Accounting Apps Podcast | Accounting Technology | formerly Cloud Stories

Today I’m speaking with Kelly Gonsalves, Founder & Chief Visionary of Totally Booked New York, Totally SEO, Ideation: Think Forward, & Leading Lady Machine Works In this episode, we talk about . . . After successfully co-founding three companies, Kelly shares advice for future co-founders. What is SEO? When accountants and bookkeepers should engage professional SEO support Transforming the accounting world through agreeing on the standardisation of what good books should look like The tech stack for an etsy store How working as a bartender and waiter lays a foundation for delivering excellent customer service (and always tip well when you are in a culture that relies on tipping!)  Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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.   Contact details: Tyler Caskey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/  B: https://www.thebeancounters.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 

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: W: https://projectworks.com  Mark Orttung: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markorttung/  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 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.   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'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. Add a bit more… https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7241770061076533250/  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. 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'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 James Chisham, Vice President Product Management at Oracle NetSuite. James has been instrumental in advancing NetSuite's international product offerings, particularly within the EMEA region. His leadership has helped shape NetSuite’s ERP and cloud solutions globally. We discuss: Key Innovations and Product Developments at Suite World The importance of financial exception management and how AI can provide suggestions and guidance. Oracle NetSuites "global be local" vision and the focus on localisation and compliance. 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. 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'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 Bruce Fitzgerald, CEO, Extel Technologies, a NetSuite customer. Bruce is keenly focused on systematising processes, implementing technology, and developing people, now to meet the growing demands of competitive manufacturing. We discuss: The selection process and decision to implement NetSuite The NetSuite rollout, and the importance of change management. The benefits of attending the Oracle NetSuite industry networking events, and learnings from other clients in this space. 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. 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'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 Meredith Rowan, Group Vice President ANZ + ASEAN, Applications, Oracle.  Meredith leads the strategic direction and execution of Oracle’s cloud application solutions across the region. With over 20 years of experience in the technology sector, she has a strong track record of driving digital transformation and helping businesses leverage Oracle’s suite of enterprise solutions​ We discuss: A key factor in their success is making enterprise applications more user-friendly through the new Redwood user experience interface. Opportunities to leverage technology, particularly Ai to fill the productivity gap created by economic pressures, and drive better outcomes. Meredith noted that Australia and New Zealand have slipped in global productivity rankings, with the slowest productivity growth in the last 10 years. Meredith shares some customer success stories, from the likes of Avis, and A2 milk. OECD Productivity Statistics: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/employment/data/oecd-productivity-statistics_pdtvy-data-en  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. Blog : https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/2024/10/03/unlocking-productivity-gains-meredith-rowan/ 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'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 today’s episode, I speak with Scott Wiltshire, Vice President & GM, Oracle NetSuite ANZ. Scott is keen to help customers and employees identify and solve business challenges that deliver real value.  I interviewed Scott Wiltshire last year, I’ll pop a link in the show notes. https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/2023/10/27/how-netsuite-helps-australian-businesses-grow-scott-wiltshire/    We discuss some of the new feature announcements from NetSuite, which includes NetSuite Financial Exception Management, which helps organisations detect and mitigate financial risks. SuiteAnalytics Assistant, which allows users to generate reports using natural language. NetSuite Prompt Studio, which enables users to configure AI-generated content to suit their business needs. AI SuiteScript API, which helps connect multiple systems,  Code Assist, which assists developers in writing code. As always, you'll find a comprehensive blog with detailed show notes available for you to dive deeper into the world of Oracle NetSuite. And for those looking to earn free CPE, be sure to head over to the EarMarkApp and take the quiz! A big thank you to Oracle NetSuite for hosting me.  Blog: https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/2024/09/30/embracing-ai-innovations-in-netsuite-scott-wiltshire/ 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    

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 Today’s episode is brought to you by ApprovalMax. If you're looking to streamline your financial controls across accounts payable and receivable, ApprovalMax has you covered.   On average it cuts approval times by 85%, and boost AP efficiency by up to 50%. With ApprovalMax, you can swiftly approve vendor bills, purchase orders, expense reports, vendor return authorizations, and sales orders. It simplifies complex approval workflows with automated routing and lets you design multi-level approval processes with ease.   Discover more about how ApprovalMax can transform your business by visiting ApprovalMax.com. 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 

Heather Smith and Tyler Caskey, Partner at The Bean Counters discuss features, functionalities and updates in the Accounting Apps from June July 2024. Highlights from this episode include: A discussion around the importance of Apps offering training, ongoing training and training to meet different learning styles. Zohos expansion plans into Australia, and its vast platform offerings. Employment Hero's Smart Match system which checks candidate interest levels for your new jobs and auto-shortlist those interested. A potential competitor to Seek & LinkedIn. The payroll solution Gusto’s launch into the Australian market with an all-in-one platform for all-over-the-world teams. The data quality tool XBert has released the ability to develop customisable XBerts, giving you the ability to monitor areas of interest to you. Contact details: Tyler Caskey https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/  The Bean Counters https://www.thebeancounters.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 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, Tara Diversi.    Contact details:   Tropical Innovation Festival: https://www.tropicalinnovationfestival.com.au/speakers   Phil Fierlinger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fierlinger/  UpStock: https://www.upstock.app/  Xero: https://xero.com/  Tara Diversi : https://www.linkedin.com/in/taradiversi/  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    Other podcast episodes of interest   Building Your Startup’s Profile with Media | TIF24 https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/2024/07/18/building-your-startups-profile-with-media-tif24/    MediaPhones, Accounting Dashboards & Digital Marketplaces: The Design Journey of Xero’s Co-Founder | Philip Fierlinger https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/2023/11/30/mediaphones-accounting-dashboards-digital-marketplaces-the-design-journey-of-xeros-co-founder-philip-fierlinger/ 

Marc Orchard and Heather Smith discussed the importance of accountants and bookkeepers in high growth tech companies, highlighting the challenges of serving early stage companies with complex needs. They emphasised the need for upskilling and capability building, as well as the importance of building relationships in the startup ecosystem. Marc Orchard added to the conversation by discussing the integration of accounting and finance with technology, and the potential for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand to sponsor innovation events. Heather Smith and Marc Orchard later discussed the challenges professional service providers face in managing risk tolerance, emphasising the importance of differentiating between personal and business risk tolerance and valuing experience and wisdom in building up risk tolerance.   Marc Orchard Website: https://planetstartup.com.au/  Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcorchard/    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   

Join us for insightful discussion on how startups can effectively build their profiles through media.  I’m sharing with you a recording of a panel session entitled “Building Your Startup's Profile with Media” This was recorded at the 2024 Tropical Innovation Festival that is held in Cairns in June. Here are the top five takeaways from our expert speakers: Understand the Media Landscape: Modern media is diverse and accessible, ranging from traditional outlets like TV and radio to digital platforms like podcasts and social media. Recognising the right platform for your message is crucial. Craft a Compelling Story: Your story should be relevant, relatable, and engaging. Focus on the human element to make your narrative resonate with the audience. Build a Strong Founder Brand: Before seeking media attention, establish your own platform with clear, consistent messaging. This controlled content can attract media interest and help shape your public image. Focus on Trust and Integrity: Authenticity is key. Media interactions should demonstrate integrity and trustworthiness to build credibility with your audience and the media. Leverage Modern Media Tools: Use trending platforms like TikTok to share behind-the-scenes content and engage with a different audience. This can help you document your journey and create valuable content for future media opportunities.   This discussion, was part of the Tropical Innovation Festival #TIF2024. https://www.tropicalinnovationfestival.com.au/   Contact details: Carmen Braidwood : https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmenbraidwood/ Gemma Clancy : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmaclancy/ 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 Michael King: Michael is the CEO of KFE Solutions, which is the top rated Fractional CFO firm in Dallas, Texas. He’s also the creator of The CFO Accelerator, where he helps Accountants and fractional CFOs start, scale, and optimise their advisory services. He is also the host of, The CFO Report, where he shares tips, tricks, and hacks he discovered over the past 7 + years building his fractional CFO firm. https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammichaelking/ In this episode, we talk about . . . - Fractional CFOs should focus on providing insights, not just generating reports. - Accurate, timely financial data is critical for fractional CFOs to provide valuable insights to clients. - Automating financial reporting with tools like G-Accon can save time and reduce errors. - Building a simple, effective tech stack is crucial for fractional CFO success. - Partnering with the right technology, like G-Accon, is key for streamlining operations. - Fractional CFOs should start with simple, core financial metrics to empower clients for better decision-making. - The fractional CFO industry offers significant potential for impact and growth. - Leveraging pre-built templates and automation in tools like G-Accon can help fractional CFOs streamline report generation. - While emerging technologies like AI and ChatGPT have potential, they may not yet be ready for practical application in fractional CFO work.   Learn more about G-Accon: https://www.accon.services/  support@accon.services https://www.linkedin.com/company/g-accon  https://twitter.com/G_AcconServices  https://www.facebook.com/gacconaddons/    Contact details for Michael King: W: https://www.thecfoaccelerator.com L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammichaelking/    Contact details for Heather Smith   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  Earn CPE at EarMarkCPE https://www.earmark.app/course/6981af0c-7e4c-4b33-a47a-7a282678040f Webinar : https://streamyard.com/watch/ehqxCdXGcjAE 

AI will increase software productivity and enable users to create their own apps, multiplying software abundance I’m sharing with you the audio from a session I hosted as part of the Australian CFO Summit 2024 produced by the Australian spend management platform Weel. It’s called:  “Scale your business on Xero without needing a dozen other Apps and Add-ons” The presenter is Michael Wood, the Founder and CEO of Translucent. - Michael Wood discusses the exponential growth of software in businesses from the desktop era to the cloud and AI eras - Wood argues AI will increase software productivity and enable users to create their own apps, multiplying software abundance - The challenges of fragmented data, security, cost and vendor management with abundant software apps are highlighted - Compound startups are presented as a solution, exemplified by Translucent, consolidating finance apps and data into a unified platform - Benefits of the compound startup model include reduced cost, streamlined management, improved productivity and AI readiness Contact details:   Australian CFO Summit https://summit2024.australiancfo.com/  Australian Spend Management Platform https://letsweel.com/ Michael Wood : https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwood/  Translucent https://www.translucent.io/  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 

Financial controls enable accountable growth by distributing responsibility across teams… Today I’m speaking with: Meena Berry, Senior Partnership Manager, Xero  Cassandra Scott, Head of Bookkeeping, ApprovalMax Brendan Lucas, Head of Accounting, ApprovalMax In this episode, we discuss: - ApprovalMax & Xero survey results revealing many businesses lack key financial controls - Stories of businesses defrauded due to inadequate internal verification processes - How financial controls enable accountable growth by distributing responsibility across teams - The importance of supplier verification and approval processes in mitigating fraud and non-compliance risks - The role of audit trails, budget checks, and real-time alerts in enhancing financial oversight - Case studies demonstrating how ApprovalMax and Xero streamline approval workflows - The significance of continuously improving controls as businesses scale Key takeaways: - Revisit and continuously improve your financial controls - Discuss the value of financial controls with clients - Check E-invoicing capabilities in Xero and get registered 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  Brendan Lucas https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanlucasca/ Cassandra Scott https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandrascott/ Meena Berry https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenaberry/   

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, "Strategy and the Virtual Controller," 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 : https://www.linkedin.com/in/damiengreathead/ Intuit Australia : https://quickbooks.intuit.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’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