisory services. Episode resources and links: https://dext.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwittich/ If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#284
June 11 · 44 min
The Fake Coursera Collaboration🚨: How a Scammer Groomed Me for Weeks
This episode is a personal and confronting reflection on how quickly even a cyberaware professional can lose control of a long-standing Gmail account. What began as a seemingly legitimate brand collaboration unfolded into a carefully orchestrated phishing attack that removed all security measures within seconds. The experience highlights how modern cybercrime blends patience, credibility signals, automation and psychological triggers to bypass even cautious users. The phishing grooming process and credibility signals used • The red flags hidden in plain sight • What happened in the 60-second account takeover • The recovery journey and escalation through professional networks • Three essential security measures: 2FA, passkeys and backup codes This story is not about fear. It is about awareness, practical action and understanding how sophisticated attacks have become. The lesson is simple: five minutes of security setup can prevent four days of stress. Apps & Tools Mentioned: 1Password, LastPass Authenticator, Coursera, Impact, Google, Gmail, Revolut, Claude, ChatGPT, LinkedIn, Twitter, TeamYouTube Episode resources and links: Alex falcon Huerta’s story : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alexfalconhuerta_fraud-alexfalconhuerta-share-7394786345610682370-s-49/ https://cyberwardens.com.au partners with the Australian Government to deliver free online security courses with verifiable CPD. If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#283
May 13 · 42 min
The Only Chartered Accountant to ever Compete on Survivor: Purpose Beyond the Jungle🌴| Josh Hickford
This episode explores how a Chartered Accountant can move beyond traditional finance roles to create meaningful community impact. Josh Hickford shares his journey from Big Four accounting and banking to founding a cancer support app and leading Taranaki Foundation. It is a conversation about resilience, technology, philanthropy and the evolving role of accountants in a digital world. Josh Hickford’s career journey from PwC and TSB Bank to CEO of Taranaki Foundation Founding Ripple after a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis in partnership with the Cancer Society Building a donor journey using digital tools like Raisely and Stripe Technology, automation and trust in community foundations Why human connection remains central to the future of Chartered Accountants This episode reminds us that accounting is not just about compliance or reporting. It is about leadership, confidence and using financial skills to build stronger communities. Technology may accelerate the journey, but purpose and people still lead the way. Apps & Tools Mentioned: Raisely - https://www.raisely.com/ Sharesies https://sharesies.com.au/ Stripe, GoFundMe, Otter.ai, Xero, Episode resources and links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshhickford/ https://taranakifoundation.org.nz/ If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#282
May 6 · 59 min
The Accounting Tapestry: Weaving Systems, Software and Strategy Together 🧵| Trent Yesberg
In this episode, I sit down with Trent Yesberg, founder of Twine Apps and director of Regional Business Services in Townsville. We explore the realities of subscription billing, SaaS development, and what AI means for accounting firms today. This conversation moves from practical billing frustrations to the future of automation in our profession. Trent’s journey from banking to building Regional Business Services and launching Twine Apps The problem Twine Biller solves around subscription billing and margin recovery Fixed fees vs mixed fees and passing on vendor price increases Launching at Accounting & Business Expo and navigating Pitch Fest AI, agents, automation and real examples saving hours inside a bookkeeping firm This episode is a grounded, practical look at innovation from inside the profession. It is about solving real problems, protecting margins, and staying curious in a rapidly shifting tech landscape. Apps & Tools Mentioned Twine Biller – https://twineapps.co Twine Apps – https://twineapps.co Regional Business Services – https://www.regionalbusinessservices.com.au Ignition – https://www.ignitionapp.com QuickBooks – https://quickbooks.intuit.com Xero – https://www.xero.com MYOB – https://www.myob.com Zoho – https://www.zoho.com Uber Eats – https://www.ubereats.com DoorDash – https://www.doordash.com Deliveroo – https://deliveroo.com Employment Hero – https://employmenthero.com Claude – https://claude.ai OpenAI – https://openai.com Substack – https://substack.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com Facebook – https://www.facebook.com Otter.ai – https://otter.ai Episode resources and links: Twine Biller : https://twineapps.co Twine Apps : https://twineapps.co Trent Yesberg : https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-yesberg-52b35366/ If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#281
April 29 · 31 min
AI, APIs and Accounting Shakeups in Q1 2026 🚀|Tyler Caskey
The first quarter of 2026 has delivered an extraordinary wave of AI-powered enhancements, mid-market strategy shifts and workflow automation upgrades across the accounting technology ecosystem. This session, presented at the Sydney Accounting and Bookkeeping Expo, dives deep into what matters, what is hype, and where firms should pay attention. MYOB Solo, MYOB AI BAS checks and Intuit Accountant Suite signal strong practice management evolution Xero Ultra beta, dashboard upgrades and API pricing changes reshape the mid-market and app ecosystem Karbon recurring billing, AI agents and Uncat integration enhance workflow efficiency Paidnice transforms debt collection automation, alongside major payroll innovation from Tanda Fathom AI commentary, Dext AI Assist and Dashboard Insights BAS Pro elevate advisory conversations As always, the key message is this: block time in your calendar and properly explore these features. Many of these releases can immediately improve efficiency, reduce risk and deepen client advisory if implemented thoughtfully. Jump across to the blog here : https://www.heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/blog/ for all the links so you can deep dive into the details. The podcast is also released on Accountants Daily Momentum Media’s Under The Hood brand : https://www.accountantsdaily.com.au/technology/22289-under-the-hood-accounting-tech-update-for-q1-2026 MYOB – https://www.myob.com MYOB Solo – https://www.myob.com/au/products/solo Intuit Accountant Suite – https://quickbooks.intuit.com/accountants/ Xero – https://www.xero.com Xero Ultra – https://www.xero.com Cloudoffis - https://cloudoffis.com.au/ Uncat – https://www.uncat.com Karbon – https://www.karbonhq.com Paidnice – https://www.paidnice.com A2X – https://www.a2xaccounting.com Tanda – https://www.tanda.co Emerge – https://www.emergeapp.net Restoke – https://www.restoke.ai AdvisorLi – https://www.advisorli.com Jazoodle – https://www.jazoodle.com Fathom – https://www.fathomhq.com Employment Hero – https://www.employmenthero.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com ActiveCollab – https://activecollab.com Calcs – https://www.calcs.com.au Dashboard Insights – https://www.dashboardinsights.com.au Sharesight – https://www.sharesight.com Botkeeper – https://www.botkeeper.com Zendu – https://www.zendu.com NAB Bookkeeper – https://www.nab.com.au/business/accounts/online-accounting SuiteFiles – https://www.suitefiles.com Zapier – https://www.zapier.com Process Street – https://www.process.st EzzyBill – https://www.ezzybills.com/ Procore – https://www.procore.com ServiceM8 – https://www.servicem8.com/au/ Dext – https://www.dext.com MYOB Discover Live – https://www.myob.com/au/events/discover-live Xerocon – https://www.xero.com/events NetSuite SuiteWorld – https://www.netsuitesuiteworld.com Intuit Connect – https://www.intuit.com/connect Episode resources and links: Accounting & Business Expo : https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/accounting-business-expo/index.stm If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#280
April 22 · 27 min
Build a Second Brain 🧠Strategies for Bookkeepers & Accountants
In this episode, I share a practical and grounded introduction to the Second Brain concept, tailored specifically for accountants and bookkeepers. Originally delivered at the Sydney Accounting and Business Expo, this session explores how to better capture, organise and leverage the constant stream of information we face every day. If you are feeling overloaded, context switching constantly, or struggling to retrieve your best ideas when you need them, this conversation will resonate. The Second Brain concept popularised by Tiago Forte and why it matters for accounting professionals The CODE framework: Capture, Organise, Distil, Express Practical tools including Obsidian, Google Keep, Evernote and voice memos Using platforms like LinkedIn and newsletters as part of your knowledge system How a trusted external system reduces decision fatigue and creates space for strategy, creativity and better advisory A Second Brain is not about adding complexity. It is about creating a reliable system that supports your professional thinking. When you trust where your knowledge lives, you free up energy to serve clients, think strategically, and innovate with confidence. Book Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte Apps & Tools Mentioned Obsidian – https://obsidian.md Google Keep – https://keep.google.com Evernote – https://evernote.com Otter.ai – https://otter.ai LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com Episode resources and links: Accounting & Business Expo : https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/accounting-business-expo/index.stm If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#279
April 15 · 34 min
AI Tools Accounting Firms Are Using Right Now 🤖
This special panel episode, recorded live at Accounting Business Expo, explores AI tools that are genuinely useful right now for accounting firms. With perspectives from firm owners and a software vendor, the discussion covers practical implementation, guardrails, and real-world results. Chris Wheatley, Kylie Baxter, and Tim Garth share how AI fits into their tech stacks Liam Hindle shares MYOB’s vendor perspective, including how AI is automating BAS preparation and removing the “work around the work” so accountants can focus on higher-value advice. Meeting transcription tools like Otter, Fireflies and Copilot are becoming essential Workflow automation using tools like n8n and ClickUp is reducing admin time AI agents, sentiment analysis and BAS automation are emerging opportunities Guardrails matter: paid accounts, privacy settings, and compliance boundaries are critical The conversation reinforces that AI is not about hype. It is about removing grunt work so accountants can focus on strategic client advice and better outcomes. Apps & Tools Mentioned: Otter – https://otter.ai Fireflies – https://fireflies.ai Microsoft Copilot – https://copilot.microsoft.com Practice Ignition – https://www.practiceignition.com Ignition – https://www.ignitionapp.com Practice Protect – https://practiceprotect.com Change GPS – https://www.changegps.com Dext – https://dext.com MYOB AE – https://www.myob.com/au/products/practice-solutions/accountants-enterprise AccountKit – https://www.accountkit.com.au Xero XPM – https://www.xero.com/au/practice-manager BGL – https://www.bglcorp.com BGL Infinity – https://www.bglcorp.com/infinity Annature – https://annature.com.au Seamless – https://www.seamless.com.au Content Snare – https://contentsnare.com Law Cyborg – https://lawcyborg.ai n8n – https://n8n.io ClickUp – https://clickup.com Claude – https://claude.ai Cursor – https://cursor.sh Glean – https://www.glean.com Abby – https://www.abby.com.au OMBLE – https://www.omble.com.au Planful AI – https://www.planful.ai MYOB AI BAS – https://www.myob.com Twine Apps – https://twineapps.com.au Twine Biller – https://twineapps.com.au Xero – https://www.xero.com Intuit – https://www.intuit.com Employment Hero – https://employmenthero.com Episode resources and links: Chris Wheatley, Director, Scope Accounting : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wheatley-fca-29398533/ Scope Accounting : https://www.scopeaccounting.com.au/ Small Business Accountants & Advisers Brain Trust, Australia FaceBook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/977122739056681 Kyelie Baxter, Managing Director, IQ Accountants https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyelie-baxter-fcpa-43224334/ https://iqaccountants.com.au/ Tim Garth, Podcountant, Director and Co-host of the Two Drunk Accountants Podcast, CATS Accountants https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-garth-11721370/ CATS Accountants : https://catax.com.au/ Two drunk Accountants : https://twodrunkaccountants.com.au/ Liam Hindle, General Manager - Product, MYOB https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamhindle/ https://www.myob.com/au Accounting & Business Expo : https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/accounting-business-expo/index.stm If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#278
April 8 · 55 min
On the Ground at Accounting & Business Expo 2026 🎤
The Sydney Accounting & Business Expo 2026 was one of the most energised and well-attended events I have seen in years. AI dominated the conversation, AML reform is reshaping workflows, and innovation across practice management, tax research, onboarding and payments is accelerating fast. This episode captures conversations directly from the expo floor. You will hear insights from keynote takeaways and interviews with founders, product leaders and firm owners building practical solutions for modern accounting firms. Key Discussion Points AI Strategy & LLM Insights, including commentary on Claude, ChatGPT, prompting techniques and why leaders must build hands-on AI capability Practice Management solutions on AI-enabled workflows, month-end automation, advisory reporting and co-worker agents AML & Client Onboarding Tools featuring Seamless, Content Snare and Annature responding to Tranche 2 requirements Tax Research Innovation with Law Cyborg and Tax Guru AI focused on verified, citation-backed AI research Firm Evolution & Financial Independence, including Natalie Lennon’s lifestyle firm model and Shaye Thyer’s CFO advisory for female founders The common theme throughout the expo was clear. We are in another platform shift. Firms that lean into AI experimentation, workflow automation and smarter onboarding processes will create capacity, improve margins and better serve clients. This episode is a snapshot of where the profession stands right now. Curious, slightly cautious, but moving forward with intention. Here is who I spoke with: Kayur Patel – Director, Gen AI & Emerging Tech at PwC Kayur unpacked AI with clarity and calm authority, encouraging accountants to become hands-on fast followers and treat AI as a trained digital team member rather than a magic solution. I shared his insight in my own words. Natalie Lennon – Two Sides Accounting Natalie shared her journey of intentionally redesigning her firm around lifestyle and purpose, reminding us that success in practice is something we can define and rebuild on our own terms. Mary Delaney – CEO of Karbon Mary spoke with deep conviction about the future of AI-enabled firms, where humans and intelligent systems work side by side to elevate the work accountants do best. Manraj Singh Rahi – Product Lead, Law Cyborg Manraj explained how structured, citation-led AI can support confident tax research, positioning technology as a reliable second set of eyes rather than a risky shortcut. Samuel David – Founder of Actually Count Samuel shared a heartfelt journey from persistence in his studies to building a solution that removes BAS friction, showing how lived experience often drives the most practical innovation. Clayton Woods – Co-founder of Seamless Clayton highlighted the quiet inefficiencies in onboarding and re-engagement, demonstrating how thoughtful automation can simplify processes accountants have long accepted as clunky. James Rose – Co-founder of Content Snare James reflected on solving one of the profession’s most persistent frustrations, turning the back-and-forth of client data collection into a structured, accountable process. Ben Gill – Executive Director, Lightyear Docs Ben reframed document creation as an opportunity for deeper client value, encouraging accountants to step into conversations around asset protection and long-term wealth. Michael Jeffries – CEO of Tax Guru Michael outlined a future where highly specialised AI agents deliver fast, structured tax insights, backed by curated expertise rather than generic internet scraping. Shaye Thyer – Finance Coach for Women in Business Shaye brought a powerful blend of practical financial strategy and lived experience, focusing on helping women build capability, confidence, and genuine financial independence. Corey Cacic – CEO of Annature Corey shared how Annature continues to evolve from e-signing into a broader workflow solution, with a strong focus on practical compliance and making everyday processes smoother for firms. Apps & Tools Mentioned: Claude – https://claude.ai ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com Perplexity – https://www.perplexity.ai Copilot (Microsoft Copilot) – https://copilot.microsoft.com Karbon – https://karbonhq.com Seamless – https://seamlessapp.com.au Content Snare – https://contentsnare.com Annature – https://annature.com.au Law Cyborg – https://lawcyborg.com Tax Guru AI – https://taxguru.ai LightYear Docs – https://lightyeardocs.com.au Actually Count – https://actuallycount.com Xero – https://www.xero.com XPM (Xero Practice Manager) – https://www.xero.com/au/accounting-software/practice-manager/ FYI – https://www.fyidocs.com Dropbox – https://www.dropbox.com Suite Files – https://suitefiles.com Zapier – https://zapier.com Episode resources and links: Kayur Patel - Director, Gen AI & Emerging Tech at PwC https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayur-patel-nz/ Shared an overview of two talks he gave on AI. Natalie Lennon of Two Sides Accounting linkedin.com/in/natalielennon twosides.com.au Mary Delaney, CEO of Karbon linkedin.com/in/marywdelaney karbonhq.com Manraj Singh Rahi Product Lead at Law Cyborg linkedin.com/in/manraj-singh-rahilaw https://www.lawcyborg.com/au/ Samuel David, founder of Actually Count https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelpravindavid/ linkedin.com/in/samuelpravin Clayton Woods, co-founder Seamlss linkedin.com/in/0claytonwood seamlss.com.au James Rose, co-founder Content Snare https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrose0/ https://contentsnare.com/ Ben Gill, Executive Director of Light Year Docs https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-gill-b336b928/ https://www.lightyeardocs.com.au/ Michael Jeffries, CEO of Tax Guru https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjeffriess/ https://www.tax-guru.ai/ Shaye Thyer, Finance Coach for women in business linkedin.com/in/shayethyer https://www.wearepallas.io/ Corey Cacic, CEO of Annature linkedin.com/in/coreyannature https://www.annature.com.au/ Accounting & Business Expo: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/accounting-business-expo/index.stm If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU
#277
April 1 · 22 min
Community, AI & Carpool Conversations with Australia’s Favourite Accountants 🚗| Chris Wheatley
This episode was recorded on the way to the Sydney Accounting & Business Expo, offering a candid and practical conversation about AI in practice, peer communities, vendor relationships and the evolving accounting profession in Australia. Chris Wheatley shares insights into running a 10 FTE suburban accounting practice with 1,900 clients Discussion on AI in accounting tools and how most firms are already using it The growth and impact of the Small Business Accountants & Advisors Brain Trust Facebook group Peer-to-peer recommendations versus traditional vendor marketing The rise of alternative and non-bank lending in the SME space This conversation highlights the importance of community, practical tech adoption and staying grounded while navigating change in the accounting profession. Episode resources and links: Chris Wheatley, Director, Scope Accounting : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wheatley-fca-29398533/ Scope Accounting : https://www.scopeaccounting.com.au/ Small Business Accountants & Advisers Brain Trust, Australia FaceBook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/977122739056681 Accounting & Business Expo : https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/accounting-business-expo/index.stm If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

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