Julie Adams, SVP of Construction and Real Estate Products at Sage, discusses how AI is revolutionizing construction from bid management to field operations. She explores Sage Intacct Construction's journey from a 2020 launch during COVID to becoming the fastest-growing vertical, featuring AI-powered takeoff tools, drawing management, and predictive bidding that helps contractors win projects at the right price. The conversation covers how modern construction teams are moving beyond spreadsheets and paper processes to integrated platforms that connect pre-construction, project management, and financials in one seamless workflow.

**We apologize for the audio quality issues that occur the final 10-15minutes through this episode. This interview was recorded live at Sage Future conference, and we experienced some technical difficulties during the recording. Thank you for your patience and understanding.**

Connect with Julie Adams
https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliechoiadams

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlescault
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• (00:00) - Introduction and Conference Overview
• (01:42) - Meet Julie Adams: SVP of Construction and Real Estate Products
• (02:18) - Sage Intacct Construction: Innovation and Growth
• (09:40) - AI in Construction: Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy
• (12:53) - AI-Powered Drawing and Takeoff Management
• (16:18) - Field Operations and Change Management
• (19:09) - Cost Efficiency and Employee Satisfaction
• (19:17) - Overview of Sage Intacct Products
• (21:06) - Specialized Modules for Different Sub-Verticals
• (23:08) - Future Innovations and Roadmap
• (26:51) - Personal Insights and Experiences
• (29:37) - Fun and Lighthearted Wrap-Up

Recording live from the Sage Future conference in Atlanta, Emily and Matt sit down with Dan Miller, who runs Sage's Financials and ERP division, to discuss how AI is fundamentally shifting finance teams from tactical work to strategic business partnership. Miller shares his 15-year journey with the company and reveals Sage's approach to building trustworthy AI with audit trails, the evolution of continuous close from "bedtime story" to reality, and why the future isn't about replacing accountants but empowering them to spend weekends at their kids' games instead of reconciling spreadsheets. He also clarifies the difference between Sage AI Copilot and Microsoft Copilot, discusses the upcoming native cloud solution for Sage X3, and explains why accuracy in AI can't be "just 90%" when it comes to accounting.

Sponsors
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• (00:00) - Welcome to the Conference
• (00:24) - Memorable Conversations with CFOs
• (01:40) - Introducing the Podcast
• (02:15) - Dan Miller's Journey with Intacct
• (03:28) - The Future of AI in Sage Intacct
• (06:20) - Continuous Close and Workspace Vision
• (10:13) - Building Trust in AI
• (17:16) - Sage X3 and Copilot Integration
• (20:49) - Configuration vs. Custom Development
• (22:37) - Understanding Sage AI Copilot
• (24:01) - Clarifying Misconceptions About Copilot
• (26:11) - AI in Healthcare and Compliance
• (27:19) - Ensuring Accuracy in AI Solutions
• (29:26) - Upcoming Sage Events
• (30:33) - Engaging with Partners
• (32:36) - Fun and Personal Insights
• (37:07) - Closing Remarks and Dad Jokes

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Recording live from the Accounting Today Firm Growth Forum in San Diego, the hosts sit down with Frank Longobardi (former CEO of CohnReznick) and Dario Grassini from SAPRO to discuss the evolution of global staffing in accounting. The conversation covers how firms can successfully integrate international talent, the cultural nuances of working with teams from South Africa and India, and why starting with senior talent is key to offshore success. Dan Hood from Accounting Today also joins to share insights on helping firms navigate constant change in the profession.

Connect with the Guests:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariograssini
https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankplongobardi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-hood-3494ab49

Connect with the Hosts:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilybmadere
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlescault
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlewis715

Michael Blanton from Sage joins the show and breaks down the harsh reality facing nonprofits: only 9% consider themselves data-driven despite widespread recognition of its importance. With staffing crises, funding uncertainty, and political chaos creating unprecedented challenges, organizations are scrambling for revenue diversification and better technology solutions. Michael explains why this turbulent moment might actually be the perfect time for nonprofits to modernize their financial systems.

Sponsors
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Mark Hickman, Managing Director of North America at Sage, joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming Sage Future event, which replaces the former Transform conference and is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees. Mark shares insights about exciting announcements coming to Sage Copilot, the expansion of Sage HR into the North American market, and teases game-changing developments that will be revealed at the event.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

• (00:00) - Welcome to The Unofficial Sage Intacct Podcast
• (01:01) - Special Guest Introduction: Mark Hickman
• (01:45) - Mark Hickman's Background and Experience
• (07:09) - Sage Future Event Overview
• (15:50) - Exciting Announcements and Sage Copilot
• (19:45) - Sage HR and Payroll Insights
• (24:33) - Teasers for Sage Future Event
• (28:13) - Marketplace Partners and Event Highlights
• (30:07) - Tips for Maximizing Your Event Experience
• (33:52) - Reasons People Should Go to Sage Future
• (40:13) - Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts
• (43:43) - Wrap-up and Dad Joke

Connect with the Hosts:
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Steve Howe from Times Three Technologies (T3T) in South Africa joins the podcast to share insights on Sage X3 and Intacct implementations across different markets. Steve explains how T3T's focus on Sage products has led them to become a leading partner, winning the executive partner award four of the last five years. The conversation explores key differences between product-centric X3 and service-oriented Intacct implementations, while highlighting how regional market differences shape ERP strategy and adoption around the world.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

• (00:00) - Welcome to The Unofficial Sage Intacct Podcast
• (00:56) - Introducing Steve Howe and Times Three Technologies
• (03:35) - Achievements and Awards
• (07:08) - Partner Collaboration and Ethics
• (11:29) - Deep Dive: Sage Intacct vs. X3
• (23:52) - Client Requirements and Product Differentiation
• (25:51) - Challenges with Marketplace Add-Ons
• (27:35) - Customization and Development in X3
• (29:41) - Client Discovery and Decision Making
• (34:40) - Regional Market Differences
• (49:54) - Importance of Customer Relationships
• (51:12) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Michael Hulett from Avalara joins the podcast to explain how their tax compliance software helps businesses navigate the increasingly complex landscape of sales tax regulations. With over 43,000 customers, 1,200+ integrations, and expertise handling more than 12,000 tax jurisdictions, Avalara has become the global leader in making tax compliance manageable. Michael shares fascinating insights about the most challenging tax scenarios, from software's evolving taxability to the complexities of state-specific regulations and even the different tax treatments of sliced versus unsliced bagels in New York.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

• (00:00) - Welcome to The Unofficial Sage Intacct Podcast
• (01:09) - Meet Michael from Avalara
• (06:31) - Avalara's Role and Services
• (12:04) - Global Reach and Challenges
• (13:27) - Integration with Sage Intacct
• (20:03) - Avalara's Comprehensive Tax Solutions
• (26:28) - The Importance of Tax Compliance Solutions
• (27:29) - Challenges in Manual Tax Compliance
• (28:45) - Automating Tax Compliance with Avalara
• (29:40) - The Role of Finance Teams in Tax Compliance
• (32:06) - Complexities of Tax Jurisdictions
• (35:48) - Avalara's Integration and Human Component
• (40:25) - Challenging Tax Jurisdictions
• (45:24) - The Complexity of Software Taxation
• (48:34) - Concluding Thoughts and Dad Joke

Connect with the Hosts:
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlescault
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlewis715

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Three-time Platinum Club member Angela Nelson shares her 15-year journey at Sage, discussing how construction firms are finally embracing technology after decades as digital laggards. Angela explains the evolution of Sage's construction offerings from Timberline to Sage Intacct Construction, revealing how generational shifts and recent acquisitions are transforming the industry. Her unique perspective as a Partner Account Manager provides valuable insights into how Sage is positioning itself as the end-to-end solution for construction firms worldwide.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

• (00:00) - Welcome to The Unofficial Sage Intacct Podcast
• (01:20) - Role of a Partner Account Manager
• (03:26) - Managing Partners and Expertise
• (10:29) - Sage's Focus on Construction
• (16:08) - Sage Construction Management vs. CRE
• (20:45) - Technology Adoption in Construction
• (21:03) - Embracing Technology in Construction
• (23:57) - The Evolution of Sage Products
• (26:45) - Sage's Strategic Acquisitions
• (35:14) - Global Expansion and Future Goals
• (38:35) - Choosing Between Timberline and Intacct
• (40:02) - Challenges and Considerations for Construction Firms
• (42:53) - Closing Remarks and Dad Jokes

Connect with the Hosts:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilybmadere
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlescault
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlewis715

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