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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Inside WorkGuru: 7 Years Empowering SMEs with Real-Time Project Insights | Tony Harcourt
Episode 247
Thursday, August 7, 2025 • Duration 32:30
Tony Harcourt CEO & Co-Founder of WorkGuru
Tony Harcourt returns to chat with Heather about WorkGuru’s recent product updates, the challenges facing SMEs, and the role of automation and integrations in improving day-to-day operations.
Summary
Today I’m speaking with Tony Harcourt CEO & Co-Founder of WorkGuru
WorkGuru is a Project Management solution tailored for SMEs in manufacturing, construction, engineering, and fabrication.
In this episode, we talk about . . .
WorkGuru Highlights:
Celebrating 7 years.
Focus on automating business workflows and enhancing project visibility.
Heather Smith and Tyler Caskey explore major Q2 tech updates, from payroll developments to NetSuite integrations, AI trends, multi-entity reporting, and smarter expense and project tools.
Today I’m speaking with Tyler Caskey, Founder at The Bean Counter.
In this episode, we talk about . . . industry insights and key accounting technology updates from April to June 2025. We highlight the competition in HR and payroll, noting Rippling's market leadership, Employment Hero's implementation improvements, and Tanda’s attractive pricing . We discuss Xero's integration of Syft into its dashboard. Tyler praises the project management solution Work Guru for its native integrations across different systems. We also cover the integration of the ERP solution Oracle NetSuite with Airwallex, Weel and ApprovalMax, and highlight changes in Xero, QuickBooksOnline, and MYOB, including the release of Solo Money by MYOB. We wrapped up with a quick look at recent investments and a preview of upcoming Accounting Technology events.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Payroll & HR Tech
Competition heating up: Rippling, Employment Hero, Elmo, and Tanda making moves.
Pricing pressures and feature sets vary widely—Tanda noted as great value.
Multi-Entity Reporting
💪Tech, Triathlons + Tenacity: Jo Hurley’s Inspiring Story
Season 5 · Episode 237
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 • Duration 29:55
As a female founder in fintech, Jo Hurley shares her journey as a tech entrepreneur learning from other sectors, selling her business to Deloitte, and how endurance sports fuel her personal growth.
Today I’m speaking with Jo Hurley Chartered Accountant Motivational Speaker and Triathlete
Key learnings from this episode include:
Tech in Finance: How Jo leveraged technology to transform audit processes.
Women in Tech: Facing industry pushback & building networks beyond finance.
Selling a Business: The realities of selling to Deloitte & unexpected retirement.
Mindset & Endurance: How Ironman training fosters discipline & deep reflection.
Storytelling & Speaking: Using experience to connect with and inspire others.
Unlocking Productivity with AI-Powered NetSuite 🚀 | Scott Wiltshire
Season 5 · Episode 236
Thursday, February 27, 2025 • Duration 20:58
Discover how NetSuite’s new AI-powered Text Enhance feature is revolutionising finance teams, streamlining workflows, and boosting productivity with secure, business-specific automation —all while keeping data secure. Scott Wiltshire from Oracle NetSuite shares insights into AI-driven automation, its impact on finance and operations, and why Australian & NZ businesses should embrace this next-gen technology. Discover how NetSuite's new AI-powered "Text Enhanced" feature is revolutionising finance teams by automating manual tasks, improving productivity, and providing smarter business insights
Today I’m speaking with Scott Wiltshire, Vice President & GM, Oracle NetSuite ANZ
Key Learnings from the Episode:
NetSuite's "Text Enhanced" Feature: Uses generative AI to automate content creation within the ERP system.
Boosting Productivity: AI-powered automation helps finance teams with collections, journal entry annotations, and other manual documentation tasks.
Data Security & Compliance: The AI assistant ensures strict security protocols, keeping company data protected within Oracle Cloud.
Personalized AI Assistance: AI-generated content is tailored to specific company data, improving accuracy and relevance.
Competitive Advantage: Businesses leveraging AI early gain efficiency, scalability, and a productivity boost.
SuiteConnect 2025: NetSuite’s regional conference in Sydney will unveil more AI-powered innovations and training opportunities.
🎙️ 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! 🎙️
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.
Empowering Multi-Entity Businesses: New Tools ⛏️ for Data Accuracy and Reliability | Michael Wood
Season 4 · Episode 234
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 • Duration 43:44
Translucent CEO Michael Wood discusses the company's recent launch event, new features like automated intercompany reconciliation and custom tracking categories, and the importance of addressing data model issues for multi-entity businesses.
Today I’m speaking with Michael Wood Founder & CEO of Translucent
In this episode, we talk about . . .
🎯 Innovating for Multi-Entity Teams: Translucent unveils tools designed to tackle complex multi-entity challenges.
🛠️ New Features Highlighted: Granular permissions, tracking category audits, and intercompany auto-reconciliation take centre stage.
🔍 Tracking Categories Expanded: Solving a long-standing limitation with additional data dimensions and smarter tracking tools.
📊 Custom KPIs Made Easy: Flexibility to build financial reports tailored to unique business needs.
🚀 Future-Proofing Finance: Quarterly updates promise a steady stream of impactful features and tools.
💡 Shape the Innovation: Listeners are encouraged to share their input on future product development.
Contact details:
Michael Wood : https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwood/
Join Heather Smith and Tyler Caskey as they share global insights from Xerocon, SuiteWorld, and beyond. Discover the latest in accounting tech—new features, strategic shifts, and practical tools to boost your practice.
Here are the many reasons you should listen in!
🔹 Get Ahead with the Latest Accounting Tech: Key updates from Xerocon, SuiteWorld, and other global events to keep your practice at the cutting edge.
🔹 Learn from Industry Insights: Heather and Tyler share real-world experiences, insights from speaking at major conferences, and practical tools they use.
🔹 Discover New Apps and Integrations: Explore innovations in automation, AI, ERP solutions, and practice management tools tailored for accountants.
🔹 Stay Updated on Payment Solutions: Hear about new Stripe and Pinch Payments features that can streamline client billing and payments.
🔹 Tech Trends to Watch: Find out what’s trending in accounting technology, from AI-driven tools to expanded reporting capabilities, and what’s coming next.
🔹 Optimise Your Workflow: Get tips on integrating tools like ApprovalMax, XBert, and AccountKit to enhance efficiency and accuracy in your practice.
🔹 Insights on Flexible Work Benefits: Heather and Tyler’s global work and travel experiences offer unique perspectives on balancing work and exploration.
Transforming a Professional Services Firm to $130M 💵 | Mark Orttung
Season 5 · Episode 232
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 • Duration 49:27
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
Projectworks 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:
Empowering Customers through AI Innovations 🤖 | Brian Chess
Season 5 · Episode 231
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 • Duration 24:18
Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist!
In this episode, I speak with Brian Chess, SVP Technology and AI, of Oracle NetSuite.
Brian oversees the development and operations of NetSuite’s technology stack, platform, and AI-driven functionality. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering as well as more than a dozen patents related to integrated circuit design, web-based applications, and computer security.
We discuss:
The concept of "AI built in, not bolted on," referring to the deep integration of AI with NetSuite.
The philosophy of "human in the loop," emphasising the importance of human oversight and trust in AI systems.
Brian believes the best AI feature will likely be created by NetSuite customers, leveraging the platform's openness.
On my blog you'll find detailed show notes to accompany this podcast, and for those looking to earn free CPE, be sure to head over to the EarMarkApp and take the quiz for the podcast you are about to listen to!
Finally, thank you to the Oracle NetSuite teams for hosting me at your conferences.
Navigating the NetSuite Ecosystem 🌿 with Approval Max’s CRO, Matt Lowry
Season 5 · Episode 229
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 • Duration 15:47
Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist!
In this episode, I speak with Matt Lowry, Chief Revenue Officer | GTM Leader at ApprovalMax.
Matt is a commercially-minded and proactive revenue leader with SaaS scale-up experience. Particular areas of expertise include GTM strategy, revenue operations, sales, special projects, and customer experience.
Matt and I have known each other for a few years, and he was representing Approval Max on the floor of the SuiteWorld conference. I jumped at the opportunity to speak with him, and get his perspective on the conference.
We discuss:
The vastness and variety of activities at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld event, including a pottery studio and a bird conservancy!
Attendee's keen interest in learning about third-party apps, and the experience of being first-time exhibitors.
The importance of cloud integrators and technology solution providers in the NetSuite ecosystem, as they play a crucial role in helping clients implement and integrate solutions.
I’ll also highlight that afterwards he wrote a LinkedIn post highlighting that in the Mid-Market/ERP space, lots of third party apps don't offer free trials, and they tie you into an annual contract.
On my blog you'll find detailed show notes to accompany this podcast, and for those looking to earn free CPE, be sure to head over to the EarMarkApp and take the quiz for the podcast you are about to listen to!
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.
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! 🎙️
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