Episodi

  • The Only Chartered Accountant to ever Compete on Survivor: Purpose Beyond the Jungle🌴| Josh Hickford

    The Only Chartered Accountant to ever Compete on Survivor: Purpose Beyond the Jungle🌴| Josh Hickford
    May 13 2026

    This episode explores how a Chartered Accountant can move beyond traditional finance roles to create meaningful community impact. Josh Hickford shares his journey from Big Four accounting and banking to founding a cancer support app and leading Taranaki Foundation. It is a conversation about resilience, technology, philanthropy and the evolving role of accountants in a digital world.

    • Josh Hickford’s career journey from PwC and TSB Bank to CEO of Taranaki Foundation
    • Founding Ripple after a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis in partnership with the Cancer Society
    • Building a donor journey using digital tools like Raisely and Stripe
    • Technology, automation and trust in community foundations
    • Why human connection remains central to the future of Chartered Accountants

    This episode reminds us that accounting is not just about compliance or reporting. It is about leadership, confidence and using financial skills to build stronger communities. Technology may accelerate the journey, but purpose and people still lead the way.

    Apps & Tools Mentioned:

    Raisely - https://www.raisely.com/

    Sharesies https://sharesies.com.au/

    Stripe, GoFundMe, Otter.ai, Xero,

    Episode resources and links:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshhickford/

    https://taranakifoundation.org.nz/

    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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    42 min
  • The Accounting Tapestry: Weaving Systems, Software and Strategy Together 🧵| Trent Yesberg

    The Accounting Tapestry: Weaving Systems, Software and Strategy Together 🧵| Trent Yesberg
    May 6 2026

    In this episode, I sit down with Trent Yesberg, founder of Twine Apps and director of Regional Business Services in Townsville. We explore the realities of subscription billing, SaaS development, and what AI means for accounting firms today. This conversation moves from practical billing frustrations to the future of automation in our profession.

    • Trent’s journey from banking to building Regional Business Services and launching Twine Apps
    • The problem Twine Biller solves around subscription billing and margin recovery
    • Fixed fees vs mixed fees and passing on vendor price increases
    • Launching at Accounting & Business Expo and navigating Pitch Fest
    • AI, agents, automation and real examples saving hours inside a bookkeeping firm

    This episode is a grounded, practical look at innovation from inside the profession. It is about solving real problems, protecting margins, and staying curious in a rapidly shifting tech landscape.

    Apps & Tools Mentioned

    Twine Biller – https://twineapps.co Twine Apps – https://twineapps.co Regional Business Services – https://www.regionalbusinessservices.com.au Ignition – https://www.ignitionapp.com QuickBooks – https://quickbooks.intuit.com Xero – https://www.xero.com MYOB – https://www.myob.com Zoho – https://www.zoho.com Uber Eats – https://www.ubereats.com DoorDash – https://www.doordash.com Deliveroo – https://deliveroo.com Employment Hero – https://employmenthero.com Claude – https://claude.ai OpenAI – https://openai.com Substack – https://substack.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com Facebook – https://www.facebook.com Otter.ai – https://otter.ai

    Episode resources and links:

    Twine Biller : https://twineapps.co Twine Apps : https://twineapps.co

    Trent Yesberg : https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-yesberg-52b35366/

    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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    59 min
  • AI, APIs and Accounting Shakeups in Q1 2026 🚀|Tyler Caskey

    AI, APIs and Accounting Shakeups in Q1 2026 🚀|Tyler Caskey
    Apr 29 2026
    The first quarter of 2026 has delivered an extraordinary wave of AI-powered enhancements, mid-market strategy shifts and workflow automation upgrades across the accounting technology ecosystem. This session, presented at the Sydney Accounting and Bookkeeping Expo, dives deep into what matters, what is hype, and where firms should pay attention. MYOB Solo, MYOB AI BAS checks and Intuit Accountant Suite signal strong practice management evolutionXero Ultra beta, dashboard upgrades and API pricing changes reshape the mid-market and app ecosystemKarbon recurring billing, AI agents and Uncat integration enhance workflow efficiencyPaidnice transforms debt collection automation, alongside major payroll innovation from TandaFathom AI commentary, Dext AI Assist and Dashboard Insights BAS Pro elevate advisory conversations As always, the key message is this: block time in your calendar and properly explore these features. Many of these releases can immediately improve efficiency, reduce risk and deepen client advisory if implemented thoughtfully. Jump across to the blog here : https://www.heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/blog/ for all the links so you can deep dive into the details. The podcast is also released on Accountants Daily Momentum Media’s Under The Hood brand : https://www.accountantsdaily.com.au/technology/22289-under-the-hood-accounting-tech-update-for-q1-2026 MYOB – https://www.myob.com MYOB Solo – https://www.myob.com/au/products/solo Intuit Accountant Suite – https://quickbooks.intuit.com/accountants/ Xero – https://www.xero.com Xero Ultra – https://www.xero.com Cloudoffis - https://cloudoffis.com.au/ Uncat – https://www.uncat.com Karbon – https://www.karbonhq.com Paidnice – https://www.paidnice.com A2X – https://www.a2xaccounting.com Tanda – https://www.tanda.co Emerge – https://www.emergeapp.net Restoke – https://www.restoke.ai AdvisorLi – https://www.advisorli.com Jazoodle – https://www.jazoodle.com Fathom – https://www.fathomhq.com Employment Hero – https://www.employmenthero.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com ActiveCollab – https://activecollab.com Calcs – https://www.calcs.com.au Dashboard Insights – https://www.dashboardinsights.com.au Sharesight – https://www.sharesight.com Botkeeper – https://www.botkeeper.com Zendu – https://www.zendu.com NAB Bookkeeper – https://www.nab.com.au/business/accounts/online-accounting SuiteFiles – https://www.suitefiles.com Zapier – https://www.zapier.com Process Street – https://www.process.st EzzyBill – https://www.ezzybills.com/ Procore – https://www.procore.com ServiceM8 – https://www.servicem8.com/au/ Dext – https://www.dext.com MYOB Discover Live – https://www.myob.com/au/events/discover-live Xerocon – https://www.xero.com/events NetSuite SuiteWorld – https://www.netsuitesuiteworld.com Intuit Connect – https://www.intuit.com/connect Episode resources and links: 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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    31 min
  • Build a Second Brain 🧠Strategies for Bookkeepers & Accountants

    Build a Second Brain 🧠Strategies for Bookkeepers & Accountants
    Apr 22 2026

    In this episode, I share a practical and grounded introduction to the Second Brain concept, tailored specifically for accountants and bookkeepers. Originally delivered at the Sydney Accounting and Business Expo, this session explores how to better capture, organise and leverage the constant stream of information we face every day. If you are feeling overloaded, context switching constantly, or struggling to retrieve your best ideas when you need them, this conversation will resonate.

    • The Second Brain concept popularised by Tiago Forte and why it matters for accounting professionals
    • The CODE framework: Capture, Organise, Distil, Express
    • Practical tools including Obsidian, Google Keep, Evernote and voice memos
    • Using platforms like LinkedIn and newsletters as part of your knowledge system
    • How a trusted external system reduces decision fatigue and creates space for strategy, creativity and better advisory

    A Second Brain is not about adding complexity. It is about creating a reliable system that supports your professional thinking. When you trust where your knowledge lives, you free up energy to serve clients, think strategically, and innovate with confidence.

    Book

    Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte

    Apps & Tools Mentioned

    • Obsidian – https://obsidian.md
    • Google Keep – https://keep.google.com
    • Evernote – https://evernote.com
    • Otter.ai – https://otter.ai
    • LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com
    • ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com

    Episode resources and links:

    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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    27 min
  • AI Tools Accounting Firms Are Using Right Now 🤖

    AI Tools Accounting Firms Are Using Right Now 🤖
    Apr 15 2026
    This special panel episode, recorded live at Accounting Business Expo, explores AI tools that are genuinely useful right now for accounting firms. With perspectives from firm owners and a software vendor, the discussion covers practical implementation, guardrails, and real-world results. Chris Wheatley, Kylie Baxter, and Tim Garth share how AI fits into their tech stacksLiam Hindle shares MYOB’s vendor perspective, including how AI is automating BAS preparation and removing the “work around the work” so accountants can focus on higher-value advice.Meeting transcription tools like Otter, Fireflies and Copilot are becoming essentialWorkflow automation using tools like n8n and ClickUp is reducing admin timeAI agents, sentiment analysis and BAS automation are emerging opportunitiesGuardrails matter: paid accounts, privacy settings, and compliance boundaries are critical The conversation reinforces that AI is not about hype. It is about removing grunt work so accountants can focus on strategic client advice and better outcomes. Apps & Tools Mentioned: Otter – https://otter.ai Fireflies – https://fireflies.ai Microsoft Copilot – https://copilot.microsoft.com Practice Ignition – https://www.practiceignition.com Ignition – https://www.ignitionapp.com Practice Protect – https://practiceprotect.com Change GPS – https://www.changegps.com Dext – https://dext.com MYOB AE – https://www.myob.com/au/products/practice-solutions/accountants-enterprise AccountKit – https://www.accountkit.com.au Xero XPM – https://www.xero.com/au/practice-manager BGL – https://www.bglcorp.com BGL Infinity – https://www.bglcorp.com/infinity Annature – https://annature.com.au Seamless – https://www.seamless.com.au Content Snare – https://contentsnare.com Law Cyborg – https://lawcyborg.ai n8n – https://n8n.io ClickUp – https://clickup.com Claude – https://claude.ai Cursor – https://cursor.sh Glean – https://www.glean.com Abby – https://www.abby.com.au OMBLE – https://www.omble.com.au Planful AI – https://www.planful.ai MYOB AI BAS – https://www.myob.com Twine Apps – https://twineapps.com.au Twine Biller – https://twineapps.com.au Xero – https://www.xero.com Intuit – https://www.intuit.com Employment Hero – https://employmenthero.com 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 Kyelie Baxter, Managing Director, IQ Accountants https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyelie-baxter-fcpa-43224334/ https://iqaccountants.com.au/ Tim Garth, Podcountant, Director and Co-host of the Two Drunk Accountants Podcast, CATS Accountants https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-garth-11721370/ CATS Accountants : https://catax.com.au/ Two drunk Accountants : https://twodrunkaccountants.com.au/ Liam Hindle, General Manager - Product, MYOB https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamhindle/ https://www.myob.com/au 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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    35 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min