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. 3d ago

    Digital Nomad Tips for Working Overseas 💻

    Working overseas brings unexpected opportunities and challenges. Discover practical digital nomad lessons about connectivity, co-working spaces, travel, banking, medication, client meetings and making technology work anywhere. Technology and business transformation are not simply about making businesses more efficient. They can also enable us to work differently and create more flexible lifestyles. In this episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I’m recording from a capsule hotel at Gatwick Airport after spending a month in England, and sharing some of the practical lessons I picked up while working and travelling abroad. Digital nomading can sound wonderfully straightforward when you have a laptop and cloud technology, but the reality involves Wi-Fi, time zones, phone connectivity, banking, transport and plenty of unexpected situations. Some things worked beautifully. Others required a little improvisation. Here are some of the experiences and lessons that stood out. Reliable Wi-Fi and co-working can transform your productivity. After struggling with connectivity at my mum’s house, I spent a couple of days at a co-working space in Cheltenham. For £25 a day, I had fast Wi-Fi, a sit-stand desk, an additional monitor, good lighting, air conditioning, coffee and cake. More importantly, I could get through a significant amount of focused work. Technology makes international travel easier, but test what you depend on. International roaming through amaysim made staying connected relatively straightforward, while a Wise card provided another option for spending overseas. However, I also discovered that an Australian prescription app I expected to access was geo-blocked once I arrived in England. Being able to find prescription information through my health records helped me eventually organise an emergency supply through a Boots pharmacy. Working internationally means actively managing time zones and communication. Staying in England while working with people in Australia and New Zealand occasionally meant starting meetings at 4:30 in the morning. At the same time, being in the UK created opportunities to meet people face-to-face, attend industry events and record a podcast in the local time zone. Make room for real-world connections. I attended London Zero Con and Richard Sargent’s event in Bristol, where I met people I had known online for years, including Xero co-founder Gary Turner, whom I had been talking with online for around 14 years. I also found value in simply speaking with locals, asking for recommendations and connecting with people in co-working spaces. Digital nomading requires flexibility and a willingness to work differently. I stayed in pod and capsule hotels, travelled extensively by train, rented a car on my own for the first time and recorded this podcast from a tiny hotel room at Gatwick. Not every environment was comfortable or predictable, but having the right technology and being willing to adapt meant I could continue working while extending my time overseas. Digital nomading does not mean everything works perfectly wherever you open your laptop. There will be unreliable Wi-Fi, confusing transport, unfamiliar systems and unexpected detours. But technology gives us considerably more flexibility to navigate those challenges and continue working. For me, doing a few hours of work in the morning meant I could spend an extended period in England, spend time with my mum, connect with people in the accounting technology community and still keep things moving professionally. Sometimes the best approach is not waiting until you are back at your desk with the perfect setup. Charge your technology, find a workable space, stay open to the experience and make it work where you are.   If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

    Digital Nomad Tips for Working Overseas 💻

  2. Sep 9

    Louis Theroux’s Lessons for Accountants 👂

    Great client relationships start with curiosity. Discover how Louis Theroux’s interviewing techniques can help accountants listen deeply, ask simple questions and understand the person behind the numbers. Heather Smith and Alex Falcon Huerta explore lessons from Louis Theroux’s London Xerocon keynote. What can accountants and bookkeepers learn from one of the world’s most recognisable interviewers? Quite a lot, as it turns out. In this episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I’m joined by Alex Falcon Huerta to unpack Louis Theroux’s Xerocon London keynote and explore how his interviewing techniques translate surprisingly well into client relationships. We discuss listening properly, asking simple questions, allowing silence into conversations, understanding the person behind the numbers, and recognising the privileged position accountants and bookkeepers hold when clients trust us with their financial lives. Understand the person behind the numbers. Financial information only tells part of a client’s story. Understanding their family, ambitions, long-term goals and personal circumstances can help accountants provide more meaningful advice and support. Build trust through genuine human connection. Being present, making eye contact and listening carefully can strengthen client relationships. We also explore how recording and transcription technology can actually help us become more present rather than more distracted. Ask the simple questions and embrace silence. Louis Theroux’s approach reminds us that we don’t always need to demonstrate how much we know. Asking an obvious or seemingly naive question can uncover valuable information, while leaving a little silence can give clients the space to share something we might never have thought to ask. Recognise the responsibility that comes with financial trust. Accountants and bookkeepers often know things about clients that even their friends and family don’t know. That privileged access brings responsibility, from protecting confidentiality to helping clients understand cash flow, tax obligations, financial performance and the consequences of important decisions. Use conversations to uncover opportunities to help. Clients may not realise the breadth of services their accountant can provide. By listening to what is happening in their business and their life, we can identify opportunities around systems, processes, growth, technology, mergers, acquisitions and longer-term planning. What stayed with me from Louis Theroux’s Xerocon conversation was the importance of curiosity. Accountants and bookkeepers have extraordinary access to the real story behind a business, but numbers alone don’t necessarily tell us what our clients are trying to achieve. Sometimes we need to stop preparing the next question, listen to what is actually being said, and give people enough space to tell us what really matters. Alex and I also explore how technology fits into this increasingly human conversation. AI, meeting transcription and recording tools can support better client service, training and knowledge sharing, but they shouldn’t replace our judgement, empathy or curiosity. Perhaps one of the most useful lessons we can take from a professional interviewer is beautifully simple: listen more closely, ask better questions and get to know the human behind the numbers. Episode resources and links: Louis Theroux’s resources Website : https://www.louistheroux.com/ Podcast : https://www.louistheroux.com/podcasts Apps & Tools Mentioned: ChatGPT, Claude, Gmail, Streak, ApprovalMax, Dext, Apron, The Gap, Brief, Fathom, Clarity HQ, Bluedot, Loom, Notion   If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

  3. Jul 29

    Inside Xerocon London 2026⚡Announcements with Diya Jolly

    Discover the biggest announcements from XeroCon London 2026, including Xero Force, Partner Hub, Smart Document Capture, AI-powered automation, and what's next for accountants.   At XeroCon London 2026, Xero unveiled a wave of AI-powered innovations designed to help accountants and bookkeepers work more efficiently while supporting the needs of increasingly complex businesses. In this episode, Heather Smith speaks with Diya Jolly, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Xero, about the company's latest product announcements, the thinking behind its AI strategy, and how these developments will shape the future of the Xero ecosystem. XeroCon London 2026 highlights: Xero celebrates reaching five million subscribers and unveils major product announcements, including Xero Force, Xero Ultra and the new Xero Partner Hub. Smarter practice workflows: Learn how Book Health, Month End Readiness, Auto Bank Reconciliation and Smart Document Capture use AI to reduce manual work and improve bookkeeping accuracy. Building for larger businesses: Discover why Xero Ultra has been introduced and how Xero plans to support businesses as they grow without requiring a move to enterprise software. The future of AI at Xero: Diya explains Xero Force, AI agents, practical automation, and how AI is being embedded across the platform to help accountants deliver greater value. Lessons from the Australian outages: An open discussion about the AWS infrastructure incident, what happened behind the scenes, and how Xero is strengthening platform resilience. Whether you're an accountant, bookkeeper or Xero user, this conversation offers an inside look at the strategy, technology and product direction emerging from XeroCon London 2026. It provides valuable context behind the announcements and practical insights into how AI and automation are set to transform accounting workflows in the years ahead.   Apps & Tools Mentioned: Xero, Xero Partner Hub, Book Health, Month End Readiness, Auto Bank Reconciliation, Smart Document Capture, Hubdoc, Xero Files, Xero Force, Xero Ultra, Xero Payments, AWS, Amazon Web Services, OCR, JAX, AI Studio, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT   Episode resources and links: Diya Jolly Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/diyajolly/ Xero https://www.xero.com/   If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

    Inside Xerocon London 2026⚡Announcements with Diya Jolly

  4. Jul 29

    289 Accounting Tech Updates Q2 2026 🚀

    The second quarter of 2026 has delivered another wave of innovation across the accounting technology landscape. In this episode, Heather Smith is joined by Tyler Caskey from The Bean Counters to unpack the recent product releases, AI developments, payroll changes, reporting enhancements, and practice management updates shaping the profession. Alongside practical commentary on the latest features from leading accounting platforms, they discuss cybersecurity lessons, the impact of industry layoffs, emerging AI-first accounting systems, and several standout apps that deserve attention. Whether you're an accountant, bookkeeper, advisor, or business owner, this episode offers practical insights to help you stay informed and identify technology worth exploring.   Key discussion points Heather and Tyler discuss major updates from QuickBooks, MYOB, Xero and Easy Business App, including AI-powered reconciliation, open banking developments, Employment Hero integration, and evolving automation features. They explore emerging accounting platforms including Digits and Prosaic, examining how AI-native general ledgers could reshape the future of bookkeeping and financial management. The conversation covers important payroll and compliance developments, including Beam, Employment Hero, Tanda, and practical considerations for Australian businesses adapting to the new requirements. A wide range of specialist apps are highlighted, including RecHound, XBert, Calxa, HoneyBook, TaxDome, MinuteDock, DataSights, Archer Cards, Hello Cashflow, Kloud Connect, WorkGuru, EzyCollect and many more, with practical commentary on where each solution fits. Heather also shares her recent experience recovering a compromised Google account, reinforcing the importance of cybersecurity, strong authentication, backup recovery methods, and maintaining trusted professional networks.   The accounting technology ecosystem continues to evolve at an incredible pace, with AI, automation, compliance, and integration driving much of the innovation. While not every new feature will suit every business, understanding what's available helps accountants and bookkeepers make better technology decisions for themselves and their clients. This episode provides a practical snapshot of where the industry is heading and highlights the solutions that are genuinely worth keeping on your radar.   This episode is also syndicated to Accountants Daily Under the Hood podcast.   Read here how I work with some solutions mentioned  https://endorsementdisclosure.com/     Apps & Tools Mentioned: Apps & Tools Mentioned: Dext – https://dext.com/ Google Workspace (Gmail) – https://workspace.google.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com GoCardless – https://gocardless.com Reddit – https://www.reddit.com QuickBooks – https://quickbooks.intuit.com Employment Hero – https://employmenthero.com MYOB – https://www.myob.com MYOB Solo – https://www.myob.com/au/products/solo Airwallex – https://www.airwallex.com NAB Connect – https://www.nab.com.au/business/internet-banking/nab-connect CommBiz – https://www.commbank.com.au/business/online-banking/commbiz.html ING – https://www.ing.com.au Xero – https://www.xero.com Claude – https://claude.ai Anthropic – https://www.anthropic.com Easy Business App – https://easybusinessapp.com.au Digits – https://digits.com Ignition – https://www.ignitionapp.com Karbon – https://Karbonhq.com Reach Reporting – https://reachreporting.com Prosaic – https://www.prosaic.works/ Zoho – https://www.zoho.com RecHound – https://rechound.com Easy Month-End – https://easymonthend.com HoneyBook – https://www.honeybook.com TaxDome – https://taxdome.com XBert – https://www.xbert.io/ Calxa – https://www.calxa.com Beam – https://www.beamconnect.com.au Hero Force – https://employmenthero.com Tanda – https://www.tanda.co MinuteDock – https://minutedock.com Google Authenticator – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator2&hl=en&pli=1 Microsoft Authenticator – https://www.microsoft.com/security/mobile-authenticator-app Xero Verify – https://www.xero.com/security/two-step-authentication Archa Cards – https://www.archa.com.au/ Wise – https://wise.com Weel – https://www.weel.com.au DataSights – https://datasights.co Microsoft Azure – https://azure.microsoft.com Power BI – https://powerbi.microsoft.com Lovable – https://lovable.dev Cadence – https://cadenceapp.com.au Hello Cashflow – https://www.hellocashflow.com/ Float – https://float.app Kloud Connect – https://www.kloudconnect.com.au/ FYI – https://fyidocs.com SharePoint – https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/sharepoint com.au – https://pay.com.au EzyCollect – https://ezycollect.com.au Apple Pay – https://www.apple.com/apple-pay Google Pay – https://pay.google.com WorkGuru – https://www.workguru.io Dashboard Insights – https://dashboardinsights.com.au Wagepoint – https://wagepoint.com Sage – https://www.sage.com   Episode resources and links:   Tyler Caskey : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/ The Bean Counters : https://www.thebeancounters.com.au/   If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

    289 Accounting Tech Updates Q2 2026 🚀

  5. Jul 8

    🌟 Why the Best Opportunity Might Be One You Pass On

    Not every opportunity that lands in your inbox is the right fit. In this episode, Heather (me!) explores the concept of "handball referrals" and why passing opportunities to the right person can strengthen relationships, build trust, and create value across the accounting profession. Drawing on real-world examples from speaking engagements, networking experiences, and community involvement, she shares practical advice on becoming a thoughtful connector within your professional network. Key Discussion Points Why saying "no" can be the most professional response when an opportunity falls outside your expertise. How to identify the right person in your network and make meaningful referrals. The importance of maintaining professional credibility by matching opportunities with genuine expertise. Lessons learned from speaking engagements, panel discussions, and community involvement. How strategic introductions build trust, strengthen industry relationships, and contribute to long-term professional success. Conclusion Professional networks thrive when people actively support one another. Whether it's a speaking opportunity, client referral, advisory role, or project, taking a few minutes to connect the right people can have a lasting impact. Heather encourages listeners to think beyond simply declining opportunities and instead consider how they can contribute to a stronger, more connected accounting community.   Episode resources and links:     If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

    🌟 Why the Best Opportunity Might Be One You Pass On

  6. Jul 1

    🧩 Simplifying Your Firm’s Tech Stack for Better Workflow Visibility

    Technology should make accounting firms more efficient, but many firms have accumulated layers of disconnected tools that create complexity rather than clarity. In this discussion, Heather Smith is joined by Tyler Caskey from The Bean Counters and John Munden from Cloud Office to explore how firms can simplify their technology stack, improve workflow visibility, reduce manual work and make better technology decisions. Key Discussion Points Tyler Caskey shares why firms often accumulate too many disconnected tools and how visualising workflows can reveal inefficiencies. John Munden explains how standardised workflows help reduce bottlenecks, improve onboarding and create consistency across teams. The panel discusses common technology traps including decision fatigue, duplicated processes and underutilised software. Practical advice is shared on auditing a tech stack, identifying manual processes and prioritising integrations. The conversation explores leadership, change management, client communication challenges and the future role of automation and API-driven workflows. The key takeaway is that firms do not need more technology. They need better connected technology, clearer workflows and a structured approach to change. By focusing on visibility, automation and process consistency, accounting firms can reduce overwhelm and create scalable systems that support long-term growth. Episode resources and links:   Tyler Caskey : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/ John Munden :  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmunden/ Cloudoffis : https://cloudoffis.com.au/ Apps & Tools Mentioned Xero, SharePoint, APS, Excel, Microsoft Lists, HandiSoft, BGL, NowInfinity, FYI Docs, Xero Practice Manager, Content Snare, Annature, Adobe Sign, DocuSign, Employment Hero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Stripe, Pinch Payments, Macquarie Bank Feeds, Mayday, Seamless If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

    🧩 Simplifying Your Firm’s Tech Stack for Better Workflow Visibility

  7. Jun 24

    🌍 From Hawke’s Bay to Canada: Ben Richmond on Accounting, Tech & Leadership

    Accounting technology leader Ben Richmond joins the podcast to discuss his remarkable journey from regional accounting practice in New Zealand to becoming President and CEO of WagePoint in Canada. Drawing on decades of experience across public practice, corporate finance, Xero’s international expansion and payroll technology, Ben shares lessons on leadership, customer relationships, change management and the future of accounting. The conversation explores how accountants can broaden their career horizons, embrace public speaking, leverage AI effectively and build more meaningful advisory relationships with clients. Ben also reflects on what it takes to grow software businesses across different countries and why the accounting profession remains one of the most impactful careers available today. Key Discussion Points Ben Richmond's career journey from public accounting to Xero and WagePoint. Lessons learned scaling accounting technology across New Zealand, the US and Canada. Why public speaking, emotional intelligence and relationship skills matter more than ever. The opportunities and challenges AI presents for accountants and bookkeepers. How payroll, advisory and specialist services create valuable growth opportunities. Ben’s perspective offers a refreshing blend of optimism and realism. While acknowledging the disruption created by AI and rapid technological change, he argues that accountants and bookkeepers who embrace innovation, strengthen their advisory capabilities and invest in relationships are exceptionally well positioned for the future. The discussion highlights the importance of curiosity, adaptability and customer-centric thinking in both accounting and software businesses. Apps & Tools Mentioned: Ben Richmond : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-richmond-ca-b8794220/ WagePoint https://www.wagepoint.com/  Xero https://www.xero.com  Stripe https://stripe.com/  QuickBooks, https://quickbooks.intuit.com   Episode resources and links:   If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

    🌍 From Hawke’s Bay to Canada: Ben Richmond on Accounting, Tech & Leadership

  8. Jun 18

    Inside Dext’s 2026 Roadmap: AI, Payments and Practice Insights 📊

    I sat down with Paul Wittich, General Manager APAC at Dext, to explore how the platform is evolving beyond document capture into a fully automated bookkeeping workflow. We discuss AI Assist, payments, underused features, pricing transparency and what 2026 looks like for the profession.   Paul’s career journey from management accountant to APAC leader at Dext Dext’s evolution from OCR tool to end-to-end bookkeeping automation platform AI Assist and how it learns user behaviour to reduce repetitive work Underused features: Vault, supplier statements, supplier rules and practice insights Pricing transparency, ecosystem competition and what is coming next in 2026   The profession is shifting rapidly. As AI accelerates change, the firms that embrace automation thoughtfully and strategically will be best positioned to move beyond compliance and into higher-value advisory services.     Episode resources and links: https://dext.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwittich/   If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

    Inside Dext’s 2026 Roadmap: AI, Payments and Practice Insights 📊
See All (200)

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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ANISE Consulting 2015-2025
  • Show Website
    Accounting Apps Podcast

You Might Also Like