Accounting Apps Podcast | Accounting Technology | formerly Cloud Stories

Heather Smith | Accountant & Storyteller
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Accounting Apps Podcast | Accounting Technology | formerly Cloud Stories

Exploring the intersections of accounting, technology and modern practice methodologies. 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 decision making. Better data, better decisions, better business. She explores this topic with her guests, uncovering insights that offer you a competitive edge. Delve deeper into the Accounting Apps landscape and enhance your understanding. The podcast promises enlightening discussions in the fields of accounting, technology and artificial intelligence. Hit that subscribe button now! Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter: http://AccountingApps.io Join the free Accounting Apps community to continue the conversations. https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind Brilliant guests include entrepreneurs, founders, business consultants, accountants, bookkeepers, small business owners, cloud advisors, developers, cloud integrators and solution providers. 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. Contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Accounting Bingo 2025

    🎙️ 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! 🎙️ Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http://AccountingApps.io 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. 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. Brand Watch: Clarity HQ https://clarity-hq.com/ The Gap https://www.thegaphq.com/      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! 🎙️ Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http://AccountingApps.io 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

    35 min

  2. 11/12/2024

    Empowering Multi-Entity Businesses: New Tools ⛏️ for Data Accuracy and Reliability | Michael Wood

    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/ Translucent https://www.translucent.io/ 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

    44 min

  3. 13/11/2024

    Accounting Tech Updates Third QTR '24

    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.  BLOG : https://www.accountantsdaily.com.au/technology/20731-latest-tech-updates-for-the-accounting-space 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

    1h 15m

  4. 06/11/2024

    Transforming a Professional Services Firm to $130M: An Interview with Projectworks CEO Mark Orttung

    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

    49 min
  5. Empowering Customers through AI Innovations | Brian Chess

    30/10/2024

    Empowering Customers through AI Innovations | Brian Chess

    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

    24 min
  6. Navigating the NetSuite Ecosystem with Approval Max's CRO, Matt Lowry

    23/10/2024

    Navigating the NetSuite Ecosystem with Approval Max's CRO, Matt Lowry

    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

    16 min
  7. How AI-Driven Efficiency Is Revolutionising Business Processes | James Chisham

    16/10/2024

    How AI-Driven Efficiency Is Revolutionising Business Processes | James Chisham

    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

    22 min
  8. Manufacturer's Journey to Modernise with NetSuite | Bruce Fitzgerald

    09/10/2024

    Manufacturer's Journey to Modernise with NetSuite | Bruce Fitzgerald

    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

    21 min
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5
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About

Exploring the intersections of accounting, technology and modern practice methodologies. 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 decision making. Better data, better decisions, better business. She explores this topic with her guests, uncovering insights that offer you a competitive edge. Delve deeper into the Accounting Apps landscape and enhance your understanding. The podcast promises enlightening discussions in the fields of accounting, technology and artificial intelligence. Hit that subscribe button now! Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter: http://AccountingApps.io Join the free Accounting Apps community to continue the conversations. https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind Brilliant guests include entrepreneurs, founders, business consultants, accountants, bookkeepers, small business owners, cloud advisors, developers, cloud integrators and solution providers. 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. Contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

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