Today I’m debating Samuel Green, UK Partnership Account Executive of Employment Hero on AI vs the human touch in accounting at the Festival of Accountants and Bookkeepers

- Smith argues the human touch is crucial for customer service and empathy while Greene emphasises AI's potential for efficiency and insights  

- Both agree AI can streamline repetitive tasks but human oversight is still needed

- Attendees question how AI will evolve and what to consider when choosing software

- Smith encourages evaluating long-term roadmaps and support while Greene discusses AI use cases at Employment Hero

- They find consensus that selective AI use can enhance but not replace the human experience in client relationships

Write up from the debate

AI and the case for the human touch

https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/ai-and-the-case-for-the-human-touch 

Samuel Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelgreen14/

https://employmenthero.com/

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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 shares interviews from the Festival of Accountants and Bookkeepers in Birmingham, including conversations about launching a UK version of XBert, the funding journey of a founder, updates on Sage products, and Richard Sergeant's advice for vendors. Insights cover compliance, automation, growth and more.

- Interview with Will Rush  - GM(UK) for XBert discussing launching their platform in the UK

- Conversation with Lucy Cohen - Co-founder and CEO of Mazuma, about starting her business and her recent funding journey (Featuring Alex Falcon Huerta)

- Updates on BrightPay payroll from Donal Carr - Senior Account Executive Bright Software

- Overview of Sage's offerings for accountants from Chris Downing - Director of Product Marketing | Accountants and Bookkeepers Sage

- Richard Sergeant - Managing Director Principle Point shares tips for vendors working with accountants

- Mark Lee Facilitator BookMarkLee.co.uk 

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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 

Today I’m sharing with you a webinar I hosted on behalf of Projectworks and WorkGuru that provides an overview of alternatives to WorkflowMax by Xero as it reaches end of life 26 June 2024.

The panellists who joined me were:

• Heidi Seal Ops Consultant at Business Sense (NZ)
• Matthew Peng Founder at Business Continuum
• Matt Hayter Co-Founder at Projectworks
• Tony Harcourt Co-Founder at WorkGuru

The panellists discussed the triggers for change, comparing features of the two solutions. They explored how each platform caters to different industries. The expert implementers shared case studies of successful migrations, highlighting challenges and opportunities clients faced. The presentation covered developing a migration strategy, including exporting data, mapping business processes, and change management. Attendees learned about assessing potential solutions by considering key questions, desired outcomes, and post go-live improvements. The session emphasised preparing early by testing new platforms and leveraging experienced partners for a smooth transition. Overall, the webinar helped attendees understand options for transitioning away from WorkflowMax by Xero to Projectworks or WorkGuru.

The Flow of the webinar

1. Understanding the Transition
   1. Trigger for Change
   2. Market Reaction
2. Comparative Overview of Solutions
   1. Common Features
   2. Target Industries
   3. Points of Difference
3. Deep Dive into Migration
   1. Migration Strategy
   2. Case Studies
   3. Assessing Solutions
4. Preparation for Transition

 Relevant links

 Heidi Seal Ops Consultant at Business Sense (NZ)

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiseal/  

E: [email protected]

B: https://businesssenseconsulting.co.nz/ 

 Heidi Seal Resources

The WorkflowMax Changeover Workshop : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P7arD82_9YSyW26ekE6ryY6bSR4Z1EQf/view 

The 7-step process for implementation success : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q_nif1fqgCcXfu8o90JhtXscvBhG5CQl/view

Matthew Peng Founder at Business Continuum

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-peng/ 

E : [email protected] 

B: https://businesscontinuum.com.au/ 

Matt Hayter Co-Founder at Projectworks

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-hayter-9180037/ 

B: https://projectworks.io/ 

Tony Harcourt Co-Founder at WorkGuru

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-harcourt/ 

B: https://workguru.io/ 

Tony Harcourt Resources

Migrating from WoFM to WorkGuru Overview : https://support.workguru.io/support/solutions/articles/43000698451-migrating-from-workflowmax-to-workguru-overview  

WFM to WorkGuru One-Click Migration Tool : https://support.workguru.io/support/solutions/articles/43000699631-wfm-to-workguru-one-click-migration-tool 

Support Solutions Hub : https://support.workguru.io/support/home

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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 

Tyler Caskey, Partner at The Bean Counters joins me in this episode. Here are five interesting insights we talk about in the show:

1. Live Banking and Direct Digital Receipting: Tools like Weel and Airwallex enable real-time banking transactions, while solutions like Slyp and Tyro streamline payment processes by sending receipt details directly to accounting systems, reducing manual data entry.

2. Global Banking Solutions: Digital technology solutions like Airwallex, OFX, Paytron, and Wise facilitate international transactions with ease, offering competitive rates and near real-time transfers and bill payments in multiple currencies.

3. Google's Updates: Google is removing underutilised features across Android, including some related to voice controls, and shutting down its podcast app in favour of integrating podcasts into YouTube Music. This shift intrigued the author, who recently upgraded their device.

4. Updates in the Reporting Space: Various accounting software solutions have introduced updates, such as Calxa's unlinked accounts feature for cash flow forecasting, Fathom's improved KPI library experience, and G-Accon's introduction of automatic workflows within Google Sheets.

5. Xero's Invoices Changes: Xero is retiring classic invoicing in September 2024, prompting concerns from the community about missing features, like the ability to process an overpayment, inability to edit exchange rates, and inability to invoice bulk contact groups.  However, you can quickly switch back if you need features only currently available within classic invoicing.

These insights highlight the ongoing technological advancements and changes within the accounting industry, offering both opportunities and challenges for practitioners and stakeholders alike. 

Contact details:

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

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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 

Today I’m speaking with Cassandra Scott, Director of Laurus Bookkeeping

In this episode, we talk about . . .

- Delve into how Xbert leverages AI to scrutinise client accounting data, spotlighting over 80 potential anomalies and risks.

- Discover the power of automating routine tasks such as payroll, BAS, and bookkeeping with standardised workflows.

- Learn how Cassandra efficiently mapped her first 10 workflows in just half an hour, enhancing consistency.

- Explore Xbert's scheduling capabilities, enabling the assignment of recurring tasks to various cycles, from daily to fortnightly.

- Understand the significance of using client notes to capture unique requirements for bespoke workflows.

- Gain insights into data-driven reporting and analytics, offering a glimpse into staff performance and client engagements.

- Uncover how customisable reporting allows practices to dissect data from diverse angles.

- Get a peek at roadmap features like capacity management, utilising timesheet data for optimal scheduling.

- Hear about the transformative impact Xbert has had on Cassandra's practice, facilitating work with global clients.

Contact details:

XBert: https://www.xbert.io/ 

Cassandra Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandrascott/ 

Bookkeepers in Practice FaceBook Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1652992464953692 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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

Today I’m speaking with Jonathan Gaunt, co-founder of of Socket Digital, Xavier Analytics & FD Works

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Jonathan's transition from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship, embracing new opportunities and control over his career.

• Insights from working with Dragon's Den investor Richard Farleigh, focusing on solutions over limitations.

• Practical tips for enhancing your LinkedIn profile to attract more followers and connections with engaging content.

• The importance of storytelling with numbers and identifying the pivotal "clunk moment" in business.

• The role of co-founding Xavier Analytics in improving data quality and introducing new workflow automation tools.

• Reflections on selling a business and fostering innovation within larger organisations.

• Development of innovative proposal software for accountants, driven by needs identification and process innovation.

• Advice for entrepreneurs: be courageous, focus on controllables, and enjoy the entrepreneurial journey.

This episode is kindly sponsored by Fathom all in one reporting, analysis and forecasting.

Contact details:

Jonathan Gaunt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gaunt/

FD Works: https://www.fd-works.co.uk/ 

Xavier Analytics: https://xavier-analytics.com/  

UseSocket: https://www.usesocket.com/ 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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 episode, Tom Herbert, technology editor at Accounting Web, shares his insights on the British Post Office scandal, which has been ongoing for decades, ruining the lives of many subpostmasters. Heather and Tom discussed the problems with the Post Office's Fujitsu Horizon point of sale system implementation, leading to unbalanced reconciliations and accusations of theft against subpostmasters. The Post Office used its prosecution powers and prosecuted 700 subpostmasters between 1989 and 2015, resulting in jail time, financial ruin, relationship breakdown, lost homes, living in cars, and sadly much much worse. The scandal is discussed from the perspective of an accountant, the POS implementation, the forensic accountant who aided in uncovering the issues, the suspense account, the high tax hitting the subpostmasters when they received any compensation. The story behind this scandal, Mr Bates vs the Post Office, was broadcast on ITV in January 2024. We talk about the importance of storytelling in bringing this story into the narrative of the general public.

Contact details: Tom Herbert 

Contact details:

• Tom Herbert https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomherbert/ 
• AccountingWeb https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/ 
• Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM
• 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

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

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Accounting industry trends in 2024 

• Crafting accounting stories for clients, marketing and career coaching.

• AI, Automation & ChatGPT in accounting. 

• Remote work trends and virtual teams in the accounting industry. 

• Pay raises, career progression, and work-from-home impact. 

• The role of accountants in strategic business planning and advisory

• Trends in practice management software for accounting firms. 

This episode is kindly sponsored by

Employment Hero: The All in One HR, Payroll & Benefits Platform  https://employmenthero.com/

Translucent The Multi-Entity Accounting solution  https://www.translucent.io/ 

Technology Mentioned

Account-Kit https://www.account-kit.com/ 

AirWallex https://www.airwallex.com/au 

Dashboard Insights https://dashboardinsights.com/ 

Employment Hero https://employmenthero.com/ 

FYI Docs : https://fyi.app/ 

Handisoft : https://www.theaccessgroup.com/en-au/products/handisoft/ 

KarbonHQ https://karbonhq.com/ 

XBert https://www.xbert.io/ 

Xero Practice Manager https://www.xero.com/au/xero-practice-manager/ 

Weel https://letsweel.com/

Contact details:

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

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

"The Accounting Podcast," Blake Oliver's interview with Ben Richmond, the Country Manager of Xero USA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqSYir84htg  

Weel

Natalie Lennon https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalielennon/ 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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

The biggest kept secret in the Australian accounting industry: The acquisition of Change GPS by Access Group.

This episode is kindly sponsored by

Employment Hero: The All in One HR, Payroll & Benefits Platform  https://employmenthero.com/

Translucent The Multi-Entity Accounting solution  https://www.translucent.io/ 

In this episode

- David Boyar reflects on his upbringing in his father's accounting practice and early ambitions ( he was going to be CEO of Coca Cola!)

- He discusses founding an association of CFOs and lessons learned from scaling advisory work  

- Boyar shares how he joined Change GPS and their aligned values (with Timothy Munro) in transforming accounting firms

- Insights are provided on data analytics in accounting tech companies and marketing approaches, including wearing a suit !

- Accountants take umbrage at people who've never had an accounting practice telling them what to do.

- The acquisition of Change GPS by Access Group is explained as a strategic partnership

- Client experience and standardised services are highlighted as priorities for the future

Contact details:

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidboyar/ 

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothymunro/

W: https://changegps.com.au/

Roadshow: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/changegps-2988249339 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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

The big news is I'm rebranding the Cloud Stories podcast to the Accounting Apps podcast (fingers crossed)

In this episode, I talk about . . .

• Summer adventures with family and Chester the Border Collie in Elanora and Crows Nest

• Catching up on admin backlog and office makeover

• Website update with recent photos and videos

• Rebranding Cloud Stories podcast to Accounting Apps podcast

• Introducing advertising to the newsletter and podcast

• Clarification on ACCA Global Council election results

• Embracing "StoryTeller" as the theme for the year

• Upcoming speaking engagements in Birmingham and Cairns

• Preview of the next episode with David Boyar, CEO of ChangeGPS

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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 

2023 has been a brilliant technicolour year for me, and I’m delighted to end it on yet another high, hitting 20 000 podcast episode downloads during the year. As an accountant I do like a nice round number. 

Thank you to the many listeners, especially those who hit the subscribe button.

Thank you to the many guests who graciously share their time with me on the Cloud Stories podcast over the last year. 

Thank you to the conference organisers for providing me with the opportunity to meet fascinating individuals and enabling me to share knowledge with our accounting & bookkeeping community.

The Cloud Stories Wrap of 2023 is as an opportunity to answer the following questions:

1. Which accounting technologies saw the most significant advancements this year?

2. What were the top 5 most popular episodes of 20

3. How did the podcast evolve over the past year?

4. What were the biggest challenges faced in podcasting about accounting technology in 2023?

5. What feedback from listeners surprised you the most?

6. What was the most unexpected topic or guest you had in 2023?

7. What was the most controversial topic discussed on the podcast? 

8. How do you plan to evolve the podcast in the coming year?

9. What advice would you give to someone starting a podcast in the accounting technology niche?

10. How did you celebrate reaching 20,000 downloads?

11. What are your goals for the podcast in 2024?

Wishing you all health and happiness as we head into 2024.

Subscribe to the Accounting Apps newsletter here http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Connect with Heather Smith here https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathersmithau/