Accounting Apps Podcast | Accounting Technology | formerly Cloud Stories

Exploring the intersections of accounting, technology and modern practice methodologies. 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 decision making. Better data, better decisions, better business. She explores this topic with her guests, uncovering insights that offer you a competitive edge. Delve deeper into the Accounting Apps landscape and enhance your understanding. The podcast promises enlightening discussions in the fields of accounting, technology and artificial intelligence. Hit that subscribe button now! Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter: http://AccountingApps.io Join the free Accounting Apps community to continue the conversations. https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind Brilliant guests include entrepreneurs, founders, business consultants, accountants, bookkeepers, small business owners, cloud advisors, developers, cloud integrators and solution providers. 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. Contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

Accounting Bingo 2025 01/15/2025

Accounting Bingo 2025 🎙️ Welcome to the Accounting Apps podcast, where we spotlight trends and tools shaping the world of accounting. I'm Heather Smith, and today we’re playing a little game of Accounting Bingo for 2025! What's on the bingo card for the year ahead? We’re talking about technology, tools, and trends that are transforming our profession. Let’s dive in! 🎙️ Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here This is the ChatGPT podcast script I used for the episode Square 1: AI-Driven Automation 🤖 It’s no surprise that AI is at the top of our bingo card. In 2025, AI is automating repetitive tasks, analysing vast amounts of data, and even predicting trends. Whether it's categorising transactions or providing forecasting insights, AI tools are making accountants' lives easier. Brand Watch: Xero’s AI-powered bank reconciliation and QuickBooks’ Smart Suggestions are leading the charge. Square 2: ESG Reporting Tools 🌱 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is no longer optional. With mandatory ESG reporting becoming standard, accountants are helping clients track their sustainability metrics alongside financial ones. Brand Watch: Spotlight Sustain: Measure and enhance the positive impact that your organisation or clients can create. SAP and Oracle are embedding ESG tools right into their platforms, making it simpler to comply with new regulations. Square 3: Cloud-Based Collaboration ☁️ Cloud-first is the only way forward. Accountants are embracing platforms that allow teams and clients to collaborate in real-time, from anywhere in the world. Cloud-based solutions have become essential for remote and hybrid work. Brand Watch: Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks Online are household names, while Karbon is adding powerful collaboration features for practice management. Square 4: Data Analytics and Visualisation 📊 Seeing is believing – and understanding. Advanced analytics tools are helping accountants go beyond numbers to tell compelling stories with data. Visualisation tools are bringing balance sheets and profit-and-loss statements to life. Brand Watch: Power BI, Fathom, and Tableau are must-haves for visualising financial insights. Square 5: Enhanced Cybersecurity 🔒 Security is non-negotiable. With the rise of cyberattacks, protecting client data is critical. Accountants need robust cybersecurity measures built into their workflows. Brand Watch: Platforms like Practice Protect and 1Password are safeguarding sensitive financial information. Square 6: Advisory 💼 Advisory is the future. Accountants are evolving into strategic advisors, helping clients make data-driven decisions to grow their businesses. Offering more personalised services is the new normal. Brand Watch: Clarity HQ The Gap Square 7: Remote Work Technologies 🏠 Work from anywhere, but stay connected. Accountants are relying on tools that keep their teams productive and clients engaged, no matter where they’re working from. Brand Watch: Microsoft Teams and Zoom remain essentials, while Slack adds another layer of real-time communication. Square 8: Automation for Compliance 📜 Stay compliant without the headache. With ever-changing regulations, automation tools are stepping up to handle compliance tasks. From tax filings to payroll, automation reduces errors and saves time. Brand Watch: XBert and ATO-certified tools like BAS Agent Portal integrations are a hit in Australia. Square 9: Simplified Payments 💳 Get paid faster and easier. Streamlined payment solutions are helping accountants and their clients manage cash flow more effectively. Brand Watch: Ignition Solo is a new offering for automated agreements and payments. Square 10: Sustainability in Practice 🌍 Greener practices for a better future. Beyond ESG reporting, accountants are looking inward to adopt sustainable practices in their own businesses. Brand Watch: Platforms like Dext are enabling paperless workflows, contributing to a greener planet. Conclusion 🎙️ That’s our bingo card for 2025! Which trends are you already embracing, and which ones are still on your wishlist? The world of accounting is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of these trends will help you thrive in the year ahead. Thanks for tuning in to the Accounting Apps podcast. Until next time, keep innovating! 🎙️ Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here Contact details: Accounting Apps newsletter: Accounting Apps Mastermind: LinkedIn: YouTube Channel: X: /episode/index/show/cloudstories/id/34845770

Empowering Multi-Entity Businesses: New Tools ⛏️ for Data Accuracy and Reliability | Michael Wood 12/11/2024

Accounting Tech Updates Third QTR '24 11/13/2024

Transforming a Professional Services Firm to $130M | Mark Orttung 11/06/2024

Transforming a Professional Services Firm to $130M | Mark Orttung Gain insights from an experienced leader who has successfully scaled multiple professional services and technology companies. Learn strategies for driving innovation, improving operational efficiency, and providing real-time visibility for consulting firms. Understand how to leverage patents and intellectual property to differentiate your business. Get advice on effective leadership approaches, including the power of being a proactive listener. Today I’m speaking with Mark Orttung, CEO of Projectworks. The conversation provides a wealth of practical, hard-earned wisdom for anyone looking to grow and improve their professional services business. In this episode, we talk about . . . Mark Orttung's journey from scaling Nexiant and Bill.com to leading professional services automation platform Projectworks Insights on driving innovation and providing real-time visibility to reduce administrative burdens for consulting clients Leveraging patents and his approach to effective leadership, including the importance of being a proactive listener Strategies for scaling consulting firms, including differentiation, go-to-market, and continuous improvement Collaboration with AICPA and enabling accounting firms to create new revenue streams is a professional services automation platform that’s easy to use and enables the world’s experts to focus on their passion. Professional services and consulting firms use Projectworks' to better plan their projects, resources, and profits and gain insights into real-time project performance and bottom-line projections. The platform integrates with leading accounting, reporting, and CRM systems, including Xero, QuickBooks, HubSpot and Salesforce. I strategically partner with Projectworks. Contact details: W: Mark Orttung: Accounting Apps newsletter: Accounting Apps Mastermind: LinkedIn: YouTube Channel: X: /episode/index/show/cloudstories/id/33789497

Empowering Customers through AI Innovations | Brian Chess 10/30/2024

Navigating the NetSuite Ecosystem with Approval Max's CRO, Matt Lowry 10/23/2024

How AI-Driven Efficiency Is Revolutionising Business Processes | James Chisham 10/16/2024

Manufacturer's Journey to Modernise with NetSuite | Bruce Fitzgerald 10/09/2024

Unlocking Productivity Gains | Meredith Rowan 10/02/2024

Embracing AI Innovations in NetSuite | Scott Wiltshire 09/25/2024

From Honky Tonks to Tech: Nashville Xerocon 2024 Recap 09/19/2024

Exploring Zoho's Integrated Platform🐝 | Val Steed 08/14/2024

Accounting Technology Updates: 🌐 Bridging the Technology Learning Gap, Zoho Expansion, the Evolving Payroll Landscape, and More 08/07/2024

Developing and keeping a competitive advantage | TIF24 07/31/2024

Developing and keeping a competitive advantage | TIF24 Today I’m sharing with you a recording of a keynote entitled "Developing and Keeping a Competitive Advantage," given by Philip Fierlinger, co-founder of Upstock and co-founder of Xero. Philip Fierlinger discusses his experiences and insights on developing and maintaining a competitive advantage in the technology and accounting sectors. He shares his journey from working on the first smartphone at General Magic to co-founding Xero and Upstock. The talk focuses on the importance of creating extraordinary user experiences, transforming pain points into pleasurable experiences, and adhering to a strong vision and values. Highlights from the session include: Philip Fierlinger shares insights on developing and maintaining a competitive advantage, drawing from his extensive experience in the tech and accounting industries. Discusses his journey from working on General Magic's first smartphone to co-founding Xero and Upstock, highlighting key milestones and lessons learned. Emphasises the importance of transforming technology into "magic" through exceptional user experience design, making technology seamless and user-friendly. Explains how Xero succeeded by turning the painful process of bank reconciliations into a pleasurable and engaging experience, fundamentally changing the perception of accounting software. Describes the creation of Upstock to address friction in the B2B supply chain for foodservice, offering a digital platform that levels the playing field for small suppliers. Highlights the significance of having a clear vision and strong values as the foundation for business operations, ensuring long-term success and competitive advantage. Shares lessons on the critical role of customer research and feedback, and the importance of early adopters in refining and validating the product. Discusses how cultivating a positive company culture and retaining employees can be achieved through adhering to guiding principles and providing support, such as coaching and counselling. This is the third podcast I’m bringing to you from the 2024 Tropical Innovation Festival held in June, in Cairns, in beautiful Far North Queensland. If you are interested in the topic or the vibe of the event, I encourage you to go back and listen to the other two episodes and reach out to the Tropical Innovation Festival if you want to be part of future festivals. I will drop their contact details in the show notes. The audio was recorded during a lunchtime session. At the start, you can hear the emcee of the event, who is also the conference co-organiser, Contact details: Tropical Innovation Festival: Phil Fierlinger: UpStock: Xero: Tara Diversi : Accounting Apps newsletter: Accounting Apps Mastermind: LinkedIn: YouTube Channel: X: Other podcast episodes of interest Building Your Startup’s Profile with Media | TIF24 MediaPhones, Accounting Dashboards & Digital Marketplaces: The Design Journey of Xero’s Co-Founder | Philip Fierlinger /episode/index/show/cloudstories/id/32269842

Navigating the Startup Ecosystem: How Accountants Can Thrive in the High-Growth Tech Space | TIF24 07/25/2024

Building Your Startup's Profile with 📺Media | TIF24 07/17/2024

Scaling to 7 Figure: 💡Enhancing Your Fractional CFO Services | Michael King 07/11/2024

🌟 Scale your business on Xero without needing a dozen other Apps and Add-ons 06/26/2024

How to protect your business with stronger financial controls | ApprovalMax + Xero 06/19/2024

🌍 A Global Journey in Accounting Technology Marketing | Damien Greathead 06/12/2024

🌍 A Global Journey in Accounting Technology Marketing | Damien Greathead Today I’m speaking with Damien Greathead Head of Marketing - Accountant & Advisor Group, Intuit Australia Our guest is a dynamic sales and marketing leader who excels in helping venture-funded software companies build robust sales and marketing functions. With a specialised focus on the accounting and fintech verticals, he has a proven track record of establishing brands and expanding customer bases across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific regions. He has successfully collaborated with both small and large teams across various time zones, driving impressive growth in scale-up companies, achieving over 70% growth year-on-year. He is the co-host of the Podcast: Strategy and the Virtual Controller with Penny Breslin. He worked at Ignition when it was called Practice Ignition and Dext when it was called Receipt Bank and now he is Head of Marketing - Accountant & Advisor Group, Intuit Australia. Damien discusses his career in accounting technology marketing across the globe. He shares updates to QuickBooks features and upcoming events in Australia. He emphasised the importance of customer empathy and stories in SaaS marketing. We discuss how the Apps do have insightful data, and can truly partner with businesses, to help them grow. In this episode, we also talk about . . . - Damien Greathead's background in the accounting industry across multiple global roles - Early experiences recognising technology potential in accounting firms - Embracing change management processes with clients at Receipt Bank - Navigating the complex US tax system and state compliance - Iterating Receipt Bank's value proposition without a GST/VAT system - Opening and growing Receipt Bank's US office - Returning to Sydney after 15+ years abroad - Leading Intuit Australia's adviser marketing team - Educating on QuickBooks features to boost confidence and adoption - QuickBooks Tax powered by Logic for seamless tax integration - Highlighting QuickBooks Online Advanced capabilities - Launching the QuickBooks Go community platform - Getting customer feedback through workplace observations - Marketing advice for Apps who want to connect with Intuit Australia, and their customer base. - Understanding problems through deep customer empathy - Sharing customer stories to fast-track app development - The podcast, "," Damien co-hosts with Penny Breslin, the CEO of MoneyPenny, which focuses on intentional planning through small goals inspired by Strategy and the Fat Smoker: Doing What's Obvious But Not Easy by David H. Maister Contact details: Damien Greathead : Intuit Australia : Accounting Apps newsletter: Accounting Apps Mastermind: LinkedIn: YouTube Channel: X: /episode/index/show/cloudstories/id/31524367

Unravelling the future of AccounTech Sydney Xerocon 2023 🌐 06/05/2024

Unravelling the future of AccounTech Sydney Xerocon 2023 🌐 Today, I’ve something exciting to share with you. You know how you get excited when a lost Beatle or Nirvana track is found, well the extraordinary Alexi Boyd uncovered the audio of a panel discussion from Sydney Xerocon PreXerocon 2023. I honestly thought I’d never hear it again, and then mid March she sent me a copy - making me a very happy podcaster cause I get to share it with you. The panel discussion was held at the beautiful Hinchcliff House at Circular Quay. Unfortunately the room was a little noisy on the day of the event. However much to my surprise the audio quality is really quite good. The topic for discussion was “Unravelling the future of AccounTech”. If you are a regular listener you will know, I value bringing diversity to these tech conversations: The moderator Alexi Boyd ran a BAS and Bookkeeping business for 8 years. She is the Radio Show host of Small Biz Matters and now works in policy strategy and government relations. Her background led her to take the conversation in an interesting direction, consumer data rights and restrictions on data and innovation and the differences between data protection laws in Europe, UK, and Australia. This event was the first time Sabby Gill, the new Dext formerly Receipt Bank CEO, had spoken in Australia. Sabby had literally just got off the plane. London based Sabby Gill brought an overseas perspective, as well as his 35 years in the UK technology sector. Aly Garrett is a modern, technology savvy accountant, from South Australia. She represented accountants, their small business clients, and living outside the major Australian cities, brought a regional perspective to the conversation. Roger Gregg brought that unique energy that comes with being a Fintech founder, plus his expensive knowledge of the hospitality and brewing industry, which certainly flavoured the conversation. I shall add in some recent relevant news, congratulations are in order, 10 months after recording this, it has been announced that the Access Group Has Entered Into an Agreement to Acquire Pioneering AP Automation Provider, Lightyear Let me fill you in on a bit of a backstory. The Gregg brothers were one of the original App partners, with their solution InvitBox. I’m thinking within the first ten years? InvitBox won Xero emerging app partner in 2013. Then in May 2014 Intuit acquired InvitBox. The very blue boys turned green overnight. Several years later, in quite an unprecedented move, they bought InvitBox back from Intuit for a single dollar! And relaunched as LightYear. Here we are ten years later, and they have sold again, this time to The Access Group. Read more here: Contact details: Alexi Boyd Small Biz Matters Aly Garrett Sabby Gill Roger Gregg Accounting Apps newsletter: Accounting Apps Mastermind: LinkedIn: YouTube Channel: X: /episode/index/show/cloudstories/id/31239077

Accounting Tech Updates May’24 : 🛠️Exploring Inventory, Practice Management, and Must-Try Apps 05/29/2024

Accounting Tech Updates May’24 : 🛠️Exploring Inventory, Practice Management, and Must-Try Apps Heather Smith and Tyler Caskey discuss feature and functionality releases, new integrations, pricing adjustments, and acquisitions in the Accounting Apps space during March, April, May ‘24. Today I’m speaking with Tyler Caskey Partner at The Bean Counters. In this episode, we talk about . . . News and updates from Xero, QuickBooks & MYOB were discussed, including new features, integrations, pricing changes, and acquisitions Stories from the Inventory management space, including pain points and promising solutions explored Practice management tools for accounting firms featuring FYI Elite: Combined document, employee, and practice management solution. Apps recommended for both work and personal use, such as donate blood and seven rooms Lightyear acquisition by The Access Group analysed for hospitality industry benefits & Cin7: Integration for seamless inventory and financial management. against the Full Year Budget reporting. Calxa Features: Bulk Connections for multiple Xero organisations, and Sub-Accounts for detailed financial tracking. Finlert’s SubSync: Integration between Stripe and Xero. A2X Accounting: New Settlements and Payouts page for e-commerce transaction reconciliation. BOMA Marketing AI: Content Assist for customising marketing content. Sharesight: Enhanced trade file upload functionality. : Automates repetitive back-office tasks, specialises in ERP software solutions. NetSuite Updates: Enhanced inventory transfer settings, batch payment approval workflows, and options to mask company bank account numbers in electronic payment files. New apps we’ve tried recently and a few personal favourites Follow up on stories from the last episode. Last day to access is 26 June 2024. Users need a migration plan now! Xero New Invoicing: Heather has switched to New Invoicing! But Tyler switched back to Classic invoicing. Many thanks to the sponsors of todays episode: Contact details: Tyler Caskey Accounting Apps newsletter: Accounting Apps Mastermind: LinkedIn: YouTube Channel: X: /episode/index/show/cloudstories/id/31449272

🔄 Automating and simplifying the complexities of Lease Accounting | Adam Riches 05/22/2024

Industry Disrupting CFO Advisor Kicking Goals ⚽ | Sarah Lawrance 05/15/2024

🥊 Excel vs Software Battle: Fighting it Out Over the Future of Accounting Tech 05/08/2024

🤖💼 The FAB Debate: AI vs The Human Touch in Accounting | Samuel Green 05/01/2024

📣 Live from the Festival of Accountants and Bookkeepers! 04/25/2024

Developing a Migration Strategy from WorkflowMax by Xero 04/24/2024

Developing a Migration Strategy from WorkflowMax by Xero Today I’m sharing with you a webinar I hosted on behalf of Projectworks and WorkGuru that provides an overview of alternatives to WorkflowMax by Xero as it reaches end of life 26 June 2024. The panellists who joined me were: Heidi Seal Ops Consultant at Business Sense (NZ) Matthew Peng Founder at Business Continuum Matt Hayter Co-Founder at Projectworks Tony Harcourt Co-Founder at WorkGuru The panellists discussed the triggers for change, comparing features of the two solutions. They explored how each platform caters to different industries. The expert implementers shared case studies of successful migrations, highlighting challenges and opportunities clients faced. The presentation covered developing a migration strategy, including exporting data, mapping business processes, and change management. Attendees learned about assessing potential solutions by considering key questions, desired outcomes, and post go-live improvements. The session emphasised preparing early by testing new platforms and leveraging experienced partners for a smooth transition. Overall, the webinar helped attendees understand options for transitioning away from WorkflowMax by Xero to Projectworks or WorkGuru. The Flow of the webinar Understanding the Transition Trigger for Change Market Reaction Comparative Overview of Solutions Common Features Target Industries Points of Difference Deep Dive into Migration Migration Strategy Case Studies Assessing Solutions Preparation for Transition Relevant links Heidi Seal Ops Consultant at Business Sense (NZ) L: E: [email protected] B: Heidi Seal Resources : : Matthew Peng Founder at Business Continuum L: E : [email protected] B: Matt Hayter Co-Founder at Projectworks L: B: Tony Harcourt Co-Founder at WorkGuru L: B: Tony Harcourt Resources : https://support.workguru.io/support/solutions/articles/43000698451-migrating-from-workflowmax-to-workguru-overview : https://support.workguru.io/support/solutions/articles/43000699631-wfm-to-workguru-one-click-migration-tool Support Solutions Hub : Contact details: Accounting Apps newsletter: Accounting Apps Mastermind: LinkedIn: YouTube Channel: X: /episode/index/show/cloudstories/id/30963103

Unlocking Accounting Innovations: Live Banking, Global Solutions, Reporting Updates, and Xero's Invoicing Evolution Unveiled 03/07/2024

Unlocking Accounting Innovations: Live Banking, Global Solutions, Reporting Updates, and Xero's Invoicing Evolution Unveiled Tyler Caskey, Partner at The Bean Counters joins me in this episode. Here are five interesting insights we talk about in the show: 1. Live Banking and Direct Digital Receipting: Tools like and Airwallex enable real-time banking transactions, while solutions like Slyp and Tyro streamline payment processes by sending receipt details directly to accounting systems, reducing manual data entry. 2. Global Banking Solutions: Digital technology solutions like Airwallex, OFX, Paytron, and Wise facilitate international transactions with ease, offering competitive rates and near real-time transfers and bill payments in multiple currencies. 3. Google's Updates: Google is removing underutilised features across Android, including some related to voice controls, and shutting down its podcast app in favour of integrating podcasts into YouTube Music. This shift intrigued the author, who recently upgraded their device. 4. Updates in the Reporting Space: Various accounting software solutions have introduced updates, such as Calxa's unlinked accounts feature for cash flow forecasting, improved KPI library experience, and introduction of automatic workflows within Google Sheets. 5. Xero's Invoices Changes: Xero is retiring classic invoicing in September 2024, prompting concerns from the community about missing features, like the ability to process an overpayment, inability to edit exchange rates, and inability to invoice bulk contact groups. However, you can quickly switch back if you need features only currently available within classic invoicing. These insights highlight the ongoing technological advancements and changes within the accounting industry, offering both opportunities and challenges for practitioners and stakeholders alike. Contact details: Tyler Caskey: Accounting Apps newsletter: Accounting Apps Mastermind: LinkedIn: YouTube Channel: X: /episode/index/show/cloudstories/id/30263878

Full Stack Mastery – Elevate your Practice with Xbert | Cassandra Scott 02/28/2024

Accounting Apps Podcast | Accounting Technology | formerly Cloud Stories

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