Accounting Apps Podcast

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 sh...

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...

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 managem...

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-t...

This episode is a personal and confronting reflection on how quickly even a cyberaware professional can lose control of a long-standing Gmail account. What began as a seemingly legitimate brand collaboration unfolded into a carefully orchestrated phishing attack that removed all security measures within seconds. The experience highlights how modern cybercrime blends patience, credibility signals,...

This episode explores how a Chartered Accountant can move beyond traditional finance roles to create meaningful community impact. Josh Hickford shares his journey from Big Four accounting and banking to founding a cancer support app and leading Taranaki Foundation. It is a conversation about resilience, technology, philanthropy and the evolving role of accountants in a digital world. Josh Hickford...

In this episode, I sit down with Trent Yesberg, founder of Twine Apps and director of Regional Business Services in Townsville. We explore the realities of subscription billing, SaaS development, and what AI means for accounting firms today. This conversation moves from practical billing frustrations to the future of automation in our profession. Trent’s journey from banking to building Regional B...

The first quarter of 2026 has delivered an extraordinary wave of AI-powered enhancements, mid-market strategy shifts and workflow automation upgrades across the accounting technology ecosystem. This session, presented at the Sydney Accounting and Bookkeeping Expo, dives deep into what matters, what is hype, and where firms should pay attention. MYOB Solo, MYOB AI BAS checks and Intuit Accountant S...

In this episode, I share a practical and grounded introduction to the Second Brain concept, tailored specifically for accountants and bookkeepers. Originally delivered at the Sydney Accounting and Business Expo, this session explores how to better capture, organise and leverage the constant stream of information we face every day. If you are feeling overloaded, context switching constantly, or str...

This special panel episode, recorded live at Accounting Business Expo, explores AI tools that are genuinely useful right now for accounting firms. With perspectives from firm owners and a software vendor, the discussion covers practical implementation, guardrails, and real-world results. Chris Wheatley, Kylie Baxter, and Tim Garth share how AI fits into their tech stacks Liam Hindle shares MYOB’s...

The Sydney Accounting & Business Expo 2026 was one of the most energised and well-attended events I have seen in years. AI dominated the conversation, AML reform is reshaping workflows, and innovation across practice management, tax research, onboarding and payments is accelerating fast. This episode captures conversations directly from the expo floor. You will hear insights from keynote takea...

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 a...

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 a...

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...

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 emotio...

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 f...

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...

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 j...

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 inte...

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 account...

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...

Join Heather Smith as she explores highlights from TOACon 2025: building resilient teams, leadership mindset shifts, and inspiring stories from accountants shaping the future through global connections. Summary In the first of three instalments Heather Smith shares highlights from TOACon2025: focusing on mindset, culture, offshoring, innovation, and resilience in the accounting profession. Through...

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...

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, str...

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 202...