Accounting Apps Podcast

BizTech Landscape🌆: 2021 Reflections 2022 Predictions | Matt Paff

Matt Paff of Value Adders and Trent McLaren of DiviPay joined me today, and we reflected on 2021 and discussed predictions about the 2022 Business Technology landscape. Highlights from this episode are: The workforce of the future and the technology needed to support them How identifying gaps can help predict what the driving forces behind a business may do, and The Gap in Intuit and Xero's offerings Over the last two years, the pandemic massively increased digitalisation adoption in small businesses. So how will this impact technology uptake in 2022? I also shall mention that I actively use and partner with DiviPay, where Trent works, and you can read about how I work with Apps at EndorsementDisclosure.com. Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here  HeatherSmithAU.COM

The Great Acquisition vs The Great Resignation | The Buzz Dec 21

Today on the Cloud Stories podcast, I bring you The Accounting Innovation and Technology Buzz: Current News, Trends and Analysis for the month of December 21. Trent McLaren (Head of the Accounting & Bookkeeping Channel at DiviPay) and I talk about The Great Acquisition vs The Great Resignation. We also discuss news and trends that we saw in the industry during 2021. Highlights of this episode include: DiviPay Series A Capital Raise ACCA ranked a webinar I hosted as their 10th most popular one of 2021. Watch it here. Everperform produced a series called 'The Great Rejuvenation'. Content is available via their LinkedIn page. I've had a Xero feature request ticked off my wish list (from circa 2015). I had actually discovered the functionality and did not realise I had this feature request still active. Here's where you can post and vote for feature requests: https://community.xero.com/business/ Square, Inc. Changes its name to Block then H&R Block sues Square to drop the name 'Block' LastPass announces its intention to establish itself as an independent company from LogMeIn.   Inspired by Blake Oliver + David Cristello's discussion on the JetPackWorkflow podcast we discuss the trends of Subscription Model & Remote Work Hologram-in-a-Box New apps: https://www.tango.us/ Create step-by-step documentation with screenshots.   I hope you are enjoying these monthly tech updates and discussions, that complement both the Cloud Stories interviews, and the Accounting Apps newsletter. I’d like to thank you the listeners for helping Cloud Stories rank in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide, according to Listen Note. That is quite an achievement for a tightly niched topic. In 2021 we published 25 episodes. The most popular listening month was March 2021. The most downloaded episode that was released during the year was with my friend Martha Yasso interview entitled “Never talk directly to your clients about cash flow, and other secrets from the cash flow queen” If you have recently discovered Cloud Stories podcast, I’d encourage you to go back and listen to previously published episodes as many of them are evergreen or timeless. That is the content is still relevant today. You can read more about the way I partner with Accounting Apps, including DiviPay the company Trent McLaren works with, by visiting http://endorsementdisclosure.com. You can always see who I am currently partnered with at the top of my social media banners, clearly labelled in pink.  I hope you enjoy this episode of the Tech Buz. I hope you liked listening to the Tech Buzz. Reach out to either Trent McLaren or I and let us know what you think of the episode. You have been listening to the Cloud Stories podcast. I encourage you to share the podcast with an interested friend and subscribe leave a five-star review, so other people can find this podcast. Stay up-to-date with the curated content I'm sharing by signing up for the Accounting Apps newsletter, available at https://HeatherSmithAU.COM 

Accounting Innovation and Technology Buzz | Nov 21

In this episode, we:  Raise a cup to thank the bookkeeping industry Congratulate the Xero App award winners Change GPS, Service M8, azupay, Moula Talk about Hub24 acquisition of Class How to win a Tesla with Expensify The Canopy 2021 Client Expectation Studies QuickBooks Desktop discontinuation in one the UK, while an connected App will be rolling out in the USA Intuits Path to Advisory ebook Xero acquisition of Locate and Matt Paffs comments on that Xero announcing a deeper integration with Shopify The announcement that the e-signature solution Annature is partnering with Qantas Business Rewards I’m currently working with the Team at DiviPay to help them connect with the Accounting and Bookkeeping community. If you want to read about the way I work with Accounting Apps, please visit http://endorsementdisclosure.com. You can always see my strategic partners, as they are clearly labelled in pink on the headers of all of my social media platforms. I hope you like listening to The Accounting Innovation and Technology Buzz with Trent McLaren. Let either I or Trent know what you thought of it. You have been listening to the Cloud Stories podcast. I encourage you to subscribe and leave a five-star review, so other people can find this podcast.   Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

💽Data: A Superpower Accountants and Bookkeepers Should Explore.

Today I’m speaking with Kendra Vant Executive GM of Data at Xero and Clayton Oates, Accounting Technologist, and Founder of QA Business. In this episode, we talk about all aspects of data. Highlights include: The Accountants' and bookkeepers' data superpowers The opportunities, benefits and insights that we can explore through accessing data The newly formed Xero Data Council. Conversations accounting professionals should have with their clients about data The transparency governing the movement of data between solutions The concept of the right to be forgotten Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Leveraging technology: Standing out from your competition and saving money

Today I’m sharing with you a panel discussion on the topic: Leveraging technology: Standing out from your competition and saving money produced by the Accounting & Finance Show Malaysia 2021.  Our expert panellists were Jovani Chinniah founder of Jovani & Co. Chartered Accountants, Jay Shong, a Management Accountant and founder of Red Beak, and YC Eng a Certified Financial Planner and Managing Director of Yes Boss. They were all based in Malaysia, and as we learnt through the discussion, Malaysia has different requirements when it comes to storing digital receipts. I love it when we uncover these nuances because while some locations are ahead in some areas, others excel in other areas, and we can all learn and benefit from them. During the session some of the aspects we discuss are:  How Border restrictions pushed businesses to the cloud and a borderless environment. The restrictions had opened up opportunities for them. How they attract multi-generational businesses that have traditional parents and innovative children Has branding the business as technology-savvy helped in attract suitable talent? Do you include Accounting Technology badges and certifications in your marketing material? AND we also polled the audience about what factors are stopping them from leveraging technology? The session initially starts with an introduction from Laura Pickard, Conference Manager at Terrapin. Terrapinn is a global events company promoting innovation and technology. I encourage you to google them and register for any upcoming events that may be of interest to you. As many are currently running virtually, you’ve the opportunity to attend their global events! Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Innovation and Technology Buzz | October 21

I'm Heather Smith and welcome to Cloud Stories, a podcast exploring the Accounting and Business Apps community. Today I’m trying out something new. I’ve given it the big hairy audacious title of The Accounting Innovation and Technology Buzz: Current News, Trends and Analysis. Joining me on the show is Trent McLaren. You might recall I’ve interviewed Trent on podcast shows. We’ve been friends for many years, and I always enjoy our conversations because he has well thought out insights about the industry. Currently, Trent is the Head of the Accounting & Bookkeeping Channel at DiviPay. In his past lives, Trent has probably worked at more Accounting Technology companies than many. Notably, Practice Ignition, Intuit and where I met him at eWay. He also worked for the outsourcing company TOA Global. In this episode, we talk about the many acquisitions that are happening in the industry. * Intuit + MailChimp + DataDear acquisition * We talk about the DiviPay Feature release * Practice Protect report: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6851377168572928001/ * Cin7 Inventory and Order Management Trends report: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6851377168572928001/ I’m currently working with the Team at DiviPay to help them connect with the Accounting and Bookkeeping community. If you want to read about the way I work with Accounting Apps, please visit http://endorsementdisclosure.com/. You can always see my strategic partners, as they are clearly labelled in pink on the headers of all of my social media platforms. I hope you like listening to The Accounting Innovation and Technology Buzz with Trent McLaren. Let either I or Trent know what you thought of it. You have been listening to the Cloud Stories podcast. I encourage you to subscribe and leave a five-star review, so other people can find this podcast.   Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Supercharging business productivity by using no-code automation tools | Kelly Goss

Today I’m speaking with Kelly Goss Chief Problem Solver at Solvaa. In this episode, we talk about No-code tools and why accountants and bookkeepers should embrace zapier How to holistically approach problem-solving and process improvement. The launch of her new book Automate it with Zapier The Robbie and Rowena robot love affair - a brilliant social media campaign Kelly is running. We benefitted from a comprehensive overview of Zapier and the bridges it can create The importance of taking responsibility for your own productivity, and ensuring your team are incentivized to be productive. And I’m looking forward to reading the recommended books “The Chimp Paradox” and “The Dirty Word” Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Using online advisory services to increase your revenue

Today I’m sharing with you a panel discussion on the topic: Using online advisory services to increase your revenue from the Accounting and Finance Show Asia 2021.  The panellists included: Willy Tan, Managing Director, Forbis Accounting Pte. Ltd. Henry Tan, Group CEO, Nexia TS Will Farnell, Founder, Farnell Clarke / willfarnell.com Some of the areas the panellists and I explore include Online Advisory services currently offered, including Sustainability Advisory. How to get existing compliance clients to see the value in new advisory services? The impact the pandemic had on advisory services, and the always popular question, how do you charge for advisory services. The pandemic drove firms to engage with their clients. It gave accountants something to talk to their clients about regularly. When the government stops giving you something to regularly talk to your clients about, what are you going to do to make sure you continue to talk with them? The three P’s: Prepare mentally. Prepare strategically. Prepare sustainably.  Freemium advisory content model: sharing basic advice and useful links on social media for free. For more in-depth advisory needs, the client is charged. Volunteering services to charities has improved branding and increased referrals. The session initially starts with an introduction from Laura Binns, Project Director at Terrapin, the conference organisers she hands over to me as host.  The conference is organised by Terrapinn a global events company promoting innovation and technology. I encourage you to google them and register for any upcoming events that may be of interest to you. As many are currently running virtually, you have the opportunity to attend their global events! Access the Accounting and Finance Show here: https://app.swapcard.com/event/accounting-and-finance-show-asia-2021 Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Virtual Cards: The Future📡 of SMB Payments| Daniel Kniaz

Today I’m speaking with Daniel Kniaz, CEO and Founder of DiviPay In this episode, we talk about . . . Building entrepreneurial and start-up skills and base knowledge of FinTech while working in the Westpac Innovation Team. Left due to slight frustration of what they built never made it to market, and they felt (‘they’ being the other future co-founder of DiviPay) could move faster and learn a lot, going out on their own. Daniel shares the journey of DiviPay and how it works. It’s always been about virtual cards, though needed to pivot several times to solve the pain points of SMB and meet the demands of paying consumers. We have an interesting conversation exploring the accounting and start-up relationship and how accountants need to communicate their value to start-ups (who don’t have a lot of money). Daniels first taste at entrepreneurial life was an eCommerce modern man’s sock business. The trick to accessing US education at an Australian price point Explains the process methodology for building in feature requests. And I shall also mention the two books he referenced were o Humankind, A Hopeful History By: Rutger Bregman o Never Split the Difference Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss. I have a strategic partnership and work with the team at Divipay. Read more here http://EndorsementDisclosure.com. Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Do Accounting Firms need an office🏢 anymore?

Today I’m sharing with you a panel discussion on the topic: Do Accounting Firms need an office anymore? produced by the Accounting and Finance Show Hong Kong 2021. Our expert panellists were from Australia and the UK. We were all cloud-first, though we had different size teams, and different set-ups, be it in-office, remote or hybrid model. Of course, Covid impacted these models. As always I think it’s useful for us to hear different insights and experiences to help us on our own journey. The panellists included: Moderator: Kyelie Baxter, Founder, Managing Partner, IQ Accountants Sarah Lawrance, Founder, Hot Toast Will Farnell, Founder, Farnell Clarke During the session we discuss: How to ensure clients have an amazing experience no matter how we are working. Benefits of a remote workforce vs hybrid model vs in office model. Issues related to where staff work. The impact on culture, recruitment, even office dress codes. Communication and working across different time zones - and I actually forgot to mention something I’ve leaned into which is ‘Asynchronous communication’ where the conversation is intermittent, rather than a live steady stream. The session initially starts with an introduction from Laura Pickard, Conference Manager at Terrapin, and she hands over to the Moderator: Kyelie Baxter, Founder, Managing Partner, IQ Accountants. Terrapinn is a global events company promoting innovation and technology. I encourage you to google them, and register for any upcoming events that may be of interest to you. As many are currently running virtually, you’ve the opportunity to attend their global events! Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM