Accounting Apps Podcast

Community, AI & Carpool Conversations with Australia’s Favourite Accountants 🚗| Chris Wheatley

This episode was recorded on the way to the Sydney Accounting & Business Expo, offering a candid and practical conversation about AI in practice, peer communities, vendor relationships and the evolving accounting profession in Australia.
Chris Wheatley shares insights into running a 10 FTE suburban accounting practice with 1,900 clients
Discussion on AI in accounting tools and how most firms are already using it
The growth and impact of the Small Business Accountants & Advisors Brain Trust Facebook group
Peer-to-peer recommendations versus traditional vendor marketing
The rise of alternative and non-bank lending in the SME space
This conversation highlights the importance of community, practical tech adoption and staying grounded while navigating change in the accounting profession.
Episode resources and links:
Chris Wheatley, Director, Scope Accounting : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wheatley-fca-29398533/ 
Scope Accounting : https://www.scopeaccounting.com.au/ 
Small Business Accountants & Advisers Brain Trust, Australia FaceBook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/977122739056681 
Accounting & Business Expo : https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/accounting-business-expo/index.stm
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
 

Tips to fuel growth in your practice in 2026

A practical conversation, with Tyler Caskey, Dan Osborne and Heather Smith, hosted by John Munden, on how accounting firms can grow through better systems, small efficiency improvements and intentional technology adoption including AI, automation and advisory insights. Presented by Cloudoffis.
Cloud Office is an Australian cloud-based platform that helps accountants and auditors streamline SMSF audits, tax workpapers and compliance workflows.
Summary
Accounting firms are entering a new phase of growth where success is no longer measured only by revenue. In this discussion, we explore how modern practices are improving profitability, efficiency and lifestyle outcomes through smarter systems and technology adoption.
The panel shares practical advice on reviewing your tech stack, identifying pain points and adopting automation that removes administrative tasks rather than replacing professional judgement. AI is already transforming workflows through data analysis, receipt capture, executive summaries and financial insights.
Importantly, the conversation also highlights the need for clear AI policies, strong client data protection and thoughtful implementation. As accounting technology continues to evolve, firms that focus on small improvements, better systems and intentional growth will be well positioned for the future.
Apps & Tools Mentioned: Cloudoffis, Excel, Google Meet, Zoom, Xero, Hubdoc, Dext, Wheel, JAX, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Power BI, Intuit
Contact details:
Cloudoffis : https://cloudoffis.com.au/
Dan Osborne : https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-osborne-985129121/
CATS : https://catax.com.au/
Two Drunk Accountants : https://twodrunkaccountants.com.au/
Tyler Caskey : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/
Bean Counters : https://www.thebeancounters.com.au/
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

Scaling Finance for Hyper-Growth: ERP Lessons from a CFO 🚀 | Anita Chow

Fast-growing businesses eventually reach a point where their finance systems struggle to keep up. In this episode, CFO Anita Chow shares how Acusensus moved from a Xero and spreadsheet-based environment to a full ERP Oracle Netsuite platform to support rapid growth and international expansion.
The discussion explores what triggers the shift to ERP, the challenges of managing multiple entities and growing transaction volumes, and the benefits of having a scalable financial infrastructure. The move dramatically improved automation across key areas such as reporting, lease accounting, and financial consolidation while enabling the finance team to spend more time partnering with the business.
The conversation also highlights important lessons for finance professionals and advisors supporting scaling companies. Clean data, thoughtful change management, and clear success metrics are critical. Ultimately, technology is only the enabler. The real value comes from how finance teams use better systems to deliver insights, manage risk, and support strategic decisions.
Apps & Tools Mentioned: NetSuite, Xero, Excel, ProSpend, Zone & Co, Netgain, Employment Hero, Airwallex, NetSuite Planning and Budgeting
Contact details:
Oracle Netsuite : https://www.netsuite.com/portal/home.shtml
Acusensus : https://www.acusensus.com/
Anita Chow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-chow-b77a0016/
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

Bridging the Family 👨‍👩‍👦 Business Generation Gap: Practical Tech for Legacy Businesses

How do you modernise a family business when the older generation resists change? This episode explores emotional barriers, trust, and a practical tiny pilot approach to digital adoption.
Summary
In this episode, I explore the challenge of introducing new technology into long established family businesses. Inspired by a LinkedIn post from Tony Harcourt, we unpack why tech resistance is often emotional, not practical.
Key discussion points:
The generational technology gap in family businesses
Emotional drivers behind software resistance: identity, control, pride, risk
Insights from Xero’s behavioural research on tech adoption
Why trust and communication shape innovation success
The “Tiny Pilot” method for low risk digital change
Practical scripts to reduce defensiveness and build collaboration
Handling common objections like “It’s too expensive” or “We’ve always done it this way”
The role of external advisors in supporting family dynamics
Key Takeaway:
Successful technology adoption in family businesses is about protecting legacy while reducing friction. Start small, make it reversible, and focus on outcomes, not features.
Contact details:
Tony Harcourt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-harcourt/
LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7432901025231159296/
WorkGuru https://workguru.io/
Behavioural Research by Xero https://www.xero.com/au/media-releases/behavioural-research-by-xero-uncovers-barriers-for-au-small-businesses/ 
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

AI Fluency Essentials for Modern Firms 💼 | Cameron Anderson

Cameron Anderson General Manager XBert
What does AI fluency really mean for accountants and bookkeepers? This episode explores governance, prompting frameworks, and practical AI use cases you can apply immediately.
Summary
In this episode, we explore AI fluency for accountants and bookkeepers and what it really means in practice. From governance to prompting frameworks, we unpack practical steps firms can take today.
Key Discussion Points
What AI fluency means for modern bookkeeping firms
Traditional AI vs Generative AI explained simply
The AI and human partnership model
Governance, ethics, and client disclosure considerations
The RTRI prompting framework: Role, Task, Requirements, Instructions
AI use cases across client communication, reporting, and operations
Using AI for financial analysis and contextual insights
Capacity planning and workflow intelligence
Starting small and building sustainable capability
Why data quality underpins every AI initiative
Key Takeaways
AI should augment human judgement, not replace it
Start with low risk, easy to validate use cases
Build AI capability alongside human skills
Transparency and governance matter
Small, consistent learning builds long term fluency
Apps & Tools Mentioned
XBert, Xero, ChatGPT, Gamma, Otter.ai, Fireflies.ai, Gmail, Microsoft Outlook
Contact details:
Cameron Anderson : https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronanderson2/
XBert : https://www.xbert.io/
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

AI and the Future of Accounting Roles 🤖

AI is reshaping accounting roles, not replacing them. Explore what’s changing, emerging governance roles, and why strategic thinking and AI fluency matter more than ever.
Summary
As AI reshapes our profession, we're essentially seeing less demand for those routine tasks, a boom in strategic roles and new opportunities for those who understand the cross section between accounting and technology, so less routine, more strategy, more cross disciplinary. And today, I'd like to talk about what's changing in the roles, what's not changing in the roles, what new roles are emerging, and what accountants and bookkeepers should focus on now.
Key discussion points:
Why AI will replace tasks, not accountants
The decline of routine compliance work
The rise of advisory, virtual CFO and fractional CFO roles
Emerging positions: AI governance, risk reviewers, AI audit trail designers
The concept of AI “agent managers”
AI fluency as a critical professional skill
The growing importance of critical thinking and communication
Ethical obligations in an AI-embedded profession
Practical steps: auditing your task list and shifting time to interpretation
Why governance frameworks and AI policies are now essential
Key takeaways:
AI augments judgement, it does not replace it
Advisory creates value, productivity alone does not
Ethics and professional standards become even more important
Accountants are uniquely positioned to manage AI governance
This is a leadership moment for the profession
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

How AI Is Re-shaping Accounting Firms 💡Kyelie Baxter

Kyelie Baxter shares how AI is changing accounting firm workflows, boosting outputs, and freeing up capacity, while still needing strong guardrails and human judgment.
Summary
In this episode, Kylie Baxter discusses how artificial intelligence is transforming accounting firms, client expectations, and internal workflows, without replacing the human element.
Key discussion points include:
Kylie’s journey from accountant to firm owner and governance leader
Volunteering, advisory skills, and building confidence outside the firm
How AI is being used safely inside an accounting practice
Setting guardrails and values around AI adoption
Digitising client admin and finance workflows
Why accounts payable will become highly automated
Why payroll still needs strong human involvement
Paying staff based on outputs, not tools used
Using AI to reduce mental load and prioritise tasks
How AI is reshaping the competitive landscape for firms
Key takeaway: AI is a powerful tool for efficiency and capacity, but accountants who apply judgment, governance, and strategy will remain irreplaceable.
Kylie and I were guests of the LYD Unstoppable Growth Conference held at the  JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa in one of the most amazing places in the world, Surfers Paradise!
LYD stands for Light Year Docs, and it is a platform for creating verified legal documents including companies, trusts and commercial agreements. If that’s of interest to you, I’m sure the team would be happy to speak with you.
Contact details:
Kyelie Baxter : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyelie-baxter-fcpa-43224334/
IQ Accountants : https://iqaccountants.com.au
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

🎾 Courtside with MYOB: AI, Apps & the Australian Open

Heather shares insights from MYOB’s Australian Open event, exploring AI integration, Google Gemini tools, new MYOB Solo app for micro businesses, and the power of keyboard aesthetics.
Summary
In this episode, Heather Smith shares insights from her time at the Australian Open with MYOB, exploring how technology, AI, and workplace tools are reshaping the accounting world:
 
MYOB discussed their internal program "AI Every Day," which focuses on mindset, skillset, and toolset
Overview of MYOB’s mobile-first solution, Solo, designed for freelancers and gig workers. It offers an alternative to spreadsheets for micro business clients
Discussion on multi-entity support and MYOB's ERP solution, Acumatica
It's worth remembering that MYOB still stores customer data within Australia across two local data centres
MYOB's product spectrum includes solutions for micro businesses through to larger companies using Acumatica
Heather shared her experience looking for a pink keyboard and how ergonomic design impacted her typing and comfort
She also outlined how using Google Workspace's Gemini AI features has supported her productivity
 
 
Contact details:
MYOB https://www.myob.com/au
Solo https://www.myob.com/au/products/solo
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
 
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-activity-7423640248129298432-g81K 
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-myob-activity-7422403938831720448-E5Sw

The 1% Advisory Advantage for Accountants 📈 | #TOACon2025

In the third of three instalments Heather Smith shares insights from TOACon 2025. She chats with industry leaders about business advisory, AI agents in accounting, community building, and embracing the future with purpose and relationships.
Summary
In this third instalment from TOACon 2025, Heather Smith explores the evolution of business advisory services and the powerful tech shaping the accounting profession.
Interviews recorded live at the Shangri-La in Boracay during TOA Global’s TOACon 2025.
Featured guests:
Dale Pearson (Intuit QuickBooks): Discusses new AI agents, the power of relationships, and integrating QuickBooks with MailChimp.
Mark Jenkins (The Gap): Talks about proactive advisory, community, and lifting average client value.
Lynda Steffens (The Small Business Project): Shares a practical roadmap for implementing advisory services.
Emphasis on strategic relationships and practical AI applications.
Advisory isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about how and why you deliver it.
Encouragement for accountants and bookkeepers to carve out time for growth and purposeful client impact.
Reflections on the Boracay experience and the importance of personal development, community, and consistency.
Heather Smith attended the TOACon 2025 conference as hosted media.
If you want to find out more about TOAGlobal please visit their website :toaglobal.com
If you want further information about anything covered in this podcast, please refer to the show notes: https://www.heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/blog/
 
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

🎯 Client Focused, Tech Enabled: The Modern Practice | #TOACon2025

Insights from TOACon 2025’s tech stream: AI, cybersecurity, client experience, and building resilient firms with smarter systems, featuring Practice Protect, AccountKit, and more.
Summary
In the second of three instalments Heather Smith explores highlights from TOACon 2025. Recorded at the luxurious Shangri-La Boracay, this episode dives into practical tools and strategies reshaping the accounting landscape.
Main Topics:
🌟 Customer Experience Strategy: Jason S Bradshaw on reducing client friction and defining your service promise.
🔐 Cybersecurity Deep Dive: Jenny Caune of Practice Protect on multi-layered security and sleep-at-night tech.
📊 Cloud App Report: Real usage data across 13 categories: what apps firms are actually using in 2025.
🔄 AccountKit Expansion: Matt Taylor from AccountKit on new features including reconciliations, integrations, and centralized workflows.
📈 Building a Business That Runs Without You: TOA Global founder Nick Sinclair on separating identity from business.
🧭 Truth in Leadership: Dom Thurbon on the fine line between experience and baggage, staying curious is key.
🏝️ Conference Culture & Community: Live insights from attendees on the power of connections, resilience, and hospitality.
Key Takeaways:
Tech doesn’t build trust, clear communication does.
Cybersecurity isn’t optional; it's foundational.
Real-time app data beats outdated reviews: use the Cloud App Report.
Centralised platforms like AccountKit are simplifying workflows.
Leadership breakthroughs come from clarity, not complexity.
 
Heather Smith attended the TOACon 2025 conference as hosted media.
If you want to find out more about TOAGlobal please visit their website :toaglobal.com
If you want further information about anything covered in this podcast, please refer to the show notes: https://www.heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/blog/
 
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