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

Today I’m speaking with Cloudoffis co-founders Viral Kanabar and Manish Sheladia In this episode, we talk about . . . Cloudoffis' journey from SMSF audit automation to AI-first tax workpaper solution, TaxSorted. Their goal is to create a complete cloud-based operating system for accounting firms. The shift from manual processes (PDFs, Excel) to seamless AI-enhanced workflows. The importance of integrations with BGL, Class, FYI Docs, and the ATO. Key challenges facing accounting firms: time poverty, tech adoption hesitation, and rising compliance pressures. Cloudoffis’ approach to fostering startup culture internally with hackathons and open innovation. Vision for accountants to evolve into business analysts and trusted advisors, moving beyond data entry. Viral's reflections on attending leadership events and staying energized. Plans for international expansion into the US, UK, and Canada. Key Takeaways: Automation and AI can free accountants from repetitive tasks, enabling more strategic

Today I’m speaking with Colin Hewitt, Founder & CEO of Float In this episode, we talk about . . . Evolution of cash flow forecasting from spreadsheets to intelligent cash flow platforms. Differences between direct and indirect cash flow forecasting. Float’s shift to support fractional CFOs and the growing need for 13-week forecasts. New features in Float: 13-week forecasting reports with click-to-detail functionality. Consolidated cash flow view for multi-entity businesses. Enhanced PDF reporting capabilities. Upcoming VAT & GST forecasting features. AI-driven expected payment dates and "intelligent cash flow". Importance of embracing AI internally and the concept of becoming an "AI-first" company. Colin’s experience launching The New F Word podcast, focusing on the rise of fractional CFOs. Building visibility via LinkedIn thought leadership. Key Takeaways: Cash flow tools should integrate seamlessly with reporting stacks, not replace them.  Fractional CFOs face conte

Today I’m speaking with Ryan Pearcy, founder of Digital Transformers and co-host of DigiTools in a Cruel World Background: From theoretical physicist to chartered accountant with a passion for cloud technology From Theory to Tech: Ryan shares his journey from theoretical physics to founding Digital Transformers, helping accounting firms streamline systems and gain smarter insights Digital Transformation vs. App Advisory: Why true transformation is about processes, not just plugging in apps Fixing the Wild West: Ryan’s mission to bring quality, accreditation, and structure to digital advisory services within the profession Partnering with ICAEW: Efforts to integrate digital transformation into formal accounting practice standards AI’s Impact: How AI is reshaping client relationships—from advice to assurance—and why pricing models need to evolve Top Tools Mentioned:  FYI, FuseSign, Xero – for practice and financial management ApprovalMax – to streamline approvals and bring in purchase order controls

A dynamic panel explores how accountants can lead digital transformation, harness AI, train teams, and shift from compliance to advisory to stay relevant in a fast-changing tech landscape. The role of trusted advisors in leading digital transformation. Challenges in adopting new tech, especially in larger firms with undertrained internal finance teams.  The critical importance of training staff and upskilling, starting from the advisory end and working backwards.  Using tools like Dext and other cloud accounting apps to streamline processes and enhance client engagement.  The value of certifications, networking, and community learning.  Emphasis on simplifying processes before layering tech solutions.  This panel was held at the Accounting and Business Expo in Sydney, and was sponsored by Dext. Dext is a cloud-based accounting software platform that helps accountants, bookkeepers, and businesses streamline financial data collection and processing. Formerly known as Receipt Bank, Dext offers tool

My co-host Tyler Caskey Partner at The BeanCounters and I presented a taster of our quarterly Accounting Tech update podcast at the popular Accounting & Business Expo in Sydney.  In this episode, we talk about . . . Big Software Moves: Xero retires classic invoicing and introduces drag/drop bill uploads; QuickBooks enhances Projects and Work area; MYOB adds new reminders; Easy Business adds ABA payroll. ERP & Practice App Upgrades: NetSuite introduces AI-powered “Text Enhanced,” while XonBoard simplifies Xero onboarding—praised as “worth its weight in gold.” Insights & Oversight Tools: Fathom launches Portfolio for client-wide metrics; Dext refreshes its dashboard; Spotlight Reporting pushes ESG advisory via Sustain. Standout Tools & Features: Modano’s online budgeting praised, Translucent adds 6 tracking categories & Deferred Revenue App, Karbon expands KPI reporting and integrates Chrome extension. Ecosystem Growth: Sharesight adds Drawdown Risk and improved cost reporting; Fergus integr

Today I’m speaking with Andrew Sims, CEO of SuiteFiles Key Learnings from this episode include: Understanding Fatigue: Decision, friction, and task fatigue impact productivity. Recognising them is the first step to overcoming them. Practical Boundaries: Setting clear work boundaries and minimising interruptions can dramatically improve focus. Calendar & Meeting Management: Colour-coded calendars, automated scheduling tools, and meeting transcribers save time and reduce cognitive overload. Digital Decluttering: Organised digital workspaces reduce friction fatigue and make information retrieval seamless. Deep Work Techniques: Methods like the Pomodoro technique, energy peak planning, and music-driven focus improve concentration. The Right Tech Tools: Document management, email organisation, and workflow automation enhance efficiency and reduce time wasted on repetitive tasks. Resources To find out more about SuiteFiles: https://www.suitefiles.com/ Andrew Sims https://www.linkedin.com/in/adsims/    Contact d

As a female founder in fintech, Jo Hurley shares her journey  as a tech entrepreneur learning from other sectors, selling her business to Deloitte, and how endurance sports fuel her personal growth. Today I’m speaking with Jo Hurley Chartered Accountant Motivational Speaker and Triathlete Key learnings from this episode include: Tech in Finance: How Jo leveraged technology to transform audit processes. Women in Tech: Facing industry pushback & building networks beyond finance. Selling a Business: The realities of selling to Deloitte & unexpected retirement. Mindset & Endurance: How Ironman training fosters discipline & deep reflection. Storytelling & Speaking: Using experience to connect with and inspire others. Resources The Light Year Docs 25 event https://www.lightyeardocs.com.au/event-details/lyd25-unstoppable-growth-conference-online-2    LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_lyd25-lyd25-accountingandaccountants-activity-7296297019323691009-etYO/   http

Discover how NetSuite’s new AI-powered Text Enhance feature is revolutionising finance teams, streamlining workflows, and boosting productivity with secure, business-specific automation —all while keeping data secure. Scott Wiltshire from Oracle NetSuite shares insights into AI-driven automation, its impact on finance and operations, and why Australian & NZ businesses should embrace this next-gen technology. Discover how NetSuite's new AI-powered "Text Enhanced" feature is revolutionising finance teams by automating manual tasks, improving productivity, and providing smarter business insights Today I’m speaking with Scott Wiltshire, Vice President & GM, Oracle NetSuite ANZ Key Learnings from the Episode: NetSuite's "Text Enhanced" Feature: Uses generative AI to automate content creation within the ERP system. Boosting Productivity: AI-powered automation helps finance teams with collections, journal entry annotations, and other manual documentation tasks. Data Security & Compliance: The AI as

Translucent CEO Michael Wood discusses the company's recent launch event, new features like automated intercompany reconciliation and custom tracking categories, and the importance of addressing data model issues for multi-entity businesses. Today I’m speaking with Michael Wood Founder & CEO of Translucent In this episode, we talk about . . .

Join Heather Smith and Tyler Caskey as they share global insights from Xerocon, SuiteWorld, and beyond. Discover the latest in accounting tech—new features, strategic shifts, and practical tools to boost your practice.  Here are the many reasons you should listen in!

Gain insights from an experienced leader who has successfully scaled multiple professional services and technology companies. Learn strategies for driving innovation, improving operational efficiency, and providing real-time visibility for consulting firms.  Understand how to leverage patents and intellectual property to differentiate your business. Get advice on effective leadership approaches, including the power of being a proactive listener.  Today I’m speaking with Mark Orttung, CEO of Projectworks. The conversation provides a wealth of practical, hard-earned wisdom for anyone looking to grow and improve their professional services business. In this episode, we talk about . . .   Mark Orttung's journey from scaling Nexiant and Bill.com to leading professional services automation platform Projectworks Insights on driving innovation and providing real-time visibility to reduce administrative burdens for consulting clients Leveraging patents and his approach to effective leadership, including the impo

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist! In this episode, I speak with Brian Chess, SVP Technology and AI, of Oracle NetSuite.  Brian oversees the development and operations of NetSuite’s technology stack, platform, and AI-driven functionality. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering as well as more than a dozen patents related to integrated circuit design, web-based applications, and computer security. We discuss: The concept of "AI built in, not bolted on," referring to the deep integration of AI with NetSuite. The philosophy of "human in the loop," emphasising the importance of human oversight and trust in AI systems. Brian believes the best AI feature will likely be created by NetSuite customers, leveraging the platform's openness. On my blog you'll find detailed show notes to accompany this podcast, and for those l

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist! In this episode, I speak with Matt Lowry, Chief Revenue Officer | GTM Leader at ApprovalMax.  Matt is a commercially-minded and proactive revenue leader with SaaS scale-up experience. Particular areas of expertise include GTM strategy, revenue operations, sales, special projects, and customer experience. Matt and I have known each other for a few years, and he was representing Approval Max on the floor of the SuiteWorld conference. I jumped at the opportunity to speak with him, and get his perspective on the conference.  We discuss: The vastness and variety of activities at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld event, including a pottery studio and a bird conservancy! Attendee's keen interest in learning about third-party apps, and the experience of being first-time exhibitors. The i

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist! In this episode, I speak with James Chisham, Vice President Product Management at Oracle NetSuite. James has been instrumental in advancing NetSuite's international product offerings, particularly within the EMEA region. His leadership has helped shape NetSuite’s ERP and cloud solutions globally. We discuss: Key Innovations and Product Developments at Suite World The importance of financial exception management and how AI can provide suggestions and guidance. Oracle NetSuites "global be local" vision and the focus on localisation and compliance. On my blog you'll find detailed show notes to accompany this podcast, and for those looking to earn free CPE, be sure to head over to the EarMarkApp and take the quiz for the podcast you are about to listen to! Finally, thank you to the Or

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist! In this episode, I speak with Bruce Fitzgerald, CEO, Extel Technologies, a NetSuite customer. Bruce is keenly focused on systematising processes, implementing technology, and developing people, now to meet the growing demands of competitive manufacturing. We discuss: The selection process and decision to implement NetSuite The NetSuite rollout, and the importance of change management. The benefits of attending the Oracle NetSuite industry networking events, and learnings from other clients in this space. On my blog you'll find detailed show notes to accompany this podcast, and for those looking to earn free CPE, be sure to head over to the EarMarkApp and take the quiz for the podcast you are about to listen to! Finally, thank you to the Oracle NetSuite teams for hosting me at your

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle CloudWorld and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist! In this episode, I speak with Meredith Rowan, Group Vice President ANZ + ASEAN, Applications, Oracle.  Meredith leads the strategic direction and execution of Oracle’s cloud application solutions across the region. With over 20 years of experience in the technology sector, she has a strong track record of driving digital transformation and helping businesses leverage Oracle’s suite of enterprise solutions​ We discuss: A key factor in their success is making enterprise applications more user-friendly through the new Redwood user experience interface. Opportunities to leverage technology, particularly Ai to fill the productivity gap created by economic pressures, and drive better outcomes. Meredith noted that Australia and New Zealand have slipped in global productivity rankings, with t

Today's episode is part of a series of six interviews recorded at the Oracle NetSuite Cloud World and SuiteWorld conferences which were held in Las Vegas, September 2024. I encourage you to subscribe and add them all to your playlist!   In today’s episode, I speak with Scott Wiltshire, Vice President & GM, Oracle NetSuite ANZ. Scott is keen to help customers and employees identify and solve business challenges that deliver real value.  I interviewed Scott Wiltshire last year, I’ll pop a link in the show notes. https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/2023/10/27/how-netsuite-helps-australian-businesses-grow-scott-wiltshire/    We discuss some of the new feature announcements from NetSuite, which includes NetSuite's financial exception management, which helps organisations detect and mitigate financial risks. Suite Analytics Assistant, which allows users to generate reports using natural language. Prompt Studio, which enables users to configure AI-generated content to suit their business needs. AI fo

Join me as I recount my journey through the vibrant Nashville Xerocon, where country spirit and tech innovation collided.  In this episode, I cover: My personal takeaways from the conference Insights from the Nashville Xerocon and key product announcements Innovation from the exhibitor floor Behind the scenes of speaking at my first International Xerocon. Connecting with industry peers at events and activities around Xerocon. There are lots of links in the show notes to explore more about everything I discussed. SPONSOR Today’s episode is brought to you by ApprovalMax. If you're looking to streamline your financial controls across accounts payable and receivable, ApprovalMax has you covered.   On average it cuts approval times by 85%, and boost AP efficiency by up to 50%. With ApprovalMax, you can swiftly approve vendor bills, purchase orders, expense reports, vendor return authorizations, and sales orders. It simplifies complex approval workflows with automated routing and lets you design multi-l

Today I’m speaking with Val Steed, Director Accountants, Zoho Corporation  In this episode, we talk about . . . Zoho Corporation's journey in the accounting technology industry, from its founding in 1996 to its current position as a leading provider of integrated business solutions The company's focus on privacy, security, and long-term vision, with a family-like culture and commitment to employee retention Zoho's conservative management approach and profitability since day one, even during challenging times like the pandemic The challenges of working as a US-based employee for an Indian-based company, including navigating cultural nuances and time zones Zoho's integrated platform, which offers a suite of over 55 web apps and 75 mobile apps, including accounting, CRM, and other business tools Zoho's efforts to adapt its products to local markets, such as incorporating Australian tax and payroll requirements The company's annual Zoholics conference, including the partner-focused Inspire event, and its plans fo