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

- 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 impact of tools on practice efficiency, profitability, and eventual sale value, with both sides acknowledging Excel's enduring relevance alongside advancing software
- Listeners are polled on the winning side to much debate, highlighting the complexities of choosing the right tools for each accounting need
Michael Wood https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwood/ 
https://www.translucent.io/ 
 
John Toon https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntoon/ 
Podcast https://digitoolsinaccrual.world/ 
Community https://www.digital-disruptors.com/ 
Beever and Struthers https://www.beeverstruthers.co.uk/ 
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 
 

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 Greene 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 evaluating long-term roadmaps and support while Greene discusses AI use cases at Employment Hero
- They find consensus that selective AI use can enhance but not replace the human experience in client relationships
Write up from the debate
AI and the case for the human touch
https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/ai-and-the-case-for-the-human-touch 
 
Samuel Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelgreen14/
https://employmenthero.com/
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 

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 business and her recent funding journey (Featuring Alex Falcon Huerta)
- Updates on BrightPay payroll from Donal Carr - Senior Account Executive Bright Software
- Overview of Sage's offerings for accountants from Chris Downing - Director of Product Marketing | Accountants and Bookkeepers Sage
- Richard Sergeant - Managing Director Principle Point shares tips for vendors working with accountants
- Mark Lee Facilitator BookMarkLee.co.uk 
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 
 

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 how each platform caters to different industries. The expert implementers shared case studies of successful migrations, highlighting challenges and opportunities clients faced. The presentation covered developing a migration strategy, including exporting data, mapping business processes, and change management. Attendees learned about assessing potential solutions by considering key questions, desired outcomes, and post go-live improvements. The session emphasised preparing early by testing new platforms and leveraging experienced partners for a smooth transition. Overall, the webinar helped attendees understand options for transitioning away from WorkflowMax by Xero to Projectworks or WorkGuru.
 
The Flow of the webinar
Understanding the Transition Trigger for Change Market Reaction Comparative Overview of Solutions Common Features Target Industries Points of Difference Deep Dive into Migration Migration Strategy Case Studies Assessing Solutions Preparation for Transition  Relevant links
 Heidi Seal Ops Consultant at Business Sense (NZ)
L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiseal/  
E: Heidi@BusinessSense.co.nz
B: https://businesssenseconsulting.co.nz/ 
 Heidi Seal Resources
The WorkflowMax Changeover Workshop : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P7arD82_9YSyW26ekE6ryY6bSR4Z1EQf/view 
The 7-step process for implementation success : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q_nif1fqgCcXfu8o90JhtXscvBhG5CQl/view
Matthew Peng Founder at Business Continuum
L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-peng/ 
E : Matthew@BusinessContinuum.com.au 
B: https://businesscontinuum.com.au/ 
 
Matt Hayter Co-Founder at Projectworks
L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-hayter-9180037/ 
B: https://projectworks.io/ 
 
Tony Harcourt Co-Founder at WorkGuru
L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-harcourt/ 
B: https://workguru.io/ 
 
Tony Harcourt Resources
Migrating from WoFM to WorkGuru Overview : https://support.workguru.io/support/solutions/articles/43000698451-migrating-from-workflowmax-to-workguru-overview  
WFM to WorkGuru One-Click Migration Tool : https://support.workguru.io/support/solutions/articles/43000699631-wfm-to-workguru-one-click-migration-tool 
Support Solutions Hub : https://support.workguru.io/support/home
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 
 

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 facilitate international transactions with ease, offering competitive rates and near real-time transfers and bill payments in multiple currencies.
3. Google's Updates: Google is removing underutilised features across Android, including some related to voice controls, and shutting down its podcast app in favour of integrating podcasts into YouTube Music. This shift intrigued the author, who recently upgraded their device.
4. Updates in the Reporting Space: Various accounting software solutions have introduced updates, such as Calxa's unlinked accounts feature for cash flow forecasting, Fathom's improved KPI library experience, and G-Accon's introduction of automatic workflows within Google Sheets.
5. Xero's Invoices Changes: Xero is retiring classic invoicing in September 2024, prompting concerns from the community about missing features, like the ability to process an overpayment, inability to edit exchange rates, and inability to invoice bulk contact groups.  However, you can quickly switch back if you need features only currently available within classic invoicing.
These insights highlight the ongoing technological advancements and changes within the accounting industry, offering both opportunities and challenges for practitioners and stakeholders alike. 
Contact details:
Tyler Caskey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/ 
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 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 capabilities, enabling the assignment of recurring tasks to various cycles, from daily to fortnightly.
- Understand the significance of using client notes to capture unique requirements for bespoke workflows.
- Gain insights into data-driven reporting and analytics, offering a glimpse into staff performance and client engagements.
- Uncover how customisable reporting allows practices to dissect data from diverse angles.
- Get a peek at roadmap features like capacity management, utilising timesheet data for optimal scheduling.
- Hear about the transformative impact Xbert has had on Cassandra's practice, facilitating work with global clients.
 
Contact details:
XBert: https://www.xbert.io/ 
Cassandra Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandrascott/ 
Bookkeepers in Practice FaceBook Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1652992464953692 
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