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Accounting Apps Podcast

Accounting Apps Podcast

By: Heather Smith | Accountant & Storyteller
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 Exploring the intersections of accounting, technology and modern practice methodologies. Each month guests share how they built their business and how your business or clients can use technology to be more effective and efficient. This may include exploring:


*How you can implement and integrate business tools with your online accounting software to automate processes, improve productivity, and profitability;
*How to build a business developing business apps; or
*How to build a tech stack that meets your business needs or introduce your clients to them.


Brilliant guests include entrepreneurs, founders, business consultants, accountants, bookkeepers, small business owners, cloud advisors, developers, cloud integrators and solution providers.


Hosted by Heather Smith, an award winning Chartered Accountant with a flair for storytelling. Heather is obsessed with how effective automation and integration can produce timely clean data, to surface information for brave, fast data-informed ...ANISE Consulting 2015-2025 Politics & Government
Episodes
  • On the Ground at Accounting & Business Expo 2026 🎤

    On the Ground at Accounting & Business Expo 2026 🎤
    Apr 8 2026
    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 takeaways and interviews with founders, product leaders and firm owners building practical solutions for modern accounting firms. Key Discussion Points AI Strategy & LLM Insights, including commentary on Claude, ChatGPT, prompting techniques and why leaders must build hands-on AI capabilityPractice Management solutions on AI-enabled workflows, month-end automation, advisory reporting and co-worker agentsAML & Client Onboarding Tools featuring Seamless, Content Snare and Annature responding to Tranche 2 requirementsTax Research Innovation with Law Cyborg and Tax Guru AI focused on verified, citation-backed AI researchFirm Evolution & Financial Independence, including Natalie Lennon’s lifestyle firm model and Shaye Thyer’s CFO advisory for female founders The common theme throughout the expo was clear. We are in another platform shift. Firms that lean into AI experimentation, workflow automation and smarter onboarding processes will create capacity, improve margins and better serve clients. This episode is a snapshot of where the profession stands right now. Curious, slightly cautious, but moving forward with intention. Here is who I spoke with: Kayur Patel – Director, Gen AI & Emerging Tech at PwC Kayur unpacked AI with clarity and calm authority, encouraging accountants to become hands-on fast followers and treat AI as a trained digital team member rather than a magic solution. I shared his insight in my own words. Natalie Lennon – Two Sides Accounting Natalie shared her journey of intentionally redesigning her firm around lifestyle and purpose, reminding us that success in practice is something we can define and rebuild on our own terms. Mary Delaney – CEO of Karbon Mary spoke with deep conviction about the future of AI-enabled firms, where humans and intelligent systems work side by side to elevate the work accountants do best. Manraj Singh Rahi – Product Lead, Law Cyborg Manraj explained how structured, citation-led AI can support confident tax research, positioning technology as a reliable second set of eyes rather than a risky shortcut. Samuel David – Founder of Actually Count Samuel shared a heartfelt journey from persistence in his studies to building a solution that removes BAS friction, showing how lived experience often drives the most practical innovation. Clayton Woods – Co-founder of Seamless Clayton highlighted the quiet inefficiencies in onboarding and re-engagement, demonstrating how thoughtful automation can simplify processes accountants have long accepted as clunky. James Rose – Co-founder of Content Snare James reflected on solving one of the profession’s most persistent frustrations, turning the back-and-forth of client data collection into a structured, accountable process. Ben Gill – Executive Director, Lightyear Docs Ben reframed document creation as an opportunity for deeper client value, encouraging accountants to step into conversations around asset protection and long-term wealth. Michael Jeffries – CEO of Tax Guru Michael outlined a future where highly specialised AI agents deliver fast, structured tax insights, backed by curated expertise rather than generic internet scraping. Shaye Thyer – Finance Coach for Women in Business Shaye brought a powerful blend of practical financial strategy and lived experience, focusing on helping women build capability, confidence, and genuine financial independence. Corey Cacic – CEO of Annature Corey shared how Annature continues to evolve from e-signing into a broader workflow solution, with a strong focus on practical compliance and making everyday processes smoother for firms. Apps & Tools Mentioned: Claude – https://claude.aiChatGPT – https://chat.openai.comPerplexity – https://www.perplexity.aiCopilot (Microsoft Copilot) – https://copilot.microsoft.comKarbon – https://karbonhq.comSeamless – https://seamlessapp.com.auContent Snare – https://contentsnare.comAnnature – https://annature.com.auLaw Cyborg – https://lawcyborg.comTax Guru AI – https://taxguru.aiLightYear Docs – https://lightyeardocs.com.auActually Count – https://actuallycount.comXero – https://www.xero.comXPM (Xero Practice Manager) – https://www.xero.com/au/accounting-software/practice-manager/FYI – https://www.fyidocs.comDropbox – https://www.dropbox.comSuite Files – https://suitefiles.comZapier – https://zapier.com Episode resources and links: Kayur Patel - Director, Gen AI & Emerging Tech at PwC https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayur-patel-nz/ Shared an overview of two talks he gave on AI. Natalie Lennon of Two Sides ...
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    56 mins
  • Community, AI & Carpool Conversations with Australia’s Favourite Accountants 🚗| Chris Wheatley

    Community, AI & Carpool Conversations with Australia’s Favourite Accountants 🚗| Chris Wheatley
    Apr 1 2026

    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 are already using it
    • The growth and impact of the Small Business Accountants & Advisors Brain Trust Facebook group
    • Peer-to-peer recommendations versus traditional vendor marketing
    • The rise of alternative and non-bank lending in the SME space

    This conversation highlights the importance of community, practical tech adoption and staying grounded while navigating change in the accounting profession.

    Episode resources and links:

    Chris Wheatley, Director, Scope Accounting : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wheatley-fca-29398533/

    Scope Accounting : https://www.scopeaccounting.com.au/

    Small Business Accountants & Advisers Brain Trust, Australia FaceBook Group

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/977122739056681

    Accounting & Business Expo : https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/accounting-business-expo/index.stm

    If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:

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

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

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

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

    X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

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    22 mins
  • Tips to fuel growth in your practice in 2026

    Tips to fuel growth in your practice in 2026
    Mar 25 2026

    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 audits, tax workpapers and compliance workflows.

    Summary

    Accounting firms are entering a new phase of growth where success is no longer measured only by revenue. In this discussion, we explore how modern practices are improving profitability, efficiency and lifestyle outcomes through smarter systems and technology adoption.

    The panel shares practical advice on reviewing your tech stack, identifying pain points and adopting automation that removes administrative tasks rather than replacing professional judgement. AI is already transforming workflows through data analysis, receipt capture, executive summaries and financial insights.

    Importantly, the conversation also highlights the need for clear AI policies, strong client data protection and thoughtful implementation. As accounting technology continues to evolve, firms that focus on small improvements, better systems and intentional growth will be well positioned for the future.

    Apps & Tools Mentioned: Cloudoffis, Excel, Google Meet, Zoom, Xero, Hubdoc, Dext, Wheel, JAX, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Power BI, Intuit

    Contact details:

    Cloudoffis : https://cloudoffis.com.au/

    Dan Osborne : https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-osborne-985129121/

    CATS : https://catax.com.au/

    Two Drunk Accountants : https://twodrunkaccountants.com.au/

    Tyler Caskey : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/

    Bean Counters : https://www.thebeancounters.com.au/

    John Munden : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmunden/

    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
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    46 mins
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