A live panel unpacks how accounting tech reshapes advisory, global work, and lifestyles: covering cloud, AI, ethics, niche healthcare, and why some accountants invest in apps. Guests: Gardner, Falcon Huerta, Chard.

Summary

Host Heather Smith moderates a lively panel on accounting + technology at the Brisbane Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand offices.

Guests:

Alex Falcon Huerta FCCA (Soaring Falcon) https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexfalconhuerta/

Kelly Chard (GrowthMD) https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellychard/

Paul Gardner (fresh accounting) https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-gardner-3b85322/

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Cloud tools lower barriers for boutique firms; data enables deeper advisory.
• Lifestyle design: remote teams, digital-nomad workflows, and flexible careers.
• Global work: Hong Kong/Singapore complexities—multi-entity, multi-currency, consolidation.
• Specialisation: healthcare niche delivers powerful benchmarking and insight.
• Founders as investors: why accountants back apps they implement.
• AI: more a shift than a threat; ethics and guardrails remain paramount.
• Practical stack talk: standardising platforms, comms, and change management.

Apps & Tools Mentioned: Xero, Sage, NetSuite, SAP, Expensify, Dext, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Copilot, Excel, WhatsApp, Brieff, Otter.ai

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

In this solo episode Heather Smith explores how accountants can harness AI as a strategic enabler, boosting data-driven decision making, enhancing client value, and leading with ethics, integrity, and curiosity.

Summary

In this solo episode, I talk about . . .

Key Points:

• Technology as a strategic enabler, not just an operational tool
• AI reduces repetitive work, empowering advisory services
• Algorithms + data = core to accountants’ strengths
• Data as a strategic asset: dashboards, analytics, forecasting tools
• AI skills now a core competency—embrace continuous learning
• Importance of curiosity and experimentation
• Changing client expectations around speed, transparency, and insights
• Data security, ethics, and integrity as professional superpowers
• AI governance—opportunity to lead and educate clients
• Leadership moment for accountants in shaping AI adoption

00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview Heather introduces the AI in accounting theme.

00:45 – 1 AI as a Strategic Enabler Why technology is more than an operational necessity.

02:10 – 2. Automation Frees Accountants to Be Human From data entry to strategic advisory work.

03:30 – AI in Simple Terms: Algorithms + Data Why this formula matters for accountants and bookkeepers.

04:50 – 3. Data as a Strategic Asset Leveraging dashboards, analytics, and forecasting tools.

06:15 – 4. AI Skills Are the New Core Competencies From spreadsheets to generative AI proficiency.

07:35 – 5. Curiosity & Experimentation Drive Innovation How to create space for trying new tools.

09:10 – 6. Meeting Evolving Client Expectations Speed, transparency, and tech-savvy service delivery.

10:40 – 7. Data Security & AI Disclosure Best practices for safeguarding sensitive financial data.

12:05 – 8. Ethics & Integrity as the Accountant’s Superpower Embedding responsible AI use into daily decisions.

13:25 – 9. AI Governance: A New Service Opportunity Helping clients set rules and policies for AI adoption.

15:00 – 10. Leadership Moment for Accountants Shaping how AI delivers value and manages risk.

17:10 – Final Thoughts & Resources Encouraging continuous learning and professional community engagement.

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Heather Smith & Tyler Caskey join ApprovalMax to have a conversation exploring how finance automation boosts accuracy, prevents fraud, and streamlines processes.

Today I’m speaking with Tyler Caskey Partner at The Bean Counters

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Key Points:
  • How automation reduces human error and speeds approvals
  • Real-world case studies with ApprovalMax & Xero
  • Common vulnerabilities: hacked emails, invoice scams, credit card fraud
  • Risk reduction strategies: 2FA, segregation of duties, virtual credit cards
  • The role of password managers & proactive anti-fraud controls
  • Fraud detection warning signs & team training
• Stats:
  • $277M lost to payment redirection scams in Australia (2023)
  • 80–90% of finance errors caused by human error
  • Automation can detect fraud 50% faster & reduce losses by 50%
• Event Preview: Brisbane Xerocon tips & networking advice

Apps & Tools Mentioned: ApprovalMax, Xero, Mayday, Power BI, OnePassword, Practice Protect, EFTsure.

00:00 – Welcome & Introductions Hosts set the scene, introduce Tyler Caskey, and outline today’s automation & fraud prevention focus.

02:15 – Why Finance Automation is a "No Brainer" How automation improves efficiency, accuracy, and security for finance teams.

05:04 – Real-World Automation Wins Case study: $50M invoice group transforms processes with ApprovalMax & Xero.

08:42 – Common Fraud Vulnerabilities in Small Business From hacked emails to bank detail changes—how fraudsters infiltrate.

12:15 – Invoice Scams & How to Spot Them Practical warning signs and red flags finance teams should never ignore.

15:50 – Credit Card & Virtual Card Fraud Prevention Reducing risk with approval processes and controlled card usage.

19:32 – Passwords, 2FA & Segregation of Duties The non-negotiable security practices for finance teams.

23:05 – Fraud Cost & Prevention Statistics Eye-opening data on human error, scam losses, and automation benefits.

26:40 – Training Your Team for Fraud Awareness Creating a culture that detects scams before they succeed.

29:55 – ApprovalMax Features That Reduce Risk Notifications, audit trails, and bank account verification tools.

33:12 – Xerocon Brisbane Preview What Heather & Tyler are excited about—plus networking tips for attendees.

37:18 – Final Advice for Accountants & Bookkeepers Leading clients toward best-practice automation and fraud prevention.

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU