Digi-Tools In Accrual World

Indi Tatla, Ryan Pearcy, John Toon
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The go-to place for all things cloud accounting and digital. Find out the latest in accounting app news and exclusive interviews with cloud pioneers in the accounting industry.

  1. 5D AGO

    Will Accountants Really Be Replaced in Two Years? We Put the Claim to the Test

    This week on Digi-Tools in Accrual World, Indi Tatla and John Toon are joined by new co-host Billie Mcloughlin for a packed episode of accounting tech news and fintech news covering some of the biggest raises, most practical product updates, and one very contentious claim from Microsoft's AI chief. The show kicks off with Allica Bank's $155 million Series D raise, which pushes the UK-focused business bank to a $1.2 billion valuation and into unicorn territory. The hosts unpack what the funding means for expansion into Northern Europe and whether an IPO or acquisition is the more likely exit. From there, the team covers Stacks, which has raised $23 million to push further into financial close automation and has launched an AI Flux Analysis tool to identify transaction variances, before moving on to Basis, an AI agent platform that has hit a $1.15 billion valuation after raising $100 million to build long-horizon agentic workflows across tax, audit and advisory functions inside accounting firms. On the more practical side, John runs through a substantial update from Active Workpapers, including the launch of Group Overview for managing portfolios of connected clients and a new integration with FreeAgent. Billie covers Xama AML's new client portal, which simplifies ID verification and multi-director onboarding, reducing the back-and-forth that has long made AML compliance a drag on practice time. John also looks at Briefcase's new accruals automation tool, which detects recurring expenses and suggests journal postings at month-end before automatically reversing them when the invoice arrives. The hosts discuss how Briefcase's iterative, practice-led approach to development has helped them release features that genuinely land. The episode also touches on the Crezco and iplicit partnership, which brings embedded payment functionality into iplicit's mid-market platform under the name iplicit Pay, and on Dytto, a new AI startup promising to free accountants from manual tasks, which receives a sceptical reception from all three hosts. The episode closes with a proper debate on the Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman's claim that accountants could be fully automated within two years. Billie, John and Indi push back on the timeline, drawing on adoption curves from cloud accounting and e-commerce, and make the case that professional judgment, regulatory accountability and client trust will slow the transition considerably. This episode is brought to you by Xledger, the mid-market accounting platform. Find out more at: https://www.xledger.com

    38 min

  2. MAR 9

    Sage 50 Cloud Rumours and ERP AI Updates

    In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, John Toon, Ryan Pearcy, and Leigh Stallard navigate a wave of major enterprise resource planning (ERP) updates and fintech news. The team examines Intuit's shifting focus toward the enterprise market with its new Construction Edition and discusses whether this will successfully migrate long-term desktop users to the cloud. The conversation covers significant AI advancements from industry giants. Sage Intacct has introduced new AI agents designed to streamline financial close and enhance cash intelligence, while NetSuite recently announced a suite of AI tools at its New York conference. The hosts also discuss the implications of Sage Intacct opening up data access via Snowflake, offering firms more flexibility for advanced reporting and business intelligence. Additionally, the episode highlights a substantial $22 million funding round for audit and bank confirmation platform Circit, the launch of Ask Vinyl for automated meeting insights, and Fishbowl’s entry into the UK market with AI-driven manufacturing tools. The show concludes with a look at Zoho’s unified ERP strategy and a significant, though unconfirmed, rumour regarding the future of Sage 50 Professional in the cloud. This episode is essential listening for digitally savvy accountants wanting to stay informed on the latest accounting tech news and fintech news. Episode Sponsor: iplicit Take your finances into the future and run your business or not-for-profit more effectively with iplicit, the mid-tier ERP solution. Website: https://www.iplicit.com Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:35 Intuit Enterprise Suite 06:14 Sage Intacct AI Agents and Data Cloud 11:15 Circit $22m Investment 15:35 Vinyl's New AI Capabilities 20:02 Briefcase: General Availability 21:18 Hammock: Joint Property Owners 22:54 Fishbowl: AI Manufacturing 27:19 Zoho ERP 31:13 NetSuite AI Updates 33:55 Rumour Mill: Sage 50 Cloud 36:32 Outro

    37 min

  3. MAR 3

    Is AI Really Killing the SaaS Business Model?

    In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World - sponsored by FreeAgent - Indi Tatla and Ryan Pearcy are joined by new co-host Heather Smith to discuss the latest developments in accounting tech news and fintech news. The team breaks down a massive wave of updates from Xero, including the long-awaited integration of AI-powered data extraction directly into the core platform, which aims to eliminate manual entry for receipts and invoices. The conversation also covers significant shifts in the wider market, exploring the so-called "SaaS Apocalypse" and how generative AI is forcing a re-evaluation of traditional software subscription models. From strategic acquisitions like Mayday taking over Easy Month End to the latest consolidation in the UK payroll market with MoorePay acquiring Buddy, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the tools and trends shaping the future for digitally savvy accountants. 00:00 - Introduction and welcome to new co-host Heather Smith 04:08 - Xero integrates AI-powered data capture into core accounting platform 05:50 - A new side-panel Quick View feature simplifies the bill management process in Xero 08:58 - Xero updates global inbox storage to improve document organisation and file management 13:58 - Xero launches new tools to help small businesses manage cash flow and tax 20:00 - Xero integrates Melio for streamlined online bill payments for US small businesses 23:43 - Mayday acquires Easy Month End to streamline the financial close process 28:41 - Digital payroll platform Buddy has been acquired by MoorePay to bolster payroll technology 32:00 - New WorkflowMax Q1 updates focus on saving time for project administration tasks 33:48 - The SaaS apocalypse: Why AI is disrupting traditional software stocks 42:35 - Closing remarks and Digital Disruptor Awards 2026 announcement   Episode Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FreeAgent. https://www.freeagent.com

    43 min

  4. MAR 1 · BONUS

    Special Episode: Event Preview - Alternative Events

    Are you heading to the Alternative Accountancy event in the next few days? In this quick-fire preview, we’ve gathered some of the best tips to help you navigate the schedule and have a great couple of days. Join John, Leigh, and Ryan as they discuss why this event has become a staple for the UK's top 200–300 firms. In this episode, we cover: The Strategic Edge: Why the "Chatham House Rules" environment makes this different from your average trade show. Navigating the Content: From the Samoan Circle to the X-Factor format, what you shouldn't miss. Peer-to-Peer Insights: How to use the breakout sessions to solve your firm's specific AI and talent challenges. Practical Tips: Why you should stay late on Tuesday, how to vet vendor onboarding, and even where to find the best golf and morning running groups. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction to the Alternative Accountancy event 1:15 – Why it’s the most strategic event of the year 2:45 – Tips for Managing Partners and Digital Leads 4:10 – The importance of the Tuesday evening social 5:30 – Wednesday morning run and recovery 7:00 – Getting the most out of vendor partnerships 8:45 – Final tips: Breakout rooms and AI insights

    8 min

  5. FEB 23

    Why the First Wave of AI Accounting Tools is Crashing

    This episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World features Ryan Pearcy and Indi Tatla alongside guest Lara Manton to discuss the latest shifts in accounting tech news and fintech news. The team examines the stability of AI-first platforms following reports that Genesis has encountered financial difficulties and Botkeeper has closed its doors.   The conversation highlights a divide in the market: while some bookkeeping automation tools struggle, Field Guide has raised $75 million to target complex audit and advisory workflows for major firms. The panel also weighs in on the "AI disruption anxiety" felt across the sector after Anthropic released new legal AI tools, affecting the share prices of incumbents like Sage and Thomson Reuters.   Further topics include: Pilot’s unveiling of an "autonomous AI accountant" and the validity of its ten-year data claims. Simpro Group’s acquisition of Delight to bolster its trade-focused operating platform. The departure of Buddy’s CEO and the future of standalone payroll software. A landmark Upper Tribunal ruling involving HMRC that suggests baldness could be considered a disability for VAT purposes. Episode Sponsor This episode is proudly sponsored by Advancetrack, the market leader in delivering high-quality offshore outsourcing solutions combined with cutting-edge technology for accountancy practices. Sponsor Link: https://www.advancetrack.com/   0:00 Intro - welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World 07:54 AI agent Jenesys seeks new ownership 12:36 Botkeeper announces the closure of its platform to its community of users 16:18 Goldman Sachs backs Fieldguide with significant funding 21:28 Anthropic legal tool impacts data service providers 27:35 Pilot launches AI accountant to automate the entire bookkeeping process 34:12 Simpro Group expands its field service reach with the acquisition of Delight 36:36 Founder David Seisun announces his departure as CEO of Buddy after seven years 41:02 Expend introduces automatic document matching and updates reimbursement fees for 2026 42:44 Court rules that hair loss treatments can be zero-rated for VAT purposes

    48 min

  6. FEB 16

    Accounting Tech News: Xero Updates, Dext AI, and Intuit Leadership Changes

    Stay ahead of the curve with the latest accounting tech news and fintech news in this episode of the Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast. Today, Indi Tatla, John Toon, and our new regular guest Eriona Bajrakurtaj discuss the strategic shifts happening across the major platforms. We explore how Xero is doubling down on everyday productivity with 55 new feature updates and its continued push into the US market via the Melio acquisition. We also examine the departure of Nick Williams from Intuit after 12 years and the legacy he leaves behind in the UK QuickBooks ecosystem. Key topics include: * The merger of Data Switcher and Move My Books for AI data migration. * Dext’s new AI agent, Dext Assist, and integrated payment workflows. * Briefcase’s approach to natural language context in document uploads. * A deep look at Xero’s quarterly product updates and global strategy. * The market implications of the cancelled Xeinadin sale.   0:00 - Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World App News: 7:00 - Merger of Dataswitcher and Movemybooks 13:10 - Dext Updates 19:37 - Briefcase Natural Language 23:43 - Xero's Updates and AI/US Strategy 35:21 - Nick Williams leaving Intuit 39:52 - Xeinadin Sale Collapse   This episode is made possible by Adsum. Adsum allows you to connect directly to HMRC for a single dashboard view of client taxes, including payroll, VAT, and corporation tax. Episode Sponsor: Adsum: https://www.adsum-works.com/

    47 min

  7. FEB 9

    Sage AI, QuickBooks Inventory & The Reality of AI ROI

    In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, Indi and John react to the the latest accounting tech news shaping 2026. We break down Sage's impressive Q1 financial results and their aggressive move into "agentic" AI workflows with the new Sage Copilot for Operations. We also discuss the "feature-parity" battle as QuickBooks Online rolls out advanced inventory management to entice Desktop users to the cloud. Plus, we look at the sobering reality of AI ROI for CEOs and why high-quality data remains the biggest hurdle for "touchless" tax compliance. 00:00 Introduction and Exciting Changes Ahead 03:22 Sage leads blue-chip leaderboard after strong quarterly growth 06:54 Sage announces new suite of AI-powered capabilities within its Operations and Inventory modules 11:52 Sage partners with Augusta Labs to build out a new AI Centre of Excellence 16:09 Intuit introduces significant inventory management upgrades for QuickBooks Online users 20:42 Xledger integrates with Tessitura 24:10 Majority of CEOs yet to see financial payoff from AI 29:10 Thomson Reuters AI Updates 32:04 Finfluencer Deep Fakes 34:08 Close Out

    35 min

  8. FEB 2

    New Tools for MTD and Management Reporting

    This episode is sponsored by Fathom - fathomhq.com   In this episode of the Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast, Ryan Pearcy and John Toon dive into the latest shifts in the accounting technology landscape, following John’s return from his annual ski trip. The duo explores significant new software integrations and the evolving role of AI in professional workflows. Key topics covered include: Platform Integrations: The hosts discuss Fathom's new official integration with FreeAgent, enhancing reporting capabilities for small business users. Xero Updates: A deep dive into Xero’s full rollout of Syft for advanced analytics and visual reporting. They also discuss the UI alignment of credit notes with invoices and speculate on a strategic "new user segment" hinted at in recent high-level job postings. Regulatory Alerts: Ryan flags a critical gap in major payroll software (including BrightPay, Sage, and Xero) regarding the automatic calculation of maternity pension contributions, which currently requires manual intervention to maintain compliance. Embedded Accounting: A look at Sage’s strategic partnership to embed its technology directly into HSBC UK’s business banking platform, a move aimed at sole traders and MTD readiness. The Rise of MCPs: John explains the significance of Scoro launching a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, allowing users to interact with their business data through natural language via LLMs like ChatGPT or Claude. Enterprise AI: An overview of Acumatica’s heavy investment in AI-driven workflows, anomaly detection for "real-time audits," and voice-interface assistants. Industry Reflections: The episode concludes with insights from the "Finance Takes the Peace" trip, reflecting on the diversity of opinions regarding offshoring, the "firm of the future," and the professional responsibility of using AI-generated advice.   Chapters 00:00 Ski Trip Adventures and Industry Connections 01:59 Fathom launches FreeAgent integration 03:33 Payroll Software Challenges 08:08 Xero's New Features and Enhancements 12:25 Xero's Credit Notes Upgrade 14:39 Speculation on Xero's future 18:52 Sage and HSBC partner to deliver MTD tools to Sole Traders 24:48 Scoro's MCP Server and Natural Language Integration 30:06 AI Integration in Acumatica 35:38 Accountero utilises AI agents to help firms 41:02 Regulatory Challenges in Fintech: The Airwallex Investigation 45:11 Insights from Finance Takes the Piste: The Future of Accounting

    52 min
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About

The go-to place for all things cloud accounting and digital. Find out the latest in accounting app news and exclusive interviews with cloud pioneers in the accounting industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Indi Tatla, Ryan Pearcy, John Toon
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Digi-Tools in Accrual World Limited. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Digi-Tools In Accrual World

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