How to End the Wild West of Cloud Integrators ⚙️ | Ryan Pearcy
Today I’m speaking with Ryan Pearcy, founder of Digital Transformers and co-host of the Digi-Tools in ACCruel World podcast. Background: From theoretical physicist to chartered accountant with a passion for cloud technology From Theory to Tech: Ryan shares his journey from theoretical physics to founding Digital Transformers, helping accounting firms streamline systems and gain smarter insights Digital Transformation vs. App Advisory: Why true transformation is about processes, not just plugging in apps Fixing the Wild West: Ryan’s mission to bring quality, accreditation, and structure to digital advisory services within the profession Partnering with ICAEW: Efforts to integrate digital transformation into formal accounting practice standards AI’s Impact: How AI is reshaping client relationships—from advice to assurance—and why pricing models need to evolve Top Tools Mentioned: FYI, FuseSign, Xero – for practice and financial management ApprovalMax – to streamline approvals and bring in purchase order controls Addfin – flexible payment options Fathom – advanced reporting Active Workpapers – modernising workpaper processes Pro Tips for Firms: Start with expense management automation, consider phased system rollouts, and never underestimate the value of post-implementation support Stay Ahead: Ryan recommends using tools like Feedly and following communities like Digital Disruptors to keep pace with evolving tech Get Involved: Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99%EF%B8%8F-ryan-pearcy-a3883a34/ Follow the Digital Disruptors newsletter and live sessions Listen to the DigiTools in ACCruel World podcast 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
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37:03
Digital Transformation & AI in Accounting – 🤖The Future is Now
A dynamic panel explores how accountants can lead digital transformation, harness AI, train teams, and shift from compliance to advisory to stay relevant in a fast-changing tech landscape. The role of trusted advisors in leading digital transformation. Challenges in adopting new tech, especially in larger firms with undertrained internal finance teams. The critical importance of training staff and upskilling, starting from the advisory end and working backwards. Using tools like Dext and other cloud accounting apps to streamline processes and enhance client engagement. The value of certifications, networking, and community learning. Emphasis on simplifying processes before layering tech solutions. This panel was held at the Accounting and Business Expo in Sydney, and was sponsored by Dext. Dext is a cloud-based accounting software platform that helps accountants, bookkeepers, and businesses streamline financial data collection and processing. Formerly known as Receipt Bank, Dext offers tools for automated data extraction, invoice and receipt management, and real-time financial insights. It integrates with leading accounting systems like Xero, QuickBooks Online, and Sage, making it easier to reduce manual data entry, improve accuracy, and speed up workflows. With a strong focus on automation and AI, Dext empowers advisors to shift from compliance work to more strategic, advisory-focused services. Contacts and resources: Lielette Calleja (BusinessDEPOT) https://www.linkedin.com/in/lielettecalleja/ Aleesha Bailey (RSM Australia) https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleesha-bailey/ Sabby Gill (CEO of Dext) https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabbygill/ Heather Smith : https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ KPMG : Keeping Us Up At Night https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/au/pdf/2025/keeping-us-up-at-night-2025.pdf Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM 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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🚀 Accounting Tech Updates 1st QTR 25: From AI to Automation
My co-host Tyler Caskey Partner at The BeanCounters and I presented a taster of our quarterly Accounting Tech update podcast at the popular Accounting & Business Expo in Sydney. In this episode, we talk about . . . Big Software Moves: Xero retires classic invoicing and introduces drag/drop bill uploads; QuickBooks enhances Projects and Work area; MYOB adds new reminders; Easy Business adds ABA payroll. ERP & Practice App Upgrades: NetSuite introduces AI-powered “Text Enhanced,” while XonBoard simplifies Xero onboarding—praised as “worth its weight in gold.” Insights & Oversight Tools: Fathom launches Portfolio for client-wide metrics; Dext refreshes its dashboard; Spotlight Reporting pushes ESG advisory via Sustain. Standout Tools & Features: Modano’s online budgeting praised, Translucent adds 6 tracking categories & Deferred Revenue App, Karbon expands KPI reporting and integrates Chrome extension. Ecosystem Growth: Sharesight adds Drawdown Risk and improved cost reporting; Fergus integrates with Xero for builders; Workshop Software boosts mobile bookings; EZRentout enhances order pipelines. Contact details: Tyler Caskey : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/ The Bean Counters : https://www.thebeancounters.com.au/ Heather Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting
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22:58
📢How to stay focused and productive | Andrew Sims
Today I’m speaking with Andrew Sims, CEO of SuiteFiles Key Learnings from this episode include: Understanding Fatigue: Decision, friction, and task fatigue impact productivity. Recognising them is the first step to overcoming them. Practical Boundaries: Setting clear work boundaries and minimising interruptions can dramatically improve focus. Calendar & Meeting Management: Colour-coded calendars, automated scheduling tools, and meeting transcribers save time and reduce cognitive overload. Digital Decluttering: Organised digital workspaces reduce friction fatigue and make information retrieval seamless. Deep Work Techniques: Methods like the Pomodoro technique, energy peak planning, and music-driven focus improve concentration. The Right Tech Tools: Document management, email organisation, and workflow automation enhance efficiency and reduce time wasted on repetitive tasks. Resources To find out more about SuiteFiles: https://www.suitefiles.com/ Andrew Sims https://www.linkedin.com/in/adsims/ 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 Threads: https://www.threads.net/@heathersmithau BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/heathersmithau.bsky.social
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52:34
💪Tech, Triathlons + Tenacity: Jo Hurley’s Inspiring Story
As a female founder in fintech, Jo Hurley shares her journey as a tech entrepreneur learning from other sectors, selling her business to Deloitte, and how endurance sports fuel her personal growth. Today I’m speaking with Jo Hurley Chartered Accountant Motivational Speaker and Triathlete Key learnings from this episode include: Tech in Finance: How Jo leveraged technology to transform audit processes. Women in Tech: Facing industry pushback & building networks beyond finance. Selling a Business: The realities of selling to Deloitte & unexpected retirement. Mindset & Endurance: How Ironman training fosters discipline & deep reflection. Storytelling & Speaking: Using experience to connect with and inspire others. Resources The Light Year Docs 25 event https://www.lightyeardocs.com.au/event-details/lyd25-unstoppable-growth-conference-online-2 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_lyd25-lyd25-accountingandaccountants-activity-7296297019323691009-etYO/ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_lyd25-accountingandaccountants-lyd-activity-7294927985101393920-lT6K/ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-lyd25-futureofaccounting-activity-7294962990074765313-5JxZ/ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-lyd25-futureofaccounting-activity-7295609805522489344-pK6r/ 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 Threads: https://www.threads.net/@heathersmithau BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/heathersmithau.bsky.social
Exploring the intersections of accounting, technology and modern practice methodologies. 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 decision making. Better data, better decisions, better business. She explores this topic with her guests, uncovering insights that offer you a competitive edge. Delve deeper into the Accounting Apps landscape and enhance your understanding. The podcast promises enlightening discussions in the fields of accounting, technology and artificial intelligence.
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Brilliant guests include entrepreneurs, founders, business consultants, accountants, bookkeepers, small business owners, cloud advisors, developers, cloud integrators and solution providers.
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.
Contact details:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/
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