Cloud Stories | Cloud Accounting | Business Tools | Xero, Qbo, Myob | Ecosystem | Apps

Today I’m speaking with Rosemary King, Head of Product at of Float In this episode, we talk about . . . How to find opportunities that stretch and challenge you in new directions How you go get the lay of the land and establish a plan for moving forward when you take on a prominent role in an established company. What factors influence product designers Choosing to work with people, teams and businesses that embrace receptivity. How you empower staff to solve their own problems What does diversity in the workplace mean to Rosemary and why it is important  Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Shanu Mehta Co-Founder of MMC Convert In this episode, we talk about . . . The four types of Entrepreneurs: Builder, Opportunist, Specialist, Innovator Surreptitiously meeting an accounting legend on her honeymoon, which changed the course of the business. The importance of quality historical data, for advisory How India is navigating the Covid19 pandemic Improving the financial literacy of females and freeing them from oppressive situations How they will connect with the community, now that there are no IRL events planned for 2020. Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Liz Mason, CEO + Founder of multiple businesses including High Rock. In this episode, we talk about . . . CPA World Domination Kaizen the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement With creative ideas and giant goals, Liz explains how she manages to juggle so many big projects Measuring your value – how to price for Modern Practices. How to build an amazing team The complexities of accounting for the cannabis industry How to creatively compensate your team. Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Lee Duffield, General Manager of All in Advisory. In this episode, we talk about . . . Choosing the best of breed in software for a 100% modern future-focused cloud-based firm Helping their clients use innovative modern tools through App Advisory How vendors can connect with accountants and bookkeepers through drip-feeding content across social media How they scope, select implement and review accounting technology. Being part of a 100% female-owned and led accounting practice. Why female panellists at industry events are important Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Amy Holdsworth, CEO & Founder of Clarity Street In this episode, we talk about . . . Recommendations for someone wanting to start a modern future-focused cloud practice. Fast and Furious implementations that could provide some quick capacity wins Juggling change management, how to get the decision-makers across the line? Advice for someone in an old school firm that wants to automate, modernise and move to the cloud. How do you reposition the client lifecycle and get the most out of your software! How her side hustle, Red Coat Cake, helps her keep current with some different technology tools.  Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Luis Sanchez, General Manager of Receipt Bank Australia  In this episode, we talk about . . . Luis childhood in Guatemala, Mexico and Argentina, through to Harvard Business School and now in Sydney, where he enjoys the community role of a Nippers Age Manager at the local surf club. How Team Orange the Receipt Bank team are navigating the Covid 19 pandemic Common traits of successful modern accountants and bookkeepers The necessary pivots required when online accounting solutions roll out receipt scanning features Universal functionality that could be built into Receipt Bank help all small businesses – what do you think that could be? Technology tools Luis uses for business and pleasure – including Salesforce, Slack, Zoom, Netflix & Amazon and of course Receipt Bank. Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here  http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I’m speaking with Will Lopez Head of Accountant Community at Gusto In this episode, we talk about Why you should “Educate, Guide Now, and Earn Later” during the Global Crisis What is involved in the role of a community Manager, and how Will is empowering the community How Truly Lazy people can Make Multiple Pieces of Content? How Accountants and Bookkeepers can step into an advisor role mid-and-post Covid 19. The resources and support Gusto has provided to their community during these challenging times and of course, we talk about kayaking with giant alligators in the Everglades because it's Will Lopez!  Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here  http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

We are going through quite challenging times, and I’ve asked Nick, as a leader in the EcoSystem space to join me to share his insights and perspectives on: How businesses in the ecosystem can pivot, pirouette, or adapt to the Covid 19 crisis We also discuss the challenges of keeping a remote workforce productive and engaged during such stressful times. What he has learnt from working from home How Apps could support their clients during Covid 19, How Unleashed had built a market place to try and match and helps its client base find new customers How Kounta had built-in online ordering into its Point of Sale system. How Deputy had built a contactless check-in system, to minimise the transfer of the virus and how Apps are effectively communicating with their overwhelmed client base. If you’re listening to this podcast, and you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, like getting through the day, is like walking through mud, please remember you’re not alone. Please reach out for support. Be it Lifeline, your professi

Today I’m speaking with Ryan Lazanis Founder of Future Firm. In this episode, we talk about . . . How do you create the best customer experience possible. How you create a scalable modern firm that can sell. Helping firms implement a strategic plan, set up goals, and maintain focus. Some of his favourite technology tools, including Team Works, Xero, Practice Ignition, Spark Hire, Zoom, and Slack. Using blogging to market to and attract client of a particular personality type. How firms can benefit from gig economy accounting. Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Paul Murray co-founder of Account – Kit joined me to talk about . . . His surprisingly in-depth knowledge of Disneyland and his background as a computer game artist, the ongoing challenges of modernising a server-based practice, and Building tools needed for the Accounting Practice - Murray Business Solutions and commercialising them into a solution called Account Kit Leveraging his background as a computer game artist, to build gamification into Account-Kit The different tools found in Account Kit, including the inter-entity loan reconciliation, and client mapping tool. The Adelaide Tech Users Club Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http:// HeatherSmithAU.com

Lance Rubin of Model Citizn joined me to talk about . . . The journey from being a Chartered Accountant to a Cash Flow Financial Modeller How Lance tackles simple financial modelling problems to make an informed, relevant and purposeful decision with insight. And yet - with all the data and technology – why making decisions is still difficult Questions accountants can ask their clients and How businesses can utilise modelling to prepare for uncertain times Plus, the different technology Lance uses for data modelling, including DataDear, Power BI, Etani Business Platform, Tableau Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here: http:// HeatherSmithAU.COM

Natalie Lennon from Two Sides Accounting joined me to talk about . . . How she started a 100% cloud-based practice What Accounting Apps she uses to Automate her practice How she offers Apps Advisory to her clients How she is using Zapier to connect a number of solutions  Natalie's commitment to helping the Love Mercy Foundation and the Cents for Seeds program for each new client onboarded. Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here  http:// HeatherSmithAU.com

Today I’m speaking with serial entrepreneur Michael Ly -  CEO of a number of businesses including Reconciled In this episode, we talk about . . . How Michael stays focused on working on his businesses, rather than in his businesses. The complexities of navigating different cultures in the work environment, How starting a new business gets easier each time, as you learn from past experiences. Michael sharing how his upbringing, in the hot desert of Arizona by Cambodian refugees, impacted his approach The structure of his online bookkeeping and advisory firm The Accounting and Business tools he uses Michael’s philosophy of 'Always be Learning'. Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here https://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I am speaking with David Cristello CEO and Founder from JetPack Workflow In this episode, we talk about . . . Why he created a company to build a Workflow and CRM solution for practices What some of his favourite features and reports are within JetPack Workflow The importance of asking better questions, to uncover real issues. The longest milkshake analogy ever told on an accounting podcast! Also, we heard about an atomic habit that David has adopted, and from that discussion I’ve followed James Clear on twitter And David expressed his interest in understanding if practices really examined their own capacity. If you have thoughts on that – send him a message on Twitter at @DaveCristello not David, just Dave…. Sign up to the Accounting Apps newsletter here: https://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Today I am speaking with Nick Sinclair from TOA Global. In this episode, we talk about * What outsourcing and offshoring are, and what they involve * The different size business models leveraging offshoring * the importance of building offshoring into your people strategy, and incorporating ongoing training for all staff * Why TOA Global choose to base their operations in the Philippines, and how they prepare for natural disasters. * The ethical concerns people have about offshoring. * The typical life cycle of a practice utilising offshoring *  How to maintain a healthy work-life balance when over a third of the year is spent travelling Contact Details          W: www.theoutsourcedaccountant.com T: https://twitter.com/nickqsinclair L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicksinclair/ Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here https://HeatherSmithAU.COM  

Brad Ewin from GoCardless shares his Top Ten Tips for Writing Better Content. Have it all in the intro Write long Edit short Tell the story with headers Provide key takeaways Always have a CTA Draft 15 headlines Create a curiosity gap Make it readable Don't be a perfectionist I also want to let you know that I’ve created the Accounting App Content Creator Facebook group – An educational environment for inspiring and facilitating content generation around the specialist theme of Accounting Apps. Your welcome to join.

Jeri Wambeek in her own words: Having owned 3 businesses, myself from a young age, coming from a very entrepreneurial family, I live for helping business owners succeed in finding the best way forward and solving complex problems with simple solutions. As a fully qualified accountant and former tax agent, I stumbled into the world of cloud solutions when I discovered Xero in 2009 and have never looked back. Immersing myself in cloud solutions and the Add On ecosystem surrounding Xero and QuickBooks Online, WhichAddon was inevitably born in 2015 when I knew business owners and cloud advisors around the world were going to need to help to find the right cloud solutions and implement them without all the headaches. Over the years of accounting, cloud conversions and implementations, we have learned what it takes to move to the cloud. Our proven systems provide clean and clear data migration and optimisation, customised training, transition support and ongoing customer care. WhichAddOn We help proactive entrepren

Today I am speaking with Ben Thompson from Employment Hero  In this episode we talk about How he combines his economic law background with a love of technology How his solutions enable small businesses to offer employees benefits, which are typically only afforded to the larger firms. What fascinates him about building employment related businesses – that combine technology with people management? The concept psychology principal of Reward and Recognition – to create a positive workplace culture everybody should receive four times more positive feedback, than negative feedback, Some of the technology tools he uses, including GSuite, and Evernote some of his favourite business books, including Verne Harnish.

Today I am speaking with Martin Peirce from Zahara Software. In this episode, we talk about: * The importance of controlling and managing spend in an organisation *The benefits of a good supplier relationship. * Martin likens his business partnership to that of Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams of Take That! * The reduction in processing time recognised from adopting a digital workflow. * The type of clients suited to using digital purchasing controls, including NFP’s, multi-sites, construction for project control, and retail stores for departmental control. *  Zahara is named after a Spanish town, where Martin’s business partner lived.   Martin Peirce As CEO and founder of Zahara I am passionate about software development and creating systems that simplify business process. My teenage years spent programming my BBC Micro eventually found influence in my career after many years in property sales and business solutions sales. I designed Zahara back in 2015 and we launched it a year or so later. It now has a glob

Today I am speaking with Cameron Lynch founder of Etani Business Platform Cameron is a Chartered Accountant and the founder of the Etani Business Platform. He believes he can help businesses survive and prosper in today’s disruptive environment. Cameron is experienced with Business Intelligence (BI), Analytics, Big Data and implementing cloud-based solutions to streamline reporting systems. Live data has a significant role to play in assisting businesses to make wiser decisions, both now and in the future. Cameron’s passion is driven by the concept of creating vehicles to help businesses and individuals prosper. Cameron worked previously in Consolidated Financial Reporting. Every month, a team of accountants would send the subsidiary financial accounting data to existing, pre-filled tabs on numerous Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for consolidation.  While this may sound like smooth sailing, all it would take is for one person to hit the wrong key in the wrong cell, paste data into an incorrect tab, or add a