Accounting Apps Podcast

A lively panel reflects on 2025's tech-driven accounting trends, AI, automation, clean data, and what’s next for 2026. Ethics, awards, remote work, and receipts that must die! Summary In this panel discussion recorded at the Cloudoffis end-of-year event in Sydney, Heather Smith is joined by John Munden (Cloudoffis), Tyler Caskey (The Bean Counters), and Natalia Clark (Easy Super) to reflect on 2025 and forecast on the future in 2026 and beyond in the accounting and auditing industry. In this episode, we talk about . . . Key 2025 trends: AI integration, automation pain points, rapid tech change. The obsession with building AI agents into workflows. Insights on award-winning success and staying unique. The shift to remote-first work and global team building. Strategic investments in talent vs. tech at Cloudoffis. The call to kill receipts, wet signatures, and corporate cheques. Bold forecasts for AI replacing admin roles and fast decision-making gaps. Final takeaway: ethics, professionalism, and agility are your superpowers. Contact details:   Sponsor Offers:  Here Cloudoffis : https://cloudoffis.com.au/  Natalia Clark : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliaclack-easysuper/  Tyler Caskey : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/  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

Jarrod Adam is Head of Production & Distribution at The Access Group Explore how Unleashed helps small businesses thrive through AI-driven inventory management, smarter tools, and actionable data that streamline operations and empower strategic growth. Summary Today I’m speaking with Jarrod Adam, Head of Production & Distribution at The Access Group. In this episode, we talk about . . . how Unleashed empowers small businesses with actionable data, AI-powered tools, and integrated inventory solutions. Introduction to Jarrod Adam and his background in product management The story behind Unleashed and its acquisition by The Access Group Overview of the inventory and warehouse management landscape for SMBs Unleashed’s value proposition for small businesses and advisors When and why to move from basic inventory in GL systems to dedicated inventory tools Implementation approach and onboarding process at Unleashed Unleashed’s ecosystem: integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon & more Evolving supply chain issues post-COVID and solutions like Advanced Inventory Manager (AIM) AI in Unleashed: Evo copilot, AI feed, and intelligent agents Partner Portal for accountants and bookkeepers – real-time client access Use of operational data for advisory services The Unleashed Manufacturing Health Index – valuable for advisory insights Discussion around the manufacturing “haves and have-nots” Closing thoughts on simplicity, design, and real value from software 🧰 Apps & Tools Mentioned: Unleashed, Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Access Evo, Advanced Inventory Manager ⏱️ YouTube Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro: Meet Jarrod Adam from Unleashed. 01:58 – From Tigerland to Tech: A playful rugby-themed intro. 04:20 – Jarrod’s Journey to Product Management: How he fell into software. 06:20 – Auckland’s Thriving SaaS Scene: NZ’s impact on global tech. 08:10 – Inventory, CRM & WMS Landscape: What SMBs need today. 10:50 – What Unleashed Does: Efficient workflows + strategic insights. 13:00 – Signs a Business Needs Unleashed: From post-it notes to stock stress. 15:20 – Accountant & Bookkeeper Pain Points: Data, margins & advisory blocks. 17:30 – Implementation Timeline: Fast, guided onboarding sessions. 19:05 – Unleashed Integrations: Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon & more. 21:10 – E-commerce Growth Post-COVID: Why integrations are essential. 23:15 – AI & Forecasting with AIM: Managing supply chain uncertainty. 26:00 – Using Data for Better Advice: The power of operational insights. 28:00 – Manufacturing Health Index: A free resource for advisory. 30:00 – Characteristics of Thriving Manufacturers: Mitigating supplier risks. 32:15 – Partner Portal for Accountants: Real-time multi-client access. 34:00 – AI Copilot & Agents: How Evo enhances the user experience. 35:45 – Final Thoughts & Outro: Software should solve problems, not add them. Contact details: Sponsor Offers:  Here Unleashed Software: https://www.unleashedsoftware.com/  Jarrod Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrod-adam/  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

Insights from a global panel of women leaders in accounting, exploring influence, ethics, personal branding, and leadership challenges in a male-dominated profession. Summary In this special episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I moderated a global panel discussion at the Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 in Singapore. I was joined by Kyelie Baxter (IQ Accountants), Uthaya Ponnusamy (RSM Singapore), and Magdalene Ang (R Chan & Associates, ACCA Singapore Chair) for a panel session I moderated called Influence, Integrity and Impact: Navigating the Reality of Women Leading in Accounting   Together we explored:   ✅ Career journeys and leadership pivots ✅ Building confidence and personal brand (hello USP!) ✅ Ethics vs. earnings — where we draw the line ✅ Mentoring, connection and navigating invisible barriers ✅ Creating influence with integrity and making an impact   Listen if you're looking for insight, inspiration, or real-world stories from women reshaping leadership in accounting.   Contact details: Sponsor Offers:  Here Kyelie Baxter, Managing Director at IQ Accountants  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyelie-baxter-fcpa-43224334/  Uthaya Ponnusamy, Partner & Industry Lead - Not For Profit sector at RSM Singapore https://www.linkedin.com/in/uthaya-ponnusamy-5bab1763/  Magdalene Ang, Director, R Chan & Associates PAC and Chair of ACCA Singapore Member Network Panel. https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalene-ang-fcca-fca-singapore-03b2084b/  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 

Live from the Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 in Singapore, Heather chats with innovators about AI, e-invoicing, TikTok trends, cross-border payments and the evolving role of accountants in Asia Summary Heather Smith reports from the Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 in Singapore, sharing floor interviews and key highlights. With strong Australian representation, she reflects on rapid regional digital transformation, cultural insights, and inspiring thought leadership. Main Topics: Singapore's digital drive: e-invoicing mandates and cheque phase-out Government-backed AI innovation via AI Singapore Roundtable on burnout, boundaries, and micro business sustainability TikTok insights and media habits reshaping communication Panel on women on boards and leadership pathways Interviews Include: Alvin Chia (OFX) – Cross-border payments with human-first support Marvin Galang (Jaz AI) – AI-native accounting software for Southeast Asia Bryan Sng (Simple AI) – AI agents automating accounting ops Kelvin Koh (Identi.ly) – Face-key file security tech for sensitive documents Andrew Paton-Smith (Jazoodle) – 60-second forecasts & valuation KPIs Key Takeaways: The future of advisory is now AI is more than a buzzword in Singapore – it's a government initiative Accountants must embrace tech and set strong boundaries Social platforms like TikTok can't be ignored Representation, integrity, and courage are crucial for boardroom progress LinkedIn Posts from Singapore https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_abshowasia-accountingandaccountants-activity-7386538062283075584-1Vh2/ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_acca-accountingandaccountants-abshowasia-activity-7386619905544056832-6Gdu/   https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-abshowasia-activity-7386917433271439360-VY4Y/   https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-abshowasia-activity-7386982271796490241-WgIh/    Contact details: Sponsor Offers:  Here Xero http://xero.com/ Koren Wines https://www.linkedin.com/in/koren-wines/  Sarah Foo https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-foo-fca/ Alvin Chia https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-chia-a15a6b65/  OFX https://www.ofx.com/  Marvin Galang https://www.linkedin.com/in/galangmr/  JAZ https://www.jaz.ai/   Bryan Sng https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryansng/  SimpleAi https://simpleaiworks.com/  Kelvin Koh https://www.linkedin.com/in/nivlekoh/  Identi.ly https://identi.ly/  Andrew Paton-Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/apatonsmith/  Jazoodle https://jazoodle.com/  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

Kerry Butler, CFO of Woolnorth Renewables, Tasmania shares her bold NetSuite rollout, revealing strategic insights on tech, budgeting, AI, and scaling clean energy operations. Summary Today I’m speaking with Kerry Butler, CFO of Woolnorth Renewables, Tasmania In this episode, we talk about . . . Insights from attending SuiteWorld 2025 in Las Vegas Strategic NetSuite rollout, starting with Planning & Budgeting (NSPB) Overcoming implementation challenges with a lean finance team Use of implementation partners: Pivot Two & Netgain Multilingual board reporting (Chinese & English) and real-time forecasting Integrations with SharePoint, virtual cards, and maintenance systems Leveraging AI and Ask Oracle for smarter decision-making Community involvement and commitment to renewable energy Advice for scaling businesses and choosing the right tech stack 🧰 Apps & Tools Mentioned: NetSuite, NetSuite Planning and Budgeting (NSPB), Netgain, Pivot Two, SharePoint, Smart View, Camtasia 📺 Timelines  00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro: Kerry Butler, CFO of Woolnorth Renewables 01:45 – Why Kerry Chose NetSuite: Flexibility and ecosystem advantages 04:12 – Board-Ready Reporting in Two Languages: How NSPB enabled it 06:57 – Implementing NSPB First: Breaking ERP rollout conventions 09:43 – Smart Budgeting Tools: Using Smart View for real-time inputs 12:21 – Leveraging Implementation Partners: Pivot Two & Netgain's role 15:02 – Complex Accounting Made Simple: Wind farms, loans & derivatives 17:35 – AI & Strategic Finance: What’s coming next in NetSuite 20:14 – Clean Data = Better AI: System integration & SharePoint sync 22:41 – Ask Oracle: AI-powered reporting for CFOs and CEOs 25:33 – SweetWorld Learnings: Building a global CFO network 28:08 – Advice for Scaling Businesses: Plan for future pain points now 30:17 – CFO Life at SweetWorld: Pitbull concert & Aussie networking 33:42 – Final Reflections: Strategic finance, partnerships & impact Contact details: Sponsor Offers:  Here L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-butler-1333kes/  NetSuite: https://www.netsuite.com.au  SuiteWorld: https://www.netsuitesuiteworld.com 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