Digi-Tools In Accrual World

Indi Tatla, Ryan Pearcy, John Toon

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. 2D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. JAN 19

    Xero Data Wars, FloQast AI, and Are Chatbots are Costing Clients Money?

    In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, Ryan and Indi dive into the start of 2026 with a breakdown of the biggest accounting tech news and fintech news hitting the market. The conversation headlines with Xero’s major platform shift, moving to usage-based pricing and restricting API data for AI training. Is this a move for security or a strategy to build a "walled garden"? The hosts also explore the rising "slop" in accounting books caused by generalist AI chatbots, with new data from Dext highlighting the cost of these errors for firms. Plus, we cover the latest updates from Scoro (retainer watchdogs), FloQast’s push for deterministic AI, and WorkflowMax’s focus on capacity forecasting. Finally, we look at how niche firms are using tech stacks to target the construction boom. In this episode, we cover: Xero’s Platform Shift: The end of the 15% revenue share and new data usage costs.  Data Ownership: The debate over who owns client data - the platform, the accountant, or the business.  Scoro Updates: New "Watchdog" alerts for retainer metrics and resource booking improvements.  FloQast & AI: Why "deterministic" AI might be the future for reliable accounting workflows.  AI Hallucinations: Dext reveals how much money clients are losing due to chatbot errors.  WorkflowMax: Using AI for staff capacity forecasting and handling subcontractor approvals.    This episode is sponsored by Xledger, the mid-tier accounting system perfect for those moving to the cloud. www.xledger.com 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 00:03:41 – Xero’s Data Ownership & Pricing Shake-up 00:10:45 – Scoro Releases: Watchdog Alerts for Retainers 00:14:07 – FloQast’s Deterministic AI Strategy 00:20:36 – The Cost of AI Errors: Dext Data on Chatbot "Slop" 00:25:12 – WorkflowMax Updates: Capacity Planning & Fraud Detection 00:31:12 – Solving the Subcontractor Approval Headache 00:34:15 – Niche Focus: Tech Stacks for Construction 00:37:41 – Awards, Academy & Closing

    39 min
  4. JAN 12

    The First "AI CFO", Intuit’s Suite Overhaul, and 2026 Predictions

    Welcome back to Digi-Tools in Accrual World! We are kicking off 2026 with a packed episode of accounting tech news and fintech news to help you navigate the year ahead. Join John Toon, Ryan Pearcy, and Indi Tatla as they look at the latest launches, from the world's first "AI CFO" to major platform updates from the industry giants. Plus, the team breaks down bold predictions for the profession - is the manual month-end close dead? In this episode, we cover: Nume Launch: We analyse the release of Nume, the "first AI CFO". Is this $99/mo tool a threat or an opportunity for accountants? Intuit Accountants Suite: A look at Intuit’s massive redesign, including the new "close books at scale" feature and AI-powered client insights. Fintech & Capital: Updates on the QuickBooks Capital Marketplace, featuring new integrations with Adsum for instant VAT refunds and YouLend for working capital. Iris Elements Summary: A review of Iris’s 2025 updates, including new large-firm features, IFRS support, and the long-awaited tax anomaly detection. 2026 Predictions: We debate Digits CEO Jeff Seibert's claim that the month-end close will be fully automated by the end of this year. Future Trends: Insights from Wallester on why real-time finance and spend management are becoming the new advisory standard. Solver's New AI: A look at Solver’s new AI-driven supply chain management solution for manufacturing and logistics clients. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by iplicit, the award-winning mid-tier accounting software. Subscribe for more insights into the digital evolution of accounting! 0:00 DTIAW 6.1 - Episode sponsored by iplicit 07:32 Launch of Nume – first AI CFO 14:09 Intuit updates + Accountants Suite 17:31 Quickbooks Capital Marketplace – Adsum and YouLend 20:55 Intuit App Partner Platform 23:48 Intuit MTD Hub 26:00 IRIS elements 2025 summary 29:24 Predictions by Digits CEO 32:02 Accounting trends for 2026 37:07 Solver launches AI driven supply chain 39:07 Like and Subscribe!

    40 min
  5. 12/30/2025

    2025 Year in Review: 2025's Biggest Accounting Tech & Fintech News + 2026 Predictions

    Join Indi, Ryan, John and Leigh for the Digi-Tools in Accrual World Year-End Special - sponsored by Advancetrack. In this episode, the team gathers in the studio to wrap up a massive year in accounting tech news. We break down the most controversial and exciting stories of 2025, from Xero and QuickBooks Online introducing strict usage caps to the explosion of fintech news surrounding AI agents and automated ledgers. We also cover major acquisitions, including the TaxCalc and Engager merger, and discuss the latest feature drops from Dext and FreeAgent. Finally, we gaze into the crystal ball to share our predictions for 2026. Will AI replace compliance? Is e-invoicing about to change everything? Tune in to find out. In this episode, we cover: 00:00:00: Welcome to the Christmas Special 00:02:41: Xero and QBO Fair Use Policies & Usage Caps 00:05:48: MTD for Income Tax Product Releases 00:07:22: FreeAgent Files MTD from Space 00:09:28: The Launch of Vinyl & AI Advisory 00:12:13: Digits Releases AI-Powered Ledger 00:14:23: Major Dext Feature Updates 00:17:25: TaxCalc Acquires Engager & Pricing Controversy 00:20:36: Intuit Platform & New AI Agents 00:23:58: CIS Features for QBO and FreeAgent 00:24:56: iplicit and Cin7 Integration 00:25:51: The Impact of API Charges 00:28:43: Digital Disruptor Awards Recap 00:30:50: Predictions for 2026 Subscribe for more insights into the world of accounting technology!

    40 min
  6. 12/22/2025

    Developer Pushback, GoCardless Sold, Copilot Struggles - and an AI stall?

    In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, we break down a massive fortnight of news in the accounting tech ecosystem. From leadership changes at the top of the UK’s biggest platforms to the "unbundling" of SaaS pricing, we analyse the strategic moves that will define 2026. The Big Xero Shift: The team reacts to the continued fallout from Xero’s new API pricing model and the news that Alex von Schirmeister is stepping down to join Nomentia. We discuss whether Xero is moving away from "inclusivity" as it pivots toward profitability.   The AI Reality Check: Despite the hype, recent data shows a decline in active generative AI usage in the workplace. We explore why Microsoft Copilot is struggling to gain traction and why "Ask Digits" represents the future of AI as a primary software interface.   Acquisitions & Payments: We look at the strategic implications of Mollie acquiring GoCardless for £1.1bn and how Intuit is tightening its grip on the UK market with the official launch of QuickBooks Payments.   Strategic Pricing: Finally, we analyse Unleashed Software’s move to "unbundle" its pricing. Is functionality-driven pricing the new standard for SaaS?   Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome To Digi-Tools in Accrual World App News 03:08 Ecosystem Friction: Developers React to Xero's API Pricing Model 10:42 Leadership Change: Alex von Schirmeister Steps Down at Xero 17:56 Xero Update: MTD Support for Multiple Businesses 19:02 M&A Alert: GoCardless Acquired by Payments Giant Mollie 23:33 Why Microsoft is Struggling with AI Agent Traction 32:33 The AI Dip: Workplace Surveys Show Usage Decline 35:58 App Spotlight: Digits Unveils "Ask Digits" AI Interface 38:06 QuickBooks Payments Officially Launches in the UK 40:06 Intuit's "Agentic" Capabilities for QuickBooks & MailChimp 43:52 Briefcase Platform: Absorbing Complex Tax Codes via AI 46:07 SaaS Strategy: Unleashed Unbundles Pricing & Inventory Features 49:53 Like, Subscribe and Join Us! Keywords / Hashtags: #AccountingTech #Xero #Intuit #QuickBooks #GoCardless #Mollie #SaaSStrategy #AI #GenerativeAI #FinTech #Unleashed #SaaSActivation #ChannelStrategy

    50 min

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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.