Join me as I recount my journey through the vibrant Nashville Xerocon, where country spirit and tech innovation collided. 

In this episode, I cover:

• My personal takeaways from the conference

• Insights from the Nashville Xerocon and key product announcements

• Innovation from the exhibitor floor

• Behind the scenes of speaking at my first International Xerocon.

• Connecting with industry peers at events and activities around Xerocon.

There are lots of links in the show notes to explore more about everything I discussed.

SPONSOR

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Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ 

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting 

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU 

Today I’m speaking with Val Steed, Director Accountants, Zoho Corporation 

In this episode, we talk about . . .

Zoho Corporation's journey in the accounting technology industry, from its founding in 1996 to its current position as a leading provider of integrated business solutions

The company's focus on privacy, security, and long-term vision, with a family-like culture and commitment to employee retention

Zoho's conservative management approach and profitability since day one, even during challenging times like the pandemic

The challenges of working as a US-based employee for an Indian-based company, including navigating cultural nuances and time zones

Zoho's integrated platform, which offers a suite of over 55 web apps and 75 mobile apps, including accounting, CRM, and other business tools

Zoho's efforts to adapt its products to local markets, such as incorporating Australian tax and payroll requirements

The company's annual Zoholics conference, including the partner-focused Inspire event, and its plans for AI integration in its products

Insights into Zoho's growth and competitive landscape in the accounting industry, as well as the challenges of reaching the target audience in the Australian market

Contact details:

Val Steed https://www.linkedin.com/in/valsteed/ 

Zoho Corp https://www.zohocorp.com/ 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting 

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU 

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: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7194623580830105601/

 https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/2024/06/06/unravelling-the-future-of-accountech-sydney-xerocon-2023/

Contact details:

Alexi Boyd https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiboyd/ 

Small Biz Matters https://smallbizmatters.com.au/ 

Aly Garrett https://www.linkedin.com/in/alygarrett/ 

Sabby Gill https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabbygill/

Roger Gregg https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogergregg/ 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting 

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Today I’m speaking with Tim Garth and Dan Osborne co-hosts of Two Drunk Accountants podcast. In this episode, we talk about . . .

• How Tim’s dad has led a continuous learning culture and is always looking for a ways to make something easier, less friction and more efficient, which has enabled this firm started in the 1970’s, to remain modern and future focused
• The Apps Advisory conversation they have with their clients. One of the first things they think about when working with clients, is what do their systems look like. They don’t actively setup apps, but they often get involved in finding the solution.
• Using a podcast, to empowering small businesses in a relaxed, open non-judgmental format, so they can share accurate information.
• The tech stack of this Central Coast of New South Wales accounting practice.
• Building a business around systems and efficiencies
• Evolving their advisory journey, to meet their clients’ needs

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Alexi Boyd Director of a Bookkeeping business and host of the Small Biz Matters podcast

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Insights into how she runs her small bookkeeping practice, supporting micro and start-up businesses.
• Navigating a dislike for implementing and adopting new technology
• How curiosity, a growth mindset and a chance encounter with a radio station manager, was a catalyst for starting her podcast.
• How podcasting has helped her develop active listening and multi-tasking skills which she’s brought back into her bookkeeping business
• Useful tips for curating and facilitating panels, and why the CEO should not be hosting panel facilitations.
• Why it’s important to get involved in small business advocacy

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

I share a few facts and learnings from producing 100 episodes of the Cloud Stories podcast over the last 6 years.

I've interviewed people from Australia, Canada, England, India, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, and USA.

I've interviewed Accountants, Bookkeepers, Cloud Integrators, Country Managers, Evangelists, Founders, General Managers, IT Specialists, Marketing Specialists, Sales Specialists.

I've had around 35 females, and 75 males on the show - yikes! Yes I know I need to strive for improved gender diversity.

I encourage you to subscribe to the podcast, and leave us a 5 star rating, as that helps people find us! Also you can subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here: https://www.heathersmithau.com/

Today I’m speaking with Catherine Walker Community Manager at Xero

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• How writing a thesis on the viability of organising information on the internet as part of her Master of Library and Information Studies was a solid foundation for her Community Managers role.
• As one of Xero’s earliest employees, realising people were deciding whether to buy Xero over social media and jumping in to respond
• What the day to day role of a community manager looks like
• Advice for accountants and bookkeepers interacting on social media
• Inspirational and funny stories of people Catherine’s met thru the community
• Diffusing situations and dealing with negative energy on social media 

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Dylan Burgess, Partner Relationship Manager of Float Cash Flow Forecasting. Dylan joined our afternoon community chat, to lead a discussion on Supporting Your Clients and Yourself Through Uncertainty. With the community, we discussed how we could assist our own business, and assist our client’s business. We explored how some people planned for every scenario, while others don’t plan for anything, leaning on the philosophy one plus one equals window. I’ve worked with the team at Float Cash Flow Forecasting for several years, and you can read about the way I work, at http://EndorsementDisclosure.com. Connect with me on twitter at @HeatherSmithAU and sign up to the Accounting Apps newsletter, at http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Kevin Fitzgerald Managing Director (Xero, Asia). We're going to talk about 20 trends changing the world of work and transforming the nature of careers in accountancy. These trends are taken from ACCA Professional insight report Future ready: accountancy careers in 2020’s  ) For those of you who don’t know ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, it’s a global body for professional accountants, and it has a MOU with both Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand, and Xero, where Kevin works.

Kevin Fitzgerald and I are both Fellows of the ACCA, and we are also both candidates for the ACCA GLOBAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS. From 8th Oct until 12th Nov 2020 ACCA members can vote in the ACCA Global Council elections. If you are a ACCA member, details on how to VOTE 🗳️will be in an email📩 or postal pack📬 sent to you. Links to candidate profiles, including mine and 🧮Heather Smith FCA, FCCA, FICB are there. https://secure.cesvotes.com/V3-0-0/acca20/en/statements?bbp=30202&x=-1

If you are an ACCA member, I encourage you to read the candidate profiles and take time to vote. If you know a ACCA professional, perhaps you could connect or reconnect with them, and share this podcast with them, so they too can get involved and vote.

'The Future of The Accounting Profession' panel discussion was held as part of the AcuityCon conference for the Acuity Financial Experts team.

The global expert panel included:

• Kenji Kuramoto Founder & CEO of Acuity Financial Experts Greater Atlanta Area USA
• Michael Ly Entrepreneur | Virtual CFO | Cloud Accounting Executive | Online Bookkeeping | Speaker | Coach | Advisor Burlington, Vermont USA
• Nayo Carter-Gray, EA MBA Making Accounting a Little Less Taxing for small business owners | Advanced Certified QuickBooks Online Pro-Advisor | App & Technology Enthusiast Baltimore, Maryland Area USA
• Rachel (Leaney) Fisch, CPB Product Evangelist, Accountant Channel at Sage Greater Toronto Area Metropolitan Area Canada!
• Will Farnell Accountancy Firm founder (Farnell Clarke) , Keynote Speaker, Author of The Digital Firm and Mentor to Accounting Firms UK!

Some takeaways for me included:

🧮Microsoft Word & Excel are the most popular small business tools

🧮Compliance is not dead ☠️

🧮AI is overhyped

🧮Non-traditional firms will embrace diversity

🧮Modern firms are not old style firms using Accounting Technology

🧮We don't need to worry about QBLive

🧮Paper checks ⁉️

Thank-you Kenji Kuramoto for the opportunity. Thank you to the Acuity team who helped make this possible. Thank-you for listening to Cloud Stories. I hope you enjoyed the show. Can I encourage you to sign up to the Accounting Apps newsletter, by visiting http:// HeatherSmithAU. COM

Beau Gaudron Tech Ninja from Growthwise joins us for a conversations, brainstorm, & ideas exchange, around this topic as part of our afternoon community supporting community chat. This session is a beneficial listening activity for all people working in the SOFTWARE PRODUCT area. Some takeaways for me were:

🔊Make sure that it's not something that you're doing wrong, make sure you've done your research, to ensure there is not another way to tackle the issue ~ Beau Gaudron

🔊 Karla Hourigan Loom's everything! & 🧡 that you can tell if your video has been viewed 👀

🔊Brooke Holmes of Practice Ignition highlighted when they're presented with an issue – they tackle it by Lifting and Digging. The surface issue may not be the problem.

🔊Pitch the feature and make the case for it worthwhile. Recognise there is a cost for them in fixing an issue, so they need to be able to justify the expenditure. (from me )

Find me on Twitter at HeatherSmithAU and please subscribe to the podcast.

Today I’m speaking with Alison Ball Director of Marketing and Influencer Strategy for Liscio, Inc. In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Her new role at a category breaking app Liscio
• Designing Customer Experience 2.0
• Building and Growing a Community
• Influencer Marketing and activities one can undertake to be an ‘influential thought leaders’
• The concepts of Hive Mind and Adjacent Possibility
• As well as exploring all things around community building and influencer marketing

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with David Leary Director of Accounting and Bookkeeping Evangelism of Melio Payments. In this episode, we talk about . . . • The impact Covid19 has had on Apps and how they can not only survive, but thrive. • My favourite Accounting podcast – The Cloud Accounting podcast with his co-host Blake Oliver and all things podcasting. • How the B2B payables and receivables solutions Melio Payments eliminates the need for checks. • Why Apps should be focused on adding tools and features that help accountants work with multiple clients using the solution. • Has a black swan event changed his thoughts on niching? • The origin story of naming his side business Sombrero Apps. Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

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

Synder & Cin7: Integration for seamless inventory and financial management.

Fathom Reporting: Compare Actuals YTD + Budget 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.

Netgain: 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.

WorkflowMax by Xero Retirement: 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:

• Employment Hero 
• Fathom Reporting
• XBert

Contact details:

Tyler Caskey https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/ 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting 

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU 

Today I’m speaking with Martin Zych CEO & Co-founder of Jirav

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Building Jirav, as the solution Martin needed while working as a CFO throughout his career
• Interpreting and commenting on the business data, sharing nuggets of knowledge and wisdom, and adding value to your client's engagement.
• The recent Series A Funding raise and what that means to Jirav.
• I learnt the term "Cannon Ball in the pool" – Jump in and sign up for a trial.
• Why Martin thinks we should all read The Hard Thing about Hard Things
• Giraffes are actually Martin's favourite animal!

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

This is a bonus episode. It is a How-To Session, How to use Microsoft SharePoint for Accountants and Bookkeepers. The session is aimed at an existing user, so sits at an Intermediate or Advanced level.

This was a visual presentation, but I feel there is learning to be had from the audio, so have trimmed the audio and am publishing it for you. If you need the visuals – jump across to my YouTube channel https://youtu.be/Uz63S2qLlGge channel to watch the session and remember to subscribe while you are there.

The session is led by Karla Hourigan who runs a practice called Infinesse in Victoria and has a particular interest in Technology in Accounting. The presenter was David Jackson from Ripped Orange https://www.rippedorange.co.nz/ a Microsoft Training and Technology company based out of New Zealand.

This was run as part of our afternoon community supporting community initiative – if you need to decompress and connect with your community – please join us at 4pm every day for a chat.

If you are keen to learn more about the Accounting Apps sign up to the Accounting Apps newsletter, by visiting http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Brian Walsh, Country Manager ANZ of TOA Global formerly known as The Outsourced Accountants as part of our Community supporting Community afternoon chat.

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Culture has become a bit of a buzz word these days: When you refer to the word culture, what do you mean?
• Why is culture important within and organisation?
• Do ping pong tables, branded T-Shirts, and doughnut Fridays equal culture?
• How do you nurture a healthy, supportive and strong culture while working remotely?
• How do we support our remote teams, even when maybe they are not asking for help?
•  Does a strong culture pressure people to conform and be compliant? Can you have disagreements, and still be part of the team?
• We currently have a spectrum of a traditional office, coworking space, through to working remotely in isolation. How do you manage team culture, when they may all be more productive and effective, in different environments?
• Which comes first: great people who establish a healthy culture, or a healthy culture that attracts great people?
• For people working remotely within a company, how do they positively influence company culture? Perhaps, how do they influence upwards?
• “Leadership is absolutely about inspiring action, but it is also about guarding against mis-action.” - Simon Sinek.  What recourse do you need to do if someone starts messing with the culture
•  If a  business owner is listening to this, and they recognise that they have to do work on their business culture, what is the first task you suggest they do?
• If a business owner is listening to this, and they recognise that they have to do work on their business culture, but also feel their mental health is struggling during the pandemic, what would you suggest they do?
• What can geese teach us about culture and teamwork? 

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Robert Hudman Managing Director of Knight Solutions

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• The benefits of a Digital Construction Strategy
• The Toolbox of technology tools for the Construction Industry
• The distinction between the operational and accounting areas of a construction business
• Why Procore is his chosen platform for the construction industry
• Using the in-house developed Procore Health Check to identify opportunities for improvement
• The future of the construction industry 

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with John Knight, Founder and MD of businessDepot

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• The importance of taking the human approach to business
• A Collective referrals network
• The growth in micro and sole practitioners and how businessDepot is positioning itself to support them
• Correcting Entrepreneurs burnout and The Mongolian Glow
• Caring for Clients through Collaboration, Co-operation, Conversations, a Collective initiative, and Community
• The importance of Branding and the Marketing Washing machine

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Will Lopez, Head of Accountant Community of Gusto

As you may recall, Will came on the podcast only a few months ago, but today he’s back to talk about a new initiative that Gusto are launching, called People Advisory™ powered by Gusto. Gusto is based in the USA describes itself as an all-in-one people platform. There are five different elements of this announcement

1. Gusto Pro.
2. People Advisory Certification.
3. People Advisory Tech Stack.
4. Advisory Hub.
5. People Advisory Playbook.

I found it interesting talking to him about how when he was working in his modern practice Advisorfi, he recognised he was not equipped to offer People Advisory. Through joining Gusto, he’s helping his younger self, and other advisors in the community to provide this service, and in turn help small business.

I think that it’s smart for Technology solutions to engage with modern advisors to design and deliver education for the community. Being nimble and upskilling with microcredentials, or nanodegrees, helps bridge learning gaps.

Plus I always encourage the Accounting and Business apps community to drip-feed educational content, and its great to see Will and the Gusto team recognise that too, and are empowering their community through education. 

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Yoseph West, Co-Founder and CEO of the Virtual Bank Relay joined me in July 2020 to share his journey in the AccounTech world, and the incredible accomplishment of starting a bank. In this episode, we talk about . . .

• The genesis of starting a virtual bank.
• What accountants and bookkeepers should expect from a modern future-focused virtual bank.
• The information the small business owner is interested in, that they understand, and where they are accessing it from
• The power accountants and bookkeepers have to influence SMB technology.
• Cybersecurity, both in terms of running a virtual bank, and the team working remotely during Covid19.
• What’s your favourite bank heist movie? For Yoseph it’s Baby Driver, for me it’s probably Ocean’s 8, with special mention to the King of Bank Heist movies – Michael Caine.

Yoseph West https://www.linkedin.com/in/yosephwest/

Relay Banking https://relayfi.com/ 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting 

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Today’s episode is not centred around Accounting Technology, let me explain what I have lined up, and you can assess whether you are going to listen in, or skip over it.

During Covid19 every afternoon I have facilitated a 4pm community chat to help support the community’s mental health and wellbeing. I recognised that many of us would have clients who are facing the reality of closing their business.

I invited Jarvis Archer a Liquidator at Revive Financial, to join our community chat and help us, help our clients navigate these challenging times. Jarvis is based in Australia, and I imagine some of what he shares, is Australian specific. However, saying that I think you’ll still benefit to listening to the episode. I think it will help you identify concerns, help your clients navigate their journey, and ask informed questions.

Please understand, the audio is stripped from a FaceBook Live stream, so it’s not the highest quality audio that I like to share with you.

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Troy Brown Director and co-founder of XBert

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• The impact the GFC had on his first business, and how that was a catalyst for creating XBert.
• The importance of data integrity and visibility
• The three-way collaboration and conversation between the accountant, bookkeeper and small business owner
• How they are proactively listening to the audience and building in feature requests.
• How a strong marketing background helps them design a beautiful, simple and intuitive solution.
• Adapting the XBert checklists for their own customed uses.

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Ian Christie, CEO & Founder of BOMA Marketing

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• How the BOMA platform works, and how it intersects with Xero.
• How businesses can differentiate themselves if they’re all accessing the same content
• The impact on SEO if multiple businesses are using the same content.
• How accountants and bookkeepers can support their clients through digital marketing
• The origin story, and the lead up to and their huge launch at Xerocon.
• How can they entwine digital marketing and their online presence, to help clients appreciate their value?

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Adam Riches, CEO & Co-Founder of Netgain

In this episode, we talk about . . .

- Adam Riches discusses the new lease accounting standards IFRS 16 and ASC 842, and how Netgain helps clients navigate the complexities
- Riches shares how Netgain automates lease data extraction from contracts using AI to save accountants time
- The challenges of managing cash flow visibility and bank reconciliations for businesses are highlighted
- How Netgain's tools like its close module help speed up the month-end close process and improve data quality
- The history of accounting software development is examined, from mainframes to Excel, and how Netgain aims to continue innovating
- Potential applications of AI in accounting are explored, such as automating bookkeeping tasks and catching previously overlooked errors

Contact details:

Adam Riches linkedin.com/in/adam-riches-cpa

Netgain: https://www.netgain.tech/ 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting 

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU 

This is a bonus episode recorded for the beginning of the Australian Financial Year.

Ollie Beale, Apprentice at Bookkeeping4U joined as a special guest of the Afternoon Community Supporting Community chat. You can register for future chats here or watch a live stream here.

This episode is date specific, so you may want to skip ahead to the 21 minutes mark if you just want to hear the inspirational interview with Ollie Beale.

Here are links to other resources I talked about in the episode

Sign up to the useable Accounting Apps newsletter here: http://HeatherSmithAU.com

Find out about CAANZ Tax checklists here and about what ACCA are doing in the SME space here.

Here is the #NaturesWalkCAL blanket I am crocheting with the family.

Fabriq an app to help you intentionally keep in touch with people. You add people you want to be reminded to connect with, and you have three circles inner, through to outer circle. It gently reminds you to reconnect. I use the free version. Here's a referral link to get you free time on the pro version. I think. It costs $8.99 a month

Today I’m speaking with Jamie Beresford Founder and CEO of Practice Protect and Fresh Method. In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Accountants and IT Specialists interpret the word ‘Cloud’ differently … and this could be wasting your firm money
• How technology has changed for accountants and where accounting professionals can identify cost savings and efficiencies in IT
• Security considerations accountants and bookkeepers need to adopt when working virtually or working from home
• What Jamie learnt the Accounting Profession during Covid 19
• How he manages his team virtually while working abroad in Bali and the Philippines
• How flexible work conditions may be adopted in the future
• How the book ‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins had a profound effect on my thinking and that’s why he takes a long term approach to commercial relationships.

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here  http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Rosemary King, Head of Product at of Float

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• How to find opportunities that stretch and challenge you in new directions
• How you go get the lay of the land and establish a plan for moving forward when you take on a prominent role in an established company.
• What factors influence product designers
• Choosing to work with people, teams and businesses that embrace receptivity.
• How you empower staff to solve their own problems
• What does diversity in the workplace mean to Rosemary and why it is important

 Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Shanu Mehta Co-Founder of MMC Convert

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• The four types of Entrepreneurs: Builder, Opportunist, Specialist, Innovator
• Surreptitiously meeting an accounting legend on her honeymoon, which changed the course of the business.
• The importance of quality historical data, for advisory
• How India is navigating the Covid19 pandemic
• Improving the financial literacy of females and freeing them from oppressive situations
• How they will connect with the community, now that there are no IRL events planned for 2020.

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Liz Mason, CEO + Founder of multiple businesses including High Rock. In this episode, we talk about . . .

• CPA World Domination
• Kaizen the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement
• With creative ideas and giant goals, Liz explains how she manages to juggle so many big projects
• Measuring your value – how to price for Modern Practices.
• How to build an amazing team
• The complexities of accounting for the cannabis industry
• How to creatively compensate your team.

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Lee Duffield, General Manager of All in Advisory. In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Choosing the best of breed in software for a 100% modern future-focused cloud-based firm
• Helping their clients use innovative modern tools through App Advisory
• How vendors can connect with accountants and bookkeepers through drip-feeding content across social media
• How they scope, select implement and review accounting technology.
• Being part of a 100% female-owned and led accounting practice.
• Why female panellists at industry events are important

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Amy Holdsworth, CEO & Founder of Clarity Street

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Recommendations for someone wanting to start a modern future-focused cloud practice.
• Fast and Furious implementations that could provide some quick capacity wins
• Juggling change management, how to get the decision-makers across the line?
• Advice for someone in an old school firm that wants to automate, modernise and move to the cloud.
• How do you reposition the client lifecycle and get the most out of your software!
• How her side hustle, Red Coat Cake, helps her keep current with some different technology tools. 

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Luis Sanchez, General Manager of Receipt Bank Australia 

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Luis childhood in Guatemala, Mexico and Argentina, through to Harvard Business School and now in Sydney, where he enjoys the community role of a Nippers Age Manager at the local surf club.
• How Team Orange the Receipt Bank team are navigating the Covid 19 pandemic
• Common traits of successful modern accountants and bookkeepers
• The necessary pivots required when online accounting solutions roll out receipt scanning features
• Universal functionality that could be built into Receipt Bank help all small businesses – what do you think that could be?
• Technology tools Luis uses for business and pleasure – including Salesforce, Slack, Zoom, Netflix & Amazon and of course Receipt Bank.

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here  http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Will Lopez Head of Accountant Community at Gusto

In this episode, we talk about

• Why you should “Educate, Guide Now, and Earn Later” during the Global Crisis
• What is involved in the role of a community Manager, and how Will is empowering the community
• How Truly Lazy people can Make Multiple Pieces of Content?
• How Accountants and Bookkeepers can step into an advisor role mid-and-post Covid 19.
• The resources and support Gusto has provided to their community during these challenging times
• and of course, we talk about kayaking with giant alligators in the Everglades because it's Will Lopez!

 Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here  http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

We are going through quite challenging times, and I’ve asked Nick, as a leader in the EcoSystem space to join me to share his insights and perspectives on:

• How businesses in the ecosystem can pivot, pirouette, or adapt to the Covid 19 crisis
• We also discuss the challenges of keeping a remote workforce productive and engaged during such stressful times.
• What he has learnt from working from home
• How Apps could support their clients during Covid 19,
• How Unleashed had built a market place to try and match and helps its client base find new customers
• How Kounta had built-in online ordering into its Point of Sale system.
• How Deputy had built a contactless check-in system, to minimise the transfer of the virus
• and how Apps are effectively communicating with their overwhelmed client base.

If you’re listening to this podcast, and you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, like getting through the day, is like walking through mud, please remember you’re not alone. Please reach out for support. Be it Lifeline, your professional association, a friend, or one of the many online forums. It is highly stressful times, and your community is here to help you navigate through this pandemic.

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here  http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Sarah Lawrance, Founder & CEO of Hot Toast. In this episode, we talk about . . .

- Sarah Lawrance shares her journey from childhood fascination with business to becoming a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and founding her firm Hot Toast
- Lawrance discusses her formative career experiences in Australia, London and fast-growth startups, and the inspiration for starting her own business
- Sarah describes her role as a CFO for rapidly growing businesses, helping clients scale through advisory services, reporting, and finance team development
- Sarah integrates technologies like G-Accon and SYFT to deliver data insights, and sees opportunities in AI and machine learning

"I'm a big fan of G-Accon. I really love that tool. It's such a beautiful little connector that we pull lots of data out. We use it with Google Sheets. The creatives love Google Sheets, and they love zeros. So to be able to just link those two up and then kind of manipulate those into our own kind of models is a massive win for us."

- When she could not find an age appropriate soccer club, she started her own women's soccer team. The team has since expanded to over 100 members in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.- Frustrated by a lack of female board opportunities she co-founded the Global Women's Accounting Influencers community
- The conversation covers mentoring the next generation, leveraging networks, and the power of community in the accounting industry

Contact details:

Sarah Lawrance https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrance-fcpa-83894516/

Hot Toast : https://hottoast.com.au/ 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting 

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU 

Today I’m speaking with Ryan Lazanis Founder of Future Firm. In this episode, we talk about . . .

• How do you create the best customer experience possible.
• How you create a scalable modern firm that can sell.
• Helping firms implement a strategic plan, set up goals, and maintain focus.
• Some of his favourite technology tools, including Team Works, Xero, Practice Ignition, Spark Hire, Zoom, and Slack.
• Using blogging to market to and attract client of a particular personality type.
• How firms can benefit from gig economy accounting.

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Paul Murray co-founder of Account – Kit joined me to talk about . . .

• His surprisingly in-depth knowledge of Disneyland and his background as a computer game artist,
• the ongoing challenges of modernising a server-based practice, and
• Building tools needed for the Accounting Practice - Murray Business Solutions and commercialising them into a solution called Account Kit
• Leveraging his background as a computer game artist, to build gamification into Account-Kit
• The different tools found in Account Kit, including the inter-entity loan reconciliation, and client mapping tool.
• The Adelaide Tech Users Club

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.com

Lance Rubin of Model Citizn joined me to talk about . . .

• The journey from being a Chartered Accountant to a Cash Flow Financial Modeller
• How Lance tackles simple financial modelling problems to make an informed, relevant and purposeful decision with insight.
• And yet - with all the data and technology – why making decisions is still difficult
• Questions accountants can ask their clients and
• How businesses can utilise modelling to prepare for uncertain times
• Plus, the different technology Lance uses for data modelling, including DataDear, Power BI, Etani Business Platform, Tableau

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here: http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Natalie Lennon from Two Sides Accounting joined me to talk about . . .

• How she started a 100% cloud-based practice
• What Accounting Apps she uses to Automate her practice
• How she offers Apps Advisory to her clients
• How she is using Zapier to connect a number of solutions 
• Natalie's commitment to helping the Love Mercy Foundation and the Cents for Seeds program for each new client onboarded.

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here  http:// HeatherSmithAU.com

Today I’m speaking with serial entrepreneur Michael Ly -  CEO of a number of businesses including Reconciled

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• How Michael stays focused on working on his businesses, rather than in his businesses.
• The complexities of navigating different cultures in the work environment,
• How starting a new business gets easier each time, as you learn from past experiences.
• Michael sharing how his upbringing, in the hot desert of Arizona by Cambodian refugees, impacted his approach
• The structure of his online bookkeeping and advisory firm The Accounting and Business tools he uses
• Michael’s philosophy of 'Always be Learning'.

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here https://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I am speaking with David Cristello CEO and Founder from JetPack Workflow

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Why he created a company to build a Workflow and CRM solution for practices
• What some of his favourite features and reports are within JetPack Workflow
• The importance of asking better questions, to uncover real issues.
• The longest milkshake analogy ever told on an accounting podcast!
• Also, we heard about an atomic habit that David has adopted, and from that discussion I’ve followed James Clear on twitter
• And David expressed his interest in understanding if practices really examined their own capacity. If you have thoughts on that – send him a message on Twitter at @DaveCristello not David, just Dave….

Sign up to the Accounting Apps newsletter here: https://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I am speaking with Nick Sinclair from TOA Global. In this episode, we talk about

* What outsourcing and offshoring are, and what they involve

* The different size business models leveraging offshoring

* the importance of building offshoring into your people strategy, and incorporating ongoing training for all staff

* Why TOA Global choose to base their operations in the Philippines, and how they prepare for natural disasters.

* The ethical concerns people have about offshoring.

* The typical life cycle of a practice utilising offshoring

*  How to maintain a healthy work-life balance when over a third of the year is spent travelling

Contact Details         

W: www.theoutsourcedaccountant.com

T: https://twitter.com/nickqsinclair

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicksinclair/

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here https://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Brad Ewin from GoCardless shares his Top Ten Tips for Writing Better Content.

1. Have it all in the intro
2. Write long
3. Edit short
4. Tell the story with
5. headers
6. Provide key takeaways
7. Always have a CTA
8. Draft 15 headlines
9. Create a curiosity gap
10. Make it readable
11. Don't be a perfectionist

I also want to let you know that I’ve created the Accounting App Content Creator Facebook group – An educational environment for inspiring and facilitating content generation around the specialist theme of Accounting Apps. Your welcome to join.

Jeri Wambeek in her own words:

Having owned 3 businesses, myself from a young age, coming from a very entrepreneurial family, I live for helping business owners succeed in finding the best way forward and solving complex problems with simple solutions. As a fully qualified accountant and former tax agent, I stumbled into the world of cloud solutions when I discovered Xero in 2009 and have never looked back. Immersing myself in cloud solutions and the Add On ecosystem surrounding Xero and QuickBooks Online, WhichAddon was inevitably born in 2015 when I knew business owners and cloud advisors around the world were going to need to help to find the right cloud solutions and implement them without all the headaches.

Over the years of accounting, cloud conversions and implementations, we have learned what it takes to move to the cloud. Our proven systems provide clean and clear data migration and optimisation, customised training, transition support and ongoing customer care. WhichAddOn We help proactive entrepreneurs grow their profitable business, one awesome cloud software system at a time!

WhichAddOn has one purpose: to educate businesses and their advisors on how to find, understand and implement the best cloud software solutions for their business.

Jeri and Marlon have 35+ years combined experience in business, accounting, system analysis and business consultancy. Separately they have run our own businesses and managed finance divisions for others. We have both worked in public practice and the commercial accounting arena. They both discovered Xero and the Xero ecosystem back in 2009. Together Jeri and Marlon joined forces in July 2015 to create WhichAddOn. They have both been lovers of learning since we were young, but more importantly love to share everything it is that we learn that is useful so that others can benefit from the process. WhichAddOn lives to educate and empower others to share from our experience and knowledge to find the right solution for any business.

Connect with her here: whichaddon.com https://twitter.com/whichaddon https://www.linkedin.com/company/whichaddon-com https://twitter.com/jeri_murph https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerimurphy/

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here https://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I am speaking with Ben Thompson from Employment Hero  In this episode we talk about

• How he combines his economic law background with a love of technology
• How his solutions enable small businesses to offer employees benefits, which are typically only afforded to the larger firms.
• What fascinates him about building employment related businesses – that combine technology with people management?

• The concept psychology principal of Reward and Recognition – to create a positive workplace culture everybody should receive four times more positive feedback, than negative feedback,
• Some of the technology tools he uses, including GSuite, and Evernote
• some of his favourite business books, including Verne Harnish.

- Heather Smith moderates a debate between accounting software pioneer Michael Wood and tech strategist John Toon on the pros and cons of Excel vs Software

- Michael argues that while Excel excels for individual tasks, software is better suited for collaboration and building efficient workflows for businesses

- John counters that users, not the tools, are often to blame for Excel's downfalls, and that Excel can effectively replace basic accounting tasks for some clients 

- The debate weighs the impact of tools on practice efficiency, profitability, and eventual sale value, with both sides acknowledging Excel's enduring relevance alongside advancing software

- Listeners are polled on the winning side to much debate, highlighting the complexities of choosing the right tools for each accounting need

Michael Wood https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwood/ 

https://www.translucent.io/ 

John Toon https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntoon/ 

Podcast https://digitoolsinaccrual.world/ 

Community https://www.digital-disruptors.com/ 

Beever and Struthers https://www.beeverstruthers.co.uk/ 

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting 

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU 

Today I am speaking with Martin Peirce from Zahara Software. In this episode, we talk about:

* The importance of controlling and managing spend in an organisation

*The benefits of a good supplier relationship.

* Martin likens his business partnership to that of Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams of Take That!

* The reduction in processing time recognised from adopting a digital workflow.

* The type of clients suited to using digital purchasing controls, including NFP’s, multi-sites, construction for project control, and retail stores for departmental control.

*  Zahara is named after a Spanish town, where Martin’s business partner lived.

Martin Peirce

As CEO and founder of Zahara I am passionate about software development and creating systems that simplify business process. My teenage years spent programming my BBC Micro eventually found influence in my career after many years in property sales and business solutions sales.

I designed Zahara back in 2015 and we launched it a year or so later. It now has a global user base of organisations managing and controlling their spend. Each new feature and refinement is as a result of my team and I listening carefully to what prospective and current customers want, to improve their finance function. Our experience in AP automation, document management and software-development has helped make Zahara a great success story. Bootstrapping Zahara has been great fun, but challenging. The future looks to be exciting.

C2S continues to deliver support and professional services in the fields of AP automation and document management. Our affordable solutions work great with Sage 50, Xero & Quickbooks. We concentrate on the larger SME space dealing predominantly with multi-site, expanding organisations.

Zahara Software

Zahara is a cloud-based application to enable business to manage and control their spend. It provides the finance team with a complete visual of purchase requests that will soon follow into purchase orders and vendor invoices. Zahara is perfect for indirect costs. For the multi-site organisation or those running numerous projects at the same time. For us it’s not about stock and raw materials. It’s for those organisations like hospitality, leisure groups, care home groups, schools, restaurant chains, construction and electrical.

Thank you for listening to Cloud Stories. I hope you enjoyed the show. Can I encourage you to sign up to my newsletter, by visiting https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/newsletter/

Today I am speaking with Cameron Lynch founder of Etani Business Platform

Cameron is a Chartered Accountant and the founder of the Etani Business Platform. He believes he can help businesses survive and prosper in today’s disruptive environment.

Cameron is experienced with Business Intelligence (BI), Analytics, Big Data and implementing cloud-based solutions to streamline reporting systems.

Live data has a significant role to play in assisting businesses to make wiser decisions, both now and in the future. Cameron’s passion is driven by the concept of creating vehicles to help businesses and individuals prosper.

Cameron worked previously in Consolidated Financial Reporting. Every month, a team of accountants would send the subsidiary financial accounting data to existing, pre-filled tabs on numerous Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for consolidation. 

While this may sound like smooth sailing, all it would take is for one person to hit the wrong key in the wrong cell, paste data into an incorrect tab, or add an additional column, without updating the SUM formula, and everything was corrupted. It was impossible to retain the integrity of all the accumulated data.

Imagine this scenario:
You walk into a meeting with your Board of Directors, armed only with your phone, tablet or laptop, containing live consolidated management reports. Your device can continually review all marketing, sales, finance and operational data in one place at any time. You can access updated information and answer all questions raised in the meeting, saving everybody a great deal of time and providing invaluable accurate insights. 

Finally, Cameron has created a diverse new system, the culmination of years of experience, searching, testing, learning and an overwhelming passion to be the best. 

How does the Etani Business Platform help accountants?

When you couple Etani and Microsoft Power BI, you have a powerful system to help accountants in many different ways:

1. Etani provides your SME and small corporate clients with the best analytics software in the world. They have full access to live business insights simply by using their phone, tablet or desktop. 

2. Accounting firms are enabled effectively do Power BI analysis at scale

3. You can extract data from third party SaaS software. Xero, MYOB, Quickbooks Online, Workflow Max, SimPro, Dear inventory, and many more. Live data is then streaming straight into your client’s dashboards 

4. The Etani Bootcamp gives you 5 x 2 hour training sessions on BI in-house. Unlimited staff can attend or do the training online at your own pace. There’s plenty of on-going training available. 

Templates:
Etani has created a lengthy list of templates you can use inside Power BI. These cover sales analysis, budgeting, cashflow analysis, and various other scenarios. This template library continues to grow. Instead of your client struggling to make their own templates for each aspect of their work, these have been created for them, saving thousands of hours.

Client delivery vehicle:
Etani embeds your reports and dashboards into your own branded application. These are available on Desktops, iPhones, iPads, Androids and Tablets for your clients to use. 

There are numerous benefits of doing this.
• Your clients don’t need a Power BI Pro account (at a cost of $12.70 per month per user) to use the business insights.
• You retain control of your IP.
• The client can’t take the Power BI work you have done to another accountant.

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• How his training to be an accountant, and understanding of cash flow has equipped him to run a business
• How Etani and Microsoft Power BI help practices deliver advisory services to SME’s.
• The two main reasons, Cameron thinks users love Power BI
• The different data sources clients want, beyond Financial data
• The most successful rollouts of Etani Business Platform and Power BI are undertaken by firms charging a monthly fee, productising their offering, and benefitting from recurring revenue.
• And I have included in the show notes a link to The International Federation of Accountants post stating that the reported balance sheet only reflects 20% of what is happening in the business and a link to those Trello templates.

Thank you for listening to Cloud Stories. I hope you enjoyed the show. Can I encourage you to sign up to my newsletter, by visiting

https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/newsletter/

In this episode, I talk to Tim Hoopmann from Spinn Business Solutions and Joseph Robins from GoCardless about the upcoming Accounting Business Expo, in Sydney March 20 & 21st at the International Convention Centre.

• We discuss how to get the most out of attending the conference
• What we shall be talking about in our panel session “How to Pick the Best Apps to Drive Your Business Advisory Service”

Spurred on by Joseph’s past life we also shared our favourite cult movies – what’s yours?

Sessions Tim Hoopmann shall be speaking at

How to Pick The Best Apps To Drive Your Business Advisory Service - Wednesday, 14.40 pm

With Joseph Robins, Tim Hoopmann, Bryan Williams, and Heather Smith

Automate To Survive And Handle More Customers, More Easily - Thursday, 10.05 am

How to Create a Mentally Healthy Business - Thursday, 11.15 am

Create The Perfect Daily Schedule For A Bookkeeping Firm - Thursday, 12.25 pm

Experienced founder with a demonstrated history growing small business. Strong entrepreneurship and professionally skilled in Business Planning, Cloud Technology, Sales, Marketing, Retail, and Operations Management.
A passion for helping small business use technology as a key enabler to increase productivity and decrease costs.

Joe has been with fintech rising star GoCardless since its early days and now leads their latest expansion into the Australian and New Zealand markets. Joe brings extensive knowledge of the payments landscape to his work with accountancy firms, helping them improve and grow the ways they collect recurring revenue.

Sessions Heather Smith shall be speaking at

Tips, Tools and Techniques for Management Accounting In a Digital World - Weds, 13.30 pm

Community, Social Media And Finding Your Tribe  - Wednesday, 13.30 pm

I encourage you to sign up to my newsletter, by visiting HeatherSmithSmallBusiness.com/newsletter.