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Today I’m sharing with you a panel discussion on the topic: HOW TO KICKSTART THE DIGITALISATION OF YOUR PRACTICE IN 2021. This session was produced by the Accounting and Finance Show, as part of the Digital Practice Summit Asia 2021. Our expert panellists were all based in Singapore, and all at different stages of their modernisation journey. I think it’s useful for us to hear different insights and experiences to help us on our journey. The panellists included: Charles Chen, Partner, Charles and Partners Mirah Agus, Beaufort Corp., Founder & Managing Director, Beaufort Tax Consultants Pte Ltd Elaine Lim, Director, Agere Accounting & Advisory Pte Ltd The session explored: Learn how to fix a car engine while it’s driving at 80 km/h on the ECP (in other words how to release capacity, and implement digital changes in an operating business) How to approach developing a digitalisation implementation plan How to engage your team to embrace change, and be involved in the digitalisation journey Practical T

Today I bring to you a panel discussion entitled Shaping the Future of Your Firm - AccTech and the Digital Firm. This follows on from last week's episode, where I shared the keynote speech I gave as part of the ACCA Virtual Conference 2021 Reshaping Finance: Digitally Enabled, Sustainability-Focused. This episode is the panel discussion that followed. The conference was organised in Singapore. The moderator was Sarjit Singh, and there were five panellists, three from Singapore, of those two, were in practice, and Evan Law was the Chief Executive of the Singapore Accountancy Commission. Will Farnell joined us from England, and I of course was joining from Brisbane Australia.  For us to grow as an industry, I think it’s beneficial for us to have an awareness of what is happening beyond our own tea cup, and I am always grateful to be on these international panels. You might find it beneficial to go back and listen to last week's episode as the panelists do mention it several times. I hope you enjoy listening.  S

Today I’m sharing with you something a little bit different. I was asked to give a keynote speech as part of the ACCA Virtual Conference 2021 conference ACCA Virtual Conference 2021 Reshaping Finance: Digitally Enabled, Sustainability-Focused. The speech was entitled: 6 Steps to Transform to a Digitally-Enabled and Sustainability-Focused Accountancy Services Firm.   The topic was something they asked me to talk to, as it was in line with the theme of the conference. The keynote led into a panel discussion with five experts. Typically, I moderate sessions, so it was a bit daunting talking for twenty minutes, and then leading into the panel session. It was extremely gratifying, and relieving that during the 90 minutes panel session, each of the panelists referenced a part of my talk in their responses. I’d successfully delivered a keynote, that formed a foundation for, and warmed up everyone for the panel discussion to follow.   If you find yourself giving a speech after someone else, it helps with the continui

Postcards are short current episodes, addressing a topic that currently interests me, host - Heather Smith. In the App Advisory Mastermind group someone asked How to charge for your time in scoping App Advisory, when the client kept changing their mind about what they needed. In this postcard, I talk about how I approach scoping workflow improvements and App research with a client. I also address the client's mindset. One thing I did not mention is that it's also necessary to recognise that the holy grail may not exist, and reviewing and refining workflows may provide a cost effective and viable solution.  Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Postcards are short current episodes, addressing a topic that currently interests me, host - Heather Smith. In today's postcard, I share an article that resonated with me, from the Todoist blog post written by Fadeke Adegbuyi. Makers vs Managers: The Battle Over Remote Work Managers want to go back to the office. Employees aren’t so sure. https://blog.doist.com/makers-schedule-remote-work/ Makers and managers are locked in a productivity power struggle where the battleground is the calendar and diminished focus and lost hours are what’s at stake.  Both makers and managers, or roughly equivalent to employees and executives, have important roles in the workplace and both schedules serve a different purpose. While managers and makers across companies often agree there’s a problem, they’ve simply added band-aid fixes like “No Meeting Tuesdays” or “Work from Home Wednesdays”.  Offices have been built around the needs of managers at the expense of makers; the move to remote work offers a rare opportunity to shift t

Today I'm speaking with James Parker, General Manager of Asia-Pacific (APAC) of Dext In this episode, we talk about . . . As you may be aware in Feb 2021, team orange rebranded from Receipt Bank to Dext. This led to a lot of discussions and perhaps confusion in the Accounting and Bookkeeping community. To try and address community raised issues, I invited James Parker, the new General Manager of Asia-Pacific (APAC) of Dext to join me for a community chat. I also invited bookkeeping advocate Cassandra Scott to join me as co-host for the session.   Let me give you some background of both guests:   James Parker joined Dext in November 2020 with over 20 years of experience in leading, transforming and growing technology firms within the accounting and legal sectors. His high-level interpersonal skills allow him to engage with stakeholders at all levels genuinely. A visionary leader, James enjoys engaging in thought leadership, challenging the status quo, and networking with industry and community peers. At Dext,

Today I'm speaking with Celso Pinto Founder and CEO of Pixie. In this episode, we talk about . . . Life as a serial entrepreneur who's founded or co-founded multiple companies, including 7Syntax, SimpleTax, Pomar and Pixie. Exiting a company you've built. The journey to starting Practice Management solution Pixie. Why is it is important not to get stuck on perfect? What firms do to adapt to new systems successfully? The importance of believing in yourself and joining peer groups - like the GoProposal group. What advice do you have for your younger self about using your time, relationships, and opportunities to prepare for the career you have? Ideas on how governments and policymakers can support the digitalization of small businesses: influence don't impose. Discussed two inspirational business books and why Celso liked them: The score takes care of itself: a management book about Bill Walsh, perhaps the most successful coach of American football Managing the professional services firm by David Maister Stay

A postcard style update from the host of the Cloud Stories podcast Heather Smith, sharing with you the ACCA initiative, The Practice Room that can be found here: https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/employer/employer-help-and-guidance/practice-connect/the-practice-room.html Peer to peer support for those in practice. Plus updates about Chester the 10-month-old Border Collie pup.

Today I’m speaking with Jon Arrigo co-founder and National Client Relationship Manager of Microkeeper. In this episode, we talk about . . . * Why Jon wanted to trek to Mt Everest BaseCamp. * Growing up on a farm, and how that helped him understand the complexity of payroll, with the shrinking and growing workforce. * The early lean days of Microkeeper * Where the name Microkeeper came from * Why Microkeepers focus on supporting Australian businesses * Jon’s thoughts on how the government and policymakers can support small business digitalisation Contact Microkeeper - https://www.microkeeper.com.au You can read about the way I work with Microkeeper and Accounting Apps here http://EndorsementDisclosure.com/ Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Serial Entrepreneur Amreeta Abbott joined me & we discussed; • How her father encouraged her to learn about investing from a young age. • Why she started and exited NowInfinity, and the grief she felt selling a company. • The challenges of being a female - leading a start-up technology company. • Navigating Working with global offshore teams. • How she generates ideas fast and turns them into reality even faster. Connect with Amreeta on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Kellie Parks Cloud Accounting Aficiando of Calm Waters Bookkeeping joined me and we: Explored App Advisory Here about the extensive collection of process and workflow templates Kellies built for practices and businesses and how she has adapted them to Asana, Pixie, Click-Up, 17 Hats, Karbon and Jet Pack. Plus I convinced her to bring the elephant back to drink at the Workflow Wateringhole! We touched on the elements needs for building a lifestyle practice Explored the importance of creating an ideal client profile and Kellie shared the tools she uses in her business.  Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM  uhfvLjKPVtB2FmPsaFZu  

I explain how the data was interpolated, and Kellie Parks and I discuss what we learn from the surfaced information. The Accounting Apps newsletters showcases the best recent blog posts from the Accounting Apps community – using insights of your past behaviour, and predictive algorithms it personalises the bite size chunks knowledge and insights delivered into your inbox. The bi-weekly informative, educational newsletter is a must-read for anyone who wants to enhance their knowledge on Accounting Apps. Subscribe here: http://heathersmithau.com/

Today I’m speaking with Michael Astreiko CEO of Synder. In this episode, we talk about . . . Delve into Physics and Maxwell's equations which form the foundation of classical electromagnetism, classical optics, and electric circuits. How his own reconciliation pain, led them to develop a reconciliation solution for eCommerce businesses. The impact has Covid 19 has had on Synder and the clients of your business? How they unpack customer feedback, and focus on developing features that will have an overall big impact for the end user Which Disney character inspired the naming of Synder Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Aynsley Damery Founder and CEO of Clarity In this episode, we talk about . . . Rolling out business advisory in a typical compliance-based practice. Making the leap from accounting to founding a technology company Why business advisory has been so tricky to introduce in the past, and why it is easier now The Five Steps for offering Business Advisory. Supporting the Clarity community with education, mindset and technical support Their giving initiative, through B1G1 Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Martha Yasso, Principal of Yasso Books. In this episode, we talk about . . . The four points of Cash Flow: Cash In, Cash Out, Cash Balance and Time How to avoid the clients glazed over look when unpacking the small business financials Conversations to have with clients during these times of a pandemic and uncertainty Neural Network, their lack of human emotions and their impact on Accounting Technology used today Pricing for Cash Flow Advisory services Cash Flow Forecasting Apps Martha likes to use Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Alexandra Bond Burnett Accounting Presenting and Presence Coach of Speaking Ambition In this episode, we talk about . . . The importance of communication training for the accounting industry Recognising how to surface your mojo, to improve your presence The concept of taking clients on a journey through data storytelling The Professional Presence Equation = Reveal, Resonate, Retell Represent and Reach Amplifying your authenticity and the difference between reciting and speaking The technology stack used in her business – Xero, Zoom, Zapier, Calendly, Practice Ignition Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Kristen Nies Ciraldo, Cloud Advisor and Restaurant Solutionist of the Friday Guide. In this episode, we talk about . . . In her own words ‘a strange stew of interests that led Kristen to a passion about translating between 'sciencey' or 'mathy' and 'creative' people.' Her interest in intersections, and entering the world of numbers thru the lens of a restaurateur Tech stack for independent businesses in the hospitality industry Field Guides for Restaurateurs, and the myths people have about restaurant people. How her niche in the hospitality industry developed The concept of Working Clean, and decluttering mental real estate. Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Meryl Johnston, Founder and CEO of Bean Ninjas. In this episode, we talk about . . . Meryl’s goal of wanting to start and run a business. We explore why Chartered Accountants launch bookkeeping practices and the importance of clean data. The impact of public facing accountability, working in public and sharing what you are doing, the highs and the lows in real time. The Bean Ninja tech stack, which included a few new tools I’d not heard of! How they nurture continuous learning in the work environment, through a structured Emerging Leaders program, and lunch and learn opportunities.  And Meryl mentioned the book Deep Work by Cal Newport. Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Tim Garth and Dan Osborne co-hosts of Two Drunk Accountants podcast. In this episode, we talk about . . . How Tim’s dad has led a continuous learning culture and is always looking for a ways to make something easier, less friction and more efficient, which has enabled this firm started in the 1970’s, to remain modern and future focused The Apps Advisory conversation they have with their clients. One of the first things they think about when working with clients, is what do their systems look like. They don’t actively setup apps, but they often get involved in finding the solution. Using a podcast, to empowering small businesses in a relaxed, open non-judgmental format, so they can share accurate information. The tech stack of this Central Coast of New South Wales accounting practice. Building a business around systems and efficiencies Evolving their advisory journey, to meet their clients’ needs Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Alexi Boyd Director of a Bookkeeping business and host of the Small Biz Matters podcast In this episode, we talk about . . . Insights into how she runs her small bookkeeping practice, supporting micro and start-up businesses. Navigating a dislike for implementing and adopting new technology How curiosity, a growth mindset and a chance encounter with a radio station manager, was a catalyst for starting her podcast. How podcasting has helped her develop active listening and multi-tasking skills which she’s brought back into her bookkeeping business Useful tips for curating and facilitating panels, and why the CEO should not be hosting panel facilitations. Why it’s important to get involved in small business advocacy Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM