Accountants After Hours

Well… our last AI episode is already outdated 😅So we’re back for a quick bonus chat on what’s changed in the last few weeks and why things suddenly feel like they’re moving at lightning speed.We cover:🤖 Claude Cowork and the rise of real AI agentsNat shares how she’s using it to automate tasks like renaming folders and even building EOFY workpapers in one prompt⚡ From prompts to actionThis is the shift from “AI suggesting” to “AI actually doing”👀 Why human oversight still matters(including when AI gets a little too confident…)🚀 The explosion of new appsAI-first tools, startups trying to rival Xero, and why the space feels crowded right now😵‍💫 The vibe in the industryExcitement, overwhelm, a bit of anxiety… and why accountants are still in a strong position🛡️ Where the real opportunity isGovernance, trust, and being the human in the loop💭 The takeaway?It’s changing fast.It’s a lot.But this is the worst the tech will ever be… and there’s a huge opportunity if you lean in.Follow, subscribe and share with an accountant who needs a space where the real conversations happen.Send us your accounting industry tea and questions - hello@accountantsafterhours or DM on socials.Follow us on Instagram (it’s where we have the most fun) Like us on FacebookFollow us on LinkedInWatch and subscribe on YouTubeFollow us individually on Instagram @natlenno  @sarahlawranceCFO.Thank you to our sponsors Ignition who we both love and use in our businesses to automate proposals and streamline invoicing. Check them out here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We recorded this a few weeks ago which in AI terms basically makes it old news already. And that alone tells you how fast this space is moving.In this jam packed episode we break down what’s actually changed since ChatGPT dropped in November 2022, why the AI convo makes some accountants roll their eyes, and why we still need to talk about it anyway.We cover:GPT-4, Claude, Gemini and the DeepSeek moment that shook the AI raceWhy 2026 might be the year of the “agent” (AI that does things, not just says things)The gap between what LLMs can do and what accounting firms are actually ready forTech debt, change management and why that’s the real bottleneckWhat’s already being automated in firms right nowWhy hourly billing makes less sense in an automated worldWe also share real examples from our firms, including:Automating compliance and workpapersAI agents qualifying new leadsUsing ChatGPT Teams for quarterly advisory reportingAnd yes… “make this email sound less blunt” being one of the most used promptsPlus Tea Time ☕️This episode : cowboy accountants, refund dramas, and employees walking out with clients.It’s not hype.It’s not doom.It’s what’s actually happening inside accounting   firms right now.And let us know…Do we keep talking about AI?Or is Nat banning the topic?Ai and automation tools we use:Vinyl AI notetakerZapierChatGPTClaudeGrokGoogle GeminiN8NPerplexityOpenClawTypeformFollow, subscribe and share with an accountant who needs a space where the real conversations happen.Send us your accounting industry tea and questions - hello@accountantsafterhours or DM on socials.Follow us on Instagram (it’s where we have the most fun) Like us on FacebookFollow us on LinkedInWatch and subscribe on YouTubeFollow us individually on Instagram @natlenno  @sarahlawranceCFO.Thank you to our sponsors Ignition who we both love and use in our businesses to automate proposals and streamline invoicing. Check them out here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Accountants After Hours.In our first episode, we’re sharing how this podcast came to life. Two friends who’ve spent the last five years voice noting each other about client chaos, team dramas, AI, big ideas and industry frustrations.Because this profession can feel lonely. And it doesn’t have to.We introduce ourselves properly, reflect on the year that was, and talk about the events that brought the industry back to life. From Xerocon to awards nights to forums, we unpack why showing up matters and why community is everything.We also discuss AI advancements and what we’re seeing on the ground, our predictions for 2026 including automation, mergers and the rise of agents and our theme for the year.Plus we launch two regular segments:☕ Tea TimeIndustry gossip, big moves, questionable behaviour and the stuff everyone is whispering about.💬 Ask Us AnythingSend us the questions you’re too nervous to ask publicly and we’ll answer them here.If you think you know us from LinkedIn, think again.🔗 Episode links:Facebook Groups:Totally Bossing It - for accountants and bookkeepers of tomorrowSmall Business Accountants & Advisers Brain Trust, AustraliaEvents:Accounting & Business ExpoXero Supercharged SessionsCAANZ International Women’s DayCAANZ Elevate Your Impact Conference Women in Finance LunchWomen in Finance AwardsAustralian Accounting AwardsXerocon Denver CPA Build Day https://events.cpaaustralia.com.au/MaWyNkFollow, subscribe and share with an accountant who needs a space where the real conversations happen.☕️ Send us your accounting industry tea and questions - hello@accountantsafterhours or DM on socials:Follow us on Instagram (it’s where we have the most fun)Like us on FacebookFollow us on LinkedInWatch and subscribe on YouTubeThank you to our sponsors Ignition who we both love and use in our businesses to automate proposals and streamline main invoicing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.