Accounting Apps Podcast

Heather Smith | Accountant & Storyteller
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Exploring the intersections of accounting, technology and modern practice methodologies. 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. Brilliant guests include entrepreneurs, founders, business consultants, accountants, bookkeepers, small business owners, cloud advisors, developers, cloud integrators and solution providers. 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 ...

  1. From Workpapers to AI: What 2025 Delivered 📊

    DEC 23

    From Workpapers to AI: What 2025 Delivered 📊

    In this special year-end wrap-up, we explore the major accounting tech releases of 2025. From new AI capabilities to feature-rich workpapers and smarter reporting tools, discover the updates that could transform your current stack.   The accompanying article to this podcast can be found on Accountants Daily.   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

    14 min
  2. How to Make the Most of In-Person Networking🧩

    DEC 19

    How to Make the Most of In-Person Networking🧩

    Heather shares why real-world networking still matters for accountants & bookkeepers, offering practical tips to build genuine, long-term professional relationships without feeling salesy or awkward. In this episode, Heather Smith explores the timeless power of in-person networking for accounting & bookkeeping professionals. Based on her article for Acuity Magazine, she shares stories, strategies, and tech tips for nurturing relationships authentically. Article : https://www.acuitymag.com/business/how-to-make-the-most-of-in-person-networking/ Why networking isn't about selling, it's about trust and relationships. Tips for event preparation, including reviewing attendees and sending pre-event LinkedIn messages. Digital vs paper business cards: the role of QR codes, NFC cards, and LinkedIn connections. Best conversation starters (including complimenting shoes). The importance of post-event follow-up, such as voice memos and task lists. Why introverts might actually be excellent networkers. How to stay top of mind with minimal LinkedIn activity (just 12 posts a year!). Real examples of relationships built over 15+ years that still add value today. Encouragement for all generations—young professionals and seasoned leaders alike—to show up and contribute. 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

    42 min
  3. Reflections from 2025 & Forecasts for 2026 🤖 | Cloudoffis

    DEC 10

    Reflections from 2025 & Forecasts for 2026 🤖 | Cloudoffis

    A lively panel reflects on 2025's tech-driven accounting trends, AI, automation, clean data, and what’s next for 2026. Ethics, awards, remote work, and receipts that must die! Summary In this panel discussion recorded at the Cloudoffis end-of-year event in Sydney, Heather Smith is joined by John Munden (Cloudoffis), Tyler Caskey (The Bean Counters), and Natalia Clark (Easy Super) to reflect on 2025 and forecast on the future in 2026 and beyond in the accounting and auditing industry. In this episode, we talk about . . . Key 2025 trends: AI integration, automation pain points, rapid tech change. The obsession with building AI agents into workflows. Insights on award-winning success and staying unique. The shift to remote-first work and global team building. Strategic investments in talent vs. tech at Cloudoffis. The call to kill receipts, wet signatures, and corporate cheques. Bold forecasts for AI replacing admin roles and fast decision-making gaps. Final takeaway: ethics, professionalism, and agility are your superpowers. Contact details:   Sponsor Offers:  Here Cloudoffis : https://cloudoffis.com.au/  Natalia Clark : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliaclack-easysuper/  Tyler Caskey : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/  John Munden : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmunden/   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

    47 min
  4. Data-Driven Growth for Manufacturers 📊 | Jarrod Adam

    DEC 3

    Data-Driven Growth for Manufacturers 📊 | Jarrod Adam

    Jarrod Adam is Head of Production & Distribution at The Access Group Explore how Unleashed helps small businesses thrive through AI-driven inventory management, smarter tools, and actionable data that streamline operations and empower strategic growth. Summary Today I’m speaking with Jarrod Adam, Head of Production & Distribution at The Access Group. In this episode, we talk about . . . how Unleashed empowers small businesses with actionable data, AI-powered tools, and integrated inventory solutions. Introduction to Jarrod Adam and his background in product management The story behind Unleashed and its acquisition by The Access Group Overview of the inventory and warehouse management landscape for SMBs Unleashed’s value proposition for small businesses and advisors When and why to move from basic inventory in GL systems to dedicated inventory tools Implementation approach and onboarding process at Unleashed Unleashed’s ecosystem: integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon & more Evolving supply chain issues post-COVID and solutions like Advanced Inventory Manager (AIM) AI in Unleashed: Evo copilot, AI feed, and intelligent agents Partner Portal for accountants and bookkeepers – real-time client access Use of operational data for advisory services The Unleashed Manufacturing Health Index – valuable for advisory insights Discussion around the manufacturing “haves and have-nots” Closing thoughts on simplicity, design, and real value from software 🧰 Apps & Tools Mentioned: Unleashed, Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Access Evo, Advanced Inventory Manager ⏱️ YouTube Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro: Meet Jarrod Adam from Unleashed. 01:58 – From Tigerland to Tech: A playful rugby-themed intro. 04:20 – Jarrod’s Journey to Product Management: How he fell into software. 06:20 – Auckland’s Thriving SaaS Scene: NZ’s impact on global tech. 08:10 – Inventory, CRM & WMS Landscape: What SMBs need today. 10:50 – What Unleashed Does: Efficient workflows + strategic insights. 13:00 – Signs a Business Needs Unleashed: From post-it notes to stock stress. 15:20 – Accountant & Bookkeeper Pain Points: Data, margins & advisory blocks. 17:30 – Implementation Timeline: Fast, guided onboarding sessions. 19:05 – Unleashed Integrations: Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon & more. 21:10 – E-commerce Growth Post-COVID: Why integrations are essential. 23:15 – AI & Forecasting with AIM: Managing supply chain uncertainty. 26:00 – Using Data for Better Advice: The power of operational insights. 28:00 – Manufacturing Health Index: A free resource for advisory. 30:00 – Characteristics of Thriving Manufacturers: Mitigating supplier risks. 32:15 – Partner Portal for Accountants: Real-time multi-client access. 34:00 – AI Copilot & Agents: How Evo enhances the user experience. 35:45 – Final Thoughts & Outro: Software should solve problems, not add them. Contact details: Sponsor Offers:  Here Unleashed Software: https://www.unleashedsoftware.com/  Jarrod Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrod-adam/  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

    37 min
  5. 🌏 Leading Women in Accounting: Influence, Integrity & Impact

    NOV 26

    🌏 Leading Women in Accounting: Influence, Integrity & Impact

    Insights from a global panel of women leaders in accounting, exploring influence, ethics, personal branding, and leadership challenges in a male-dominated profession. Summary In this special episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I moderated a global panel discussion at the Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 in Singapore. I was joined by Kyelie Baxter (IQ Accountants), Uthaya Ponnusamy (RSM Singapore), and Magdalene Ang (R Chan & Associates, ACCA Singapore Chair) for a panel session I moderated called Influence, Integrity and Impact: Navigating the Reality of Women Leading in Accounting   Together we explored:   ✅ Career journeys and leadership pivots ✅ Building confidence and personal brand (hello USP!) ✅ Ethics vs. earnings — where we draw the line ✅ Mentoring, connection and navigating invisible barriers ✅ Creating influence with integrity and making an impact   Listen if you're looking for insight, inspiration, or real-world stories from women reshaping leadership in accounting.   Contact details: Sponsor Offers:  Here Kyelie Baxter, Managing Director at IQ Accountants  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyelie-baxter-fcpa-43224334/  Uthaya Ponnusamy, Partner & Industry Lead - Not For Profit sector at RSM Singapore https://www.linkedin.com/in/uthaya-ponnusamy-5bab1763/  Magdalene Ang, Director, R Chan & Associates PAC and Chair of ACCA Singapore Member Network Panel. https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalene-ang-fcca-fca-singapore-03b2084b/  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

    41 min
  6. From Compliance to Sky-High Advisory ☁️ – Insights from the AB Show 2025

    NOV 19

    From Compliance to Sky-High Advisory ☁️ – Insights from the AB Show 2025

    Live from the Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 in Singapore, Heather chats with innovators about AI, e-invoicing, TikTok trends, cross-border payments and the evolving role of accountants in Asia Summary Heather Smith reports from the Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 in Singapore, sharing floor interviews and key highlights. With strong Australian representation, she reflects on rapid regional digital transformation, cultural insights, and inspiring thought leadership. Main Topics: Singapore's digital drive: e-invoicing mandates and cheque phase-out Government-backed AI innovation via AI Singapore Roundtable on burnout, boundaries, and micro business sustainability TikTok insights and media habits reshaping communication Panel on women on boards and leadership pathways Interviews Include: Alvin Chia (OFX) – Cross-border payments with human-first support Marvin Galang (Jaz AI) – AI-native accounting software for Southeast Asia Bryan Sng (Simple AI) – AI agents automating accounting ops Kelvin Koh (Identi.ly) – Face-key file security tech for sensitive documents Andrew Paton-Smith (Jazoodle) – 60-second forecasts & valuation KPIs Key Takeaways: The future of advisory is now AI is more than a buzzword in Singapore – it's a government initiative Accountants must embrace tech and set strong boundaries Social platforms like TikTok can't be ignored Representation, integrity, and courage are crucial for boardroom progress LinkedIn Posts from Singapore https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_abshowasia-accountingandaccountants-activity-7386538062283075584-1Vh2/ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_acca-accountingandaccountants-abshowasia-activity-7386619905544056832-6Gdu/   https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-abshowasia-activity-7386917433271439360-VY4Y/   https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-abshowasia-activity-7386982271796490241-WgIh/    Contact details: Sponsor Offers:  Here Xero http://xero.com/ Koren Wines https://www.linkedin.com/in/koren-wines/  Sarah Foo https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-foo-fca/ Alvin Chia https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-chia-a15a6b65/  OFX https://www.ofx.com/  Marvin Galang https://www.linkedin.com/in/galangmr/  JAZ https://www.jaz.ai/   Bryan Sng https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryansng/  SimpleAi https://simpleaiworks.com/  Kelvin Koh https://www.linkedin.com/in/nivlekoh/  Identi.ly https://identi.ly/  Andrew Paton-Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/apatonsmith/  Jazoodle https://jazoodle.com/  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

    43 min
  7. 💨 From Wind to Wins: Woolnorth Renewables NetSuite Journey

    NOV 12

    💨 From Wind to Wins: Woolnorth Renewables NetSuite Journey

    Kerry Butler, CFO of Woolnorth Renewables, Tasmania shares her bold NetSuite rollout, revealing strategic insights on tech, budgeting, AI, and scaling clean energy operations. Summary Today I’m speaking with Kerry Butler, CFO of Woolnorth Renewables, Tasmania In this episode, we talk about . . . Insights from attending SuiteWorld 2025 in Las Vegas Strategic NetSuite rollout, starting with Planning & Budgeting (NSPB) Overcoming implementation challenges with a lean finance team Use of implementation partners: Pivot Two & Netgain Multilingual board reporting (Chinese & English) and real-time forecasting Integrations with SharePoint, virtual cards, and maintenance systems Leveraging AI and Ask Oracle for smarter decision-making Community involvement and commitment to renewable energy Advice for scaling businesses and choosing the right tech stack 🧰 Apps & Tools Mentioned: NetSuite, NetSuite Planning and Budgeting (NSPB), Netgain, Pivot Two, SharePoint, Smart View, Camtasia 📺 Timelines  00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro: Kerry Butler, CFO of Woolnorth Renewables 01:45 – Why Kerry Chose NetSuite: Flexibility and ecosystem advantages 04:12 – Board-Ready Reporting in Two Languages: How NSPB enabled it 06:57 – Implementing NSPB First: Breaking ERP rollout conventions 09:43 – Smart Budgeting Tools: Using Smart View for real-time inputs 12:21 – Leveraging Implementation Partners: Pivot Two & Netgain's role 15:02 – Complex Accounting Made Simple: Wind farms, loans & derivatives 17:35 – AI & Strategic Finance: What’s coming next in NetSuite 20:14 – Clean Data = Better AI: System integration & SharePoint sync 22:41 – Ask Oracle: AI-powered reporting for CFOs and CEOs 25:33 – SweetWorld Learnings: Building a global CFO network 28:08 – Advice for Scaling Businesses: Plan for future pain points now 30:17 – CFO Life at SweetWorld: Pitbull concert & Aussie networking 33:42 – Final Reflections: Strategic finance, partnerships & impact Contact details: Sponsor Offers:  Here L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-butler-1333kes/  NetSuite: https://www.netsuite.com.au  SuiteWorld: https://www.netsuitesuiteworld.com 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

    35 min
  8. From Automation to Autonomy with NetSuite ⚙️| Scott Wiltshire

    NOV 5

    From Automation to Autonomy with NetSuite ⚙️| Scott Wiltshire

    Scott Wiltshire, VP & GM of Oracle NetSuite ANZ, unpacks key SuiteWorld 2025 announcements, highlighting AI-driven tools, productivity boosts, and why NetSuite is a game-changer for growing businesses. Summary Today I’m speaking with Scott Wiltshire, VP & GM of Oracle NetSuite ANZ. In this episode, we talk about . . . Event recap: SuiteWorld 2025 highlights relevant to ANZ Key tools: AI Connect Services, Prompt Studio, Autonomous Close, Subscription Metrics NetSuite Next: Major platform upgrade promising zero-day close Emphasis on AI for automation, reporting, and decision support Discussion on value of attending SuiteWorld for ANZ professionals Growing importance of NetSuite's partner ecosystem Comparison between “automated” vs “autonomous” workflows Advice on bridging the knowledge gap with dedicated support NetSuite as a scalable “single source of truth” for growth-focused businesses 🧰 Apps & Tools Mentioned NetSuite, AI Connect Services, ChatGPT, Prompt Studio, Subscription Metrics SuiteApp, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), NetSuite Analytics Warehouse, Safe Search, Advanced Customer Support ⏱️ Timelines 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Heather sets the stage for the SuiteWorld 2025 recap 01:15 – NetSuite AI Connect Services: Plug in your AI assistant for real-time action 02:50 – Prompt Studio Explained: Build & deploy GenAI prompts in workflows 04:35 – Subscription Metrics SuiteApp: Real-time visibility into recurring revenue 06:10 – Interview with Scott Wiltshire Begins: First impressions from Las Vegas 08:05 – The AI Buzz at SuiteWorld: Surge in demand for AI-powered accounting 10:00 – Why ANZ Pros Should Attend: Learning, networking, and discovering tools 12:00 – NetSuite as a Growth Platform: From MYOB/Xero to scalable ERP 13:45 – NetSuite Next Preview: Major AI-powered platform upgrade incoming 15:30 – Autonomous Close Feature: Moving towards zero-day book closing 17:20 – Natural Language Reporting: Talk to NetSuite using plain English 19:00 – Prompt Studio in Practice: Real examples from product-based businesses 21:00 – Most Underused New Feature: AI model integration & free querying tools 22:40 – NetSuite’s Partner Ecosystem: Extending NetSuite through collaboration Contact details: Sponsor Offers:  Here L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottpwiltshire/  NetSuite: https://www.netsuite.com.au  SuiteWorld: https://www.netsuitesuiteworld.com 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

    26 min
See All (100)

About

Exploring the intersections of accounting, technology and modern practice methodologies. 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. Brilliant guests include entrepreneurs, founders, business consultants, accountants, bookkeepers, small business owners, cloud advisors, developers, cloud integrators and solution providers. 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 ...

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Smith | Accountant & Storyteller
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ANISE Consulting 2015-2025
  • Show Website
    Accounting Apps Podcast

You Might Also Like