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 businesse...
Jun 26, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 218
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 acc...
Jun 19, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 217
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 b...
Jun 12, 2024•50 min•Season 5Ep. 216
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 ...
Jun 05, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 213
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 a...
May 29, 2024•58 min•Season 5Ep. 214
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...
May 22, 2024•50 min•Season 5Ep. 212
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 cli...
May 15, 2024•36 min•Season 5Ep. 211
- 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 i...
May 08, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 210
Today I’m debating Samuel Green, UK Partnership Account Executive of Employment Hero on AI vs the human touch in accounting at the Festival of Accountants and Bookkeepers - Smith argues the human touch is crucial for customer service and empathy while Green emphasises AI's potential for efficiency and insights - Both agree AI can streamline repetitive tasks but human oversight is still needed - Attendees question how AI will evolve and what to consider when choosing software - Smith encourages e...
May 01, 2024•24 min•Season 5Ep. 209
Heather Smith shares interviews from the Festival of Accountants and Bookkeepers in Birmingham, including conversations about launching a UK version of XBert, the funding journey of a founder, updates on Sage products, and Richard Sergeant's advice for vendors. Insights cover compliance, automation, growth and more. - Interview with Will Rush - GM(UK) for XBert discussing launching their platform in the UK - Conversation with Lucy Cohen - Co-founder and CEO of Mazuma , about starting her busines...
Apr 25, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 208
Today I’m sharing with you a webinar I hosted on behalf of Projectworks and WorkGuru that provides an overview of alternatives to WorkflowMax by Xero as it reaches end of life 26 June 2024. The panellists who joined me were: Heidi Seal Ops Consultant at Business Sense (NZ) Matthew Peng Founder at Business Continuum Matt Hayter Co-Founder at Projectworks Tony Harcourt Co-Founder at WorkGuru The panellists discussed the triggers for change, comparing features of the two solutions. They explored ho...
Apr 24, 2024•58 min•Season 5Ep. 207
Tyler Caskey, Partner at The Bean Counters joins me in this episode. Here are five interesting insights we talk about in the show: 1. Live Banking and Direct Digital Receipting: Tools like Weel and Airwallex enable real-time banking transactions, while solutions like Slyp and Tyro streamline payment processes by sending receipt details directly to accounting systems, reducing manual data entry. 2. Global Banking Solutions: Digital technology solutions like Airwallex, OFX, Paytron, and Wise facil...
Mar 07, 2024•54 min•Season 5Ep. 206
Today I’m speaking with Cassandra Scott, Director of Laurus Bookkeeping In this episode, we talk about . . . - Delve into how Xbert leverages AI to scrutinise client accounting data, spotlighting over 80 potential anomalies and risks. - Discover the power of automating routine tasks such as payroll, BAS, and bookkeeping with standardised workflows. - Learn how Cassandra efficiently mapped her first 10 workflows in just half an hour, enhancing consistency. - Explore Xbert's scheduling capabilitie...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 5Ep. 205
Today I’m speaking with Jonathan Gaunt, co-founder of of Socket Digital, Xavier Analytics & FD Works In this episode, we talk about . . . Jonathan's transition from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship, embracing new opportunities and control over his career. Insights from working with Dragon's Den investor Richard Farleigh, focusing on solutions over limitations. Practical tips for enhancing your LinkedIn profile to attract more followers and connections with engaging content. The impor...
Feb 21, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 204
In this episode, Tom Herbert, technology editor at Accounting Web, shares his insights on the British Post Office scandal, which has been ongoing for decades, ruining the lives of many subpostmasters. Heather and Tom discussed the problems with the Post Office's Fujitsu Horizon point of sale system implementation, leading to unbalanced reconciliations and accusations of theft against subpostmasters. The Post Office used its prosecution powers and prosecuted 700 subpostmasters between 1989 and 20...
Feb 14, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 203
Today I’m speaking with Tyler Caskey , Partner at The Bean Counters In this episode, we talk about . . . Accounting industry trends in 2024 Crafting accounting stories for clients, marketing and career coaching. AI, Automation & ChatGPT in accounting. Remote work trends and virtual teams in the accounting industry. Pay raises, career progression, and work-from-home impact. The role of accountants in strategic business planning and advisory Trends in practice management software for accountin...
Feb 07, 2024•50 min•Season 5Ep. 202
The biggest kept secret in the Australian accounting industry: The acquisition of Change GPS by Access Group. This episode is kindly sponsored by Employment Hero: The All in One HR, Payroll & Benefits Platform https://employmenthero.com/ Translucent The Multi-Entity Accounting solution https://www.translucent.io/ In this episode - David Boyar reflects on his upbringing in his father's accounting practice and early ambitions ( he was going to be CEO of Coca Cola!) - He discusses founding an a...
Feb 02, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 201
The big news is I'm rebranding the Cloud Stories podcast to the Accounting Apps podcast (fingers crossed) In this episode, I talk about . . . Summer adventures with family and Chester the Border Collie in Elanora and Crows Nest Catching up on admin backlog and office makeover Website update with recent photos and videos Rebranding Cloud Stories podcast to Accounting Apps podcast Introducing advertising to the newsletter and podcast Clarification on ACCA Global Council election results Embracing ...
Feb 02, 2024•10 min•Season 5Ep. 200
2023 has been a brilliant technicolour year for me, and I’m delighted to end it on yet another high, hitting 20 000 podcast episode downloads during the year. As an accountant I do like a nice round number. Thank you to the many listeners, especially those who hit the subscribe button. Thank you to the many guests who graciously share their time with me on the Cloud Stories podcast over the last year. Thank you to the conference organisers for providing me with the opportunity to meet fascinatin...
Dec 31, 2023•37 min•Season 4Ep. 192
Heather Smith delves into the transformative role of ChatGPT in the accounting sector. The discussion begins with an early adopter's perspective, highlighting the initial challenges and the evolving capabilities of ChatGPT. She explores its practical applications in tasks like email drafting and webinar planning, emphasising its ability to add creativity and efficiency to mundane tasks. The podcast then shifts focus to customise ChatGPT for more personalised and precise outputs. This includes ta...
Dec 20, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 191
Michael Wood truly lives and breathes the title entrepreneur. Currently he’s Founder & CEO of Translucent. His LinkedIn profile reveals he’s also the founder of 4 other companies. The company that you’re likely to know him from is Receipt Bank. Michael was the original co-founder and was there till April 2021, when it was acquired by private equity group HgCapital. Please be aware I strategically partner with Translucent. I was an early adopter of Receipt Bank, and also am an early adopter o...
Dec 13, 2023•59 min•Season 4Ep. 190
I had a brilliant time at the Expo. I delivered four sessions on Apps, Ai, ChatGPT & Habits and honestly was shocked at how packed they all were. Expos give me an efficient opportunity to catch up with Sydney friends and, as it was not purely an accounting conference, but also a business conference, there were colleagues from different industries. As well as speaking with lots of people, I attended a few sessions, and I’m not even sure how I managed it, but I recorded 8 interviews from the f...
Dec 06, 2023•46 min•Season 4Ep. 189
Xero co-founder Philip Fierlinger shares the story behind building one of the world's most successful accounting platforms, Xero He discusses his early inspiration from car dashboards and the gamification of bank reconciliations. Fierlinger also reveals how his latest startup Upstock is transforming the inefficient B2B food ordering process and levelling the playing field for small suppliers. Many of our listeners will know Philip Fierlinger as one of the 5 co-founders of Xero, but let me share ...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 188
A collection of interviews from TOA Global clients, staff, and partners, including a special interview with the emcee Kat Davidson, who shares some tips on public speaking. Relive your time at TOACon ‘23, or get a taste for what happened. Today I'm bringing you interviews from the TOA Global Transformational conference held at the Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast early November 23. I had the pleasure of attending the conference, courtesy of the hospitable TOA Global team. TOA Global specialisin...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 45 min•Season 4Ep. 187
What are your options when your tech stack is bursting at the seams? You’re struggling to get visibility over what’s happening. You’re balancing multiple spreadsheets and you’re spending a lot of time consolidating data. If you are trying to resolving your business's data overwhelm there are a number of options: Spring cleans all the files, and all the data. Merge duplicates and expunge old data, and trim down the data files. Call in the professionals: Engage a professional cloud integrator to r...
Nov 16, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Season 4Ep. 186
Discover how Grace Loves Lace transformed their bridal gown business with a strategic NetSuite implementation. Learn insights on scaling operations and enhancing efficiency in the fashion industry. Today I’m speaking with Sarah Rynja, Global Systems Manager of Grace Loves Lace In this episode, we talk about . . . - The NetSuite implementation she has been involved with at Grace Loves Lace. The business was founded in Burleigh Heads, Australia to provide luxury boho-style wedding dresses without ...
Oct 26, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 185
Explore how NetSuite empowers Australian businesses to thrive. Scott Wiltshire delves into the transformative impact of NetSuite solutions on local SMEs, offering insights and success stories for business growth in Australia. Today I’m speaking with Scott Wiltshire, Vice President & GM, Oracle NetSuite ANZ In this episode, we talk about . . . 1. NetSuite was born in the cloud 25 years ago and customers are always working on the same version. 2. NetSuite's architecture and vision have remaine...
Oct 24, 2023•30 min•Season 4Ep. 184
Explore the 20-year evolution of NetSuite partnerships through Don McLean's insights, highlighting key milestones and the future of cloud ERP solutions. Today I’m speaking with Don McLean, CEO of PKF Digital, who shares insights and experiences from his 20 year journey with NetSuite. In this episode, we talk about . . . 1. Don McLean's background and history with NetSuite over 20 years 2. The benefits of NetSuite's multi-tenant architecture and how it cuts costs 3. How NetSuite enhances business...
Oct 22, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 183
Join Alex and I as we walk around the floor of the Accounting and Finance Show Asia. We speak with: Namrata Goyal - Regional Manager Grab for Business Julian Sng - Head of Marketing & Communications - Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) David Hanna - Co-Founder & CEO Finmo Darius Fong - Automation Evangelist at Blue Sheets Kevin Fitzgerald - MD Asia Employment Hero Koren Wines - MD Asia Xero Zac Hayes CFO & Captain of the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel Vikash Bengani - Cof...
Oct 14, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Season 4Ep. 182
Today I’m speaking with Ash Brown, the Founder & CEO of Empiraa. Ash Brown, a former leader with 15 years of experience in SME management. Frustrated with the disconnect between business planning and execution, Ash created a solution to help businesses align their plans in a simple and effective way. With a strong belief that work should feel good, Ash is committed to making business simpler. Company Profile Empiraa is a business planning and execution tool that takes business planning out o...
Oct 11, 2023•42 min•Season 4Ep. 181
