Accounting Apps Podcast

How To Get Clients Wanting You To Increase Their Fees 🆙 | James Ashford

James works with firms of accountants from around the world, helping them to become more profitable and maximize the value of their clients James is the founder of GoProposal,  author of “Selling to Serve” and Director of My Accountancy Place.  He is a sales and marketing expert, helping firms to scale their practice by giving more value to existing clients and converting new prospects at a higher rate for higher fees. He does this through challenging outdated pricing methods and mindsets, implementing powerful pricing and proposal systems and leveraging entire firms to sell more through consultative sales techniques.   Overview The mindsets the keep most accountancy firms stuck. Why they see themselves as different to other businesses and the challenges that creates. Why selling is their ethical obligation. The real business accountancy firms are in (and it's got nothing to do with finance.) How I had a business that failed because I didn't have the correct finance function in place, which is the real reason I help accountancy firms to make sure their clients never end up in the position I did. How being a magician taught me how to sell.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesashford/ https://twitter.com/THEJamesAshford https://goproposal.com/ james@jamesashford.com

Build a Product with a 💪 Strong End User Experience | David Barrett

Today I am speaking with David Barrett, the founder and CEO of Expensify. He's an all around alpha geek who started programming when he was 6. He worked in a Virtual Reality Lab at the University of Michigan, wrote 3D graphics engines for the video games industry in Texas, and helped build a  peer-to-peer file transfer technology called Red Swoosh in California, before founding Expensify. Expensify has pioneered innovation in the receipt and expense management process by automating every step from receipt scanning through reimbursement. From solo-preneurs to global enterprises across all industries, Expensify serves over five million people and 50,000 customers around the world. Overview Starting Expensify off the back of a thwarted attempt to help homeless people An overview of what Expensify does The coding language Expensify is built on. The biggest challenges faced when starting Expensify is David had no idea what he was doing. He asked lots of questions and listened. Working with a remote team – you can’t get the best people to work for you if they’re not getting rich and having fun! Communication tools used to stay connected with remote staff, hint SLACK is one of them! Cloud apps, cryptocurrency and one straight answer. Talking shiraz with David Barrett – wine aficionado What does the future hold for Expensify? Future plans for Expensify: We know we're going to be here forever, so we're making the investments in the product that's going to last forever. Follow @Expensify on Twitter, like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Expensify/), or subscribe to our blog at https://blog.expensify.com/

The Journey of Upgrading From DOS to Windows to the Cloud for this 🤖 Tech Company | Daniel Tramontana

Interviewee Profile Daniel joined BGL in 1997. During this time, Daniel has been part of the accountant's journey in transitioning from DOS to Windows and now cloud technology. Daniel is passionate about leadership and loves working with accountants and assisting them in growing their business through technology. Daniel loves family, the occasional selfie and life. Carpe Diem! Company Profile BGL Corporate Solutions has been partnering with accountants since 1983. Our focus is to empower SMSF and corporate compliance professionals with innovative cloud solutions and superior service. Driven by Integrity, Passion, Collaboration, Perseverance and Diversity we have established and continue to maintain the market-leading position in the Company Compliance and SMSF software space. Today BGL has a client base of 7000+ accounting firms around the world. How can listeners contact you? @DTramma https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantram/ https://www.bglcorp.comdanielt@bglcorp.com.au 

How a Non-Accountant Made an Impact on a Highly Educated Industry 📚 | Trent McLaren

It's not what you know, it's who you know: the story of a 28-year-old high school drop-out travelling the world of accounting - How did this non-accountant make an impact on a highly educated industry Interviewee Profile Trent Mclaren is Australia's thought leader of the year in the Accounting Industry. He is the head of accounting and strategic partnerships at Practice Ignition. His role see's him partnering with accounting professionals all over the world as he strives to drive innovation and disruption with his partners. Igniting a culture to challenge the status quo and create true customer centricity. Company Profile Practice Ignition is the game-changing automation trigger your practice needs. Handling all aspects of your client relationships, proposals, billings, scope management and beyond. Practice Ignition is the catalyst for true cloud accounting firms wanting to move to fixed fee structures and eliminate their debtors completely. Practice Ignition is a cloud-based onboarding solution that helps you sign more clients, save time and truly transform your workflow automation. How can listeners contact you? Twitter: @trent_mclaren linkedin.com/in/trentmclaren www.practiceignition.com trent@practiceignition.com

A Modern Chartered Accountant Focused 🔎 on eCommerce | Tracey Newman

Interview Tracey is the founder of CloudCounting, a boutique Chartered Accountancy firm that specializes in eCommerce, and there was never a more passionate advocate for working in the Cloud. Tracey is a Registered Tax Agent, Chartered Accountant, Xero Gold Partner and MYOB Certified Consultant. She recently spent a month in France with her husband and two children during the busiest month of the year … and survived! This is proof you can run your business anywhere using cloud products. Tracey has worked in Big 4 accounting firms and now specializes in putting time back in the day for small to medium business. Tracey has over twenty years’ experience working with clients implementing and advising on accounting systems. She’s passionate about helping you find the right accounting system for you. Discussion Who’s a historical figure you’d like to have a coffee with? Why did you move from Canada to Australia? What inspired you to start your own accounting practice? What services do you offer? You’ve recently qualified as a tax agent – what was that process like for you? You are very involved in the bookkeepers forum – now that you are a tax agent – will this change? Who is your target market? What was your most effective marketing strategy? What has been your most effective marketing strategy? Why are you niching in ecommerce? What are some business tools you recommend to clients or use in your own business? What’s one tip you can share with us about growing your team? What’s your favourite part of your business day? How can our listeners get in contact with you? ********** Connect with Tracey Newman at: W: http://www.cloudcounting.com.au/ F: https://www.facebook.com/cloudcountingptyltd T: https://twitter.com/CloudCountingAU L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-newman-90001419/

🤝 Benefits of Teaming up With Cloud Integrators | Helen Goodman

Today I’m speaking with Helen Goodman, of Invisible Business Solutions. In this episode, we talk about . . . Discussion: The Cloud Integration Channel Who are cloud Integrators? The Cloud Integrator Channel narrowing to Authorised Cloud Integrators not cloud resellers which is what caused the original confusion around our services. What do Cloud Integrators do? How do Cloud Integrators add value? Why should Accountants and Bookkeepers work with us? Why the apps think we are fantastic! How we operate in verticals and believe in collaboration and communication in the new virtual world. Solutions mentioned include Receipt Bank Spotlight Reporting MINDBODY, Inc. ServiceM8 WorkflowMax (A Xero Product) TradeGecko Unleashed Whos is Helen Goodman? For over 20 years Helen Goodman worked in the corporate sector as a Management Accountant and Business Analyst, for companies such as the mobile communications giant ‘Vodafone’ and for the healthcare leaders ‘Abbott Laboratories’ until moving to Australia in 2001. Being a passionate management accountant at heart and perfectionist by nature, an early adopter of cloud technology, Helen’s warm vibes shine, not only from her enthusiasm and never say never attitude, but also from her genuine work ethic. As a Cloud Integrator Helen facilitates businesses to adopt the cloud and become more efficient, have access to information like never before and provide them with a competitive advantage. Invisible Business Solutions was founded in 2012, with the core goal of providing financial management to Small Business. We were amongst the first to be recognised as a Xero Authorised Cloud Integrator when the new market channel was launched in August 2015. Our reputation as an Authorised Cloud Integrator has grown, based on our experience, commitment and standard of excellent customer service. We are proud to be MINDBODY’s first partner in Australia to provide implementation, training and support for clients in the Health & Wellness Industry. We are also partners with ServiceM8, WorkflowMAX and Unleashed, but pride ourselves on our independence and Ecosystem knowledge. Connect with Helen Goodman at: www.authorisedcloudintegrator.com.au Facebook.com/invizbizsolutions Facebook.com/authorisedcloudintegrator Twitter @invizbiz LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/helen-goodman-fcca/

👁️‍🗨️ Insights and Learnings From Xerocon 2016 | Cassandra Scott, Justin Campbell, and Tracey Newman

Following on from Xerocon South 2016 a powerhouse crew from Brisbane came together to discuss and dissect the lessons learnt from this conference. The panel discussion and the audience q and a was recorded and will be of interest to attendees and non-attendees alike. If you did attend Xerocon – it reminds you of some of the areas you need to revisit and explore. If you didn’t attend Xerocon – Tracey, Cassandra and Justin have done the hard work for you and bring their own twist to the lessons, highlights and outcomes that Xerocon had for them. Please support the sponsors of Cloud Stories and visit them at www.spotlighreporting.com where you can access a free trial, training, and educational whitepapers, including Cash is King-Cloud Style and The Perfect Advisory Relationship. Solutions mentioned during this panel discussion include, but are not limited to: • Hubdoc • ReceiptBank • KarbonHQ • ExpenseCheck • ApprovalMax • Vision6 • IODM • Moula • Waddle Panel of speakers: Chartered Accountant Tracey Newman is the Director of Cloud Counting a small accounting practice based in Brisbane. Her passion is to train clients to use Xero and make the most of cloud based technology to save time and have fun. Cassandra Scott is the Director of Laurus Bookkeeping, a business services consultancy specialising in cloud based accounting and business systems. Cassandra provides mentoring services to other bookkeepers and contributes to ongoing discussion and development of programs to increase the professionalism and evolution of the bookkeeping industry. Justin Campbell has worked for Xero since 2013 and has background in accounting and recruitment. He has also worked closely with small business as a disability employment consultant. He is passionate about the role of small and micro business in the role of the Australia economy.

An English Lit Grad 👩‍🎓Thriving in a Tech World and Helping Businesses Automate Bookkeeping | Sophie Hossack

Sophie Hossack is the Australia Country Manager at Receipt Bank. Receipt Bank is the bookkeeping productivity tool used by 4,000+ accountants and bookkeepers around the world to increase their efficiency. Sophie was one of the first employees at Receipt Bank and has worked in three of the sales teams globally. Receipt Bank The leading accounting and bookkeeping firms around the world use Receipt Bank to automate their bookkeeping and deliver a world-class service to their clients. Receipt Bank is the award-winning, venture-backed software company with offices in Sydney, London & Washington DC. Website: https://www.receipt-bank.com/ Twitter: @ReceiptBank / @Receipts_Sophie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReceiptBank/ LinkedIn: @ReceiptBank Subscribe to Cloud Stories on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/cloud-stories-heather-smith/id908333807

Gen-Y Accountant Interested in Challenging the Flexibility 🤸 of the Cloud | Andrew Van de Beek

Andrew Van De Beek is a constant source of excitement at the illumin8 office and leads the team with encouragement and a fistful of positivity. Being firmly entrenched in Gen-Y, he’s keenly interested in new businesses and original ideas, and loves discovering emerging software and technologies that help these start-ups succeed. illumin8 We‘re more than just Accountants! We offer small business cloud accounting with a focus on automating and streamlining your systems to ensure you are spending more time growing your business. Website - http://illumin8.com.au/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/illumin8partners/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/andrew_illumin8 and https://twitter.com/Illumin8prtnrs LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/andrew-van-de-beek-21a30915 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/illumin8partners/  Subscribe to Cloud Stories on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/cloud-stories-heather-smith/id908333807

👣 A Trailblazer Helping Modern Firms to Grow, Embrace Change and Drive Profitability | Wayne Schmidt

Today on episode 45 of the Cloud Stories podcast I’m talking with Wayne Schmidt. Wayne has over 28 years’ experience in the accounting industry spearheading the Australian expansion for Xero, MYOB and Reckon. Wayne is passionate about helping accounting firms to grow, embrace change and drive profitability. Based in Australia, and having worked in the USA, UK and China, Wayne has a unique global understanding of accounting firms and the latest trends in the accounting industry. Karbon is task management software designed for accountants. Subscribe to Episode 45 of Cloud Stories on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/cloud-stories-heather-smith/id908333807 In this episode I talk to Wayne about: From a young age Wayne was a trailblazer – studying applied computer science at La Trobe University – in the early 80’s. So he had a background in computers before we realised how revolutionary they were going to be! Wayne is a programmer and code cutter by trade. After university he worked for old traditional company Norwich Life in Melbourne – writing financial planning software for about five years. They still had a tea trolley! July 1988 he realised the only way he would get promoted is if someone dies. So he left and set up a programming company called Tailored Solutions. He started writing computer software. He did that horrible calculation he timed out his hourly rate by how much he could actually work, plus leave, and realised he was down to not much salary. He’d left a company and just got a job with no one of the benefits of having a job. He realised he needed to do something. He looked around and thought why don’t I sell stuff? If you sell something there is no limit to what you sell it’s not like hours. Wayne had a light bulb moment “When you are selling stiff you can sell as much as you like? Let’s pick the hardest thing that no-one likes selling and that was accounting software! So that’s how Wayne developed an interest in the accounting world! Tailored Solutions sold accounting software when accounting software was really expensive, and before MYOB or other well-known brands were around. Wayne recognised how important bookkeepers were in the industry and launched the MYOB bookkeeper programme. #Trailblazer He redeveloped all the partner programs including the developer and Certified Consultant (CC) program. He started partner programs from his own business Tailored Solutions. Wayne discusses his time with MYOB in the UK. He highlights the lack of development funding and payroll in the solution. Why it was sold and how he sold it lightning fast! You need to invest in your core. Wayne shares his first memory of Xero. It was while working at MYOB – they had a war room – where Xero’s name came up. If you ever hear your staff say let’s have coffee – it is code for I’m going for a job interview. Wayne shares insights into his first meeting with Rod Drury and Hamish Edwards. He thought “This clouds going to go places.” He started as the Country Manager of Xero in 2009. He talks about the early days, limited funds, low customer numbers, big image! He talks about making a video with early adopter Gillian Rossouw. So with all of these achievements what has Wayne won? We discuss how awesome the MYOB CC’s program was – gave you a business and let you run it the way you want it. Wayne actually knows how to use accounting software!! Wayne is self-taught when it comes to sales and marketing. He has done courses, and he observes and analyses and assesses what works for him. Yes Clayton Oates gets a mention at the 19min mark! Wayne and I are competitive when it comes to social media. He is beating me on LinkedIN (10250!), I am beating him on twitter! Both are a way to build up your personal brand. Wayne talks about KarbonHQ a task management solution for accountants founded by Stuart Mcleod. KarbonHQ operates as a triage to allocate email and tasks to staff. It is developing AI, and will be vendor agnostics. Stuart McLeod developed a payroll solution that was sold into Xero, and is the payroll solution users will know. Know who you are marketing too. You have so much control if you know that. Karbon has done a great job of releasing white papers “2016 Karbon accounting trends report” You can download the report here: https://karbonhq.com/downloads/?type=downloads&id=83e07d72-ca1d-11e5-afd8-0236605552d7&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=OK-twitter-profile&utm_campaign=OK-%23KarbonTrends Today’s episode is sponsored by Spotlight Reporting. Resources mentioned in this interview MYOB http://myob.com.au Reckon https://www.reckon.com/au/ Xero https://www.xero.com/au/ KarbonHQ https://karbonhq.com/ Connect with Wayne Twitter @KarbonHQ and  @Wayne_Schmidt Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karbonhq Website https://karbonhq.com/ LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayneschmidt Thanks for listening! What’s been your biggest learning from today’s episode? Share in the comments below.