XU Magazine - Issue 44

Welcome to Issue

magazine Issue 44

The independent news source for users of accounting apps & their ecosystems

Main Contacts -

CEO:

David Hassall (Co-Founder)

Managing Editor: Wesley Cornell (Co-Founder)

Chief Revenue Officer: Alex Newson

Account & Partnership Assistant: Robyn Consterdine

Creative Assistant: Victoria Young

Editorial/News Submissions:

If you have any editorial content (news, comment, tutorials etc.) that you would like us to consider for inclusion in the next edition of XU Magazine, please email us at editorial@xumagazine.com

Advertising: advertising@xumagazine.com

E: hello@xumagazine.com

W: www.xumagazine.com

© XU Magazine Ltd 2014-2025. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. XU Magazine is published by XU Magazine Ltd (08811842), registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Office 1, Brunswick House, Brunswick Way, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4BN, United Kingdom. All information contained in this magazine is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. XU Magazine cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant XU Magazine a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all/ any editions of the magazine, including in any physical or digital format, throughout the world. Any material you submit is sent at your risk and, although every care is taken, neither XU Magazine nor its employees, agents or subcontractors shall be liable for loss or damage. The views expressed in XU Magazine are not necessarily the views of XU Magazine Ltd, its editors or its contributors.

The smoother way to scale: Growing your processes, without the risky leaps

As you are reading through the

any article that shows the CPD Certified logo has been approved to count towards your CPD points. We are really excited to have been able to secure this

as it means all approved articles can now be used towards your CPD points and building up your CPD register.

48 Fishbowl Racking Up Results: How Jimba Lamb Got Its Inventory in Shape

50 Nick Elston

The Numbers Don't Lie, But Your Silence Does

56 Tidy Tidy now has powerful quoting capabilities

58 Sinchii Sinchii: Small Business Software Funded by SmallBusiness

62 Frontline Accounting The Power of a Good Assist

64 Allica Bank

The SME Lending Gap is stalling growth and stunting productivity

66 Zahara Threats and opportunities: How Vibe coding is changing the face of software

70 Tall Emu

Xero Does the Books. What’s Doing the Rest?

72 Spotlight Reporting Leverage the power of benchmarking

76 AppVentory

The Overlooked and Urgent Opportunity: Why Financial Reviews of Software Spend Matter

78 Workflowmax Beyond the Dashboard: How Workflowmax Helps Businesses Find Their Focus & Drive Profitability

82 Worldpay How to supercharge your Xero payments

86 SuiteFiles Make Your Workday Easier: SuiteFiles Now Connects with HubSpot

90 XBert AI Bookkeeping: The Evolution Into a Smarter Work Intelligence System

92 Link Supercharge your Xero Practice Manager

94 A2X Camp A2X enters year three (and the conversations have never mattered more)

98 BGL Reimagining company secretarial and AML compliance for modern UK firms

100 Ignition How firms can pick the right AI tools

104 ApprovalMax In conversation with Dan Schonfeld, ApprovalMax’s new CFO

106 Gojee Why SMEs Don’t Need a $500K ERP

118 Dext Myth-busting MTD for Income Tax

122 Castaway Castaway Q&A

126 Avalara Simplifying business licenses and 1099s with Avalara

128 EVENT Accountex Canada Accountex Canada 2025: Four Years Strong and Building the Future of Accounting

108 ExpenseOnDemand The Human Side of Automation: Empowering Finance Teams with Voice + AI

112 ChangeGPS The Workpaper Revolution

114 HR Partner What’s Your Policy on Personal Relationships at Work?

116 G-Accon From Spreadsheets to Smart Sheets: How One Firm Transformed Its Xero Reporting

132 EVENT Accountex Manchester Accountex Summit Manchester unveils CPD-accredited programme spotlighting AI and MTD

136 Buddy Never Miss a Payroll Deadline Again

138 Xonboard No one had solved employee onboarding for Xero, until now...

140 EVENT Accounting & Business Show Asia Asia’s leading tech and strategy event returns in 2025

AI has arrived

On 30th Nov ‘22, OpenAI launched ChatGP and the AI boom began.

Talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now everywhere. Some talk about it with excitement, others talk about it with fear. Some talk about its effect on jobs, some talk about its effect on education, some talk about its effect on entertainment and others talk about its effect on society.

The aim of this article is to help you get some answers about AI and the impact it is going to have on accounting & bookkeeping, and the Xero ecosystem.

1 - Is AI just hype (aka can I ignore it)?

Every few years there is hype around a new technology. Some of these technologies change the world (e.g., smartphones), while others remain niche (e.g., virtual reality). Therefore a very understandable reaction to AI is to ask the question “Is it just hype?”

To answer this let’s look at what knowledgeable people and companies are saying:

• “The defining technology of our time” - Microsoft

• “(AI) has the potential to drive one of the greatest transformations in history.”Google

• “AGI will be the most powerful technology humanity has yet

invented” - Sam Altman

• “AI is the most important technology advance in decades.”

- Bill Gates

• “I actually think the analogy isn’t to the cloud or to the internet. I think the analogy is to the invention of the microprocessor. I think this is a new kind of computer.” - Marc Andreessen

• “AI will be far more intelligent than humans and will overtake us in less than five years.” - Elon Musk

All the CEOs and technologists who have seen AI up close are convinced that it is a more transformational technology than the internet. But, rather than just look at what they are saying, let’s look at what they are doing:

These companies alone spent more than $250bn in CapEx in ‘24. JP Morgan estimates that $163bn of this was due to AI therefore it is safe to conclude that the world’s biggest companies aren’t just talking about AI but acting on AI. To put this spend in contextmore will be spent on AI than many of the biggest and most famous human endeavours in all of history!

Takeaway - AI cannot be ignored.

Michael Wood, co-Founder, Translucent

Michael Wood was the coFounder of Receipt Bank (aka Dext) and is the co-Founder of Translucent.

2 - What does AI mean for work?

In 1995 it was impossible to identify the myriad impacts of the internet. Similarly, today, it is incredibly difficult to forecast the eventual impacts of AI because they will be so huge and widespread. However we can identify the four changes that AI creates that will cause these huge effects. AI means that:

1. Everyone will be able to create their own software

Over the past 30 years every employee became a user of software. But creating software was something that required coding skills that remained very rare and hence was something that was restricted to specific individuals or teams. For most companies this meant that software was something that was bought from software vendors.

No off-the-shelf package can do everything. The need for customisation and flexibility has

always been strong, and until now these gaps were usually bridged by Excel—the tool every employee was expected to master.

AI has already shown its ability to enable anyone to create software and apps just by writing down a short description of what they want. This means that everyone will be able to create their own software and, more than that, everyone will be expected to create their own software.

2. There will be far more software

Many people today feel that we have a lot of software; maybe too much!

The reality is that the volume of software we have today is still highly constrained by the number of people available to build it.

A good way to visualise this is to picture a company having a ‘3rd time rule’. This rule would state that if a task occurred three times then the assumption was

that it would continue to repeat and so the expectation would be to use software to facilitate or automate it in the future. It could apply to small tasks - like copying a number from one piece of software to another; to larger tasks - like seeking an approval; or to truly large tasks - like creating a report. If you think about the number of tasks that each of us continues to manually do today then it is easy to picture how much more software we could all use.

AI will enable this increase in volume of software.

3. The range of tasks that software can accomplish will hugely increase

AI, "Artificial Intelligence”, is different from the software that came before it. It can do tasks that we previously thought required a person. Examples that are already common include:

• Coding

• Translation

• Transcription

This list will get longer and longer. A good way to think about what AI can accomplish is to think about the length and size of a task:

• In 2022, AI could only complete tasks lasting around one minute of human effort

• Today it can handle tasks taking up to an hour

• The maximum task length is doubling roughly every seven months

Note that this is only at a 50% success rate but it is the trend that is most important: accuracy and task length will continue to increase at an exponential rate.

Another factor that expands what AI can do is the range of tools it can access. A well-known example is ChatGPT, which initially had a fixed knowledge cutoff. Later versions gained the ability to search the internet (a tool the model could use), giving the model access to up-to-date information. The more tools a model can use, the broader its capabilities become.

4. And so the range of tasks that any single person can do will hugely increase

The fact that software can do more and that everyone will be able to create their own software will completely transform the world of work.

We are used to working in roles that are dictated by the limits of our skills but AI gives everyone access to skills (and knowledge) that we don’t possess. For example, we can all now write copy (without being a copywriter), we can all now design marketing assets (without being a designer), we can all develop an app (without being a developer), etc.

AI will give everyone a much wider breadth of skills that they currently possess and so change the definition and expectation of roles.

Takeaway - AI will transform work for everyone.

3 - What does AI mean for software vendors?

As more and more people realise that they now have the ability to create software this will create a new “DIY” software category.

The volume of DIY software will hugely outnumber the volume of Apps that are available on Xero.

This trend has already been seen in video games. The volume of published video games has grown year-on-year for over twenty years - 30k new games were estimated to have been published in 2024. But, since 2006, Roblox has enabled gamers to create their own games - there are now over 5m active games on Roblox. Therefore there are now more than 10x more DIY games than there are published games.

This trend will play out in bookkeeping and accounting over the next five years.

Early signs can be seen in the current stats for Xero. In 2011, there were approximately 30 Apps in the Xero App Store, by 2023 there were more than 1,000. But that isn’t the whole story…there were another 100,000 custom, private Apps built on Xero. It is these “custom” apps that will explode in number because of AI.

But this undersells the impact that DIY apps will have. As these apps get created, they will be shared: shared between colleagues, shared between firms and shared across the internet. As they get shared, AI will be able to adapt or “remix” them so that each DIY App has the potential to be the parent of multiple other apps. This means that we will end up with three software categories in accounting:

• “Paid” apps produced by traditional software vendors

• Free “DIY” apps created by users for their own use

• Free “semi-pro” apps created by a user but then adopted by the wider community

Takeaway - AI will create huge price pressure for traditional software vendors.

4 - What does AI mean for my work?

For everyone, the threats and opportunities of AI can be daunting. There is, however, a framework that is useful to navigate this tectonic shift.

AI enables each of us to significantly broaden our role by doing adjacent tasks and to deepen our role by dramatically increasing our productivity. (This applies whether you are an intern or a CEO!). Those that find AI most challenging will be those that spurn these opportunities and those that thrive the most will be those that pursue both:

Takeaway - Those that use AI to broaden and deepen their role will thrive.

5 - How can I use AI to broaden my role?

The breadth of your role today is defined by the skills and knowledge that you can reasonably be expected to possess. There are tasks that are adjacent to you that you are not expected to perform because they require additional skills or knowledge, e.g.:

AI changes this. AI enables you to perform adjacent tasks and broaden your role.

Most companies still work in a serial, production-line fashion, where tasks move between people and often wait in queues for each person to complete their part. AI will change the way companies work to a parallel basis where work can be completed by fewer people and each person will be expected to add their expertise but the work will be required to wait for them.

The main AI software you will need to broaden your role will be an AI Assistant. These are already available today:

The AI Assistants will give you the knowledge you need to complete adjacent tasks. In addition to this they will often be able to complete adjacent tasks for you.

Takeaway - Start using an AI Assistant today.

6 - How can I use AI to deepen my role?

The depth of your role today is defined by the productivity that you can reasonably be expected to perform. These expectations will hugely increase because of AI.

Increased productivity is going to be possible because of automations or, as they are better known, Agents.

To understand what Agents are it is useful to look at two Agents that you will already be familiar with: the bank feed and the expense feed.

AI assistants are the types of AI software most often in the news today. You can choose whichever one you prefer but the most popular today is OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

These are great templates for what Agents will be in accounting & bookkeeping: AI software that completes a specific, discrete task. Expect to see an explosion of Agents over the next 24 months: Bank Rec, Consolidation, Credit Control, Payment Runs, etc.

Takeaway - Start experimenting with the Agents that can boost your productivity.

7 - How do I start building my own tools and software?

You no longer need to be a developer to build useful software. The landscape has three main layers today:

1. AI Assistants The easiest place to start. Assistants like Claude can create simple tools and transform data directly from a chat. Try uploading a spreadsheet and asking for a change, it’s a quick way to see what’s possible without coding.

2. AI App Builders Platforms like Lovable and Replit let you create more complex applications, connect to databases, and deploy online. They still use natural language but give you more control over the result.

Bank feeds were pioneered by BankLink (later acquired by Xero) and popularised through Xero’s accounting platform. It provided a significant productivity boost for individuals and firms by automating the ingestion of bank statement lines into Xero. The expense feed was pioneered by Receipt Bank (aka Dext) and is now most frequently provided by Dext or Hubdoc. It provided a significant productivity boost for individuals and firms by automating the ingestion of receipts and AP invoices into Xero.

3. Workflow Builders Tools such as Zapier and n8n let you chain multiple applications into automated workflows. Start small - perhaps with one of our blog tutorials or by automating a task you do regularly - then work up to more advanced automations.

And Translucent are creating the fourth:

4. The future App Exchange for building accounting tools For DIY creations to become clientgrade, they need an extra layer to ensure accuracy, security, and trust. That’s the platform

Translucent is building, a place where accountants and developers will be able to access and share reliable and scalable AI powered tools.

Members of translucent.network will get early access to Translucent’s developer-grade toolkit for accounting software: live data connections, pre-built workflows, and specialised AI building blocks. It will be everything you need to turn an idea into a reliable, production-ready solution, fast.

8 - Why is AI a big deal for accounting and bookkeeping?

AI = automation

It is obvious that bookkeeping and accounting are services. It is, however, worth stating because the effect of technology, over time, is to evolve services into products.

The last big technology shift in the industry was the adoption of cloud accounting. Its contributions to this shift included giving clients the same user interface (UI) to log into (Xero) and key technical changes - such as the single ledger, APIs, bank feeds, and mobile apps - all of which were widely available by 2013.

• Evolution from service to product

• Productivity

• The data warehouse

• Past data to present and future data

Takeaway - AI will push accounting and bookkeeping to be more product-like.

9 - What does AI mean for firms like mine?

The first visible effect of AI for accounting and bookkeeping firms will be the rise of software vendors advertising to clients that they can replace you.

This is obviously not a new trend (there have been businesses like this for more than ten years) but there will be a lot more of them and they will be more credible.

We know that this will happen because of the public moves by Venture Capitalists (VCs) to invest in these types of companies. Previously VCs would invest in software companies that would provide tooling to an industry (like Xero and Dext). Post-AI, VCs are looking to invest in firms that displace the incumbents in an industry:

• “If you build a great AI accountant, why sell it to legacy accounting firms when you could start an AI accounting firm and beat them?” Y Combinator

VCs are also following the recent trend of private equity firms buying companies with the intention of deploying AI to transform them from within.

These trends will mean new competitors who will be aiming to compete on price, consistency and convenience (i.e. being more product-like).

Takeaway - AI will accelerate the creation of new competitors.

10 - Where do I go from here?

The best way to understand AI is to use it. Think of translucent.network as the App Exchange for accountant-built AI tools: a marketplace where you can discover ready-made solutions, adapt them to your needs, and share your own creations.

You’ll find tutorials, templates, and a growing library of peerbuilt apps to inspire new ideas. In time, we’ll add Translucent’s own developer-grade components for accounting software, make syncing your data seamless, and give you direct access to AI building blocks.

Takeaway, Visit www.translucent.network to discover, adapt, and share AI tools for accountants.

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Xonboard Q&A

XU: Riley, tell us a bit about your background - what led you to launch Xonboard?

RJ: The path to building Xonboard started from my time at Xero, back in 2012 - 2015. At Xero I led the Australian effort to build the ecosystem of apps that are connected to Xero. I worked with hundreds of partners, and fell in love with partnerships that created better solutions than one app could deliver alone.

When I left Xero, I looked for another space where an ecosystem approach could foster innovation and collaboration similar to what spawned around Xero.

Superannuation was the space I found, and employee onboarding was the critical workflow that made life hard for businesses and their employees.

XU: What was it about the team and timing that made this feel right?

RJ: Sam Richardson, Ben Styles and I had been exploring the idea back in 2022. It felt like a generational shift was coming for payroll and super between growing compliance pressures, regulatory reforms, and early signs of Payday Super legislation. Employers were already feeling the strain, so 2023 felt like the right time to launch a solution. Since then, we've been fortunate to find the right people, partners, and investors to back the vision.

XU: For those unfamiliar, what is Xonboard, and what problem does it solve for bookkeepers and small businesses?

RJ: Xonboard adds employee self onboarding to Xero payroll. Xonboard gives employers and their advisors a compliant and automated employee onboarding process, which requires only an email address from a new employee to get them set up in Xero payroll, ready for payday.

That’s a big step forward from the current state, that relies on the employer creating their

own process. Inevitably this involves chasing employees to collect paper versions of the TFN and Super Choice forms and manually keying all that info into Xero. No one likes that!

XU: What kinds of clients are the best fit for Xonboard?

RJ: Anyone using Xero Payroll who needs to onboard staff is a perfect fit. We’ve now got over 4,000 Xero businesses using Xonboard, and it’s growing fast, which is a bit wild considering we haven’t spent much time marketing or selling it. We’re taking a page from Xero’s original playbook: build something advisors love, and they’ll bring their clients along for the ride. So far, it’s working.

XU: What inspired you to focus specifically on the employee onboarding experience within Xero Payroll?

RJ: We knew it was an immediate pain point for Xero users. Xero was not offering a solution and I knew the Xero APIs could support the use case. It was also a common theme across a bunch of other payroll software providers, so we set out to solve the customer pain point that no one else was focussed on.

XU: Sounds like it is working, why do you think that is?

RJ: It might seem obvious in hindsight, but there really wasn’t anything out there

that solved both the employee onboarding experience and the employer’s compliance obligations.

We were the first to embed the ATO’s super stapling service directly into onboarding, removing the need for an advisor to enter an employee's super details into the ATO portal. Plus, we’re connected to SuperStream, which means we can register employees with the default fund automatically.

Honestly though, I think the time we spend with our customers has been the most powerful. Our customers tell us they love genuine support and real conversations, especially in the age of AI Bots. It also helps that they give us some great feature ideas while we chat!

XU:

What are the most common pain points bookkeepers face when onboarding employees manually into Xero Payroll?

RJ:

It’s a twofold problem. First, the quality of employee data bookkeepers receive is often poor, coming in via scanned forms, handwritten notes, emails, or mismatched software. It’s rarely complete, and there’s no validation for things like addresses, phone numbers, bank accounts or superfund membership.

Second, the process of collecting that data is messy, time-consuming and unsecure. Chasing employees over email or phone just to get the basics for payroll is frustrating. And even when everything is finally correct, it comes via email and someone needs to manually enter it into Xero Payroll.

XU: In your experience, how much time is lost due to manual onboarding processes, and what are the downstream effects for bookkeepers managing multiple clients?

RJ:

Even in the best-case scenario, onboarding an employee takes around 15 minutes. But that doesn’t include the days of back-andforth before you’re even ready to enter anything into Xero.

The asynchronous nature of it all is a real time suck. Documents arrive from the employee usually when you're busy doing something else. Trying to remember what’s still outstanding, entering details only to realise something’s missing, chasing down employees you can’t reach, and sometimes running payroll anyway just to keep things moving. Then comes the correction: special pay runs, follow-ups, and admin that no one values and no one tracks.

It’s distracting, time-consuming, and frustrating.

It’s a broken workflow … and one Xonboard was built to fix.

XU: How does this inefficiency affect small businesses directly, especially those relying on bookkeepers for payroll compliance and reporting?

RJ:

Time is money. If it’s not automated, you’re paying someone to do it for you. And if you’re not charging for your time, you’re spending it. But you’re also paying for all the compounding mistakes that can creep in when you do things manually. From typos to lost or incomplete forms, if it doesn’t make it into payroll correctly it’s usually the employer that has to pay to fix it. Whether that’s due to a penalty from the ATO or just more time and effort for the bookkeeper / payroll team to revert and fix the error.

XU: With Payday Super on the horizon, how are you seeing bookkeepers and small businesses prepare for the changes?

Ben Styles, Riley James & Sam Richardson: Founders of Xonboard & SuperAPI

RJ: Everyone should be having conversations with their clients about Payday Super, making sure they understand what’s coming and why it matters. The most proactive businesses are already shifting from quarterly super payments to monthly, or even payday cycles now. Making that move now avoids disruption later, and there are no penalties for getting it wrong while you're still ahead of the curve.

There’s no sugar-coating it: paying super on payday will put real pressure on small business cashflow. But this is where advisors play a critical role. Helping clients prepare now means they can gradually adjust their processes and start closing the gap before July 1, 2026.

Just like when super was first introduced, Payday Super will, eventually, feel like a nobrainer. But getting there takes planning.

XU: What are the common misconceptions about Payday Super? What do business owners and advisors need to be aware of right now?

RJ: The biggest misconception is that “I’ve got 7 days to pay super”. The reality is, you’ve got 7 days to get every employee’s super to their super fund. That’s a very different challenge!

Super funds have 3 days to reconcile contributions before refunding them, and the payments world is full of intermediaries touching the payment, banks, gateways, clearing houses, super payment services, so the process can get stuck anywhere along the way. There’s no perfect product that can tell you exactly where a super payment is in real time and was it successful.

If you’re still scrambling to collect super details from

employees between making payday and the 7 days expiring, you’re almost guaranteed to trigger an SG Charge, which is yet another round of admin you don’t want.

XU: Why is employee onboarding such a pivotal part of being Payday Super-ready?

RJ: It’s the only way to be ready on payday. It’s how you can stay ahead.

Team Left to Right: Tyler, Ben, Riley, Patrick, Paul, Sam, Braidon, Nath

Not Just Filling Seats

How BASE Global Helps Accounting & Bookkeeping Firms Build HighPerforming Offshore Teams

Tired of offshore letdowns? BASE Global builds powerhouse accounting teams that perform, stay longer, and drive real growth

The offshore staffing market hasn’t always had the best reputation. Many accounting firms have grown tired of incumbent providers - frustrated by poor service levels, disengaged offshore staff, and a lack of strategic support.

That’s where BASE Global Solutions comes in.

Founded by Stephen Watts and Wyatt Bacon, BASE is changing the narrative by helping firms build high-performing, long-term teams

that feel like a true extension of their business.

Real Results, Real Change

@base global solutions @stephen watts

Stephen Watts, CEO, BASE Global Solutions

Stephen believes business success starts with the right people. With 20+ years in financial services and accounting, he saw firsthand how top talent drives growth. That led him to co-found BASE Global Solutions, helping businesses scale through highimpact workforce strategies. BASE goes beyond filling roles, focusing on partnerships and performance to deliver tailored people solutions that empower businesses to thrive in a fastchanging market.

“We’ve

doubled our advisory revenue in the last three years,” said director Mark Giglia. “

Just ask AR & B Advisors, a fastgrowing Australian accounting and advisory firm. Like many, they were hitting a ceiling - local recruitment was slow, expensive, and couldn’t keep pace with client demand.

After partnering with BASE, things changed fast.

“We’ve doubled our advisory revenue in the last three years,” said director Mark Giglia. “BASE Global Solutions has changed the way we work, the way we serve clients, and the way we think about growth. It’s been a game changer.” They haven’t wasted any time either. In their first year, BASE Global placed over 100 highquality Philippines candidates into accounting and bookkeeping roles across Australia, helping firms reduce time-to-hire, lift capacity, and ease pressure on stretched local teams.

That kind of result isn’t a oneoff. It’s the product of BASE’s tailored approach to recruitment, onboarding, and team engagement - built specifically for accountants and bookkeepers.

Solving the Big Pain Points

What holds firms back from growing? It’s rarely a lack of ambition or opportunity. More often, it’s capacity.

“Time and time again, we saw great firms limited by one thing - access

BASE Global Solutions team at the office

to the right people,” says Wyatt. “That’s why we built BASE Global.”

BASE addresses three core problems:

• Capacity – Helping firms scale sustainably by building reliable, skilled teams offshore

• Retention – Creating a supportive environment where offshore staff stay longer and contribute more

• Culture – Building teams that feel like your own - not just staff, but part of the business

It’s an approach that turns offshoring from a compromise into a competitive advantage.

People First, Always

From the beginning, BASE Global was founded on one core belief: business success starts with people. And that means putting just as much care into your offshore team as your clients.

“We don’t see offshore staff as temps or contractors,” says Stephen. “They’re valuable contributors to our clients’ longterm vision - and we treat them that way.” That mindset runs through everything BASE does - from how they recruit, to how they develop culture, communication, and career pathways.

“When people feel supported and part of something bigger, they stay longer, contribute more, and genuinely care about the firm they’re supporting,” says Wyatt.

It’s this culture that sets BASE apart - and creates consistent, lasting results.

“We’re

“We’re not here to fill seats,” Wyatt adds. “We’re here to build high-performing teams that transform your business.”

who serve multiple industries, BASE has a clear focus: accounting and bookkeeping.

“That’s our DNA,” says Stephen. “We know the profession, we speak the language, and we understand what firms need to succeed.”

That specialisation means clients get more than just talent. They get insights, strategic support, and a team that genuinely understands how accounting practices work. And with platforms like Xero making global collaboration seamless, there’s never been a better time to scale in smarter, more sustainable ways.

The Best of Both Worlds: Remote + Office Support

Another part of BASE’s secret sauce? Their new, flexible office space in the Philippines.

“We wanted our team to have the best of both worlds,” says Wyatt. “The freedom to work from home, and the option to come into a vibrant, collaborative space.”

The space also creates a unique opportunity for BASE clients - many of whom travel to the Philippines to connect with their teams in person.

“we saw great firms limited by one thingaccess to the right people,”

“Our office becomes a home base,” says Stephen. “It’s where work gets done, and where partnerships are built.”

This hybrid model gives clients the visibility and access they often miss with other providers - without losing flexibility.

proud of what we’ve built, but

we’re

even more excited about what’s next.”

Built for Accountants and Bookkeepers

Unlike other offshore providers

What’s Next?

Now, as Stephen and Wyatt gear up for Xerocon Brisbane 2025, they’re doubling down on what makes BASE different - people, performance, and partnerships.

They’re expanding their local support team, launching customer and employee-focused engagement programs to keep relationships intimate, and investing in the longterm growth of their offshore workforce.

“Offshoring shouldn’t feel like a risk,” says Wyatt. “With the right partner, it should feel like growth.”

Stephen agrees: “We’re proud of what we’ve built, but we’re even more excited about what’s next.”

Discover how BASE helps firms scale smarter, connect with us to build your highperforming team.

Steve & Wyatt in the Philippines

The End of "Reporting IP"

See a Report You Like? Consider it

Replicated.

@vibe-cfo @Cameron Lynch

Cameron Lynch, Founder, Vibe CFO

Cameron Lynch specialises in AI, accounting, reporting, and data analytics. With his background as a chartered accountant, Cameron has substantial experience in both practice and commerce, followed by a decade in accounting technology. He is adept at leading development teams and is highly skilled in data engineering and data analytics writing in both Python and SQL. Cameron is at the forefront of transforming small business reporting by leveraging AI.

The value of your reporting is no longer in the template, but in the questions you can finally ask.

e’ve all seen them. A stunning dashboard posted on LinkedIn or presented at a conference. A report that goes beyond a simple P&L to tell a deep, compelling story about a business, weaving together sales, operations, and financial data into a single, clear narrative. For years, that level of insight felt completely out of reach for most—the exclusive domain of data scientists or companies with six-figure budgets for custom business intelligence projects.

That era is now over.

Imagine seeing a report you admire, taking a screenshot, and having an AI instantly replicate its structure, logic, and visualisations using your own business’s data. This isn't science fiction. This is the new reality. The

technology now exists to make the most sophisticated reporting accessible to everyone, providing an incredibly soft entry for those who do no reporting today and a powerful upgrade for those who do. The barrier to entry has not just been lowered; it has been completely vaporised.

• Why did our sales in Victoria dip after that marketing campaign?

• How does our labour efficiency in the warehouse connect to our gross profit margin?

Go beyond the P&L. It's time to connect financial data to your operations and marketing.

The 360-Degree View: Beyond the Financial Report

Your greatest value is no longer building the report, but leading the conversation.

The accounting ecosystem has excellent reporting apps that provide a solid, trusted view of a company's financial health. They are the bedrock of financial analysis, and they do their job well. However, the most critical business questions often live outside the standard financial statements.

• What is the real return on investment of our digital ad spend? Answering these questions requires a 360-degree view of the business—a seamless connection between financials and data from operations, payroll, marketing, and sales systems. This has always been the holy grail of business intelligence. AI is the technology that finally makes it achievable, acting as the universal translator between all your different data sources.

The ‘Magic’ in the Machine: From Aspiration to Instant Insight

This leap forward is powered by AI's ability to understand context and requests in plain English. With

technologies like EVA's 'Replicate', the "how-to" of building a report is handled for you. Your focus shifts from the technical process to the business outcome.

You are no longer constrained by the fixed menus and capabilities of a specific application. Your creativity and business curiosity are the only limits. The time once spent wrestling with software or exporting data to spreadsheets can now be spent on analysis and strategy. It democratises insight, allowing every accountant, CFO, or finance manager to operate at the highest strategic level.

Value Has Shifted: If the Answer is Instantly Available, the Real Skill is Asking the Right Question

This is the most exciting part. When the report itself is a commodity that can be generated instantly, its value as a standalone product disappears. The value shifts entirely to the professional who can wield this new power effectively.

Your expertise is no longer measured by your ability to produce the chart. It's measured by your ability to:

The magic behind the insights. Vibe CFO's engine combines data from all your key integrations (like Xero and simPRO) with your business's strategic context to deliver truly intelligent answers.

• Guide your client or your company with a strategic narrative.

Your greatest value is no longer in building the report, but in leading the conversation that the report sparks.

From Static Reports to Strategic Conversations

See a dashboard you love? AI can now replicate its structure and logic in minutes.

• Ask the insightful questions that unlock true understanding.

• Interpret the answers the data provides.

This new paradigm calls for a more dynamic and collaborative approach. It’s about moving away from presenting historical data and towards exploring future possibilities in real-time.

This is the world Vibe CFO was built for. It’s not another reporting tool; it’s a conversational intelligence platform. It’s

designed to facilitate a live, strategic dialogue between you, your client, and their data. By making the creation of any report effortless, Vibe CFO frees you to focus on the intellectual property that can never be replicated: your experience, your business acumen, and your strategic mind.

Stop wrestling with reports. Start asking bigger questions with Vibe CFO today.

vibecfo.ai

Effortless B2B eCommerce with B2B Wave and Xero

Start receiving B2B orders in no time

@qasim-a @b2b-wave

Qas Ali, Senior Account Executive, B2B Wave

Since joining B2B Wave, Qas has helped hundreds of SMBs in the UK and abroad start their B2B eCommerce portal. Qas has deep knowledge of B2B ordering processes for various industries (medical, food distribution, and more) and can advise on what's the best approach to doing so.

Selling online for wholesalers is a tricky business. Different prices per product, private categories, exclusive deals. B2B Wave makes it easy.

o fully reap the benefits of online B2B selling, integrating your B2B eCommerce platform with your Xero account is of the essence. It makes everything more efficient; from your daily business operations to your sales team to the customer ordering process.

B2B Wave is a powerful all-inone B2B e-Commerce platform, exclusively made for wholesale distributors and brands. With B2B Wave you can get your B2B eCommerce portal up and running by easily importing your Xero data (products and customers), inviting customers, and automating invoice creation. Your customer’s experience can be fully personalised with different price lists and privacy settings, and use the sales rep feature to let them manage orders on behalf of their customers.

Integrations

In addition to Xero integration B2BWave also connects with several payment and inventory systems and with over 2,000+ apps through Zapier — in addition to custombuilt integrations should you feel creative, you can also use the B2B Wave API.

User-friendly B2B eCommerce experience

The all-in-one B2B eCommerce solution will streamline the wholesale order management process with an attractive, user-friendly, wholesale private website where retailers can log in, place orders, and find out about new product offerings and what's currently on sale.

PDF catalogue generation

B2B Wave allows you to instantly accept orders through your own wholesale website, import and manage products on your B2B eCommerce website quickly, generate easily fully customized PDF catalogs for a single customer, a group of customers, specific product categories, and much more.

Localisation features

In today's international world, localisation is a must. You can easily use B2B Wave for selling abroad (even in a different language). We support creating price lists and invoices in different currencies, assigning customers to different VAT schemes, and even assigning different Xero invoice templates to each customer

Mobile app and sales rep management

With the quick import of a spreadsheet, you can immediately start managing your retailers and other B2B customers, including assigning customers to a sales rep and allowing sales reps to place orders on behalf of customers.

Through the B2B Wave new sales reps mobile app you can further streamline your order management and empower your sales reps to deliver superior results by dramatically reducing the time it takes sales them to manage new and existing orders.

Support

B2B Wave values customer relations and we'll do our best to thoroughly understand your business and help you get the most out of the integration. Our friendly support team is available 24/7 to help with urgent issues and with product-related questions.

FIND OUT MORE...

Start a free trial or request a demo here:

https://www.b2bwave.com

Content Snare Q&A

XU: James, let’s start with the big news—Content Snare’s recent expansion into the UK market. What prompted the decision, and how has the reception been?

JR: The UK market is probably the most similar to Australia, so as we scale it’s a natural next step especially given how techforward the UK is. With major changes like MTD on the horizon, getting information and documents from clients quickly has never been more important for accountants and bookkeepers.

The response so far has been excellent, thanks in large part to Tom Johnson, who recently joined our sales team. He brought strong UK contacts from his time there, and with integrations like FYI already established in the UK, it’s been easy for firms to slot us into their existing workflows.

XU: Making Tax Digital (MTD) continues to reshape the UK compliance landscape. How is Content Snare positioning itself to help accountants and bookkeepers stay ahead of these changes?

JR: With the roll out of MTD, firms now need to get information from their

smaller clients on a quarterly basis. The problem is these aren’t usually high fee paying clients, and MTD is going to lead to more touch points, more ‘just chasing this up emails’ that can slowly build up into lots more hours of work and internal costs.

Content Snare shines when things become repetitive, eliminating chasing clients up with automatic reminders and so on. We are also working to build ready-to-use templates, this lets accountants and bookkeepers get the information they need quickly, cut down on chasing, and stay focused on getting the work done.

XU: Have you received any feedback from UK accounting firms using Content Snare specifically for MTD-related workflows?

JR: We’ve had plenty of UK customers long before MTD was even a thing, and the feedback has been incredible. Now, the biggest challenge that comes with MTD is queries. For example, Jessica Pillow and her team at Pillow May started using Content Snare specifically for queries, because they were getting out of hand and they needed a way to keep everything in one place. So while we haven’t had a huge

@content-snare @jamesrose

James Rose, Co-Founder

Jimmy is the co-founder of Content Snare - a software platform that helps professionals collect content & files from clients.

Once an automation engineer, his new priority is to help business owners regain their lives, be more productive and get more done in less time.

amount of direct feedback on MTD-related workflows yet, as this is still very new, we do get a lot of feedback on how much time we save firms when it comes to queries. And that’s going to be a big factor in the near future.

XU:

Upload portals have been around for years. In your view, why aren’t they enough when it comes to collecting documents and data efficiently?

JR:

It all comes down to client experience.

Traditional “client portals” sound great in theory, but they rarely get used because they aren’t easy for clients. If you’re asking someone to do extra work, it has to be frictionless otherwise they resist or give up.

Logins are the classic barrier. Many people forget passwords, and as soon as they hit that wall, they stop using the portal.

Another issue is that portals often become dumping grounds, no different from a shared Google Drive or SharePoint folder. There’s no checklist, no visibility into what’s done or outstanding, and clients end up cross-referencing emails and spreadsheets. That messy experience is exactly why they fail.

XU: Beyond just collecting documents, what role does Content Snare play in enhancing collaboration and decision-making between professional service providers and their clients?

JR:

Content Snare isn’t just for documents, it’s for collecting any kind of info and with information comes power, the power to help clients make informed decisions.

Another big area is advisory. Accountants and bookkeepers can send out questionnaires before an advisory meeting to gather the right information upfront. It’s almost like giving clients a bit of homework, so when the meeting happens, both sides are better prepared. And then, of course, it’s useful for the follow-up after those meetings as well.

XU:

One of Content Snare’s strengths is automation. How do features like automated reminders, item–level rejection, and embedded instructions contribute to improving completion rates and client experience?

JR: Instructions are the number one thing because that’s what clients see first when you ask them to answer a question or upload a document. Good instructions help them get it right the first time, which is the best way to avoid all the back and forth. You can add formatted text, checklists, images, GIFs, or even videos. For example, if you’re asking a client to give you access to a piece of software, you can include a short video showing exactly where to go in the system or how to find the document you need. This reduces room for error and makes the client experience far better.

Then there are reminders, which are by far our most

popular feature. You’ll always have to chase some clients, sometimes multiple times over long periods, and no one likes doing that. It’s not the kind of work accountants or other professionals should be doing, because it’s a huge waste of their talent. And honestly, even admin staff don’t want to do it, because it’s repetitive and tedious. With automated reminders, that job is handled for you. There’s also this interesting side benefit: accountants can “blame” Content Snare. They’ll say to clients, “You’ll be getting reminders from the app, so just get it done and they’ll stop.” It takes the pressure off the accountant and puts the responsibility back on the client.

Finally, there’s rejection. It’s really common for people to misunderstand a question and send the wrong thing, or to accidentally upload last year’s bank statement. With item-level rejection, you can quickly flag just that one mistake and ask them to fix it, without going back to email or making more calls. That saves a huge amount of extra time or confusion.

XU:

How do you see the balance between automation and the human touch evolving in Content Snare’s design philosophy?

JR:

A big part of what we preach is personalizing and branding the way you build requests. That means writing in your own tone of voice, adding videos, and making it feel like your firm. We provide default videos and instructions, but we always recommend people make them their own because it improves brand recognition and just creates a nicer experience for clients.

The automation side ties into what we touched on earlier with auto reminders and item-level rejection. Overall, the process is still very customizable. Some firms use the same checklist across all clients, while others create bespoke checklists for each client. In that case, it’s usually the same checklist reused with that client every time. There’s a bit of upfront work to set it up, but then you’ve got this custom, personal request that still benefits from all the automated follow-up later on.

To me, that’s the sweet spot: creating a personalized client experience while automating the repetitive parts. That’s really what allows personalization at scale. You get higher response rates, a better client experience, and you come across as more professional, all while making the process much easier for yourself.

XU: For firms hesitant to change their current systems, what would you say to them about the cost of not fixing this part of their process?

JR: Most firms know when their process is broken. Relying on email, spreadsheets, and PDFs is inefficient, so when they see Content Snare, it’s often a nobrainer.

The hesitation is usually about how clients will respond: Will they like it? The best approach is to test it with a small group of trusted clients. Send a request to yourself first, then roll it out to 5-10 clients, gather feedback, refine, and expand. When firms provide clear instructions, videos, and their own tone of voice, feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

The cost of not fixing this is obvious. Highly skilled staff end up wasting time chasing clients for basic information. We’ve seen firms with a fulltime employee dedicated just to chasing. One firm told us that Content Snare replaced what would have otherwise been a full-time role.

The other big cost is scalability. Without proper systems, growth hits a bottleneck. Firms often tell us Content Snare removed that roadblock and let them scale. Most firms' current

process is them chasing clients and emailing back and forth, whilst the deadline gets closer. Eventually, after hours of chasing they get what they need from the client and it becomes this mad rush to get everything done before the deadline. That’s not a scalable process.

XU: Content Snare is often described as a “client-friendly” platform. What makes the experience smoother or easier for end clients compared to other tools?

JR: I often describe it as an iceberg since people see this simple client interface, but beneath the surface there’s a huge amount of planning, design, and testing that goes into making it feel that way. Every decision we make in the design comes back to one question: can the most difficult person I know figure this out? We spend hours going back and forth to make things as seamless as possible, then test it with real people, get their feedback, and improve it again. It’s a constant process of optimizing the client experience to be as frictionless as possible. And that’s really the key word: frictionless. Removing every bit of friction is what ensures people actually get their information in on time.

XU:

Can you share any success stories from firms who’ve transformed their info collection process using Content Snare?

JR: We actually ran a results survey, and the numbers were pretty staggering. Some firms reported saving so much time that the averages looked almost unbelievable, so we used the median instead. The big stat that came out was a 71% reduction in the time spent chasing clients for information.

For example, Liston Newton Advisory, an Australian

accounting and business advisory firm, told us: “In terms of numbers, I would say that Content Snare has increased our efficiency by 50 percent, but we’re still continuously improving it. Data accuracy and completeness improved massively, I would say 70 percent.”

And we also got this from All In Advisory, a multi-award-winning accounting firm that offers accounting, tax, bookkeeping, and advisory services: “I wanted something that really represented us, and so when I started using Content Snare, I was absolutely blown away by how customizable it was.”

XU: Looking to the future—what’s next for Content Snare? Are there any upcoming features or innovations on the roadmap you’re particularly excited about?

JR: We just released a massively updated AI request builder, which allows people to paste in client queries from almost any source. You can drop text into a box, add a prompt, or even upload a PDF, and it will build requests from that. What excites me is where this is heading - using AI to create truly bespoke requests for clients, based on prior year information or data that’s already in your systems. For example, in Australia we have prefill reports from the tax office that can be used to generate custom questions. In the UK, there isn’t an equivalent yet, but as soon as something like that becomes available, we’ll build it in.

Another big development is our new client portal. Historically, Content Snare has been great at receiving information from clients, but there wasn’t a way to securely send information back to them. Now, firms can do exactly that. Clients have a single, secure place where they can always access the

files you’ve shared with them. We’ve got more improvements planned in this area - ideas we’re not ready to share just yet - but I believe it’s going to drastically reduce the number of client questions firms receive.

We’re also looking to expand what can be done during onboarding. Right now, you can collect information, verify identity, and gather documentation, but we want to add signing and initial payments into that process as well. And for larger firms, one of the big requests we hear is more granular control over who can see what within the account. That’s something we’re working on too, and I think it’ll be a game changer for those firms.

XU:

As Content Snare grows its footprint in the UK, how are you supporting adoption and training for new users?

JR:

We support adoption in the UK the same way we always have: by providing really good, worldclass support. Our support team gets incredible feedback. We’ve been very reluctant to use AIbased support, which a lot of apps are moving toward. The reason is that even with simple questions, there’s often some reading between the lines, understanding what someone is really trying to do based on experience. That’s the kind of next-level support you don’t get from an AI bot or a first-tier team. Our support staff know the product inside out, as well

as the challenges firms face.

On top of that, we have a customer success team and sales team available for conversations and onboarding. It’s really the same approach we’ve always taken, just adjusted for a different time zone. We also put a lot of effort into education, running webinars, building out our help center, and making sure there are always three or four different ways people can reach out if they need help. We’re also starting to run webinars with our current users, showing others how they’re using Content Snare, that kind of peer-to-peer learning is really powerful.

XU:

How do you see Content Snare fitting into the broader tech stack for modern accounting firms—especially those embracing digital transformation?

JR:

Our approach is to fit into the other tools firms are already using. We’ve got an open API, plus integrations with Zapier and Make.com. We’re also building more connections with document management and CRM tools. We already integrate with FYI, XPM, SharePoint,

OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive, and we’re continuing to add more. The idea is to make Content Snare plug in as easily as possible.

In a way, we sit holistically above everything else. At almost any point in a firm’s workflow, you need to ask clients for something, whether it’s documents, data, or clarifications. That’s where we come in. You could be sending queries to close out a month, or sending cash flow reports, like some of our users do through Content Snare. So we’re kind of an umbrella that sits across most of the tech stack, while also slotting neatly into the tools firms already rely on.

XU: Finally, if you had to sum up the mission of Content Snare in one sentence, what would it be?

JR:

Our mission is to get rid of all the back and forth with clients and make the whole process frictionless for both sides.

contentsnare.com/ industries/accounting

Going Global

Advancetrack is taking new territories into consideration

@ApprovalMax @vipulsheth @advancetrack-outsourcing

Vipul Sheth, Managing Director, Advancetrack

Vipul Sheth qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Adviser. He started with a regional practice, Rabjohns LLP (now Bishop Fleming) in Worcester before joining Ernst & Young and KPMG where he worked up to management.

In 2003, after over a decade of professional experience, he built Advancetrack, an ICAEW Member Firm, which delivers on-demand, trained accounting & tax professionals for UK, USA & Australian standards.

Such a move will see it stick to what it’s knows best: worldclass outsourcing, offshoring and podsourcing® services.

Advancetrack has been very UK-centric for a long time. And the UK will remain an integral place for where we offer our services. But, in tandem, it’s time to push into new territories.

Keeping the vision in mind

If you asked me 23 years ago about my vision for Advancetrack, it would have been one that leverages technology alongside brilliant teams in Indian centres

to serve accountancy practices internationally.

It has been a long journey to put ourselves in a market-leading position in the UK, but, during that time, we didn’t want to just ‘stick flags’ in other jurisdictions saying ‘we’re here’ without a presence.

We have tentatively and patiently built knowledge and relationships in Australia/New Zealand and in the US. We’re well-regarded in Ireland. And Canada is on our list too. We are now stepping up in regard to business development teams.

Market perspectives

Because of Australia’s proximity to Asia, their accountants have probably embraced outsourcing and offshoring much faster – in a similar way to being cloud advocates. North America has historically embraced outsourcing in areas such as IT – but, facing a shortage of accountants, there is an opportunity for us to help.

Going global

A business like ours that understands tech and process, makes it a very different offering to the bulk of the providers. Equally, we will have serious brand-building to do and winning some great firms that will be able to share their experience and see what we’ve said we do is true!

Gaining a footprint might seem to be about marketing, branding and business development. But as important is the work going on in our Indian centres. The teams recruit and train to be able to produce tax and accounting files that meet jurisdictional law and regulations. While our teams and offering will never be exactly the same, country-by-country, we ‘get’ that excellence in service is everything.

Looking in, and looking forward

It is reminiscent of when I launched Advancetrack in the UK – you feel that you’re on

the outside looking in, with opportunities abound. Certainly, in the UK, we consider ourselves one of the leading players.

While not going too granular on competitor analysis, we know who the main players are in those jurisdictions. It’s more important for us to focus on the good work we’ve already done and replicating that as much as possible. The incumbents are doing things ‘their way’ and we’re looking to bring ‘the Advancetrack way’ of delivering services to the market.

We think – and hope –that we will challenge them with a great, robust, way of outsourcing, offshoring and our own proprietary podsourcing® offering.

The offering has been written, or spoken, about many times. We talk about how we help to change lives: of those using our service, of end clients that see the benefits, and even the lives of our teams. It’s more than filling a workflow gap.

A practice that has partnered with Advancetrack over the long-term, looks to evolve its direction of travel – using Advancetrack’s latest service offering.

Describe your practice to us

We’re an independent, multi-partner, practice providing a broad range of services – with specialisms in farming clients and academies.

How long have you worked with Advancetrack, and what issue/s were you looking to solve?

It’s been around ten years working with Advancetrack – and our partnership has evolved over time.

At first the main reason, and something

For us, it’s very much about building a group of people that do things our way. That means doing more with our existing customer base and augmenting this with new accountancy partner firmsany territory we move into will be no different.

We have a culture of excellence within our teams – our team’s mindset is to ‘please’, and the only way to do that is turn up and become a better version of yourself, individually and collectively. By doing that, you’ll have happier and growing customers. And if they’re happy, they’ll share that with fellow professionals.

Want to talk to us about your growth plans? Visit Advancetrack.com to get in touch.

advancetrack.com

that’s still relevant, is dealing with capacity overflow. Initially it was about dealing with peaks and troughs where we couldn’t justify hiring another member of staff. But it’s also freed us up to support trainees, as well as provide backup if there is any illness in the team. Originally, it was solely for accounts production, but then our tax team wanted to try out what we were doing. The Advancetrack team were able to turn around work fast, and this particularly helped during tax season.

This continued for a while. We then thought it would be good practice to work with another provider too, so not all our eggs were in one basket. However, the service wasn’t as good and promises weren’t kept. At this point we began

using Advancetrack’s offshoring support as well.

Why did podsourcing® fit your practice's plans?

We felt that work was good and on time, but for us we wanted a dedicated team that we could always talk to. Podsourcing® is more personal – we can speak to someone preparing the job in real-time and they understand what we expect from them. They also have other members within the pod there to support them.

We can have high-level conversations with clients having reviewed the work - it frees our time up to look at higher value offerings such as MBOs, funding and IHT.

Still chasing payments without seeing the full picture?

Late replies, missed follow-ups, scattered comms. Keeping track shouldn’t be this hard.

Chaser brings every debtor conversation, reminder, promised payment date, and response into one view. You can monitor what was sent, when it was seen, and what’s still overdue without switching tabs. With CRM logging, you can now track every interaction where it matters most.

See everything. Track everything. Get paid faster.

Dext Q&A

ext has recently taken a major step forward in its journey to transform how accountants, bookkeepers, and small businesses manage financial workflows. Following the launch of a unified, intelligent platform bringing together Prepare, Precision, and Commerce, Dext delivers AI-powered automation you can trust, cutting admin, improving accuracy and freeing up time for you to focus on higher-value work and achieving your bigger goal.

In this interview, we sit down with CEO, Sabby Gill, to discuss what this evolution means for customers, how innovation and AI are shaping Dext’s long-term vision, and where the company sees its biggest opportunities for growth on a global scale.

XU: Dext recently announced a significant step in its evolution—can you walk us through what this next phase means for your customers and the wider accounting industry?

SG: At Dext, we’ve always been clear on our mission - help people work smarter, not harder. This next step is about making that a reality in a bigger way. We’re bringing Prepare, Precision, and Commerce together into a single, unified platform.

This isn’t just a product update. It’s a milestone for us and a major time-saver for accountants, bookkeepers, and small businesses. No more juggling between tools; everything works together, seamlessly. That means more time for the work that actually matters: serving their clients and growing businesses.

For us, it’s also about momentum. This move sets us up for another strong year of growth and shows the industry that we’re serious about building the most complete, automated financial workflow on the market.

XU: You’ve spoken about consolidating and simplifying the user experience across the Dext product suite. How will this unified experience impact accountants, bookkeepers, and small business users day-today?

@hellodext @sabbygill

SG: It’s going to feel simpler and faster. One login, one dashboard, and data that flows naturally between tools. For accountants and bookkeepers, that means fewer clicks and less admin. For small businesses, it’s easier collaboration with their advisors, fewer errors, and more space to focus on strategy rather than paperwork.

XU: What role does innovation play in Dext’s long-term vision, especially as automation and AI continue to shape the accounting technology landscape?

SG: Innovation isn’t a side project for us - it’s the engine. AI and automation are changing the game, and we’re putting them to work where they have real impact.

Today, we process over 173 million receipts and invoices with 99% accuracy, turn around bank statements in under ten minutes, and handle millions of line items without breaking a sweat.

Our research tells us SMBs are spending huge amounts of time - often more than 20 hours a month - on financial admin. Many are already looking to AI for relief. We’re here to lead that shift and make sure our users are ready for what’s next, whether that’s regulatory changes, cost pressures, or new technology.

Sabby Gill, CEO, Dext

XU: Dext serves users in countries all over the world. What are some of the unique challenges— and opportunities—you’ve encountered while scaling Dext on a global level?

SG: Across the board, skills shortages have been a major issue for companies looking to scale, with those working in tech highly sought-after. However, our remote-first policy has turned this into an opportunity, rather than a challenge, by removing location barriers and allowing us to tap into a much wider pool in regions like Bulgaria and Indonesia which have strong tech talent.

XU: How do you ensure the Dext platform remains locally relevant in diverse markets while maintaining a consistent global strategy?

SG: Accounting isn’t one-size-fits-all as regulations and practices vary everywhere. We stay close to our customers, partner councils, and community in every region so we can adapt while keeping the overall platform consistent. Personally, I make a point of speaking directly with users from different markets every week. Their input shapes what we build.

XU: Are there any particular regions or markets where you see major growth potential for Dext over the next 2-3 years?

SG: We’re expanding our reach in the UAE, Malta and Cyprus. The UAE, in particular, is booming - double the new businesses in the last five years and a big influx of independent professionals from the UK. The appetite for digital bookkeeping and compliance solutions is huge, and we’re well positioned to meet it.

IRIS Software Group’s acquisition of Dext gives us a great opportunity to explore the US which we have done through a remote first approach, however with IRIS’s customer base, acquisitions and relationships, that is a tremendous opportunity that I am excited to uncover. I’ve already attended three major events in the US this year with IRIS and the engagement levels and interest has been exceptional.

XU: The partnership between Dext and Airwallex to power Dext Payments is a major move. What inspired this collaboration, and how does it align with your product vision?

SG: Our collaboration with Airwallex was inspired by our shared vision to modernise financial workflows for SMBs and their accounting and bookkeeping partners, resulting in tighter control over cash flow, fewer delays and less admin.

Airwallex stood out as the ideal partner for two reasons. Its global presence allows us to support customers in every region we operate in, and their secure, developer-friendly platform integrates seamlessly with Dext, giving us the confidence to bring this product to market at scale.

Ultimately, Dext Payments aligns with our product vision of delivering a unified platform for financial professionals that eliminates friction and gives customers clarity, control and confidence over how they pay and get paid.

XU: Do you see Dext expanding its ecosystem with more partnerships like Airwallex in the future? If so, what kind of partners are you looking for?

SG: Absolutely - strategic partnerships have been a key driver of our growth and international expansion, from becoming part of IRIS Software Group to

our partnerships with Xero, Quickbooks, Scope Solutions, Zoho Books and Square Payments to name a few.

We will continue to seek out partners who share our vision and can help us provide even more value to our customers through our platform.

XU: Let’s talk about Vault—what gap in the market were you aiming to fill with this new feature?

SG: Vault is about solving a simple but common problem: document chaos. Too many accountants, bookkeepers, and their clients use disconnected tools for storage and sharing, which creates security risks and wastes time. Vault gives them one secure, AI-powered space that’s part of their existing workflow.

XU: Security and compliance are top priorities when it comes to document storage. How does Vault ensure peace of mind for users, particularly in regulated industries?

SG: Vault gives accountants,

bookkeepers and their clients the peace of mind that their important and confidential business documents are stored securely, using encrypted storage and following best practices for data security which includes GDPR and ISO compliance. It’s a safe place for critical business documents, without the complexity.

XU:

What’s the future roadmap for Vault? Are there more capabilities you're planning to roll out to enhance its functionality?

SG: Absolutely. Vault is very much part of our ongoing innovation journey. Customers are increasingly asking for AI-powered capabilities, and those are firmly on the roadmap for Vault’s future. I can’t share specifics yet, but they’re designed to open new opportunities while strengthening what’s already there. Watch this space.

XU: As CEO, how do you foster a culture of innovation and customercentricity within the Dext team?

SG: I believe fostering innovation and

customer-centricity starts with staying true to our company values. Even during periods of change, when people feel supported and trusted, they deliver their best work - and that’s where innovation happens. We embed a culture of continuous learning by equipping our teams with the tools, training, and autonomy to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo. This empowers them to keep innovating and, ultimately, deliver exceptional value to our customers.

XU: How has your leadership approach evolved as Dext has grown from a startup to a global SaaS provider?

SG: When I joined Dext, we were already on a strong growth path, but still very much in “startup mode” - fast-moving, hands-on, and laser-focused on proving our value. As we’ve scaled into a global SaaS provider, my role has evolved from being in every detail to ensuring we have the right strategy, the right people, and the right culture to sustain that growth.

I see myself first as a servant

leader. My job is to remove roadblocks, give people clarity and resources, and create an environment where they can do their best work. That means listening, really listening, to both our teams and our customers.

I make a point of staying close to the customer voice because it’s the most reliable guide for where we should invest, what we should improve, and where the next opportunity lies.

At the same time, scale demands a more deliberate, strategic approach. I’ve had to balance our bias for action with thoughtful decisionmaking, ensuring we’re not just chasing growth, but building something resilient. That involves constantly scanning for risks - whether it’s market shifts, regulatory changes, or competitive threats - while also spotting opportunities where we can lead rather than follow.

Ultimately, my leadership today is about focus and foresight: keeping the customer at the centre, empowering our people,

making strategic bets, and ensuring that every decision strengthens both the business we have today and the one we want to be in five years’ time.

XU:

What excites you most about Dext’s team right now, and how are you preparing the company for its next stage of growth?

SG:

We recently reported our strongest year of growth which has come from a commitment to delivering value through product innovation, strategic partnerships we’ve made and becoming part of the IRIS Software Group - allowing us to offer an end-to-end solution to a joint customer base of 35,000 accountants and bookkeepers and 736,000 clients.

As we look to the next stage of growth, we’re focused on strengthening our unified platform and continuing to involve our customers in the innovation process. Customer-centricity has always

been at the heart of how we grow, working alongside users to understand how we can be an indispensable asset to their business. Whether it’s through advisory groups or inviting customers to trial Beta versions of our products, we ensure every decision is guided by their needs and aligned with how businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers work today. This collaborative approach creates a powerful feedback loop that fuels continuous improvement and innovation. And with the dedicated and talented team we have today, I’m confident we’ll keep raising the bar.

“Just

+ Gojee

The smoother way to scale: Growing your processes, without the risky leaps

Konstantin

Bredyuk, CEO, ApprovalMax

Konstantin Bredyuk, co-founder and CEO of ApprovalMax, began his entrepreneurial journey in 2016 to help SMBs scale faster. Driven by a mission to help businesses build strong financial controls, he leads by example, proudly propelling ApprovalMax’s growth with dedication and hands-on leadership.

Thinking about moving on from your accounting software? Here's what you should know about getting the functionality you need.

There often comes a time when the existing technology a business uses no longer does the job. What worked well in the beginning might not last you or your client to the next stage of the business journey.

It starts with small gaps, team members creating workarounds and haphazardly meshing spreadsheets with email systems to plug what they can. But over time, this doesn’t cut it.

This is when cracks start appearing. Maybe you’re asked about cash flow in a meeting and realise you don't have a clear answer. Your finance manager doesn't have time to analyse the financial performance of the group since they’re consumed by the manual process of consolidating and reconciling five separate Xero or QuickBooks Online files each month.

Without clear approval processes and controls, small errors keep happening – but they add up fast.

A few duplicate payments here, a missed payment there and a near miss with a fraudulent invoice that could have cost tens of thousands.

Ideally, you’d have full visibility of

your financial operations, including everything from cash flow to spend tracking and approvals, all in real-time. But you don’t –and this holds back planning for future growth. Rather than being able to spend time planning the organisation’s expansion, you’re up late manually reconciling documents to get a clear view of your financial position.

So what’s next?

At this point, many businesses weigh up two options: stay with their existing accounting software, like Xero or QuickBooks Online, or take the leap to a full ERP like NetSuite. Each has its own challenges:

1. Stay with Xero or QuickBooks Online. While you’d enjoy familiar functionality, you’d increasingly need to find workarounds for capabilities not found in the platform – like scheduling, multientity reporting and workflows. Over time, errors would happen more often, like duplicate payments, missed approvals and inconsistent coding across entities, impacting cash flow, visibility and wasting huge amounts of time.

2. Move to NetSuite. This would bring the extra capabilities

needed, but with a higher cost and longer amount of time to get up and running. You might not have the time or resources free to dedicate to getting this right. Even if you did switch, you’d still have to continue using your existing tools while getting set up.

Setting up supportive systems that scale

Beyond the two obvious options – staying with your GL or moving to NetSuite – there’s a third (and often better) option: building a ladder in between.

Modern app ecosystems mean organisations now have access to a wide range of tools that plug straight into their accounting platform to add extra features. This keeps Xero or QuickBooks Online as the core general ledger while still adding much-needed capabilities needed.

Many businesses find success with this middle-ground approach. Iridium, a South African accounting, advisory and automation firm, regularly helps growing businesses identify the right combination of tools to extend their existing accounting systems rather than replacing them entirely.

“We have an innate love and passion for building a solid tech stack for our clients,” says Peter Sean Magner, Sales & Marketing Director at Iridium. “Over time we’ve built up this tech stack by finding the best software solutions for various business needs that plug into the Xero ecosystem.”

Iridium primarily works with growing businesses looking to put in the right systems and processes – it not only supports their accounting needs but ensures they can scale in the years to come.

One of these tools is ApprovalMax. The team first used the tool in 2016 when looking for a solution for client Yoco, a market-leading payments company, which was previously using Jira tickets to manage approvals and needed a better way to automate and integrate approvals to its accounting system.

At the time, the business was using Xero and ApprovalMax gave it the capability it needed to manage approvals. Since then, however, it continued to grow rapidly to support hundreds of thousands of customers. With this fast expansion came the need for robust systems and processes to help Yoco’s hundreds of employees work efficiently; the company moved to NetSuite in October 2023 to have greater functionality for a multi-entity organisation operating across multiple geographies.

Since the Yoco team already used ApprovalMax, they simply changed their integration in

ApprovalMax once they switched to NetSuite. This carried the team’s sophisticated approval workflows over to the new system; Yoco’s approval matrix involves 32 different people across the business and typical conditions, such as vendor, dollar amount, and various cost centres.

Starting with apps adds the extra functionality an organisation needs with less risk. In many ways, this is the best of both worlds: you get extra features while still using Xero or QuickBooks Online.

While there might still be implementation and training involved, it’s often much faster to get up and running than a full ERP implementation. Doing this can even help support growth; Xero found SMBs which use ecosystem apps grow revenue 30% faster.

Growing to new heights

Eventually, many companies will still consider scaling up to

NetSuite, just like Yoco, to support their next phase of growth. When that happens, tools like ApprovalMax can easily make the journey across with them, offering the same functionality via a new system of record.

At a time when businesses across the world are concerned about economic conditions, it’s critical to weigh up risk vs reward; uncertainty is the defining theme of the current global economic environment, according to the World Economic Forum.

Making smaller, adaptable changes to a technology stack allows for more flexibility and to suit you or your client’s current and future needs, without taking risky, costly leaps.

For more information on ApprovalMax, visit approvalmax.com FIND OUT MORE...

Racking Up Results: How Jimba Lamb Got Its Inventory in Shape

How a homegrown inventory solution helped United Meat Co’s Australian arm, Jimba Lamb, gain full control of their box-to-kilo operations.

The need for a smarter, faster supply chain

When premium Australian lamb travels around the world, chances are it passed through the cold rooms of Jimba Lamb, the domestic sales and logistics arm of United Meat Co. But before they could scale, they needed to solve a unique inventory challenge—one that most off-the-shelf software couldn’t.

Dylan Hopp, General Manager of United Meat Co Australia brand, Jimba Lamb, said that before finding Fishbowl, they looked for months for a customisable, Australian-based solution that could integrate with Xero.

“Most businesses invoice before they pick and pack,” explains Dylan. “But our model is different. We sell by the box and charge by the kilo— and every box weighs something different. We don’t know the invoice total until after the inventory has been picked.”

@craigscarr @Fishbowl

Craig Scarr, Fishbowl Marketing Director, APAC

Craig Scarr is a marketing professional and business leader with passion and focus to help organisations and leadership teams to generate outstanding results. Craig has extensive experience as a business professional spanning strategic marketing, brand management, partnership development, content, and digital media marketing across a diverse range of industries including FMCG, financial services, not for profit organisations and software solution providers.

local provider was critical.

"We’re backing Australian businesses with the technology and support they need to grow.”

Searching for the right fit

As a new division of United Meat Co, Jimba Lamb was building its systems from scratch. In their efforts to find something that could be customised to solve their unique issue, the service from a

“First of all, Fishbowl had an office here in Australia,” said Dylan. “That was important to us. We wanted to deal with people who understood our local environment and were available when we needed them.”

A collaboration toward a perfect solution

Dylan continues to explain that Fishbowl didn’t just sell software— they collaborated. The Fishbowl team worked closely with Jimba Lamb to co-develop a solution that could generate invoices and picking slips simultaneously, tailored to their box-to-kilo process.

“They were awesome,” said Dylan. “We even went to their offices in Queensland to talk things through. They were open, responsive, and willing to adapt their usual approach to meet our needs.”

The onboarding experience and ongoing support made a lasting impression, Dylan added, “Even after implementation, they were

really responsive to our questions.”

The power of local service

Compared to other inventory software providers, Dylan adds that Fishbowl’s onshore support was a game-changer for Jimba Lamb.

“With the big international systems, you wait two days for a response—and that would ruin us,” said Dylan. “Fishbowl is responsive, onshore, and understands how we operate.”

Better reporting, better confidence

As Dylan looks to the broader supply chain, he speaks highly of Fishbowl’s reporting capabilities which have become an essential part of day-to-day operations.

“The reporting features help me track orders and team performance,” said Dylan.” I can see that the transport crew has everything ready, and that we’re efficiently delivering meat around the country,” said Dylan. “That visibility has a flow-on effect. My sales team is more confident. They know the warehouse team has their back.”

A

partner in growth

For Jimba Lamb, Fishbowl helped transform a brandnew sales division into a high-functioning national operation and exporter, able to move premium products with confidence and control.

tailored inventory solutions can unlock business potential.

“Fishbowl is intuitive and powerful out of the box, which is why it suits so many industries. But when it comes to the unique nature of food processing in Australia, we pride ourselves on going further,” said Simon.

“The reporting features help me track ordersand team performance”

"They

were open, responsive, and willing to adapt their usual approach to meet our needs.”

“Whether you’re just starting out and need structure from day one, or you’re scaling and want to step up your operations, Fishbowl gives you the tools and support to do that,” Simon said. “We’re here to grow with you.”

“It’s the premium lamb that goes around the world,” said Dylan. “Thanks to Fishbowl, it’s also backed by a premium inventory system that’s as smart and responsive as the business behind it.”

Tailoring tech to Australian food processors

Simon Jupe, Managing Director of Fishbowl Australia, said Jimba Lamb is a great example of how

“Our team is deeply experienced and local. We sit down with our clients, understand their workflow, and engineer solutions that work specifically for them. Jimba Lamb needed a system that flipped the typical pick-and-invoice model, and we were able to build that into their workflow seamlessly.”

“That kind of adaptability and service is what sets Fishbowl apart. We're not just selling software. We’re backing Australian businesses with the technology and support they need to grow.”

He adds that Fishbowl’s strength lies in its flexibility, helping businesses at all stages of their growth journey.

To support business owners through this process, Fishbowl has developed a resource to help identify when it’s time for change and how to transition smoothly. Download “The Five Biggest Inventory Management Fails and How to Fix Them” to learn more.

Alternatively, drop in and visit us at Xerocon in Brisbane. We are exhibiting as a Xero APP partner and would love to talk to you about how Fishbowl can help your clients.

The Numbers Don't Lie, But Your Silence Does

Why Financial Professionals Must Find Their Voice

@nickelston @forgingpeopleltd

Nick Elston, Founder, Forging People

Nick Elston is a leading Mental Health Speaker and founder of Forging People, a transformational speaking and coaching brand. Through powerful storytelling and lived experience, Nick helps people find their voice, own their story and speak with impact. With a focus on emotional resilience, confidence and connection, he delivers keynote talks, workshops and coaching that spark real change in organisations, leaders and individuals alike.

Nick Elston challenges financial professionals to stop hiding behind spreadsheets and start speaking up when the data demands action.

ere's what breaks my heart. I've watched brilliant people who can spot a financial disaster from miles away sit in meetings, surrounded by spreadsheets that are practically screaming warnings, and say absolutely nothing.

Not because they don't care. Not because they don't know what's happening. But because somewhere along the line, they've been taught that their job is to present the facts and let someone else decide what those facts mean.

But that's not enough anymore. And frankly, it never was. I've seen the aftermath too many times - businesses that could have been saved if someone had just found the courage to say what everyone was thinking but nobody was saying.

The Heartbreaking Reality

is heading, but you don't speak up because it's "not your place"? When you present the evidence of what's coming and then watch, helplessly, as people miss the point entirely?

That's not professionalism. That's selfpreservation masquerading as protocol.

misread the situation? What if they think you're overstepping? What if they don't like what you have to say?

"But insights without voice are just observations."

And it's costing people everything.

I'm not talking about dramatic boardroom confrontations here. I'm talking about the quiet moments when you have the power to change someone's entire future, and you choose silence instead.

Your voice matters — even when it’s hard to use.

You know that feeling when you can see exactly where this

Why We Stay Silent (And Why It's Killing Us)

Let's be honest about what's really going on:

You're terrified of being wrong. What if you speak up and you've

But here's the thing - you're almost never wrong about the numbers. You might be wrong about the timing, or the exact impact, or the best solution. But when you see trouble coming? You're usually spot on.

You've also been conditioned to think that being neutral makes you professional. But there's nothing professional about watching someone walk towards a cliff and not shouting a warning because you don't want to seem dramatic.

Your Silence Has Consequences

Every time you see something that needs immediate attention and you bury it in a monthly report, someone suffers.

Every time you spot an opportunity that could transform

"When

you feel like you can't speak up, it’s not weakness, it’s a signal. Your voice matters — even when it’s hard

someone's business and you mention it as a side note, potential gets wasted.

Every time you know exactly what needs to happen but you frame it as "something to consider," decisive action gets delayed.

And delay, in business, is often the difference between survival and catastrophe.

What Actually Happens When You Speak Up

I know you think people don't want to hear bad news. I know you think they'll shoot the messenger. Sometimes they do.

But most of the time? They're grateful someone finally said what needed saying.

Most business owners are drowning in information but starving for insight. They're surrounded by people telling them what happened, but desperate for someone to tell them what it means and what to do about it.

That someone should be you.

Finding the Words That Matter

You don't need to become a motivational speaker. You just need to become human.

Instead of hiding behind phrases like "the data suggests," try saying "this is what's actually happening."

Instead of presenting options, present reality. "If you keep spending like this, you'll be out of money by Christmas."

to use."

courage isn't about being fearless. It's about being afraid and speaking up anyway.

Your clients don't need you to be perfect. They need you to care enough to tell them the truth, even when it's uncomfortable.

Especially when it's uncomfortable.

"You didn't train for years just to become a human calculator."

Instead of talking about percentage changes, talk about real impact. "You're bleeding money fast enough to lose your house."

The numbers stay the same. But the urgency becomes impossible to ignore.

It's Not About Being Right - It's About Being Brave

Here's what I've learned from working with people who've transformed their careers:

Start With One Conversation

You don't have to revolutionise everything overnight. Just pick one situation where you're biting your tongue and decide to speak up instead.

The next time you see something that makes your stomach drop, don't bury it in bullet points. Lead with it. Make it impossible to ignore.

The next time someone asks for your opinion, give it. Not the watered-down, diplomatic version. Your actual opinion.

Watch what happens when you do. Cont...

How

The Ripple Effect of Speaking Up

When you start using your voice, something extraordinary happens. People start listening differently. They start taking action faster. They start trusting you with bigger decisions and harder problems.

But it goes deeper than that.

When you model courage, other people find theirs. When you show it's safe to tell difficult truths, meetings become more honest. Problems get solved faster. Opportunities don't get missed.

You don't just change how people see the numbers. You change how they see themselves.

Your Voice Is Your Responsibility

You didn't train for years and build expertise just to become a

human calculator. You became a professional because you have insights that can change outcomes.

But insights without voice are just observations. And observations don't save businesses or seize opportunities or protect people from making catastrophic mistakes.

Your voice does.

The Truth About Professional Courage

The numbers you work with every day aren't just data points. They're early warning systems. They're opportunity signals. They're roadmaps to success or failure.

But they're only as powerful as your willingness to translate them into action.

So here's my challenge: stop letting the numbers speak for

Your Payroll Partner

themselves. They can't. Only you can.

Find your voice. Use it. Trust it. Because the numbers don't lie. But your silence might be the most dangerous truth of all.

Ready to transform your professional voice? Nick offers transformational speaking coaching for confident, impactful communication.

nickelston.com

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Tidy now has powerful quoting capabilities

Is quoting your biggest headache?

@Amelia Douglas @Tidy

Amelia Douglas, Content Creator, Tidy International

Amelia began working as an apprentice in the Marketing team at Tidy at the beginning of last year, and has since become a full-time member of the Tidy team. With a passion for creating engaging content with a positive impact, Amelia provides an exuberant flair in bringing Tidy’s vision to life.

When quoting slows sales and drains hours, who can businesses trust to simplify complexity instantly?

uoting should never be the bottleneck that slows down your sales. But for many businesses handling custom, made-to-order, or highly configurable products, it’s exactly that. Hours are lost to spreadsheets. Pricing is managed manually. Mistakes happen. And customers often move on before the quote is

even approved. Now, Tidy has the solution.

The Tidy team recently revealed the new quoting capability in Tidy to the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) in Wellington, New Zealand - and the

“Finally,

feedback was overwhelming.

a way to simplify complex quotes.”

“Finally, a way to simplify complex quotes.” 2025 ATA Conference Tidy Customer Success Manager, Tarunisha Sharma

For Sunshades, a business designing bespoke shade structures for schools and councils, quoting used to be the biggest bottleneck in their operation. The team relied on spreadsheets and a single staff member to manage complex quotes involving fabric types, hardware specs, site engineering, and regional compliance. Each quote was a manual, high-stakes process that could take hours or even days, and everything hinged on one person being available to cross-check the details.

“It pays for itself by reducing man-hours and speeding up delivery,” says Director Rob Brady. “Christine still has oversight, but the pressure’s off.”

Tidy Quote transformed their quoting process overnight. Quotes

2025 ATA Conference Tidy Customer Success Manager, Tarunisha Sharma

that once took an afternoon now take just 15 minutes. Sales reps can access live supplier pricing, check inventory, and configure complex builds using simple guided logic. There’s no rekeying, no duplication, and no delays; even if a customer changes an option, the system updates pricing and compliance instantly.

For Sunshades, quoting is no longer the bottleneck; it’s now a scalable, streamlined advantage.

Tidy Quote is designed to adapt to businesses at every level of quoting complexity.

leave because no one understood the spreadsheet chaos. We’re solving that problem.”

“It pays for itself by reducing manhours and speeding up delivery."

An electrical contractor can now create branded quotes for standard service packages in minutes. A foodservice supplier managing thousands of SKUs across multiple regions can automatically apply tiered pricing and customer-specific discounts. A shade sail manufacturer can use formula-based pricing logic to calculate materials and generate pick lists. And for companies with highly customised products, the advanced rules engine can handle complex options, dependencies, and compliance checks, all without slowing the process down.

“This uptake is next level,” says Kevin Mann, CEO of Tidy. “We kept hearing horror stories of staff dependency, huge labour time, and even quoting staff unable to take

What sets Tidy Quote apart is that it isn’t enterprise software stripped down for smaller businesses - it’s purpose-built for SMEs from the start. It delivers the power needed to handle complex quotes without the bloat or complexity of traditional ERP solutions. Most teams are up and running in under seven days. Quoting processes become consistent, accurate, and professionally branded, and there’s no reliance on a single “quoting expert.”

Many businesses free up the equivalent of a full-time staff member simply by streamlining their workflow.

Product features that remove the guesswork:

• Tidy Script™: a built-in scripting engine for advanced formulabased configurations, real-time supplier cost tracking, and automatic pick list generation once a quote is accepted.

• Live pricing links: every quote is connected to up-to-date supplier costs and inventory.

• Supplier management: manage multiple supplier price lists and sourcing options easily.

• Professional proposals: polished, branded quotes that help win customer trust.

• Error reduction: eliminate

rekeying and back-and-forth, improving accuracy and speed.

It’s a simple, intuitive way to handle complexity - without coding or custom development. Want to see how much you could save? Visit tidy3.com and try the Tidy Quote Savings Calculator to estimate how many hours and dollars you could save every year by streamlining your quoting.

Tidy is now rolling out the release. Visit tidy3.com to book a demo and see how you can simplify complex quoting today.

Sinchii: Small Business Software Funded by Small Business

ounder Kim Kelly on building Sinchii Software and why small business owners need anew kind of forecasting, and how a little fun (and a podcast) can make all the difference.

From “What theActual?” to a New Way Forward

Every founder has a “what the actual?” moment, the one where things go sideways, and you need to make an immediate decision on what to do. For Kim Kelly, founder and developer of Sinchii Software, those moments became the catalyst for a business that now helps small business owners all over Australia make quicker decisions in their business every day.

Lifestyle Number: More Than Just

Profit

Ask any small business owner why they started their business, and the answer usually goes beyond money. It’s about passion, freedom, and the ability to chase their own goals and dreams. From day one, Sinchii Software was designed to help users define their “lifestyle number”, the money they need to support the life they want.

They need something simple, intuitive and easy to make immediate change in their business!

Sinchii means simple and supports small business owners by using quick, simple, sums, taking their big picture ideas and enabling them to immediately test their impacts on profit & cashflow.

Kim’s story is familiar to anyone who’s ever run a small business: lots of ideas running through your head and the constant pressure to make the numbers work. “The demands in small business are personal,” Kim says. “We put everything on the line to make our businesses work. And in doing so, we create many good, bad & funny moments in our small businesses.”

With this number in mind, every feature and scenario in Sinchii Software is anchored to this outcome. “We want business owners to be in control of their money and to be able to make decisions that drive profit which pays for their Lifestyle Numbers,” Kim explains. “If you want to take time out for family, go on bigger holidays or have extra money to pay your mortgage off sooner, Sinchii Software helps you calculate how to make it happen.”

Built for Small Business, funded by Small Business

Working direct with small business owners over the past 20 years, Kim saw first hand the needs of small business owners: “They don’t need a stack of features they’ll never use. They need something that’s simple, intuitive, and easy to understand so they can make immediate change in their own business! Time is money and Sinchii Software drives

Kim Kelly has over 30 years working with business owners, specialising in finance and is an expert in

users to reflect and reset every 30 days, pushing momentum into small business.”

Sinchii Software’s interface is deliberately streamlined. There’s no clutter, no steep learning curve, and no need for advanced financial knowledge. The platform integrates seamlessly with Xero, making onboarding quick and simple. What truly sets Sinchii Software apart is that it’s not just built for small business - it’s funded and shaped by them, too. From day one, real small business owners have been at the heart of Sinchii’s journey, providing feedback and even helping to fund its development. This means Sinchii Software is a tool that’s been tried, tested, and refined by the very people it’s designed to serve.

Kim says. “Our message is near enough is good enough. Numbers don’t need to be perfect to make decisions in small business, but they do need to be able to give quick insights into the types of decisions a small business owner might need to make”.

Why Sinchii Software? A Different Level in Business Forecasting

One of Sinchii Software’s standout features is its “what if” scenario analysis. Owners can model different business decisions; hiring, price changes, new opportunities, and instantly see the impact on profit and cash flow. This isn’t just a reporting tool; it’s a decisionmaking engine. “It’s empowering

Kim Kelly, Founder, Sinchii Software

quick, simple, sums.

@sinchii software @kim kelly

to know, before you make a move, what it might mean for your business and your lifestyle,” Kim says. “We want business owners to feel in control.”

Here’s how Sinchii Software stands out in a crowded field:

• Founder-Led Mission: Kim’s personal journey is at the heart of Sinchii. The platform is built by someone who knows the personal stakes firsthand.

decisions on profit & cash, so you can move forward with confidence.

• Xero Integration: Seamless onboarding, real-time data, no technical headaches.

• Community and Support: Monthly live Q&As and video tutorials mean users are never left hanging.

Time is money, Sinchii drives users to reset every 30 days pushing momentum into business.

• Lifestyle-First Design: Everything revolves around helping users achieve their lifestyle number, recognising the personal impacts of small business.

• “Gamify” Mindset: Scenario planning is interactive, intuitive, and even a little fun, because business should feel like progress.

• “What If” Scenario Analysis: Instantly see the impact of

• What the Actual Podcast: Real conversations supporting small business about the good, the bad, and the funny of small business. (@whattheactualpod)

Why Xerocon Matters

Sinchii is excited to be at Xerocon Brisbane this year. Kim says. “We want to meet the accountants, bookkeepers, and advisors who are ready to work with Sinchii Software and level up our small business owners and ask, ‘What the actual?’, in the best way possible.”

Using Google Sheets and Xero?

Looking Ahead: AI, Benchmarking, and Beyond

Sinchii Software’s roadmap is focused but ambitious: AI-powered benchmarking, smarter scenario building and increased self driven education features. But the core mission stays the same, to help small business owners achieve their lifestyle number, and make the journey less daunting (and maybe even a little more fun).

“We’re building more than software,” Kim says. “We’re building a movement for owners who want to manage their own money so that they can have more informed discussions with their Advisors.”

Ready to take control of your business future? Learn more at

sinchii.com.au

Automate your reports and dashboards and save up to 40 hours a month

Upload / download data from Xero, XPM, and more into Google Sheets and back

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Sync Google Sheets with Xero data in both directions

The Power of a Good Assist

Why Strategic Offshoring Is Every Leader’s Best Move

@frontlineaccounting @mark-mcnee

Mark McNee, UK Director, Frontline Accounting

He spent over a decade helping accounting firms scale with tech efficiencies before helping founders unlock growth through offshore talent – and he's a huge fan of a good sports analogy!

Winning teams rely on smart support; offshoring lets your top players stay focused where it counts most.

ichael Jordan cut through defenders like a hot knife through butter. But the Chicago Bulls didn’t win six NBA championships because of Jordan alone. They won with Scottie Pippen. He was right there with Jordan, reading the game, locking down opponents, setting up plays.

Together, they moved in sync, and when your leaders are in sync, the whole team follows. That’s how championships are won.

it’s how firms scale without burning out.”

The unsung partner. The steady strategist. The one who sees what the headline act can’t. Together, they become more than the sum of their parts.

“Great teams win when no one’s stretched too thin.”

“Even your top performers can’t score if they’re stuck playing every position.”

The secret to any winning team isn’t just talent; it’s timing. In both sport and business, a well-timed assist is what makes everything click. Jobs had Wozniak. Gates had Ballmer. Buffett had Munger. Behind every standout is the partner who makes the system work.

“Offshoring isn’t just about savings;

That’s the point: no one builds anything great alone.

At Frontline Accounting, we’ve seen that dynamic first-hand. Thirteen years ago, Mark Cottle and Jon Ryall, our own Steve Jobs and Wozniak, started an accounting firm with an offshore model. They didn’t just talk about efficiency, they lived it. They were both the stars and the support acts. But they also knew when to step back, bring in talent, and let others run the floor.

Frontline began as an Australian-based accounting firm, but its DNA was always global. From day one, it used the very same

offshoring model it now helps clients implement. Over time, it evolved into an offshore staffing business, with its sole purpose of solving capacity issues with highly educated, hardworking staff in the Philippines.

Today, Frontline supports hundreds of firms from the UK & Ireland, Australia, and the USA, with a team of nearly 1,000 professionals based in the Philippines. These aren’t contractors, they’re long-term, fulltime hires.

Mark & Jon understood that founders can’t carry everything. You either build a system that works beyond you, or you stay stuck in the weeds.

“Even your top performers can’t score if they’re stuck playing every position.”

They hired brilliant people in the Philippines. Not freelancers. Not temps. Real team members who shared the mission and carried part of the load. With each hire, the pressure eased, and growth returned. Time opened up again for vision and direction.

That’s the assist that Frontline offers, allowing you (and your team) to be the Michael Jordan in your own game.

But let’s be clear: Offshoring isn’t the same as outsourcing. Outsourcing is about handing off a task and hoping for the best. Offshoring is about building your own team, remote, yes, but aligned, integrated, and accountable. Your culture. Your systems. Your standards.

That’s how we’ve built our firm, and how we help others build theirs. Take Integra International, a long-standing partner of ours. In 2021, they brought on Lois, one of our top team members from Manila. She didn’t just fill a role; she transformed a region.

At first, she supported administrative tasks. But soon, she was managing the entire Asia-Pacific region—from India to Japan and down to Australia. She coordinated training, ran webinars, engaged members, and built out their annual events calendar. All from 5,000 miles away.

We often ask leaders: Who’s your key player?

Is it you? A partner? A manager?

And then we ask the follow-up: are they getting the right assist they need?

“Offshoring isn’t just about savings; it’s how firms scale without burning out.”

Mark Saunders, Integra’s Managing Director, said it best: “Lois adapted quickly, working seamlessly with our administrators in the U.S. and Germany. Her organisational and IT skills stood out immediately. She actively contributed to developing our internal systems and built strong relationships with our members.”

“She now manages the Asia Pacific region. I can delegate to her with full confidence. She freed me to focus on the strategic side of the business.”

“Great teams win when no one’s stretched too thin.”

That’s the difference a good assist makes.

It’s not about patching holes, it’s about changing the shape of your

Because when they don’t, they burn out, not because of too much work, but because of the wrong kind of work. Things that drain instead of drive. Tasks that chip away at what makes them brilliant.

That’s the moment to build a better system.

One where your best people stay in their best position.

One where your strong support is the foundation.

One where your offshore team doesn’t just deliver, but drives.

We believe that’s the most underrated advantage of offshoring, it’s not cost, it’s capacity. Not replacement, but reinforcement. It’s leverage. Precision. And longevity.

Over the past decade, we’ve helped hundreds of firms find their Lois. Their Pippen. Their Munger.

And in every case, what changed wasn’t just output, it was energy. The founder started thinking again. The team breathed easier. The business moved forward.

So, if the pressure’s on, ask yourself:

• Who’s carrying the weight?

• Are they doing what only they can do, or doing too much of what others could do?

• And what would change if they had the right assist?

This next decade will separate the firms that scale from those that stall. Not through hustle, but through better design.

At Frontline, we don’t just talk about the assist, we build it with you.

Because great businesses don’t win by solo acts.

They win by systems. By strategy.

By the well-placed pass at the exact right time.

Let’s build the one your firm needs.

The SME Lending Gap is stalling growth and stunting productivity

Bank lending to SMEs is at a historic low. Accountants can help.

@allicabank

@Sophie Hossack

Sophie Hossack, Head of Partnerships, Allica Bank

Sophie Hossack is the Head of Partnerships at Allica Bank, recently named by Deloitte as the UK’s fastest-growing fintech ever. Previously Sophie was part of the founding team at Receipt Bank (Dext), the leading automated bookkeeping platform for accountants and bookkeepers. Sophie spent considerable time working with accountants in the UK and Australia.

Allica Bank’s Sophie Hossack unpacks research into the recalcitrant lending market and its consequences, highlighting an interesting opportunity for accountants.

y job is often full of surprises – but this might be the biggest. I work with accountants, fractional CFOs and SMEs every day and feel like I’ve a good gauge on what it’s like for established businesses right now. Yet, in April, some research we produced at Allica stopped me in my tracks.

It identified a £65 billion gap in lending to SMEs (compared to wider lending trends).

Since the turn of the millennium, lenders have shut off the tap on finance for SMEs – a steady stream became a meagre trickle.

The SME Lending Gap explained

Since 2010, banks’ commercial lending is well below historic levels. For large businesses, it’s £50 billion below its trendline. For SMEs, the shortfall is £90 billion.

SME finance is vital for boosting UK economic growth and improving national productivity

Nowhere is this more obvious than in SME overdraft volumes, which have fallen from £27 billion in 1990 to £2.7 billion in 2024. More broadly, UK SMEs have the lowest loan application rates in the OECD and rejection rates have risen from ~5-10% to ~40%.

Private credit has gone some way to filling this lending black hole. £100 billion of private lending has flowed to corporatesized businesses, more than covering the difference. For SMEs, however, new private lending is just £25 billion. Thus, the £65 billion gap.

Where lending is still available, it’s increasingly focused on property – not productivity. Safe assets, an established market and very little economic growth or productivity as a result.

Access to finance isn’t the sole reason for our stunted productivity, but its fingerprints on the problem are indelible.

“UK SMEs have the lowest loan application rates in the OECD and rejection rates have risen from ~5-10% to ~40%.”

Downstream of the lending problem

A lack of capital for SMEs has created a spiral of stagnation.

Established businesses struggle to raise capital, so can’t fund investment projects. Growth

plans get put on hold, productivity stalls, and their ability to take on further debt shrinks. Once that cycle begins, it’s hard to break free.

Richard Davies (Allica’s CEO) summed up the consequences perfectly, saying “SME finance… [is] not a narrow market issue, but a key enabler of reinvigorated UK economic growth and productivity.”

We’ve reached a pinch-point: our economy has become increasingly service-based (81% of GDP), but lending is stuck to physical collateral. It’s clear where growth potential is, but capital isn’t flowing there.

Several accountants have said this has joined some dots for them. Their clients are doing well enough, but struggle to borrow. They’re either giving up or having to take a slow, cash-intensive approach. Many don’t even bother applying at all.

A silver lining is that accountants can help – and many already are.

refusal from a big bank, but a lender that truly understands the sector might see their application as an easy “yes”.

If you can build a panel of SMEand industry-friendly lenders and brokers, you can make finance more viable for your clients.

Going beyond the high street

The biggest banks have a very narrow risk appetite and rarely support projects beyond it.

“UK SMEs have the lowest loan application rates in the OECD."

“SME finance is not a narrow market issue, but a key enabler of reinvigorated UK economic growth and productivity.”

Accountants can unlock capital and opportunities

Accountants can’t change the lending market, but you can change how your clients interact with it.

You and your clients are in unique situations, so I’ll share three broad-brush tips. If you want to talk in more detail about helping your clients with finance, reach out to our team at Allica.

Know who wants to fund what

The viability of a loan application isn’t intrinsic; it’s subjective. Take hospitality businesses, for example. They might get a flat

Since 2021, challenger banks have provided the majority of lending to SMEs in the UK – 60% in 2024. While private credit hasn’t covered the SME lending gap, it’s met 27% of the shortfall. Non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) are worth exploring, alongside challengers like Allica.

Make the best application

We’ve lent over £3 billion since 2021, so I can share what makes a standout loan application for us. Our teams agree that great applications share five common factors:

1. Clear funding narrative: Explain ‘the why’ behind the application and the story that’s brought them to this point.

2. Accurate, up-to-date financials: Cover the last three years, plus the latest management accounts and explanations for any anomalies.

3. Thought-through forecasts: Project P&L, balance sheet, and cashflow over a relevant timeline. Link the forecast to the wider business strategy.

4. Risk awareness: A strong application doesn’t shirk risk, it faces it head-on. Show you’re aware of the risks and that the business can mitigate them.

5. Storytelling: Numbers matter, so do stories. Share the business’ leadership, uniqueness and milestones to boost credibility and confidence.

Focus on what you can change

With many business owners struggling to access finance or unsure as to where to start, accountants have an opportunity to add even more value to their client relationships.

Identifying helpful lenders and brokers, looking beyond the big names, helping clients make strong applications, and even pointing out opportunities to borrow – all of this will help your clients bridge the SME Lending Gap and find growth.

We want to help turn the tide. Beyond lending, that involves working closely with accountants. If you want to join us in helping established businesses grow, we’d love to work together.

Threats and opportunities: How Vibe coding is changing the face of software

Martin

Peirce

, CEO and Founder, Zahara

Martin has always had a ‘how hard can it be?’ attitude. It led him to start Zahara, and he’ll admit it proved harder than expected. A lifelong tech enthusiast, Martin set out to make accounts payable faster, simpler, and accessible for everyone in the buying journey. Nearly a decade later, Zahara delivers on that vision: practical, efficient, and built to remove friction. Outside work, Martin enjoys adventures on his motorcycles @zaharasoftware

Martin Peirce explores how AI ‘vibe coding’ is enabling him and Zahara to innovate and deliver faster.

I’ve always been a frustrated programmer. Capable enough to do a lot of techie bits, not capable enough to actually code. I’m in awe of my development team. They can convert requests into code while thinking about scale, the implications, the gotchas.

But AI changed everything, likely forever. Now, with vibe coding, an unaccomplished programmer like myself can convert ideas into

“Example

approach.”

applications, and ones that really work…

So far this year I have written three mobile apps – including Zahara Go, so blame me if you don’t like it – a complete back-end system we now run Zahara on, a supplier portal, and a whole spread of customer tools.

I started off asking ChatGPT to code for a particular task. “Hey Chat, I’m looking to create a list view connected to this SQL table, can you give me the code for the back and front end please.” (Always be polite to AI is my recommendation). Then – and this is where the ‘vibe’ comes from – I might say “Can we add a button at the top, make it our blue #2a68ec and have that pop up a new modal.”

You start to think, that will be nice, let’s add that, or tinker with this. No more scratched heads or sweated brows attempting to figure where you mistyped your application code. Just pure, instinctive building.

This method taught me the basics and I started to understand how the code fits together. But it had its limitations. Bugs were slow to fix

copying and pasting between my code editor and ChatGPT, and the larger the file got the harder it was to understand where the issues lay. Then things changed again. People started talking about Cursor and Claude and well, quite frankly they’re amazing. Now I code with context.

Cursor shows me the entire file structure and how the project fits together. When I ask for something new, I just sit back as it creates files, edits existing ones, fixes its own code and then congratulates itself, usually with “Perfect…”

So, what do my development team think of me creating things like mobile apps? Well, the great news here is that they are on-side. They recognise they too will be able to do more. And quite frankly the faster we do things, the better chance we have of delighting our customers. Our mobile app was long overdue a re-write and, with the next eighteen months already mapped out, no one in-house had the time.

Vibe coding is a threat and an opportunity. The businessman in me sees the opportunity – I can write stuff that no one else

of Contractor, Zahara’s AI-developed supplier portal, built using the same instinctive

in the team has time to do, and as a creative, it’s as enjoyable as crafting something out of wood (one of my hobbies) or tinkering with an old motorbike. It ticks a lot of boxes. But the threat is this: We have already canned Calendly and Zoho CRM, and have our sights on countless other pieces of software that will be absorbed into our inhouse system, The Bridge.

Would we give Xero the boot? Here’s the kicker (excuse the pun): Absolutely not. How about HubSpot? Nope. Definitely not. Why? Because they add value – a lot of it. And I think this is the takeaway point for anyone in the software business today. You better make it valuable. Better yet, it should be valuable and meet a lot of needs.

We think Zahara does exactly that. It’s far from a one-trick pony like, say, Calendly. As a result I would hope our customers see the value and don’t think “Let’s write our own”. I can assure anyone reading this, it can’t be done over a weekend. Could you write a simple purchase order generator quickly? Yes. Absolutely. You could vibe that pretty easily and get it hosted on Azure or AWS. But the value comes when you apply a number of business functions into one application and provide a beautiful user experience. Then paying, say, £150 a month for an application that in our case controls costs, manages suppliers, checks budgets, reads and matches invoices, and updates Xero is pretty good value.

The Xero community we work with

“Collaborating

with AI — turning ideas into working applications through ‘vibe coding’.”

are generally what I call “Topend SME”, scaling fast, and as a result, may not have an in-house development team or expertise to vibe code software. But in the enterprise space, change is afoot. We’ve heard about the big tech companies going all-in on AI and shedding development teams. I’ve also read articles about very large corporations like Klarna removing expensive software like Salesforce (although they seem to have buyers’ remorse). Software subscriptions in the millions of dollars a year may soon be a thing of the past. They might even seem laughable a few years down the line.

Vibe coding has added real value to Zahara without compromising the core product. I think it’s a fabulous

opportunity. It also puts us on heightened alert to be the best and to move at pace. It allows us to say yes, a lot more than we once could, and that’s great for customers. As for me, righting the wrongs of my stunted programming career has been an experience I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.

Xero Does the Books. What’s Doing the Rest?

A straight-talking Q&A on what businesses really need to grow

@tall-emu

@mike-nash-au

Mike Nash, Founder, Tall Emu

Mike Nash founded Tall Emu over 20 years ago and has been helping businesses across Australia and New Zealand work smarter ever since. Based in Sydney, he’s passionate about helping growing businesses run more efficiently and stay competitive. He also holds a pilot’s licence and is an avid AI enthusiast.

Mike Nash, founder of Tall Emu, shares why growing businesses are ditching messy systems for one that connects

it all.

Q: You’ve worked with a lot of businesses over the years. What’s the gap between accounting and operations that people don’t always see?

A: The biggest one? Xero sorts out your financesbut it doesn’t run your business. That’s not a criticism, it’s just the reality.

The moment you’ve got quoting, jobs, inventory, fulfilment or a sales pipeline, Xero alone doesn’t cut it. That’s when you see businesses - especially growing ones - scramble to plug the gaps with spreadsheets, sticky notes, and half a dozen disconnected tools. It’s messy. And it holds people back.

Q: What are the first things that start breaking down?

It’s not scalable. People miss follow-ups, forget to invoice, run out of stock or overpromise on jobs. These aren’t problems unique to Australia either - it’s the same story with growing businesses in New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Xero’s doing its job, but everything around it is chaos.

Q: Isn’t that where ERP systems come in?

Q: So, you’re not replacing Xero - you’re plugging into it?

Most growing businesses don’t need a $100K ERP.

A: You’d think so - but the truth is, most ERPs are overkill for small and mid-sized businesses. Too expensive, too complex, and too hard to implement.

Xero sorts out the books - but it doesn’t run the business.

A: Usually quotes, stock control and job tracking. We see businesses quoting in Word, tracking stock in a spreadsheet, and trying to manage fulfilment from someone’s inbox.

What these businesses actually need is something between a CRM and an ERP - a practical, powerful system that handles operations without blowing the budget or taking a year to roll out. That’s exactly where Tall Emu fits in.

A: Exactly. Tall Emu connects to Xero. We’re not trying to do the books - we’re doing everything around the books. Quoting, jobs, stock, customer records, call tracking, fulfilment - all the moving parts of your day-to-day. Then we sync the right bits into Xero: invoices, payments, customers, suppliers. It means your ops team can get their job done, and your accountant isn’t cleaning up after them.

Q: What kind of businesses are we talking about?

A: All sortsmanufacturers, wholesalers, importers, distributors. Some are familyrun, some are scaling fast. But the common thread is they’re growing - and they’ve hit that point where the old way of doing things just doesn’t cut it anymore.

They want to do more without throwing bodies at the problem. They’re looking for something solid, flexible, and not outrageously priced. That’s why they come to us.

Q: What’s something people don’t expect Tall Emu can do?

A: Call tracking always gets a reaction. You can connect your phone system and the call gets logged to the contact in CRM - we transcribe it, summarise it with AI, and automatically create follow-up tasks.

So you go from “Who spoke to this customer?” to having everything captured in real time. And that’s just one part of itwe’re also handling quotes, stock levels, fulfilment, you name it. You’re not bouncing between systems anymore. Just one platform, all in one place.

You can even automate sales follow-ups. The system takes care of the repetitive stuff so your team can focus on what matters. It’s like giving your business a digital assistant that never sleeps.

Q: Why should bookkeepers and accountants care about this?

A: Because they’re the ones who see the mess! They’re on the front lines, watching their clients make a hash of things outside of Xerolost invoices, dodgy stock data, mismatched customer records.

When they recommend Tall Emu, they’re not just helping the client tidy things upthey’re adding real value. Clean data, smoother workflows, less stress. And they keep Xero right where it belongsat the heart of the financials.

They’ve hit that point where the old way of doing things doesn’t cut it anymore

Q: What about automation? That’s becoming a big theme at events like Xerocon.

A: Absolutely - and rightly so. Growing businesses don’t have time to keep chasing the same stuff manually. In Tall Emu, you can automate anything from quote approvals to low-stock triggers to job scheduling or invoice creation.

Q: And what would you say to a business owner who knows their setup isn’t working but doesn’t want to bite off a massive system change?

A: You don’t need to throw everything out. If you’re already using Xero, you’re halfway there. What we do is give you the rest of the system - quoting, jobs, inventory, automation - in a way that’s

made for growing businesses like yours. And we have a lot of exciting new features just launched and coming very soon - particularly around AI.

No six-figure spend. No 12-month implementation. Just a practical platform that brings order to the madness and helps your team get stuff done.

Oh, and we just beat some big names to win Best SaaS Product for ERP at the 2025 Cloud/SaaS Awards - judges called Tall Emu ‘enterpriselevel functionality at small business scale.’ We’ll take that!

Tall Emu brings end-to-end sales and operations into one system.

Leverage the power of benchmarking

In today’s fast-paced business world, benchmarking helps accounting firms shift from reactive reporting to strategic, agile, and insightful client conversations.

What is Benchmarking?

Benchmarking is the process of comparing a business’s performance against peers, industry standards, or other entities within a group.

It helps answer essential questions like:

• How are we performing compared to others in our industry?

• Where are we over or underperforming?

• What best practices could we adopt from top performers?

For advisors, benchmarking provides a framework to guide strategic discussions and set

@Spotlight Reporting Limited

Lou Elliott, Account Manager EMEA, Spotlight Reporting

Lou Elliott has been in the Accounting Software industry for 4 years and has loved every minute. Lou is dedicated to her role at Spotlight Reporting as an Account Manager, looking after the EMEA & South African customers & Prospects. When Lou is not hard at work, you'll often find her in the gym or on dog walks with her Pomeranian, Teddy.

realistic, data-backed goals.

How can you leverage benchmarking?

When it comes to benchmarking at scale, Spotlight Multi gives advisors the power to compare performance across multiple entities, industries, and

Spotlight Multi

@Lou Elliott

timeframes, all in one place. An aggregated report, including financial and non-financial KPIs, will provide a good overview of the performance of the group of entities, but the real magic starts when you look at what’s happening with individual entities, and how each is performing in comparison with the rest. This is called benchmarking. When you can see different entities side by side with visual charts, you'll begin to gain a better understanding of how they compare and can be improved. With Spotlight Multi, benchmarking across like-for-like entities is easy.

Boosting performance and sharing insights

Some entities will inevitably be more successful than others across different performance metrics. Identifying high performers can improve the success of other branches by allowing the sharing of insights and strategies across the group, effectively boosting performance

overall. Spotlight Multi's aggregation and benchmarking tools enable you to anonymise entity data, allowing the entire group to see how they’re tracking against other entities without revealing individual identities. This gives everyone a chance to see their strengths and weaknesses in comparison with their peers and identify opportunities for improvement. It’s a proven way to spark inspiration and collaboration.

numbers into real insight to drive better business outcomes—for every client, in every sector.

With Spotlight Multi, you’re equipped with a platform that turns raw numbers into real insight.

Whether you're working with five or 500 entities, Spotlight Multi has been designed for Industry Specialist Accountants, Franchise Systems, and Networks that need to aggregate financial and non-financial information seamlessly, benchmark against KPIs, compare and rank, visualise and share.

Benchmarking is a superpower

As an advisor, your value lies not just in reporting the numbers, but by interpreting them in context. Benchmarking brings that context to life, and with Spotlight Multi, you’re equipped with a powerful, flexible platform that turns raw

FIND OUT MORE...

spotlightreporting.com/ whitepaper

The Overlooked and Urgent Opportunity: Why Financial Reviews of Software Spend Matter

Accountants can add client value by providing visibility, optimization, and strategic guidance in the fast-growing category of software spend.

In today's digital-first business environment, companies face a growing challenge that many are unprepared to handle: effectively managing their software investments. Companies are using more software than ever, and prices are increasing faster than evertrends that won’t change anytime soon. For accountants and bookkeepers seeking to provide additional value to their clients and increase fees, this presents a unique and easy opportunity to deliver exceptional value.

With automated discovery and satisfaction tracking capabilities, you can deliver valuable insights.

consuming and prone to errors, often requiring hours of monthly maintenance to keep information up-to-date and accurate. In addition, subscription renewals now have ‘notice of cancellation’ periods, and renewals pop up with little notice. This challenge is compounded by shadow IT and the proliferation of AI tools, which create security risks and result in wasted spend on unused licenses or duplicative software where two or more apps provide the same functionality.

The Growing Software Spend Challenge

The software landscape has become increasingly complex, with businesses rapidly adopting new tools—often without a clear understanding of what they have, who’s using it, how many user licenses they need, or whether it’s delivering value. Most businesses struggle with limited visibility into actual software usage and costs.

Manual tracking methods are time-

The Business Impact of Software Spend Reviews

When conducting software spend reviews for clients, advisors can deliver significant value across multiple areas:

@appventory @brandicjohnson

Brandi Johnson, CMO + CoFounder, AppVentory

Brandi Johnson serves as the Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of AppVentory, a software optimization and intelligence platform that transforms how organizations manage their software relationships. As a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience, Brandi has been instrumental in shaping AppVentory's vision of creating a world where every organization has complete clarity and control over their software ecosystem.

renewal management

• Identify and eliminate redundant subscriptions across departments

• Uncover opportunities to consolidate licenses and negotiate better rates

• Budgeting insights and budget management

Operational Efficiency

• Gain complete visibility into all the software the business is paying for and using

• Automated app spend data collection, analysis, and real-time dashboards

• Detection of overlapping apps and recommendations on how to consolidate and reduce spend

• Access management

Moving beyond traditional cost tracking, modern software spend reviews require a relationship-based approach.

Financial Management of Apps:

• Identification of problematic apps

• Notice of upcoming renewals and

• Employee and customer feedback on the software being used by the business and opportunities to improve

Risk Management

• Identify shadow IT issues before they become security risks

• Ensure compliance across software deployments

• Improve cost allocation and

• Streamline renewal processes to avoid unexpected expenses

A Natural Enhancement to Financial Advisory

As a trusted financial advisor, you're uniquely positioned to help clients navigate this challenge. Software spend reviews align naturally with your existing financial advisory services, offering several key benefits:

For your practice:

• Provide data-driven insights into one of your clients' fastestgrowing expense categories

• Strengthen your position as a strategic advisor

• Deliver immediate ROI to clients through cost optimization recommendations

• Streamline, consolidate, and encourage your firm's preferred apps by clients

• Build deeper relationships through ongoing software spend management

For Your Clients:

• Transform software management from a reactive task into effective financial management of software spend

• Improve budgeting, forecasting, and control

• Maximize the value of their software investments

No Technical Expertise Required

without becoming a technology expert.

The Relationship Approach to Software Management

Moving beyond traditional cost tracking, modern software spend reviews require a relationshipbased approach. This means helping clients understand not just what they’re spending, but how their software investments impact their business outcomes. When conducting reviews, consider:

• User satisfaction: Are employees actually getting value from the tools they are using?

• Integration effectiveness: How well do different software solutions work together?

• Adoption rates: Are teams fully utilizing the features they are paying for?

• Business impact: How does each tool contribute to operational efficiency?

This holistic approach transforms financial reviews of software spend from a cost-cutting exercise into a strategic business optimization opportunity. It positions you as an advisor who understands both the financial and operational aspects of modern business technology.

Looking Forward

The future of business advisory services lies at the intersection of financial expertise and technology optimization.

You might wonder if reviewing software spend of clients requires deep technical expertise. The reality is that modern tools and platforms can automate much of the discovery and analysis process. The focus isn't on the technical aspects but on applying your financial expertise to help clients make better business decisions. With automated discovery and satisfaction tracking capabilities, you can deliver valuable insights

By incorporating financial reviews of software spend into your service offerings now, you position yourself at the forefront of delivering value to clients and increasing fee revenue. Modern businesses run on software, and your expertise in optimizing these investments will become increasingly valuable as technology continues to drive business success.

The future of business advisory services lies at the intersection of financial expertise and technology optimization. As businesses continue their digital transformation, they need trusted advisors who can help them:

• Save money and get more value from their software spend

• Make data-driven decisions about technology investments

• Navigate complex renewal and purchase decisions with confidence

• Transform software costs from a growing expense into a managed investment

Your role is evolving to be more broadly defined in the reality of financial management. By helping clients understand and optimize their software spend and planning, you become an indispensable partner in their digital transformation journey. The opportunity isn't just about cost savings – it's about helping clients build a more efficient, scalable, and successful business through strategic technology investments.

Beyond the Dashboard: How Workflowmax Helps Businesses Find Their Focus & Drive Profitability

@ryankagan @workflowmax-by-bluerock

Ryan Kagan, Chief Revenue Officer, Workflowmax

With over a decade of professional experience, Ryan currently serves as Chief Revenue Officer at Workflowmax, where he specialises in digital strategy, revenue growth, and partnerships. Dedicated to making online job management seamless, his mission aligns with Workflowmax's goal of empowering businesses to operate efficiently through innovative cloud solutions as an all-important job profitability OS.

Workflowmax has become a partner for businesses determined to get financial clarity, protect profit, and build something they’re proud of.

In a follow-up to their first XU Magazine story, Ryan Kagan shares how Workflowmax has become a partner for businesses determined to get financial clarity, protect profit, and build a business they’re proud of.

Earlier this year, the Workflowmax leadership team opened up about the behindthe-scenes rebuild of their software. But as they’re quick to point out, rebuilding the software was just the start. Now, they’re looking forward and introducing a bold new direction. Workflowmax isn’t just a job management tool anymore. It’s evolving into the Job Profitability Operating System: a platform built to help service businesses get clarity with their operation, gain confidence in their numbers, protect their profit, and make smarter decisions.

In this follow-up conversation, the Ryan Kagan shares

conversations they’re having with customers today and why the future of Workflowmax is about much more than features. It’s about becoming a true partner for businesses (and the accountants and trusted advisors who support them), determined to take control of their numbers and build something they’re proud of.

they witnessed what we went through and appreciated the work we put in. One client told me, “We could see how hard your team was working, and we’re all rooting for you.”

Instead of just knowing they’re busy, businesses can understand whether the work is worth it.

XU: Ryan, your last article in XU Magazine shared quite a personal story of rebuilding. How was the response?

RK: It’s been genuinely heartening. We weren’t sure how people would react when we opened up about the reality of rebuilding Workflowmax; the challenges, the long nights, all of it. But the response has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve had customers reach out to say

That kind of feedback means everything to us. It reassures us we’re on the right path, not just building software but building trust. People feel like they know us better now and understand our motivation, and that’s exactly the relationship we want.

XU: Can you share an example of the kinds of conversations you’re having now?

RK: Absolutely. One that sticks with me is from an architecture firm we work with. They’re brilliant creatively, but they were under

constant pressure because projects always seemed to “soak up” more time than planned.

The owner told me: “I know we’re busy. But I don’t know if we’re actually making money.”

And that’s the crux of it for so many businesses we speak to.

People aren’t short on work; they’re short on visibility. Workflowmax helps them finally connect the dots between hours worked, costs incurred, and revenue earned.

The relief in their voices when they see that clarity for the first time, it’s priceless.

to be the calm in that storm. A place where people can check in and know exactly where they stand so they can focus on the work they love.

XU: Ryan, what kind of businesses seem to benefit most from Workflowmax?

People aren’t short on work; they’re short on visibility

XU: Ryan, it sounds like this is bigger than just software features.

RK: Exactly. It’s about giving people mental space back.

That’s the human side of this. People start businesses because they’re passionate about their craft. But without clear numbers, the business side can become a source of anxiety and 3 am thoughts instead of pride. Our goal is for Workflowmax

RK: It’s perfect for businesses where time is the product; architects, engineers, creative studios, consultancies. Anywhere jobs stretch out, costs creep in, and profitability can quietly slip away. And while it’s especially loved by growing teams, we’ve seen it scale surprisingly far. Some of our biggest customers have over 800 users, so don’t let the clean interface fool you. Under the hood, it’s powerful enough to handle serious complexity.

XU: Ryan, we hear you’re launching something new: Job Profitability OS. What’s this all about?

RK: We’re really excited about this.

Job Profitability OS is a big leap forward for us, because it’s about transforming Workflowmax from a job management tool into something much bigger.

It’s not just a new feature. We’ve built it so that every piece of data, time entries, costs, staff rates, budgets, invoices, all come together to tell a single, clear story about profitability, project by project.

It’s elevating Workflowmax from a place where people record what they’ve done to a platform that actively helps teams and managers make smarter decisions.

That’s what Job Profitability OS is all about: moving beyond activity and empowering people to focus on profit and sustainable growth.

XU: Why is Job Profitability OS so important right now?

RK: Because businesses can’t afford to fly blind anymore.

The team at the Workflowmax office

Margins are tighter than ever. The cost of mistakes, or hidden inefficiencies, can add up fast. We’ve talked to so many businesses who say: “We’re flat out busy, but the bank account doesn’t show it.” That’s where Job Profitability OS comes in. It shines a light on those hidden leaks in margin before they become bigger problems.

This is a gamechanger.

It helps businesses move beyond looking backwards at what went wrong to planning ahead with confidence. That’s powerful, and that’s exactly how growing a business should feel.

throughout this calendar year (and beyond). Our goal is to make Job Profitability OS the backbone of how service businesses run, giving both owners, accountants & trusted advisors the clarity they need to stay profitable and confident. If anyone’s curious, we’d love to show them what’s coming in a discovery call.

Our goal is for Workflowmax to be the calm in that storm.

We’re also going to be at the next Xerocon Brisbane in September. Definitely come say hello.

It’s exciting stuff.

XU: When will people be able to start using Job Profitability OS?

RK: It’s already being rolled out, and we’ll keep releasing more features

XU: Any closing thoughts for readers?

RK: Just this: businesses deserve to feel in control of their future. And trusted advisors deserve tools that help them deliver real value.

At Workflowmax, we’re here to be part of that journey. And I’d say, if you haven’t looked at Workflowmax lately, now’s the time. The tools are sharper. The team’s energised and the mission’s clearer than ever: helping businesses find clarity, protect profit, and build something they’re proud of.

Thousands of accounting pros save hours a month with A2X and Xero

See how Workflowmax helps businesses and accountants take control of their numbers and their future: workflowmax.com/ partners

How to supercharge your Xero payments

This article explores how Xero businesses can streamline payments, reduce admin, and get paid faster with Worldpay for Platforms.

At its core, managing business payments should be simple. Small businesses and bookkeepers have been bogged down by clunky processes, manual reconciliations, and limited control over how and when they get paid.

At Worldpay for Platforms, we’ve spent over 11 years working alongside Xero merchants to change that narrative and building payment solutions that are tailored to the Xero ecosystem and

designed to simplify payments, streamline workflows, and give businesses the visibility and control they need.

The optimum Xero payments experience: real-time, simple, and designed for you

When we think about the ideal payments experience for a Xero business, it comes down to three things: simplicity, visibility, and speed. Payments shouldn’t be something that adds complexity to your day. They should just work, in

@worldpay for platforms @craigcollins

Craig Collins, Head of Product and Engineering, Worldpay for Platforms

Craig Collins, is Head of Product & Engineering at Worldpay for Platforms, leading embedded payment integrations, product development, and partner support. With 13+ years in FinTech, he drives better business outcomes through seamless integrations and user-centric design. Craig’s team maintains critical systems and continually evolve Worldpay for Platform's best-in-class payments portal to meet the changing needs of partners and merchants, keeping it at the forefront of Australian payments innovation.

a few clicks, in real time. Whether it's a recurring invoice or a one-off payment it should be as easy as possible for your customers to pay you and just as easy for you to reconcile and control.

Our payments portal is built around this principle. It’s not just a bolt-on to Xero; it’s a tightly integrated extension that gives merchants richer reporting, real-time updates, and direct control over payment activities like resubmitting failed invoices or updating payer details.

We often hear that businesses feel boxed in by payment providers who push tiered subscriptions or payment types limited by how much you are paying. That’s never been our model. From day one, we designed our platform to allow merchants to activate their payment methods of choice to best suit their industry’s needs; Direct Debit, Credit Card, BPAY, and now Google Pay, Apple Pay and PayTo. As their business evolves, they can also evolve what payment options they serve, without upgrading subscriptions or paying hidden access fees.

Recurring payments vs. realtime one-off invoices. You don’t have to choose

We believe that every business needs the flexibility to manage both recurring auto-debit payments and one-off, realtime invoices seamlessly. While recurring billing is a cornerstone of our solution, we’ve also built robust capabilities for one-off payments , because Xero users deserve a system that works the way their business does. For recurring payments, the process is straightforward: a customer signs up, enters their card or bank details on the first invoice, and ongoing payments are automated. This auto-debit capability is foundational.

But equally important is how we handle one-off invoices. Our platform allows merchants to send ad hoc invoices that are collected in real time, via bank transfer, credit card or digital wallets. These are flexible, tailored payment requests that don’t lock businesses into a specific payment cycle. The key is that it feels effortless, “Here’s your invoice. Pay it easily now in a few clicks.”, and that’s exactly our design mindset and what our portal enables.

Integration without limits. Seamless, streamlined, and merchant-friendly

One of the common misconceptions is that API-driven solutions are complex or reserved for tech-heavy businesses. That’s not the case here. While our platform is API-first under the hood, we’ve ensured that for the merchant, it feels like a natural extension of Xero.

Streamline the experience and make it easier for customers to pay on time.

credentials, and within a few clicks, the systems are connected. It’s a seamless flow: login, authorise, allow access, and you’re live.

We’ve made the conscious decision to abstract the technical complexity away from the merchant. You don’t need to understand APIs, you just need to know that your payment solution is working in sync with Xero, giving you accurate, real-time data that makes reconciliation and cash flow management easier.

merchants are set up in our portal, connected to Xero, and ready to receive settlements. We believe this “fast to activate, fast to paid” experience is essential in today’s business environment, where cash flow agility is a competitive advantage.

Payments shouldn’t be something that adds complexity to your day.

Time is money and speed to settlement matters

Another key differentiator is our onboarding-to-settlement speed. Switching payment providers or starting to process payments for the first time can often be a long-winded process with hidden delays.

It’s a tightly integrated extension that gives merchants richer reporting, real-time updates, and direct control

I’m often asked how easy it is to integrate and people don’t believe me when I say “in a few clicks”, but it really is as close to frictionless as it gets. Merchants log into their portal, authorise their Xero account

We’ve optimised our onboarding journey to get merchants live and receiving funds within 2 business days. This isn’t about rushing; it’s about respecting the urgency of businesses who want to start getting paid faster, with minimal disruption.

From the moment an account is activated and approved,

Meeting Xero merchants where they are at

Our system evolution is centred around userfeedback. Something we consistently hear from our Xero merchants has been the frustration with tiered pricing models that gate features behind higher subscription levels. Businesses don’t want to feel like they’re being penalised for growing.

Our platform allows payment functionalities to be activated on demand. Whether a merchant starts with Direct Debit and later wants to enable PayTo, or adds digital wallet payments as customer preferences evolve, it’s all included from the outset. No new subscriptions. No surprise upgrade fees.

This flexibility is crucial, especially for businesses that experience seasonal volume spikes or rapid growth phases. They need a payments solution that scales with them, not one that creates barriers.

Simplified reconciliation. Total control.

One of my proudest product achievements is how we’ve designed the portal to put realtime data and payment control directly into the hands of the merchant.

You can update payment details on the fly, resubmit rejected invoices without needing to call support, and run deep, customised reports that give a clear view of your cash flow and payer behaviour.

For bookkeepers and finance teams, this means fewer headaches around reconciliation. For business owners, it translates to confidence, knowing that every transaction is tracked, every payment can be actioned in real-time, and you’re not left in the dark.

A standout feature is our Auto-Rec tool, designed to eliminate the manual matching of payments to invoices. Auto-Rec syncs

directly with Xero, automatically reconciling payments as they’re processes, saving time, reducing human error, and giving businesses an instant, accurate view of their financial position.

Whether it’s expanding report customisation, enhancing realtime payment status updates, or futureproofing with the latest payment methods, our innovation pipeline is and always has been, driven by what our Xero merchants tell us they need. A legacy of Xero payments innovation

While we’re now Worldpay for Platforms, our roots in the Xero ecosystem trace back to our IntegraPay foundations. Over the last 11+ years, we’ve been committed to supporting Xero merchants with smart, practical payment solutions that scale with their needs.

That legacy continues today. We’re proud to be recently recognised as award-winning

PayTo innovators, delivering future-proofed, real-time payment capabilities designed specifically for Xero businesses.

Why not make payments the simplest part of your business?

If you’re tired of complex payment processes, endless admin, and systems that don’t scale with your growth, it’s time to supercharge your Xero payments.

With our all-in-one portal, you’ll gain real-time control, streamline reconciliation, and get paid faster. And with onboarding to settlement in just 2 business days, you can start simplifying your payments journey immediately.

platforms.worldpay.com

Make Your Workday Easier: SuiteFiles Now Connects with HubSpot

@anoushkaisaac @suitefiles

Noush Isaac, Head of Marketing, SuiteFiles

As a multi-skilled marketing leader with strong experience in B2B tech, Noush puts a focus on uncovering and clearly communicating the true value of SuiteFiles' product, helping them find, win, and keep more of the customers they love.

SuiteFiles’ new HubSpot integration syncs client data automatically –saving time, reducing errors, and streamlining document workflows for accounting firms.

or accounting firms already stretched between clients, compliance, and constant admin demands, every minute counts. That’s why SuiteFiles’ new HubSpot integration is such a gamechanger. It brings your contact data directly into your document management workflows – no more copying, pasting, or second-guessing where the right details live.

If your team uses HubSpot to manage client relationships and SuiteFiles to manage documents, this integration offers a seamless bridge between the two. The result? More accurate data, faster turnaround times, and fewer headaches. Let’s take a closer look at how it works – and how it’s about to make your life easier.

Your Contacts, Exactly Where You Need Them

also a source of potential error. Mistyped email addresses and outdated names could slip through the cracks, causing extra work to fix.

With SuiteFiles’ HubSpot integration, that problem disappears.

Now, your HubSpot contact details automatically appear in SuiteFiles. Whether you're sharing files through the client portal or sending something for digital signing, the latest client data is there when you need it. No more context switching or toggling between tabs. Customers say this simple change saves them several hours per week –time once spent hunting down or re-entering contact info.

Sync HubSpot contact data directly into SuiteFiles and eliminate hours of repetitive, error-prone admin work.

Until now, keeping client information consistent across systems meant duplicating effort – entering details in HubSpot, then manually transferring them to SuiteFiles. It wasn’t just tedious; it was

One Setup, FirmWide Access

You don’t need to be a technical wizard to get the integration running. Setup is handled once by an admin, and from there, your entire team benefits. This centralised rollout means you’re not chasing everyone to connect personal logins,

update tokens, or troubleshoot connectivity issues. It just works – automatically and consistently – across your organisation. For firms juggling multiple systems, this level of simplicity is a breath of fresh air.

Supercharge Automation with HubSpot Workflows

HubSpot is already powerful for automating client engagement – think onboarding workflows, reminder emails, and activity tracking. Now, that power gets an extra boost by syncing directly with your document management system. With contact details flowing into SuiteFiles, you can use HubSpot’s automations to keep records clean and current, and let SuiteFiles take over when it’s time to share or sign documents.

The result? Faster paperwork, smoother onboarding, and better compliance.

Why This Integration Matters for Your Firm

No one went into accounting to spend days copying data between systems. But these micro-tasks – while small – add up quickly. SuiteFiles customers estimate

they save hundreds of billable hours each year by eliminating repetitive admin like this. Here’s how the integration streamlines workflows:

• Consistent client information across HubSpot and SuiteFiles means fewer errors and less double-checking.

• Simpler compliance through synced records and centralised storage.

• More time for work that delivers real value to clients.

In short, this upgrade pays off in both productivity and peace of mind.

SuiteFiles + HubSpot = Smarter Client Workflows

This integration isn’t just about reducing admin – it’s about improving every step of the client experience. For example:

• Sending documents for signing? Use SuiteFiles’ unlimited digital signing without leaving the app.

• Sharing a secure file? The client portal makes it fast and frictionless.

Every step becomes smoother because your tools – HubSpot for CRM, SuiteFiles for documents –finally talk to each other.

Coming Soon: HubSpot Data in SuiteFiles Merge Fields

While syncing client details across document signing and portals is useful, the next step is clear: bringing them into the merge fields of your everyday documents.

Soon, you’ll be able to do exactly that. With HubSpot contact details flowing into SuiteFiles, you can use automations to keep records current and let SuiteFiles generate documents with accurate data. Whether it’s a new engagement letter, onboarding pack, or

Create contacts in HubSpot

compliance request, you’ll know you’re working from the most recent information. Customers are especially excited about:

• Personalising documents like engagement letters and proposals using the latest HubSpot contact info.

management, digital signing, client collaboration, and more. The new HubSpot integration is just one example of how SuiteFiles helps modern firms work smarter, not harder.

Just one setup and your entire team gets instant access to synced client information.

• Faster onboarding with auto-filled paperwork ready as soon as clients sign.

Getting Started Is Easy

If you're a current SuiteFiles customer, getting started takes just a few clicks:

1. In SuiteFiles, go to your name in the top right and click Manage Integrations.

Automate client communication and stay compliant with accurate, alwayssynced contact data from HubSpot.

2. Find the HubSpot card and hit Contact Us.

3. The SuiteFiles team will guide you through setup – typically in 1–2 business days.

Once that’s done, your whole team has access to synced contact data – no extra steps required. If you’re not yet using SuiteFiles, now’s the perfect time to see how it simplifies document

Your Next Step

Hopping between apps to copy information isn’t just inefficient –it’s outdated. The SuiteFiles and HubSpot integration is a modern solution to an age-old problem. By centralising your systems and reducing admin, you’ll reclaim hours each week, empower your team, and deliver a better client experience.

Want to see it in action?

Book a demo to experience how SuiteFiles + HubSpot can streamline your firm’s workflows today.

FIND

OUT MORE...

Book a free, personalised demo to see the HubSpot + SuiteFiles integration in action.

suitefiles.com/view-a-demo

Does sales tax give you a headache?

Let’s automate your sales tax workflow

Sales tax as easy as 1-2-3

If you or your clients sell taxable goods or services across jurisdictions, automate your workflow with Xero’s sales tax, powered by Avalara.

Take the guesswork out of what’s taxable, what’s not, and at what rate with automate sales tax calculations on invoices.

Stay on top of payment deadlines and amounts due with automatically created reports.

Ready to file? Xero connects with Avalara for seamless e-filing options.

Learn how Avalara can help you grow your prac tice and expand your services.

Automated sales tax is included in Xero subscriptions. Visit avlr.co/xero to learn more.

AI Bookkeeping: The Evolution Into a Smarter Work Intelligence System

Aaron Wittman, Co-Founder, XBert

@XBert @aaronwittman

A conversation with XBert Co-Founder Aaron Wittman

he world of bookkeeping is evolving fast, and at the helm of that change is XBert, a company known for pushing boundaries in automation and artificial intelligence. With its latest release—AIpowered Receipt Capture with Auto Bank Reconciliation— XBert is once again redefining what’s possible.

We sat down with Aaron Wittman, XBert’s CTO and Co-Founder, to unpack what this new technology means for bookkeeping teams, why it stands apart from the rest of the market, and where XBert is headed next.

XU: Aaron, to start us off—can you share the vision that drives XBert and how it led to this new wave of innovation?

AW: From the beginning, our mission at XBert has been to take the burden of manual, error-prone bookkeeping processes and hand them over to intelligent automation. This release is the natural next step. We’ve always verified data integrity coming into bookkeeping platforms. Now we’re closing the loop by capturing and interpreting that data ourselves—more accurately, more intelligently,

and with less client friction.

XU: Receipt capture has been around for a while. What sets XBert’s approach apart from other solutions currently available?

AW: You’re right— receipt capture isn’t new. But what’s different is what we do after the receipt is captured. Our AI, called XI (XBert Intelligence), doesn’t just extract line items—it verifies bill accuracy, checks tax treatment, confirms supplier registration and banking details, flags issues based on custom alerts, and even determines whether a bill should be created at all. No other tool provides this level of integrated intelligence.

XU: You’ve mentioned that what XBert does without receipts is gamechanging. Can you walk us through that?

AW: Absolutely. XI reads the bank feed and determines if a receipt should exist based on tax regulations or custom XBert alert rules. If one’s missing, it creates a task automatically— whether the client is in the mobile app or the desktop portal. We then guide the client

to capture the receipt, and the full automation process kicks in from there. This eliminates so much manual chasing and guesswork.

XU: What are some of the more technically sophisticated tasks XI performs that humans currently spend hours doing?

AW: XI breaks down multi-line receipts, applies correct tax codes line by line, checks that suppliers are tax-registered and active, and even ensures the bank account on the invoice matches what’s already in your system. Then it checks for duplicate ‘spend money’ entries, creates a draft bill, and pushes it through the reconciliation workflow. All of this used to take hours of a bookkeeper’s time. Now it’s a click—or soon, zero clicks.

XU: How does XBert’s workflow remove manual steps without sacrificing review or oversight?

AW:

That’s key. We haven’t just automated—we’ve supervised the automation. XI flags anomalies and suspends any transaction that triggers an XBert alert. The bookkeeper can choose to approve or resolve it. Soon, they’ll even be able to allow XBert to finalize transactions automatically once trust in the process is established. It’s automation with accountability.

XU: How does this impact communication with clients— especially around missing receipts and clarification requests?

AW: Massively. Instead of long email chains, our task system is embedded right into the app and portal. Clients can respond, attach receipts, and clarify transactions immediately. Bookkeepers can also automate alerts and link correspondence to specific tasks. It’s faster, smarter, and eliminates a lot of back-and-forth.

XU: What kind of time savings or productivity gains can bookkeeping teams expect?

AW: Teams will spend far less time chasing clients, coding transactions, verifying suppliers, or fixing double-ups. We’re talking about removing entire stages from the bookkeeping process. That means more capacity, better compliance, and happier clients.

XU: Will there be a cost for the receipt capture app?

AW: No additional cost - it’s just bundled in with the client data plan. For our users we are replacing multiple tools and manual processes with a single integrated system. For firms

and clients alike, it reduces cost, complexity, and wasted time.

XU: You mentioned earlier that this is just the beginning. What’s next on the roadmap for XBert’s AI?

AW: We’re working closely with leading bookkeepers and accountants to embed XI deeper into workflow frameworks. Our next evolution will let XI navigate tasks across systems, complete jobs autonomously, and truly act as a digital teammate—one that understands both data and context. That’s where this is heading.

XBert is an intelligence engine that actively ensures your data is right, your clients are compliant, and your team is focused on what matters most.

In a world of deadlines, data entry, and client chasing, XBert’s new release could be a turning point. As AI continues to evolve, it’s clear that Aaron Wittman and the XBert team aren’t just keeping up—they’re leading the charge.

xbert.io

Supercharge your Xero Practice Manager

How Link provides better workflow visibility, helping you turn jobs around faster.

A quick chat with Will McTavish to discuss speeding up your cash conversation cycle through smoother workflow and better visibility.

f we sat down together, one-on-one, the first question I'd ask you is: “How do you manage your workflow?”

The reason I'd ask this, is because your workflow is the engine of your practice. It's how it runs. If you improve your workflow, you speed up job turnaround. Which means faster cash.

Smoother workflow, faster turnaround, faster cash.

How do you make workflow smoother? You improve visibility. You know who’s doing what. You know roughly how long it’ll take, and when you expect it to be done. If your workflow system knows these three things about each deliverable, live capacity becomes a natural by-product of your workflow.

Your capacity plan is your window into the future. It shows what

Will McTavish, CEO, Link

Will McTavish is the CEO and Co-Founder of Link, helping accounting practices streamline workflow and gain deeper reporting insights for over a decade. He co-authored

‘Everything You Need to Know About Xero Practice Manager’ and produces the Australian and New Zealand Accounting Industry Benchmark Reports, read by thousands annually. A respected speaker and industry expert, Will combines deep operational knowledge with a passion for helping practices improve efficiency and profitability.

work is coming up, where you have room to take on more, and which team members need support. With this visibility, you can clear obstacles that arise, balance workloads, and put out fires before they even start.

Smoother workflow, faster turnaround, faster cash.

When I ask “how do you manage your workflow?”, I most commonly hear one of these three responses:

• I manage my workflow in Xero Practice Manager

• I manage my workflow in a spreadsheet

• I manage my workflow in my document system

If you’re using jobs in Xero Practice Manager, your biggest problem is there’s nowhere to capture estimated time. Without time estimates, you are unable to see how much work each person is allocated. Without that, there can never be visibility of capacity. Some of your team members are likely stressed and overworked, while others are under-utilised.

If you’re using spreadsheets,

Capacity in Link - Live capacity for every team member.

you probably track estimated time there - but actual time is being captured somewhere else. This split means you’ll never see the remaining allocation in real time. At best, this will be updated weekly, while requiring a staggering amount of double entry and upkeep of a spreadsheet.

If you’re using a document app, your plan is likely a series of unprioritised lists that you have to jump between. There’s no time allocation to people, let alone multiple people over multiple periods. It might be fine for a small practice, but as you grow, the gap between plan and reality widens, until it breaks.

I’d then go on to explain that in order to have both seamless workflow and live capacity, you need to run your workflow from the tasks on the jobs, rather than the jobs themselves. This is where I pause for a moment to let that sink in…

Yes, you must run your workflow using your tasks. Not your jobs.

At first you will challenge this notion. But before long, it starts to make sense. If you can’t allocate an estimated time to a job, you will never have a live capacity plan.

In this hypothetical meeting of ours, I’d then suggest we use our Job Tasks instead. You can allocate a Task to a team member, you can give it an estimated time, and a due date. This means Tasks have all three required inputs required for capacity planning. Huzzah! To make the plan live, we just need to add timesheets to the tasks. Fortunately, you’re already doing that.

Timesheets in Link - Pre-populated, single-click timesheet entries.

your WIP Washups?”

The next question I’d ask you in this meeting would be:

“How do you allocate your work?” I want to understand whether your practice plans the year ahead, or whether you jump on work as it comes in.

Your capacity plan is your window into the future

If you’re a planner, I’d know, when we get into our demo, to show you how easy Link makes it to allocate all your work for the year ahead. Bulk select, bulk updates, instant searcheverything we could possibly do to make this process fast.

Live capacity becomes a natural byproduct of your workflow

If you prefer to jump on work as it comes in, I’d know to show you ‘Auto-Assign’ in Link. Auto-Assign automatically assigns work to your team as they timesheet to it. It’s like magic. Techomagic. Once the tasks appear on their list, the due dates and estimated times can be updated. Too easy.

In both situations, Link can build your plan with little effort, and maintain it with even less.

“Jobs are your engagement. Tasks are your deliverables within that engagement.” I’ll repeat this phrase at least three times in our meeting - if we were in one.

My last three questions for you would be: “How do you structure the tasks on your jobs?”, “Do you offer your clients monthly service plans?” and “How do you manage

These three questions fill in any gaps in my understanding of your practice.

After we discuss your WIP washup process and the level of reporting you are currently getting, you’re probably pretty keen to see Link in action.

By the end of the demo, you’ll see workflow differently. For the first time, you would have experienced truly seamless workflow, where live capacity is the natural byproduct.

If you improve your workflow, you speed up job turnaround. This means faster cash. Let us help you with that. Try Link today for free at linkhq.com

If you're worried about the effort and time required to rollout Link in your practice, don't be. We provide everyone with personalised onboardingcompletely free of charge.

Book a discovery call to see if Link is the right fit for you practice

Camp A2X enters year three (and the conversations have never mattered more)

Camp A2X gathers global ecommerce accounting leaders to swap actionable tactics and strengthen practices amid relentless market change.

Being an ecommerce business today is hard. Margins are thin, tariffs loom, channels multiply, and cash gets trapped in inventory. Payouts are messy and the story they tell isn’t obvious. The landscape keeps shifting with platform fee and payout changes, advertising challenges, and evolving tax and compliance rules.

In that chaos, knowing your numbers isn’t optional – it’s

survival. Xero accountants and bookkeepers stabilise the ecommerce businesses they serve. With A2X, they turn fragmented platform data into clean financial truth and help owners make faster, better decisions as conditions change.

@a2x for ecommerce @geoffrey gualano

Geoffrey Gualano, Head of Marketing, A2X

Geoffrey Gualano is the Head of Marking at A2X, a tool that helps ecommerce businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers save time and improve accuracy through automated accounting. Formerly Head of Marketing at Hubdoc, he became Xero’s Head of Product Marketing, Accounting and Global Services, after its acquisition. His expertise spans product marketing, demand generation, growth, partnerships, and building engaged communities.

network you can learn from is the other.

“Camp A2X

brings together specialised ecommerce accounting and bookkeeping leaders”

Having the right tools is only half the equation – having a peer

That is why Camp A2X exists, and why I am excited it’s entering its third year. Camp A2X brings together specialised ecommerce accounting and bookkeeping leaders from around the world for frank,

Camp A2X 2024 attendees in the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario, Canada.

practitioner-first conversations. It isn’t a stage show – though we do welcome industry experts as speakers – it’s a circle of peers discussing what actually works. In small-room sessions, firm owners share the tech stacks that stick, how they scale operations, and how they future-proof their practices. They trade inventory accounting approaches, KPI dashboards clients can read, and ways to utilise AI effectively and responsibly. You hear how a UK team keeps cash flow conversations grounded, how a North American firm packages recurring ecommerce work, and how an Australian practice helps clients adapt when platforms change fees overnight. The common thread is practical candor – ideas you can bring home and put to work the following week.

Three years in, we’ve seen how small improvements compound: clearer handoffs, tighter routines, better client education. When practices share openly, ecommerce businesses gain visibility, predictability, and fewer surprises. That’s good for clients, and even better for the

professionals who guide them.

Interested in joining Camp A2X in 2026? Camp A2X is a perk of the A2X Partner Program that some partners get to attend. Beyond Camp, the program helps practices connect with peers in a private Slack community, navigate the changing ecommerce landscape, and grow confidently through our Ecommerce Accountant Directory.

Register for our upcoming A2X Partner Demo webinar to learn more about the A2X Partner Program – including how participation works and how practices are considered for future Camp opportunities. If it sounds like a fit for your firm, the webinar is the best first step toward being on our radar for a future invite.

Jamie Shulman speaking at Camp A2X 2024

Reimagining company secretarial and AML compliance for modern UK firms

How BGL’s CAS 360 is changing the game for compliance professionals

BGL's CAS 360 cloud-based software simplifies company secretarial and AML compliance for UK firms with innovative tools and automation.

Asmarter way to manage company secretarial compliance.

The UK compliance landscape is evolving, unlocking new opportunities to improve how firms manage their clients' company secretarial and AML obligations.

CAS 360 helps you do more for clients with less time and stress.

New government reforms introduced in 2024-25 as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act are reshaping how company data is submitted, verified and maintained.

From mandatory ID verification to increased data accuracy and digital processes, these changes set a new standard for secure, modern company administration.

To support this shift, BGL's CAS 360 software provides a complete solution that makes compliance simpler, faster and more accurate.

Introducing CAS 360.

CAS 360 is BGL's cloud-based company secretarial and AML

management solution. Over 3,900 businesses across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and now the United Kingdom trust CAS 360 to manage over 1 million companies on the platform.

Whether you manage 25 companies or 5,000, CAS 360 helps you automate and streamline compliance workflows, including:

• Company change management, including form and document preparation.

• Electronic filing direct to Companies House from CAS 360.

• Annual Confirmation Statement preparation with electronic filing.

• Company formation document preparation with electronic filing.

• Automated alerts for users and email reminders for clients.

• AML compliance with ID verification (coming soon).

• Trust management (free, unlimited discretionary and unit trusts).

• Seamless integration with Xero Practice Manager, FuseSign, FYI and many more.

Warren Renden, General Manager - CAS 360, BGLiD and UK, BGL

Warren is the General Manager of CAS 360, BGLiD and UK at BGL, where he leads major projects and cross-functional teams in multiple regions. He has led the development of CAS 360, a market-leading company secretarial solution that now supports over 4,000 accounting firms in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Warren also spearheaded the development of BGLiD, delivering innovative KYC/AML technology that helps accounting firms streamline compliance and improve client experiences.

Designed for a new era of compliance.

CAS 360 has been purposebuilt for UK professionals, with localised features directly supporting the latest Companies House reforms.

With CAS 360, you can:

• Identify and action data discrepancies between CAS 360 and Companies House.

• Track obligations and deadlines across your entire client base with smart alerts.

• Stay compliant with automatic software updates delivered every 3 weeks.

BGLiD identity verification (coming soon).

To support new ID verification requirements, BGL is also introducing BGLiD, a secure identity verification solution seamlessly integrated into CAS 360.

Streamlined workflows, smart alerts and automated filing, all in one platform.

Powered by FrankieOne, BGLiD will enable fast, reliable verification of directors and people with

significant control (PSCs), with results flowing straight into CAS 360 for complete, auditable record-keeping.

Backed by experience, driven by innovation.

BGL has been delivering compliance software for over 35 years. With ISO 27001 certification, an award-winning customer experience team and a proven track record of innovation, BGL is trusted by over 12,700 clients maintaining over 1.5 million entities on the BGL product suite.

With the launch of CAS 360 in the UK, BGL is helping firms embrace the future of compliance, with intuitive, UK-specific features designed to save time, reduce risk and support better client outcomes.

As Warren Renden, General Manager – CAS 360, BGLiD and UK at BGL, explains:

"We've built CAS 360 to make Annual Confirmation Statements, Company Changes and Company Formations not only simple but enjoyable. The feedback from UK firms so far has been fantastic."

Why firms are embracing CAS 360.

From everyday admin to long-term compliance strategy, CAS 360 gives you the tools to deliver more value to clients with less effort and more confidence.

• Cloud-based and easy to use — no spreadsheets or manual data entry.

• Powerful automation to reduce repetitive admin.

• A complete company secretarial and AML solution in one userfriendly platform.

We've built CAS 360 to make compliance simple and even enjoyable.

“CAS 360 has become so integrated into how we work day to day. It's easy to navigate, simple to use and has streamlined our company secretarial procedure, freeing up staff to work on other client areas. We were hoping to create efficiency and we've succeeded.”

— Matthew Howe, Partner at Wilson Howe Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

Getting started is simple.

Our dedicated onboarding specialists are committed to delivering a seamless setup experience, offering:

• Assistance with Companies House Authorised Data import.

• Onboarding and training with our Client Success Team.

• Assistance setting up industryleading integrations.

Contact us for a personalised product demonstration and discover how CAS 360 can simplify your compliance workflows.

how CAS 360 can help your firm.

bglcorp.co.uk

Photo of the BGL team exhibiting at Accountex London 2025. Left to right: Ashley Barker, BGL Business Development Manager; Conor Allison, BGL Customer Experience Specialist; Ron Lesh, BGL Founder/Director.

How firms can pick the right AI tools

@ignition-app @benwalkerca

Ben Walker, CA, Inspire Accountants

Ben Walker is the Founder of Inspire Accountants, launched in 2013 to challenge traditional accounting with proactive, life-changing advice for business owners. A Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and Justice of the Peace, he has been recognised with Anthill Online’s “30under30” award and as a Brisbane Young Entrepreneur finalist. Outside work, Ben enjoys time with his wife Stevie and their two children, Rose and Ezra.

Looking for a way to compare and assess potential AI tools for your practice? Ben Walker suggests three strategies.

AI is everywhere, which makes choosing the right tool for you and your practice tricky. From content generation to workflow automation, it seems like new AI software appears daily. Accounting professionals are promised AI will revolutionise the way they work – but which ones are worth investing in, and which are just a distraction?

Ignition’s research, which polled real-world accounting professionals, found 36% of tasks could be automated and an additional 26% could be assisted by generative AI. That shift isn’t just about speed. It’s about building a more efficient, insight-driven practice that’s ready to scale. The key is choosing tools that support business transformation.

Here are three ways to evaluate AI tools that will move your firm forward.

1. Look for alignment with your operational reality.

It’s tempting to choose a flashy new platform but the most

valuable tools are ones that solve problems you face every day. For example, many firms lose revenue due to onboarding delays, inconsistent scope management or missed billing opportunities.

Tools such as Ignition automate proposals, billing, payments and client engagement workflows, reducing administrative time, and enhancing cash flow and client experience. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters.

2. Focus on tools that augment your expertise.

Generative AI allows professionals to move beyond compliance work and become true advisers. By letting AI handle repetitive tasks and data synthesis, you unlock time for high-impact conversations, strategic planning and building client trust. That’s where value lives.

3. Prioritise scalability.

AI isn’t a one-off experiment. The tools you choose today

should support your growth tomorrow. That means integrations that work with your tech stack, automation that reduces manual processes and insights that help you make better decisions.

Ignition’s AI-enabled features, like smart service descriptions, automated onboarding steps and an all-in-one dashboard, help firms build scalable systems without losing the personal touch.

Beyond the headline AIenabled features, Ignition also automates many timeconsuming administrative functions – from preparing engagement letters and securing proposal sign-off, to raising invoices, applying payments and reconciling them in your bank account, by streamlining or removing them entirely.

The most future-fit firms are building tech stacks that don’t just automate but also inform smarter decisions. AI tools should offer transparency, not just transactions. Look for

platforms that give you insight into pipeline, revenue and client behaviour, so you’re proactively shaping how your firm grows.

AI that supports your team, not replaces it.

In the end, the most effective AI tools are the quiet ones. They don’t demand your attention, they give it back. They fit into your workflow, eliminate administration, and give you the freedom to focus on your team, your clients and your goals.

Ignition believes that AI makes life easier. Their platform helps firms move faster, bill smarter

and grow confidently, with client trust and efficiency built in.

Turn AI potential into performance.

Don’t chase trends. Choose AI tools that work for your firm, your team and your clients. And when you’re ready to eliminate administration, reclaim revenue and automate the busy work, Ignition is ready for you.

See how Ignition can help your firm scale with confidence. Start your free trial or book a personalised demonstration today.

FIND OUT MORE...

To see how Ignition’s AI can help revolutionise your practice, simply scan the QR code to request a walkthrough today — or start your free trial at

ignitionapp.com

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In conversation with Dan Schonfeld, ApprovalMax’s new CFO

@approvalmax

@dan-schonfeld

Dan Schonfeld, CFO, ApprovalMax

A strategic finance leader with deep experience in scaling companies. Led diverse operations and programmes from concept to successful conclusion within agreed time and budget without compromising on quality. Possesses proven skills to capitalise on new business opportunities and oversee multiple initiatives from infancy to profitable growth of business across the globe.

Is the death of the spreadsheet finally here? ApprovalMax’s new CFO Dan Schonfeld thinks so. We spoke to him about his background, priorities and challenges for the rest of the year, along with what everyone’s talking about: AI. Here’s what he had to say.

XU: You joined ApprovalMax in January of this year. Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to ApprovalMax?

DS: I was thrilled to join ApprovalMax earlier this year as I’d always heard such great things about the brand and product.

Prior to my time here, I’ve had a long and varied path to my role as CFO. I have an LLB in law and an MBA from INSEAD, and have worked as a criminal prosecutor, management consultant (McKinsey & EY), private equity, venture capital, and in the last few years in senior finance and operations roles.

XU: As we head into the second half of the year, what are your biggest priorities as CFO?

DS:

Like most finance leaders, data is a big priority. In particular, striving for better data; more accurate, granular, accessible and structured. This needs to be framed and analysed the right way to give us the strategic insights we need.

This is an ongoing effort, especially given how fast the industry and technology is changing these days. The amount of data we have access to has multiplied, but so have the applications for it. When used correctly, we can see more clearly into how the business is operating than ever before.

To make good decisions (especially at speed), you need good information and this doesn't just appear – you need to work hard to get it. That means having the right processes, systems and people in place to deliver it consistently.

As a finance leader, I want to continue driving a culture where performance is evaluated and measured regularly, in real time, and as accurately as possible via this data. These insights inform and shape the way we conduct our business.

XU: You mentioned the fast speed of technology these days. How do you see technology changing finance?

DS: It’s a broad question but thankfully the answer is simple: AI. It’s going to change everything. It's already changing everything actually – talking about it in the future sense is a mistake. It's happening around us, at a really fast pace, and it's affecting everything.

There’s a delicate balance to strike between adopting AI quickly to avoid falling behind and rushing only to end up with results that are worse than not

doing anything at all. I’m excited about this shift though. It’s already a powerful tool in such a short time and helps me better plan and predict for the future.

XU: What do you think not enough people are paying attention to right now?

DS: Here again the obvious answer might be AI. But people are definitely paying attention, and deservedly so. With the finance lens on, what's being missed is the fact that we’re finally witnessing the death of the spreadsheet.

This has been talked about for decades now and yet spreadsheets have persevered. Now, though, I think we’re getting to the point where there is such a plethora of software and tools, supercharged by AI, that things are beginning to connect.

We’re not very far from the point in time where you could effectively run an entire business end to end on a pure software stack, fully integrated, without the need to actually open Excel, or Google Sheets. I don’t think people realise this is just around the corner.

XU: What's enabled this shift away from spreadsheets?

DS: It's the natural dynamic or trend of building additional software solutions for more and more use cases. Now, when you do that, you start with the biggest use cases because it makes economic sense. But as software becomes more efficient (and AI plays into this because it’s an efficiency multiplier), prices become lower and the applicability increases, it becomes more economically viable to build solutions for niche applications and edge use cases. As a result of that, you get greater and greater coverage by software solutions of the various pain points and use cases that you have when operating a finance function.

XU: What will change when we can say goodbye to spreadsheets?

DS: A lot of things will change. I mean, spreadsheets are amazing – as someone in finance, I obviously love Excel. The problem with spreadsheets is that they're not built to be collaborative tools. Of course, you can set up a shared spreadsheet. But at the end of the day, it's very easy to make mistakes, to overwrite data, break stuff and get lost in multiple versions.

Software takes away a lot of that. It's built for realtime collaboration. The UI is structured so when you look at it as a user, it's pretty intuitive what it does and how it works.

These are all changes for the better. Ultimately, they’ll give us the data and accuracy we need, with a better user experience at the same time. This opens up the door to more automation and, hopefully, less risk; there’s way less chance of a rogue 0 throwing all your numbers off. For example, if you use Excel to analyse projects it’s easy to get lost in the weeds. A single mistake can result in a very wrong outcome, while software for trend analysis helps catch any illogical trajectories that might come from a tiny error.

XU: What excites you most about the future of finance and AI?

DS: There’s a lot to be excited about, both at ApprovalMax and more broadly. I’m not an expert in AI but as I delve more and more into it as a layperson, I find the application of it is easy, rapid and impactful. I’m looking forward to being able to better harness it, personally and across the industry, to gather the data and insights we need.

Why SMEs Don’t Need a $500K ERP

ERP power without ERP pain. Gojee streamlines jobs, inventory, and payroll for SMEs in construction, manufacturing, and engineering.

At Gojee, we’re reshaping project management for civil construction, manufacturing, and engineering firms; delivering ERPlevel capability without the cost, complexity, or implementation headaches.

"Direct local phone support sets Gojee apart because technology works best with people backing it.”

Thousands of users already rely on Gojee, backed by over 50 five-star reviews on Xero’s App Store. Why? Because we believe powerful tools should be

accessible, not overwhelming.“Just because you’re a high-revenue business doesn’t mean you need a $500K ERP,” says Tyler Caskey, Partner at TheBeanCounters. He’s seen firsthand how firms turning over $100M+ are thriving on Xero— when paired with the right ecosystem apps.

Gojee is built for these businesses. It extends Xero’s capabilities to meet the demands of long-term projects, complex inventory,

@gojeeapp @jackducat

Jack Ducat, Co-Founder, Gojee

Jack is the co-founder of Gojee, a modern Australian SaaS platform streamlining operations for SMEs in construction, manufacturing, engineering, and field services. Under his leadership, Gojee grew from an internal tool to Xero’s Featured App of the Month, earning 50+ five-star reviews. Jack leads product strategy, development, and partnerships, recently launching the Gojee Club Partner Program and scaling the platform to support a broad range of SMEs in multiple countries.

and multi-site operations; without the ERP bloat.

Cash flow is critical on long-term jobs. Gojee lets users map projects by stage, track milestones, manage retention payments, and invoice progressively as costs are incurred. That means faster reporting, realtime visibility, more control, and instant answers to client queries.

Stop guessing job profitability. Gojee has powerful real time reporting features. “Just because you’re a high-revenue business, doesn’t mean you need a $500K per year ERP.”

Basic inventory tracking often leads to costly stockouts or overstocking. Gojee adds advanced features like goods receival, batch tracking, multilocation stock management, and automated reorder points. You’ll always know what’s in stock, where it is, and when to reorder; saving time and money.

Gojee integrates seamlessly with Xero, bringing job costing, quoting, inventory, asset management, timesheets, staff scheduling, and POS into one streamlined platform. We ship updates every three weeks, with features like the Job Planner offering Gantt-style clarity for project management.

You bring the wisdom. We bring the tech. Together, we can help your clients build better.

And when you need help, our direct local phone support sets us apart and ensures you’re never left waiting— because technology is only as strong as the people behind it.

This shift isn’t just benefiting SMEs. Accountants and business advisors are increasingly expected to deliver strategic insights, not just compliance services. By leveraging tools like Gojee that integrate with Xero, advisors can

"We’re reshaping project management for firms; delivering ERP-level capability without the cost, complexity, or headaches"

help clients streamline operations and make better decisions, while also creating new revenue opportunities for their own practice. Programs like the Gojee Club Partner Program are designed to support this evolution.

Partners receive free training and certification, revenue-sharing opportunities, and the ability to offer clients modern technology at

Wasting hours and risking errors on manual reports

an accessible price point.

The move away from traditional ERP is part of a broader trend toward simplicity, integration, and automation. For SMEs, this means affordable, scalable solutions.

For advisors, it’s a chance to deepen relationships, build trust, and grow in a changing market. To learn more, visit gojeeapp.com.au/partner.

FIND OUT MORE...

To learn more about the app visit gojeeapp.com.au or to partner visit gojeeapp.com.au/partner

Time-consuming reports and dashboards that you can't re-use or repeat across clients

No ability to gather multi-entity reports in different currencies

Reports that you can't delegate to specific team members

Risk of sharing sensitive information due to lack of access controls

The Human Side of Automation: Empowering Finance Teams with Voice + AI

How ExpenseOnDemand + Xero Are Making Finance Simpler, Smarter, and More Human

@ExpenseOnDemand @SoloEOD

Sidd Nigam, Director Sidd brings extensive experience in strategic partnerships across sales, product development, channel partnerships, engineering, operations, legal, and marketing. He excels in driving revenue growth through post-sales partnerships and optimising customer and partner experiences.

With a background at companies like Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and Meta, Sidd now leads sales and marketing efficiency initiatives as a Director at ExpenseOnDemand

In today’s fast-paced business world, finance teams face growing demands with fewer resources and tighter deadlines.

n today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected business environment, finance teams are under increasing pressure to deliver more—with fewer resources, less time, and higher expectations. Whether it’s managing hundreds of expense claims, staying on top of compliance, or supporting strategic decisions with data, the finance function is being stretched further than ever before.

Automation has certainly helped reduce the load, but it’s not a silver bullet. In many cases, systems built for automation end up adding complexity— forcing users into rigid workflows, confusing interfaces, and inflexible rules.

At ExpenseOnDemand , we believe the next frontier is not just automation, but humancentricautomation . It’s about reimagining how people interact with finance tools—making them faster, simpler, and more natural. And that’s exactly what we’ve built: a voice-activated, AI-enhanced expense management solution ,

deeply integrated with Xero , that’s designed not just for efficiency—but for people.

Why Voice? Because Real Work Doesn’t Happen at a Desk

Traditional finance software assumes that users are always sitting at a desk, with a laptop open and time on their hands. That’s rarely true anymore.

Sales professionals are on the road, consultants are between meetings, and executives are multitasking. Even finance teams themselves are often jumping between tools, emails, calls, and approvals. In this environment, opening an app, navigating to the right section, and filling out forms feels increasingly outdated.

That’s where voice comes in. Voice is instant. It’s natural. It’s hands-free. And thanks to AI and speech recognition advances, it’s now accurate and secure enough to be used in enterprise-grade applications. With ExpenseOnDemand's Voice Activation , users can:

• Log a new expense by simply saying, “Add £42.50 for a client dinner to Sales – 19th July.”

• Approve multiple claims with a command like, “Approve all expenses under £100 from the Events team.”

• Request financial insights, such as, “How much did we spend on software tools in Q2?”

• Set reminders or follow-ups for claims they’re not ready to address yet

What’s more, these actions can be performed while walking to a meeting, in a taxi, or even while preparing for a presentation— eliminating bottlenecks and reducing the mental load on already busy professionals.

Voice and Xero: An Intelligent, Integrated Ecosystem

Voice becomes even more powerful when it doesn’t just operate in isolation. That’s why we’ve built our voice-first features to integrate seamlessly with Xero, giving users a connected, real-time view of their financial data and actions.

When a user logs a

voice command in ExpenseOnDemand, it isn’t just stored—it’s categorised, validated, and posted to Xero automatically, using the correct account codes, cost centres, and rules already in place.

This ensures:

• Zero duplication of effort – no need to re-enter or reclassify expenses manually

• Immediate reconciliation –voice-logged expenses can be matched with Xero bank feeds and supplier bills

• Real-time reporting –dashboards and budgets in Xero reflect the latest data without waiting for month-end uploads

• Audit-friendly compliance –every voice transaction includes metadata, timestamps, and digital receipts

By syncing natural interaction with intelligent systems, we’re empowering finance teams to work faster without sacrificing accuracy or control.

“The integration between ExpenseOnDemand and Xero has been game-changing for our business,” says a Head of Finance professional using ExpenseOnDemand within the Architectural space.

“With voice logging and realtime sync, our team doesn’t have to think about admin— it just flows. We’ve cut our expense processing time by more than 50%, and we’re catching policy breaches sooner, too.”

Use Case: Empowering Teams in the Field

Consider a real-world example: a construction project manager working on-site across multiple locations. In the past, they might have collected paper receipts in their wallet or snapped photos to upload at the end of the week. Approval delays were common. Finance teams had to chase missing receipts, reclassify expenses,

and resolve discrepancies.

Now, with ExpenseOnDemand:

• The manager speaks into their phone immediately after a purchase

• The expense is logged with the correct project code

• The approver receives a notification and can approve it on the go

• The transaction is posted to Xero in real time

The result? No backlogs, no errors, no friction. Multiply that by dozens of people across multiple sites, and the impact becomes not just operational, but strategic— freeing up time, improving visibility, and increasing accuracy across the business.

It’s Not Just Voice. It’s a Smarter User Experience

While voice is a powerful tool, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. At ExpenseOnDemand, we’ve developed a range of AI-powered features that work together to create a truly modern, human-first expense platform.

These include:

• Smart receipt scanning –powered by OCR and AI to extract key details like date, amount, currency, and category with 99%+ accuracy

• Predictive categorisation –our system learns from user

behaviour and auto-suggests the right GL codes and project tags

• Real-time policy enforcement – rules for limits, thresholds, and exceptions are applied at the point of entry, not after

• Proactive nudges – users are reminded to submit receipts or complete claims in a helpful, non-intrusive way

• Customisable workflows –tailored approval chains ensure the right people see the right information at the right time

And all of it is built with Xero connectivity at its core— ensuring every action has a corresponding reflection in your financial system.

“We believe great software should get out of the way and help people do their best work,” says Sunil Nigam, CEO at ExpenseOnDemand.

“Voice activation, AI categorisation, and Xero sync are not just features—they’re the foundation of a user experience that’s finally aligned with how real teams operate.”

Why It Matters: The Human Side of Finance

Too often, automation is framed as a way to replace people. But at ExpenseOnDemand, we see it differently. The best technology doesn’t remove humans—it supports them.

By reducing repetitive tasks, removing friction, and enabling

faster actions, we allow finance professionals to focus on the work that truly matters:

• Helping teams spend wisely

• Enforcing policy without micromanagement

• Providing leadership with accurate, real-time insights

• Building a finance culture rooted in trust, transparency, and accountability

This shift from task execution to strategic contribution is one of the most powerful outcomes of our platform—and one that will shape the future of finance in every business.

Looking Ahead: Where Voice and Finance Meet

We’re just at the beginning of what’s possible. As natural language processing and machine learning continue to evolve, voice interaction will become more conversational, more context-aware, and more predictive.

Imagine asking your finance system:

• “What are the three largest expense categories this month, and how do they compare to budget?”

• “Flag any claims that appear to be out of policy or duplicated.”

• “Create a summary of all projectrelated expenses by department for the last quarter.”

This is the future we’re building toward—where the interface disappears , and people can simply talk to their finance tools and get intelligent, contextual answers.

And with Xero as our strategic partner, we’re ensuring that this intelligence is always grounded in accurate, up-to-date financial data , ready to drive meaningful decisions.

Conclusion: Let People Work the Way They Think

At ExpenseOnDemand, we’re not just digitising processes—

we’re redefining how people experience finance. Our voiceactivated, AI-powered platform gives users the freedom to act naturally, move quickly, and stay in control. And our deep integration with Xero ensures everything happens in real time, with zero duplication or disruption.

In a world where teams are increasingly mobile, time-poor, and outcome-driven, this isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential.

Voice isn’t a novelty. It’s a strategic advantage.

Automation isn’t about doing more with less. It’s about doing better, together. And the future of finance? It’s not just fast and smart—it’s human.

AI Voice-Powered Expense Logging: Save Time On The Go | ExpenseOnDemand youtube.com/watch FIND OUT MORE...

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The Workpaper Revolution

Why and how ChangeGPS and Access Accountants are challenging the status quo

A new solution promises to transform how accounting firms handle workpapers and client workflows, alongside any bookkeeping solution.

The accounting profession has long been trapped in a productivity paradox. While compliance requirements continue to multiply—with AML, TASA, and endless red tape—firms find themselves drowning in administrative tasks that prevent them from delivering the business advice their clients desperately need. For many practices, workpapers have become the bottleneck that determines whether they can scale their value-added offerings or remain stuck on the compliance treadmill.

Enter ChangeGPS with their latest innovation: a completely reimagined automated workpaper solution that promises to reduce hours of manual processes,

Workpapers by ChangeGPS - automated and with optional integration-provides firms with the freedom to offer more value-added services, whilst maintaining healthy margins on critical compliance work.

@changegps @davidboyar

effortlessly working alongside Xero, and any other bookkeeping application. With the option to seamlessly integrate with Access Accountants Ledger, this might be the most compelling alternative to current solutions that Australian accountants have seen in years.

Excel meets cloud intelligence Workpapers by ChangeGPS represent a fundamental rethinking of how practices work. Rather than forcing accountants to abandon Excel—the tool most feel genuinely productive in— the platform enhances Excel's capabilities with intelligent automation.

"There's one thing you get to do in Excel that nobody's worked out how to do in the cloud," explains David Boyar, ChangeGPS co-founder. "From Column A to ZZZZZ, you can do whatever you want." This flexibility allows accountants to add their own calculations, notes, and customisations alongside the structured workpaper templates—something cloudonly solutions have struggled to replicate. Until now.

ChangeGPS, an Access company, delivers legendary frontline apps to accountants across Australia. It helps accountants scale, standardise and profit from advisory — with powerful tools amplified by secure AI. Founded in 2008 by Timothy Munro, in 2024, ChangeGPS joined The Access Group and is looking forward to the new integrations and product opportunities this provides them for now and the future.

A completely reimagined automated workpaper solution that promises to reduce hours of manual processes

The system now includes 48 automated workpaper templates, more than doubling the previous offering from ChangeGPS. These aren't just theoretical frameworks either. The templates are designed around the 80/20 rule, focusing on the key reconciliations and checks that matter for real client work, rather than exhaustive compliance checklists that make small client engagements commercially unviable.

Automation that actually works

The breakthrough lies in the intelligent mapping system. When you export a trial balance from any accounting software —the system will automatically populate relevant workpapers based on account names rather than codes. This approach elegantly solves the perennial problem of chart of accounts variations between clients.

The keyword mapping system allows for natural language customisation. If a client calls annual leave "AL" instead of "Annual Leave," you simply add "AL" to the mapping, and the system automatically routes ChangeGPS

that balance to the provisions worksheet. No complex coding required.

Perhaps most impressively, the system distinguishes between accounts where you need current year balances only (like most P&L items) versus those requiring previous year comparatives (like GST reconciliations and livestock valuations). This intelligent data handling eliminates the manual work that previously consumed junior staff time.

Why choose Workpapers by ChangeGPS with Access Accountants?

"From Column A to ZZZZZ, you can do whatever you want." David Boyar, ChangeGPS cofounder.

The Access Accountants integration game-changer

While Excel workpapers alone represent significant progress, the real disruption comes through integration with Access Accountants, and more specifically, their Ledger solution (available alongside their tax product as a full compliance suite). For firms using Access products, the workflow becomes remarkably streamlined.

Through Zap Data Hub connectivity, the Access Accountants Ledger can retrieve data directly from virtually any cloud accounting platform. When you create workpapers within the Access Accountants Ledger, it automatically imports the trial balance data and pre-populates the templates with the client's company name and year-end date. Zap Data Hub provides a centralised data warehouse for all client data with prebuilt data models and analytics.

This creates an end-to-end workflow where data flows from the client's accounting system, through intelligent workpaper automation, and back to financial statement preparation—all within a single platform environment.

The timing of this release is particularly significant given the cumulative price rises for firms subscribing to multiple solutions, combined with feature limitations in their practice management offerings. Several factors make the ChangeGPS and Access Accountants combination compelling:

Cost efficiency: Access presents a more economical alternative for financial statement preparation, particularly for firms with diverse client software needs. With a fixed price per user rather than a variable ledger cost per client, firms can budget with certainty.

Universal compatibility: Unlike an ecosystem approach, this solution works seamlessly regardless of your client's underlying accounting software. You're not locked into pushing clients toward a particular platform.

Excel integration: A cloud-first approach, while modern and beautiful, often forces accountants into less familiar interfaces. The ChangeGPS solution leverages Excel's familiarity while adding cloud intelligence and accessibility. Workflow continuity: The seamless flow from workpapers to financial statements within, eliminates the data re-entry that plagues multi-platform workflows.

The advisory opportunity

As insolvency expert Jarvis Archer noted in a recent ChangeGPS webinar, many business failures could be prevented with basic awareness conversations about trends in client performance. When workpapers that previously took hours can be completed in minutes, accountants gain the capacity to have these crucial discussions.

Looking forward

The automated workpapers and optional integration represents more than just another software update—it's a potential inflection point for how accounting practices operate. Firms that master these efficiency gains will be positioned to offer highervalue services while maintaining healthy margins on compliance work.

The workpaper revolution may finally be here—and it's built on the familiar foundation of Excel

For practices evaluating their technology stack, particularly those feeling constrained by ecosystem pricing and data integration limitations, the ChangeGPS/Access Accountants combination deserves serious consideration. It offers the rare combination of immediate operational benefits and strategic positioning for the advisory-driven future of accounting practices.

The workpaper revolution may finally be here—and it's built on the familiar foundation of Excel, enhanced with the intelligence modern practices demand.

Beyond operational efficiency, this solution addresses a critical strategic challenge. By dramatically reducing the time required for compliance work, firms can finally allocate resources to business advisory services that clients increasingly demand.

What’s Your Policy on Personal Relationships at Work?

How to set fair expectations and handle disclosures without drama or confusion

@hrpartner.io

@debbiegainsford

Debbie Gainsford, Marketing, HR Partner

Debbie draws on years of collaboration with HR professionals to guide HR Partner's customers. Her deep understanding of their needs ensures customers grasp all the platform's features and can leverage them to create a smooth, efficient user experience for their employees. She has a particular passion for highlighting the benefits of employee wellbeing, for both employees and employers.

Your guide to navigating workplace relationships - with clear policies, simple processes, and the tools to help you manage them.

W

orkplace relationships have always attracted attention, whether it’s whispered gossip or public headlines. But beyond the drama, they raise important questions for employers: How should they be managed? And

what policies need to be in place?

It’s not just about romance. Personal relationships at work can include close friendships, family ties, or even

Workplace

connections with suppliers and clients. Left unaddressed, these relationships can lead to real or perceived conflicts of interest, which may affect team dynamics and trust.

relationships

are part of real life, and they’ll always exist in some form.

That’s why having a clear, fair policy matters - especially in small and growing businesses.

A simple policy goes a long way

You don’t need pages of legalese to manage workplace relationships well. A thoughtful policy should set out:

• What kinds of relationships should be disclosed

• How and when to disclose them

• What steps might be taken to manage any conflicts of interest

The goal isn’t to police anyone’s personal life, it’s to create clarity,

consistency, and confidence for everyone involved.

Make disclosure easy (and not awkward)

Many employees want to do the right thing but aren’t sure how. Having a straightforward process, like a confidential form and a quick chat with a manager, can make it easier.

That’s where a good HRIS can make a real difference. With a platform like HR Partner, you can share your policy, collect signed acknowledgements, and securely store disclosures - all in one place. You can also set permissions so only authorized people can view sensitive information, helping ensure the process remains confidential and respectful. It takes what could be an

awkward or manual task and turns it into a simple, everyday part of running a fair workplace.

Don’t overlook external relationships

It’s also worth considering relationships that extend beyond your team, like someone’s partner working for your accounting firm or a friend running your creative agency. These situations can affect how decisions are made or perceived, so it’s helpful to include them in your policy.

In the end, it’s about trust

Workplace relationships are part of real life, and they’ll

always exist in some form. Having a clear, fair process in place helps take the guesswork out for your team and for you. With a little structure and the right tools to support it, you can handle these situations with confidence, transparency, and care.

FIND OUT MORE...

For more on HR Partner can help streamline your HR processes, book a demo today

hrpartner.io/demo

From Spreadsheets to Smart Sheets: How One Firm Transformed Its Xero Reporting

No devs, no dashboards—just faster, smarter spreadsheets with G-Accon

Jess didn’t plan to rebuild her system. She just wanted Mondays back, and G-Accon made that possible, effortlessly and fast.

ess didn’t set out to rebuild her entire reporting system. She just wanted her Mondays back. She’s a virtual CFO, the kind who manages eight client accounts, juggles monthly financials, and fields requests like, “Can we break this down by department?” or “Can you add a cash runway tab to that dashboard?”

It’s not the advisory part that drains her, she actually enjoys interpreting financials and helping clients plan ahead. What eats up her week is everything that comes before that: downloading Xero reports, adjusting dates, cleaning rows, chasing inconsistencies, and rebuilding spreadsheets that should’ve been done hours ago.

She thought it was just part of the job. It wasn’t broken, but it wasn’t scalable either, then she found G-Accon.

The Hidden Time Sink in Cloud Accounting

Most cloud accountants are proud of how far they’ve come. The paper files are gone. The manual entry grind is over. The tech stack is humming: Xero, maybe Dext, ApprovalMax, a few automated workflows in Zapier.

“Before G-Accon, reporting was a cycle: export, reformat, deliver, repeat.”

And she’s not alone based on a recent Insights report, over 50% of advisors say their biggest reporting challenge is spending too much time gathering or cleaning up client data, not interpreting it.

For Jess, the cycle was relentless: export, reformat, deliver, repeat.

But reporting? It’s still more manual than many admit.

Jess knew this too well. Every month, she’d export a Profit and Loss report from Xero, then open Google Sheets to format it. Add formulas, build charts and translate the numbers into something meaningful for her clients. She’d do this across all eight clients, separately and manually. The process wasn’t broken but it was completely exhausting.

And one Monday, after realizing she’d spent more time formatting spreadsheets than actually talking to her clients, Jess started looking for another way.

@g-accon @andrew-shassetz

Andrew Robert Shassetz, Content Writer, G-Accon

Andrew is a content writer at G-Accon, where he helps make complex accounting tech and SaaS topics easier to understand. He works with software teams, consultants, and finance professionals to create content that’s clear, practical, and actually useful to the people reading it.

With a background in journalism, Andrew knows how to ask the right questions and turn expert knowledge into straightforward writing that supports real decision-making.

She wasn’t searching for a fancy dashboard tool. She didn’t want to overhaul her entire stack. What she needed was a faster way to get Xero data into the reports she was already building.

That’s when she found G-Accon, a Google Sheets add-on designed specifically for accountants and finance professionals working in Xero and QuickBooks.

It claims to let users pull live Xero data into Sheets without code. Reports like P&L, Aged Receivables, Balance Sheet ,all synced directly. No CSVs, no reformatting and no waiting.

Jess was skeptical, but curious.

Setting It Up

The install was simple. She added G-Accon to her Google Workspace, launched the sidebar, and clicked “Connect to Xero.” A secure OAuth window popped up. She logged into her Xero account, selected one client, and within seconds, she had a live Profit and Loss report in her spreadsheet. Same layout, same numbers. But now they were alive.

She changed the date range

A Quietly Powerful Tool

and the data was refreshed. She toggled a tracking category and the report was adjusted.

It was still a Google Sheet, but smarter.

Building Her First Smart Sheet

Jess started by recreating her most-used client report: a monthly overview with a P&L tab, an Aged Receivables summary, and a custom KPI dashboard.

Previously, she’d download each report from Xero, paste the data into Sheets, clean up rows, and rebuild the logic manually.

Now, she uses G-Accon to:

• Import the Profit & Loss report directly into a tab

custom logic

• Scheduled auto-refresh before team calls.

• Shared access via Google Drive links

Her clients didn’t notice the tech shift; they just noticed reports arrived faster and looked sharper.

And her team noticed too. No more scrambling on Monday morning to export CSVs, she had no more formula errors from inconsistent columns; all she had was just accurate reports, ready to go.

When Reporting Feels Effortless, You Know It’s Working

• Sync Aged Receivables on a weekly auto-refresh schedule

• Link both tabs to a summary sheet using standard Sheets formulas

Then she set it to auto-refresh every Monday at 6:00 AM, so the reports would be ready before her 8:00 AM client call. It worked. The data was live, the layout stayed consistent, and the report was always up-to-date.

Expanding Across Clients

Once the first report was working, Jess duplicated the structure for her other clients. Each got a version tailored to their needs, with the same underlying setup:

• Direct data sync from Xero to Sheets

• Conditional formatting and

Why G-Accon Works (When Others Don’t)

There are plenty of tools in the Xero ecosystem that promise better reporting. Some offer visual dashboards. Others focus on compliance or analytics.

But for Jess, the value of G-Accon wasn’t in fancy visuals. It was in staying within the tool she already trusted, Google Sheets, while removing the friction that used to slow her down.

She didn’t have to rebuild her process or hire a developer, she simply got her time back.

“It wasn’t about saving time. It was about restoring trust in the numbers.”

And that made all the difference.

What You Can Do With It

Jess now uses G-Accon to:

• Automate weekly and monthly

reports for all eight clients

• Deliver real-time KPI dashboards that are actually useful.

• Consolidate reports from multiple Xero entities.

• Track budget vs actuals across projects and departments

• Push journal entries and invoices directly into Xero (when needed) All inside Google Sheets, no separate login, no data lag. And she’s not alone, thousands of accountants, bookkeepers, and internal finance teams are quietly adopting G-Accon to streamline their operations without giving up flexibility. Because when your spreadsheet updates itself, everything else gets easier.

When Reporting Feels Effortless, You Know It’s Working

Jess’s story isn’t unique. It’s becoming the norm for firms looking to scale advisory services without sacrificing quality or time. They’re not chasing new platforms, they’re simply refining the ones they already use.

G-Accon fits that philosophy; it doesn’t try to change how you work; it just eliminates the friction that’s slowing you down. If you’re still exporting CSVs from Xero and manually formatting reports, maybe it’s time to do what Jess did.

“She didn’t overhaul her process; she just turned her spreadsheets into Smart Sheets.”

And she’s not alone. According to a recent Insights report, over 50% of advisors say their biggest reporting challenge is spending too much time gathering or cleaning up client data, not interpreting it. (https://www. firmofthefuture.com/news/ accountant-tech-survey-2024/)

Xero Reporting with G-accon

Myth-busting MTD for Income Tax

Debunking the most common myths we’ve

encountered over the last few months

@hellodext

@paul-l

Paul Lodder, VP of Product Strategy and Accounting expertise, Dext

Paul joined Dext with 20+ years in practice. ACCA qualified in 2003, Paul has worked on MTD and digital strategy, and provided support on digitalisation to accountants & bookkeepers across the country as well as providing solutions to clients’ challenges and supporting them to achieve their goals across accountancy, taxation and business advisory services. Paul is recognised as a leading expert on the implementation and benefits of digitalisation.

Addressing common myths, providing clarity for accountants, bookkeepers, and their clients about what to expect and prepare for April 2026.

As we approach April 2026, the start line for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT), it’s vital that your preparation is grounded in the correct guidance. There is a lot of noise surrounding HMRC’s latest mandate –some of it true, some wide of the mark. Given the uncertainty that has followed MTD for IT, this doesn’t come as a surprise.

With that in mind, clarity is critical. To help accountants, bookkeepers and their clients make MTD for IT as straightforward as possible, we’ve been busy myth-busting, clearing up any disruptive misinformation.

Debunking MTD for IT myths

Given there’s still uncertainty surrounding MTD for IT, it’s understandable to see and hear mixed messages throughout the industry. Here are a handful of the most common myths we’ve encountered over the last few months, debunked.

"MTD for IT is not going to happen."

No matter what you might think, MTD for IT is happening. HMRC is moving full steam ahead, and the public beta is live, growing steadily. While MTD for IT doesn’t start until April 2026, there’s no better time to prepare than now. Starting today gives you and your clients a fantastic opportunity to roll out and refine your approach before things get serious. At this stage, feedback will be essential in shaping HMRC’s polished approach –and the same applies to you.

"You have to wait until the end of the quarter to submit the update to HMRC."

You can submit early – up to 10 days before the end of the quarterly period. If you know there’ll be no further transactions (e.g. you're heading on holiday), you're free to file early. There’s no need to wait if the bookkeeping is complete.

Solo is more than just data capture, it's an AI-driven platform that automates your submissions

"Only one agent can act for a client under MTD.”

"Payment dates are changing under MTD for IT."

There are no changes to payment dates under MTD for IT. Like much of MTD for IT, you’ll still pay tax at the same time. What’s changing is how you keep records and submit returns, not when you pay.

Under MTD for IT, clients can now have multiple agents authorised for different services. For example, a client might have one for tax and another for bookkeeping. It’s more flexible than ever.

“You can put any figures you like on the quarterly updates, as long as you fix them at yearend.”

Technically possible, but not professional.

While estimates are expected, deliberately submitting inaccurate figures goes against the standards of professional accountants and bookkeepers. Quarterly updates should reflect the best available data at the time. Accuracy is essential.

"You'll be penalised if you submit late during beta testing."

There are no penalties for quarterly updates during the beta trial. Final returns, however, must still meet the 31st Jan deadline.

Debunking Dext Solo myths

to be travelling around industry conversations. Whether Solo is the right fit for you is entirely your choice. All we want to do is make sure that choice is made using the correct information.

Myth: "Solo isn’t suitable for clients with multiple income sources."

Fact: With Dext Solo, you can manage multiple income sources, all under the cost of one licence.

MTD for IT is happening, and now is the perfect time to start preparing.

While we’re on the topic of myth-busting, we’d like to shed light on some of the things being said about our product Dext Solo. There are two parts to MTD for IT: the legislation itself and the software you choose to support you. Selecting your software is a big decision and should be carefully considered to ensure you end up with the correct tool for your firm and your clients.

Just like the noise surrounding the legislation, we want to clear up a few misconceptions that appear

Myth: "Solo is just a data capture tool."

Fact: Solo is HMRCrecognised for MTD for IT. It does far more than just capture receipts. Our AI-driven platform automates data collection, extraction, and categorisation, calculates disallowable expenses, and supports both cash and accruals basis reporting. It also automates the quarterly submissions to HMRC.

Myth: "Solo is only for digitally literate clients."

Fact: Solo is designed for accountants, bookkeepers, and clients. With AI-driven automation and multiple ways to submit data,

the process is seamless and clientfriendly, no matter how digitally advanced they are.

Myth: "I need an all-in-one tool –Solo isn’t enough."

Fact: Under MTD for IT, a combination of digitally connected solutions is fully compliant. Solo handles the quarterly updates with ease. You can then use your existing tax software for year-end finalisation (totals are pulled back from HMRC into your existing tax software).

Myth: "Spreadsheets are quicker than using Solo."

Fact: Manual data entry is a slow and error-prone process. Dext Solo automates data collection and categorisation, making the process significantly faster, more accurate, and scalable.

Myth: "Solo only supports cash coding."

Fact: Solo supports cash coding from bank statements and/or source document uploads (or a combination of both). We will automatically flag if there is a match in the cost/sales space to a transaction on the bank statement, thereby mitigating the risk of duplication and overstatement of income and/or costs.

Discover Dext’s HMRC-recognised MTD software

Myth: "Solo doesn’t support jointly let property."

Fact: It does. What’s more, some exciting enhancements are coming this Autumn. We also support the automation of data extraction from rental statements, correctly recognising gross income and categorising all deductions.

Choosing the right software for MTD for IT is critical

especially when most products are themselves new and untested in real-world conditions. A key area of focus – and probably where most issues will arise – is the process of getting data from clients. This is the stage of the workflow subject to the most change.

• Tax adjustments and reporting

– Automation of disallowable expenditure. Designed for both SA103F and SA105 workflows

• Fully compliant with MTD for IT – Solo is HMRC-recognised software and connects with a range of different types of software

Finding your best fit for MTD for IT

As the industry readies itself for MTD for IT, making the right choices in terms of your software, systems, and approach to change management will be huge in determining your success. Our advice is to be thorough with your research and prioritise a ‘best in market’ approach when sourcing your tool.

Navigating the software landscape is particularly challenging,

To help mitigate disruption and encourage a smooth transition, there’s serious value in sticking by tried and trusted software providers. As specialists in this particular area of the accounting workflow for over ten years, Dext’s MTD for IT product, Solo, is a sensible choice when it comes to collecting and categorising data on a more frequent basis. Here are a few things we cover.

• Real-time data collection –Multiple submission methods to ensure completeness of records and provide clients with different ways to upload their records

If you’d like to see Solo in action, we’d love to hear from you. Click the link below to book a call with someone from our team. They’ll be on hand to understand your specific needs and show you how our product can help.

Book a call

Castaway Q&A

XU: Castaway released a SaaS version of your much-loved software in 2023. What inspired that move, and how has it changed the way your customers engage with the platform?

A: Technology and our customers inspired the move to Cloud. Castaway Desktop replaced WinForecast in the market in 2010 and, when we started building Desktop in 2007, cloud engineering tools were not up to the task quite yet. Desktop has been a very popular product and, you’re right, it was much-loved by customers who relied on the powerful calculations available to them. With Desktop in deprecation, we are transitioning customers to Castaway Cloud. Customers are loving the product, the features and the way they can interact

with clients and stakeholders with ease. You can access Castaway Cloud from any browser.

XU: Since launching Castaway Cloud, what’s been the most significant shift in your offering, and how has the feedback from users shaped its development?

A: The most significant shift in our offering is the fact we are now a fully SaaS product with a powerful engine. We have always welcomed customer feedback and actively sought it during various beta release periods. Castaway Cloud functionality has now surpassed that of Castaway Desktop and will continue to do so at speed because we can ship releases faster now than ever.

XU: Can you share any insights into the technology or features that set Castaway Cloud apart in the forecasting and business planning space?

A: There are a few budgeting, 3-way forecasting & reporting products on the market. All of the products will do most of these things I have listed but each product does one of these things exceptionally well. For Castaway, it’s our powerful and flexible forecasting ability. Castaway is for SMEs and their advisors who want to focus on serious, reliable and powerful forecasting. Yes, we can also deliver everything else, but we are comfortable our forecasting capability is a standout.

XU: Castaway has been making serious waves in Australia and the UK. What do you think has driven your success in these markets?

A: Castaway’s success in Australia, NZ, the UK and increasingly Canada has been driven by a few key factors. First, we’ve built deep trust and loyalty with our customers by consistently delivering a product that is not only technically robust but genuinely useful in solving real business problems. Our focus on profitable advisory for firms and financial confidence for business has resonated strongly in these markets.

Secondly, we have invested heavily in relationships with our customers. Account management, onboarding,

nurturing, responsive (human) support and thoughtful product evolution. We actively work hard to make sure our customers feel heard and supported. Finally, I need to shout out our own team culture as collaborative, curious and committed to modern methods and continuous improvement. The energy and intelligence we have at Castaway translates into product and service experience that our team and our customers want to be part of.

XU: Have you noticed any differences between how advisors and businesses in Australia versus the UK are approaching forecasting and business modelling?

A: Apart from compliance requirements, not really. Both markets are savvy about technology and everyone we talk to cares about their clients or their businesses.

XU: What role has your partner network or community played in helping Castaway thrive in these regions?

A: Our network in the regions we serve is

critical to helping us thrive. Over the almost 20 years we have been delivering Castaway, we have carefully nurtured and maintained a community of users, influencers, associations, app partners and event & media partners such as XU Mag. These relationships are so important to supporting the work we do.

XU: The US market is an exciting next step—what's your vision for Castaway's growth there, and how are you preparing for it?

A: North America is certainly exciting and we are first looking at what Canada needs as there is building interest there for us. We are looking forward to exhibiting at Accountex Canada later this year.

XU: Are there specific industries or advisory niches in the US where you see Castaway providing the most value at first?

A: We have never focused on specific industries or advisory niches in any geography as we find Castaway can service the needs of most industries. Accounting firms and advisors who use Castaway

also provide advisory services to a number of industries. I am constantly amazed at the diversity.

XU: We always like catching up with the Castaway team at events throughout the year—how important are events in shaping Castaway’s direction and building community?

A: It’s very important to Castaway that we have several decent events lined up to attend, sponsor or exhibit at each year. We will have regular events we return to without hesitation each year, but the team will also propose a couple of new or different ones to me and we’ll explore their value.

XU: What’s been your biggest takeaway from engaging face-to-face with users, partners, and advisors at events across the globe?

A: As the CEO & Founder, it is extremely grounding for me to engage face-to-face with our community. My biggest takeaway is how powerful it is to really listen to the experiences of the people using Castaway. These conversations, with me,

often reveal nuances that don’t surface in webinar Q&As or support tickets. Whether it’s the CFO in London sharing how Castaway helped them navigate a tough Board meeting, or a Big 4 partner in Brisbane sharing with me how they have adopted Castaway for a niche industry, or a bookkeeper in Dalby sharing how Castaway is brilliant at reporting their bank covenant compliance. I have hundreds of touching stories. These moments remind me that our work has real-world impact on businesses and, ultimately, the families and communities that rely on them.

XU: As cloud ecosystems become more interconnected, do you have any integrations currently on your roadmap for Castaway?

A: Yes

XU:

How do you see integrations amplifying the value Castaway delivers to its users, especially within platforms like Xero or QuickBooks?

A: Since launch, we have integrated directly with Xero, QuickBooks and MYOB. We also have a powerful Excel integration which enables us to work with any general ledger system.

XU:

How are you future-proofing Castaway to stay ahead of evolving advisor and business needs?

A:

You’ve saved the cheeky questions to last! Future-proofing Castaway is all about staying deeply connected to the evolving needs of SMEs and advisors and being proactive rather than reactive. It sounds like a lot of sleepless nights for me, but we’re doing this in a number of different ways. Feedback from our customers is gathered

not only on what is working for them, but what is missing. This insight contributes to our roadmap and helps ensure we build features that solve tomorrow’s problems. Naturally, we invest in technology that allows us to scale quickly and integrate seamlessly with other platforms and apps. This flexibility has obvious positives. We provide training, we help our users truly build capability not only with our software, but with forecasting, business performance and advisory. We travel and research, engage with partners and the community to sharpen our global lens to ensure we are across trends.

Simplifying business licenses and 1099s with Avalara

Xero users, meet your tax compliance advantage

Discover how Avalara helps Xero users simplify business licenses and 1099 filings for smoother, smarter tax compliance.

or U.S.-based small businesses, tax compliance is more than a back-office task. It has become a growing source of operational risk. From business license registrations to year-end 1099 filings, companies are spending more time and energy navigating requirements that change frequently and are often hard to manage.

And yet, many still rely on spreadsheets and manual processes to track deadlines, file paperwork, and stay on top of regulations.

For Xero users, there’s a smarter way forward.

Avalara’s integration with Xero helps simplify tax compliance in the U.S. While it starts with sales tax automation, it also supports other essential areas of compliance. Business licenses and 1099 filings are two examples. These tasks may seem minor, but they carry real consequences if handled incorrectly. Local governments and the IRS are both increasing their enforcement efforts.

With Avalara, Xero users can

manage these compliance activities from within the same platform they already use for accounting.

Automation, directly from your Xero workflow

Avalara’s native connection to Xero gives small businesses and their advisors a more efficient way to handle tax compliance. This includes more than just tax calculation. It also covers areas that can easily fall off the radar — like business licenses and 1099 filing.

Using Avalara Business Licenses and Avalara 1099 & W-9, Xero users can reduce the manual effort involved in two important compliance tasks:

• Registering and renewing business licenses in over 23,000 U.S. jurisdictions

• Filing 1099s with the IRS and state agencies, and collecting W-9 forms from vendors

These tasks often grow in complexity as a business grows. Without automation, they can quickly turn into bottlenecks. Avalara’s tools are designed to keep these processes on track,

@avalara @gregoryahneman

Greg Ahneman, Senior Strategic Partner Manager, Avalara

Greg Ahneman leads Avalara’s FastTrack partner ecosystem, working with global SaaS companies like Xero to build integrations, drive joint go-tomarket success, and deliver customer value at scale. With expertise in business development, technology partnerships, and ecosystem strategy, Greg focuses on simplifying compliance and creating sustainable growth opportunities. He is passionate about enabling partners to innovate while expanding the reach and impact of Avalara’s solutions worldwide.

with less effort and greater confidence.

Business licenses: More complex than they appear

Most businesses in the U.S. need a license to operate. Some need dozens of licenses, depending on their industry and where they do business.

There is no central registry or uniform filing process. Each city, county, and state may have its own requirements. One town might require a general license. Another may expect health or fire safety permits. A third could require zoning approvals before issuing a license at all.

These rules apply not only when starting a business but also during normal growth. Adding new products, opening locations, or hiring across state lines can all trigger additional licensing obligations.

Examples of when new licenses may be required:

• Opening a storefront in another city

• Launching an ecommerce site

• Hiring employees in a new state

• Entering a regulated industry, such as construction or hospitality

With over 20,000 licensing authorities in the U.S., it is nearly impossible to manage this manually. Failure to stay compliant can lead to fines, forced closures, or interruptions in insurance coverage and funding.

Avalara Business Licenses: Reducing the guesswork

Avalara Business Licenses simplifies this process by helping you understand which licenses you need and handling the paperwork for you.

Whether you're hiring in California, launching a new location in Texas, or offering a new service in New York, Avalara helps you:

• Identify the licenses required based on your business activity and geography

• Prepare and submit forms and documentation

• Track renewal deadlines

• Stay current with rule changes

Xero users can start with License Guidance, a step-by-step tool that builds a personalized report with instructions on what to file and where. For more complex cases, Avalara’s managed service team can handle the filing directly.

1099s: Easy to delay, expensive to get wrong

If your business paid a contractor or freelancer more than $600 in a calendar year, you may need to file a 1099 form with the IRS and provide a copy to the recipient.

This process tends to hit during January, which is already the busiest time for most accounting teams.

Manually managing 1099s means:

• Collecting W-9s at the last minute

• Verifying Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs)

• Inputting payment data manually

• Risking missed deadlines or incorrect submissions

New IRS thresholds and increased scrutiny mean that these filings can no longer be handled as an afterthought. Penalties for missing or incorrect forms can add up quickly.

Avalara 1099 & W-9: End-to-end filing made simple

Avalara 1099 & W-9 takes care of the full filing process, starting with W-9 collection and ending with e-filing to the IRS and state tax agencies. It supports more than 20 form types, including 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, and W-2s.

Key features include:

• Online W-9 collection with secure links

• TIN matching to reduce IRS rejections

• Auto-generation of 1099 forms from accounting data

• Electronic delivery of forms to recipients

• Filing with both federal and state agencies

• Support for corrections and resubmissions

Best of all, Avalara 1099 & W-9 integrates with your Xero data, so you can work from the same system and reduce re-entry errors.

For accountants managing multiple businesses, Avalara 1099 & W-9 offers a multiclient dashboard to keep things organized across accounts.

Why this matters more than ever

Compliance isn’t getting easier. Local governments are increasing enforcement of license requirements. The IRS is tightening oversight of 1099 filings. And federal and state tax policies continue to shift, often without much notice. In short, areas of compliance that once seemed straightforward are now anything but.

Avalara helps Xero users stay ahead by making these tasks more manageable and less timeconsuming. You can begin with AvaTax for sales tax automation, then add licensing or 1099 support as your needs evolve.

Built to fit Xero, ready to grow with you

Avalara’s platform was built with Xero users in mind. It offers a clean integration that works for small businesses and their advisors, and it’s supported by over 1,400 additional connectors across ecommerce, ERP, and point-of-sale systems.

Avalara helps small businesses stay ahead of compliance tasks without adding more to their plate.

That means you can keep using the tools you already rely on and connect Avalara to new platforms as your business expands.

Whether you’re processing 20 invoices or 20,000, Avalara helps you handle tax-related work with less effort and greater accuracy.

Tax tools that grow with your business

If you're already using Avalara to automate sales tax inside Xero, now is the time to consider what else you can automate. Business licenses and 1099 filings may not be front-of-mind, but they are key parts of staying compliant as you grow.

Avalara gives you a way to manage these processes without letting them take over your schedule.

Compliance doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right tools in place, it becomes a normal part of how you run your business.

Reach us at xerousers@avalara.com or find out more at avlr.co/xero FIND OUT MORE...

Accountex Canada 2025: Four Years Strong and Building the Future of Accounting

Canada's premier accounting conference returns to Toronto this November

This year's conference promises an electric atmosphere where technology meets community for accountants and bookkeepers nationwide.

A

s Accountex Canada prepares for its fourth edition on November 4-5, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the event has firmly established itself as the must-attend gathering for Canada's accounting and finance professionals. What started as a vision to create a neutral platform for the industry has evolved into the definitive space where accountants, bookkeepers, and fintech innovators converge to shape the future of financial services.

"The atmosphere at Accountex Canada is simply electric," says Laine Taylor, Senior Exhibition Manager. "We have watched this event grow from strength to strength over the past four years, and what makes it truly special is how it brings everyone together under one roof – from seasoned practitioners to emerging technology companies – all united by a shared passion for advancing the profession."

together.

@accountex-canada @laine-taylor

Laine Taylor, Senior Exhibition Manager, Accountex Canada Conference & Tradeshow

Laine Taylor is an accomplished event management professional with 15+ years of experience leading conferences and trade shows across Canada. Starting in operations and advancing into sales, she built expertise in event execution and client engagement. As Senior Exhibition Manager for Accountex Canada—the nation’s fastest-growing accounting and bookkeeping event—Laine drives exhibitor success, cultivates partnerships, and delivers exceptional event experiences that fuel the continued growth of Accountex Canada.

Accountex Canada helps you step back from daily tasks to focus on growing your business.

The power of this neutral platform cannot be overstated. Unlike vendor-specific events, Accountex Canada offers exhibitors and attendees alike the opportunity to engage in authentic conversations without commercial bias. This approach has resonated strongly with industry participants, as evidenced by the enthusiasm of returning exhibitors who recognize Accountex as the premier destination for reaching their target audience. The event's unique positioning allows vendors to engage with accountants and bookkeepers in an environment focused on education and professional development rather than pure sales.

For attendees, the value proposition centers on community and professional growth. The accounting profession, often characterized by long hours and isolated work environments, finds rejuvenation in the collective energy of Accountex Canada. Beyond the

Smiles, teamwork, and ACX spirit — meet the crew that brings it all

Non-stop networking, learning, and discovery at Accountex Canada’s vibrant show floor.

networking opportunities, the educational component remains a cornerstone of the experience.

With comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions covering essential topics presented by industry experts, attendees can fulfill their professional requirements while gaining valuable insights into emerging trends and best practices. However, the real value extends far beyond earning credits.

Accountex Canada is where you can step away from working in your business to working on your business.

This distinction – working "on" versus "in" your business –captures the essence of what Accountex offers. In an industry where professionals often become consumed by daily operational demands, the conference provides a crucial opportunity to step back, assess the bigger picture, and make strategic decisions for the future.

“Accountex

in the industry, learn about what is happening with technology and overall, make good decisions going into the next fiscal year," emphasized a conference veteran.

The face-to-face networking component has proven invaluable in an increasingly digital world. "We are here speaking to our direct customers, who are accountants, and essentially, it is a great networking event," explained an exhibitor. "Being able to connect with them face to face and build that personal relationship is very important to us."

“Accountex

with expanded exhibition space, enhanced networking opportunities, and cutting-edge educational content addressing the most pressing challenges facing the profession. From artificial intelligence and automation to regulatory compliance and client service excellence, the program will tackle the issues that matter most to practitioners.

For those considering attendance, whether as exhibitors or participants, the message from the community is clear. As one enthusiastic advocate put it: "If you are on the fence about coming to Accountex Canada and exhibiting, get off that fence and sign up, because it is the best thing that you will ever do."

Canada is more than a conference—it’s driving partnerships, innovation, and career growth through connections.”

As the accounting profession continues to evolve, Accountex Canada stands as both witness and catalyst to this transformation. The fourth edition represents not just another year of growth, but a testament to the power of the community in driving professional excellence.

Canada connects peers, showcases technology, and supports smarter decisions for the upcoming fiscal year.”

Technology remains at the forefront of discussions, reflecting the rapid digital transformation sweeping through the accounting profession. "Accountex Canada is a great way to connect with peers

Taylor reflects on the event's evolution: "What we have created at Accountex Canada is more than just a conference – it's a catalyst for industry transformation. We are watching partnerships form, innovations emerge, and careers accelerate, all because we have provided the right environment for meaningful connections to happen."

The 2025 edition promises to build on this foundation

Registration for Accountex Canada 2025 is now open, with early-bird pricing available for both individuals and groups. The event will once again demonstrate why it has become the unmissable appointment on Canada's accounting calendar – where community meets innovation, and the future of the profession takes shape. For more information, please visit accountex.ca/canada/

Accountex Summit

Manchester unveils

CPD-accredited programme spotlighting AI and MTD

The exhibition celebrates its seventh edition at Manchester Central on 23 September.

@Accountex

@Caroline Hobden

Caroline Hobden, Portfolio Director, Accountex

Caroline has over 20 years' experience managing international business-tobusiness events. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise in running events across a variety of industry sectors, Caroline is the Director for the hugely popular Accountex portfolio, which includes Accountex in London (13-14 May 2026), Accountex Summit Manchester (23 September 2025), a variety of virtual events, the monthly newsletter Accounting Insight News and global events including Accountex Canada and Accountex España.

The programme features 30+ sessions, tackling the most pressing topics in the profession - from anti-money laundering to tax planning.

W

ith the 6 April 2026 deadline for HMRC’s Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment fast approaching, this year’s programme places a strong emphasis on MTD readiness. Dedicated sessions will explore everything from HMRC’s future-facing digital roadmap to practical implementation strategies through a full MTD playbook.

The content will unfold across four specialist theatres, with insights delivered by 50+ top speakers from across accountancy, tax, business and technology. Each seminar wraps up with a 15-minute live Q&A, offering attendees the chance to connect directly with presenters and delve deeper into the issues that matter most to them.

There is so much great content in one day, you can’t afford to miss it

After the success at Accountex London, the Manchester exhibition will be working with Olyusei. The app will provide attendees with crystal-clear audio, using their own headphones. Visitors can easily switch between theatres, ensuring they can fully engage with speakers and presentations regardless of their location in the exhibition hall. The original audio from the sessions will still be loud enough to hear without headphones but the app will make sure visitors don’t miss a thing.

“We’re thrilled to unveil the full programme – it features an outstanding line-up of speakers from both within the profession and further afield. Attendees can expect to walk away feeling inspired and equipped with practical takeaways they can immediately apply to their everyday lives,” said Accountex

Packed theatre with a panel

How do I choose an outsourcer?

Here are the key qualities you should look for in an outsourcing partner:

ISO Certified Security Protocols

Deep Understanding of the Accounting Industry

Industry Credibility and Trustworthiness

Access to an Industry Leading Talent Pool

Proven Systems for Seamless Integration

Commitment to Long-term Partnerships

Ready to take the first step? Book a call

Portfolio Director, Caroline Hobden.

Here are just a few standout sessions from the lineup:

• Topical tax issues –the journey ahead Sharon Cooke, Technical Director at 20:20 Innovation, will be looking at the top tax issues that accountants in practice are advising their clients on right now. This will include: The landscape of UK taxation and expectations for the autumn budget, inheritance tax and intergenerational wealth planning.

If you want to see all

the

best speakers, this is the place to be

strategies for crafting effective AI prompts to get more accurate, creative, and useful responses. Through handson activities and real-time feedback, attendees will learn how to structure prompts, refine questions, and guide AI tools to better support their personal and professional tasks.

• Breathe, break, boost: Simple tools for sustainable wellbeing and performance

Charles Richards, Director | Head of Digital Client Service, Azets, will break down AI into its core components, before diving into the different practical applications for businesses and clients. He will bring this to life by identifying a set of tangible opportunity areas, all set within the context of digital-led transformation and modern data analytics.

• Alphabet shares unveiled: Pros, cons, and common pitfalls

Nick Wright and Pete Miller, Jerroms Miller Specialist Tax, will identify the key tax issues with setting up alphabet share structures, including the risk to advisers on advising on these.

• The next generation - Exploring recent developments in Inheritance Tax

James Butterworth, VIP Commercial Manager, Croner-i, will be exploring how to support clients in minimising their Inheritance Tax bills and planning for the next generation.

• From £200 to £1M then exit: Scaling an accounting business without investment

• How to make your team happier and perform better – a practical guide to team wellbeing

Richard Clarke, Science of Happiness at Work, will explain the real drivers of workplace wellbeing and share a practical framework to help teams feel happier at work.

• Getting AI to work for you through better prompting

Jamie Crossman-Smith, Founder & Principal, Bloch AI will be running an interactive workshop. Participants will explore practical

Jannice Jones MSc, Jannice Jones Coaching, will be looking at how simple yet powerful practices like mindful breathing, intentional breaks, and easy-to-implement healthy hacks can boost focus, reduce stress, and enhance productivity.

• Current tax issues for small businesses and their owners

Tax expert Rebecca Benneyworth will be delivering updates on recent tax changes, including announcements about future changes that will affect clients.

• AI-enabled accounting – Getting the most out of digital and data

Laura Taylor, Bright Flamingo, transformed her business from £200 to £1M in annual turnover, without external funding. Laura will share the real, practical strategies that drove sustainable growth, from pricing and positioning to team and client experience. Expect candid insights, hard-earned lessons, and actionable steps.

Explore the full seminar programme here.

takes place at

Central on 23 September 2025. Find out

Busy aisles

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Never Miss a Payroll Deadline Again:

How Payroll Calendars Help Firms Scale Services Without the Stress

@buddypayroll

Jonathan Mifsud, Co-Founder / CTO

Jonathan is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Buddy, a cutting-edge payroll platform that is revolutionising the way payroll bureaus and accountants in Malta and beyond expand their services. Since starting as a self-employed technology consultant in 2014, Jonathan has accumulated over ten years of experience in collaborating closely with payroll professionals. He specialises in utilising technology to enhance workflow efficiency, boost profitability, and reduce risks in payroll processes.

Payroll is highly time-sensitive; missed submissions risk penalties and trust. For firms, payroll calendars provide crucial visibility and smooth delivery.

he Payroll Calendar: More Than Just Dates in a Diary

A payroll calendar is your single source of truth — a structured view of all payroll activities, deadlines, and compliance submissions. For many firms, though, payroll calendars still live in spreadsheets or Outlook diaries, rebuilt every month.

That works fine when you’ve only got a handful of clients. But for a busy bureau? The admin overhead is huge. Teams can spend hours every month manually maintaining calendars, updating deadlines, and chasing clients. And every manual update carries the risk of errors — one forgotten submission date can cost dearly.

What an Effective Payroll Calendar Should Include

An effective payroll calendar maps the entire process, not just payday:

• Recurring Deadlines: Pay dates, pension contributions, HMRC submissions.

• Process Milestones: When data is due, when approvals are needed, when payroll is run.

• Compliance Touchpoints: FPS/ EPS submissions, year-end reporting.

• Room for Flexibility: Ad-hoc changes, late joiners/leavers, one-off payments.

By making these visible up front, payroll stops being a lastminute scramble and becomes a structured, repeatable process.

From Internal Tool to Client Service

Payroll calendars don’t just benefit your internal team. They can also be a powerful clientfacing service. Imagine being able to publish each client’s payroll calendar directly into their Outlook or Google Calendar — giving them full visibility of what data is due, when approvals need to be signed off, and when their payroll will be processed.

Instead of chasing clients every month, deadlines are clear and reminders are automated. The result: fewer late submissions, less wasted admin time, and happier clients who feel more in control.

Keeping Firms on Track (and Profitable)

For firm decision-makers, payroll calendars are more than a compliance tool — they’re a profitability tool. Consider the alternatives:

• A small bureau with 20 clients might spend 2–3 hours a month maintaining manual calendars. That’s 60–70 hours a year of nonbillable admin time.

• Scale that up to 200 clients, and the numbers quickly become unmanageable.

Automating payroll calendars and embedding them into your workflows frees up capacity across the team. Staff stop chasing dates and start focusing on higher-value client work. In

practice, that means you can grow your payroll services without having to grow your headcount at the same rate.

The Evolution of Payroll Tracking

Many firms still rely on spreadsheets, shared drives, or siloed Outlook calendars. While better than nothing, they’re prone to missed updates and version control issues. Modern payroll platforms, however, take this to the next level:

• Centralised dashboards showing every client’s payroll deadlines in one place.

• Status tracking at a glance (open, awaiting data, approved, concluded, FPS success).

• Automated updates when submissions are filed or approvals completed.

• Client visibility with calendars synced straight into Outlook or Google.

This shift moves payroll from reactive to proactive — for both your team and your clients.

A Month in Payroll: What Good Looks Like

Take August, for example. Early in the month, data is due and approvals are requested. Mid-month, payroll runs are concluded and submissions filed. By month-end, reconciliations and FPS filings are ticked off.

With a colour-coded, automated calendar, your whole team (and

your clients) know exactly where they stand. No surprises. No chasing. Just control.

From Stress to Scale

Payroll doesn’t need to be a last-minute scramble. With an automated payroll calendar, firms can:

• Protect compliance and reduce errors.

• Save hours of wasted manual admin every month.

• Improve client experience with shared visibility.

• Scale payroll services profitably without overloading staff.

For accountants serious about growing payroll as a service

line, a payroll calendar isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. The only question is whether your current tools make it easy, or whether it’s time to embrace a platform built to take the stress out of payroll delivery.

streamline your payroll process.

No one had solved employee onboarding for Xero, until now...

Saving time, staying compliant, avoiding mistakes

@xonboard @paul turner

Paul Turner, Product Manager, Xonboard

Paul Turner is CFO at SuperAPI and product manager for Xonboard. After building a passion for small businesses and their advisors during his time at Xero, he’s focused on creating time-saving tools that eliminate boring admin. He spends much of his time talking to advisors, learning from their challenges, and turning those insights into practical features.

For a profession known for precision, bookkeepers have long been stuck with one of the messiest workflows around: employee onboarding.

FNs sent over text messages. Super details by screenshot. The occasional scanned form, or worse, a photo of a form. Everyone knew it was risky and inefficient, but for years there was no real alternative. Cloud accounting platforms emerged, and yet onboarding stayed stuck in the 2000s.

That’s what Xonboard set out to fix.

Built by the team at SuperAPI, Xonboard plugs the onboarding gap in Xero Payroll, allowing employers and their advisors to collect sensitive payroll data securely, automatically, and in a way that’s ready for Payday Super.

What does Xonboard do?

It collects key information directly from an employee so the employer can run Payroll. It allows the collection of personal details, emergency contacts, bank, tax and super details from an employee. It replaces emails, PDFs and text messages with a clean, digital workflow that pushes data straight into Xero Payroll.

Step 1. Employer sends a secure email invite to the new employee to onboard

Step 2. Employee securely adds their personal, bank, tax, and super details

Step 3. Employer or Advisor reviews the data and sends to Xero Payroll

What about data validation?

Yes. Xonboard validates key fields like addresses, phone numbers, TFNs, bank accounts, and superfund memberships. It also supports ATO super stapling and default fund registrations when an employee doesn’t make a super choice.

Future

Time savings are valuable, but the real benefit is knowing the data

is accurate

And that’s just the start of the journey.

We spoke to two highly experienced advisors, Colleen Diver from Logic HQ and Margot Charlton from MAC Accounts, who are using Xonboard to cut down on admin and help their clients stay compliant.

Colleen Diver | Logic HQ

• QLD | Bookkeeping mentor

• Time saved: 20 min per employee

roadmap?

The short-term roadmap is full, with new features rolling out to support more of the onboarding journey, including:

• E-signing contracts

• Company policy acknowledgement

• Vevo checks and bank account verification

• Contractor onboarding

Why accounting?

I found my calling in high school Business Principles class. The numbers and logic behind double entry bookkeeping made sense to me. Learning manual bookkeeping using journals and ledgers provided me with a strong foundation to build upon.

What are you focused on these days?

Right now, I’m focused on helping clients streamline their processes and remove the manual admin that is slow and leads to errors. I’m also really passionate about mentoring

Colleen Diver

and training bookkeepers and BAS Agents. I love sharing what I’ve learned.

Why has employee onboarding been such a problem?

It was all very manual. Employees rarely provide everything properly upfront, so I’d get bits and pieces of information like partially completed forms, incorrect tax details, etc. and have to chase up info before manually entering it into Xero. With the time pressures of preparing weekly pay runs for 80+ staff it was a regular headache.

What’s different now with Xonboard?

Why accounting?

My path into the industry began in high school Accounting class, where my teacher sparked a love for the subject. Hands-on roles in admin and finance gave me practical experience and showed me how strong financial systems drive business success. Now, as a Chartered Accountant with experience across public practice, government, not-for-profit, and corporate, that foundation remains central to how I support clients.

Employee onboarding is something we don’t have to worry about anymore

Xonboard removes the pain. The process is smooth, secure and fast. Our clients love how simple it is. Managers can onboard staff without needing to chase documents or worry about emailing TFNs. It also avoids data entry errors and reduces the load on our team.

What would you say to others still onboarding manually?

Use the automation tools!

Xonboard gives you automation and compliance without the cost of building your own bespoke process, paying per employee per month, or spending hours on manual admin … it’s a no-brainer.

Margot Charlton | MAC Accounts

• QLD | Virtual CFO

What are you focused on these days?

At MAC Accounts, we help clients automate their finance functions. We provide full accounting services and act as a trusted advisor, helping businesses improve processes and make decisions based on accurate data. Whether it’s fixing systems or just keeping the books in order, we work closely with clients to support their growth and ensure compliance.

What stood out about Xonboard?

• Time saved: 15-30 min per employee

It solved a real problem, onboarding employees securely and efficiently. For a busy client with lots of casual staff to move into a new Xero file, it removed the paperwork and chasing details. Now we use Xonboard for all our payroll clients, who love features like Fair Work statements and contract signing.

What feedback did you get from your client?

They loved it. It streamlined onboarding and gave them confidence that employee data was collected securely and entered directly by the employee. Best of all, it was so intuitive no training was needed.

What else did you do to support implementation?

After setting up Xonboard, we helped finalise the Xero payroll configuration, walked the client through the process, and ensured they understood how the automation works for future hires.

Why This Matters

Collecting TFNs, bank details and super information by email or SMS exposes businesses to data privacy issues and increases compliance risks. With the ATO turning up the heat ahead of Payday Super in July 2026, getting onboarding right from the start is no longer optional.

The ATO is cracking down on unpaid super, and employers who fall behind will pay the price. Helping your clients prepare now is the smart move.

How simple employee onboarding should be

Margot Charlton

Asia’s leading tech and strategy event returns in 2025

For accountants, finance leaders, and business owners across Asia

@accounting-and-businessshow-asia

@laura-binns

Laura Binns, General Manager, Accounting & Business Show Asia, Terrapinn Asia

Laura has been running the team behind the Accounting & Business Show Asia since its first edition back in 2018. Now in its 8th year, the 2025 edition is set to return on 22 - 23 October at Sands Expo Singapore, bringing together thousands of accounting, finance and business professionals to uncover the latest technologies, streamline their processes, innovate and grow.

The 8th annual Accounting & Business Show Asia returns to Sand Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore on 22-23 October 2025.

The Accounting & Business Show Asia will once again gather more than 4,000 accounting, finance and business professionals from across Asia to exchange ideas, explore the latest technologies, and find practical solutions to transform the way they work.

Whether you’re an accountant in practice, a finance leader in an SME or enterprise, or a business leader looking for new solutions to streamline your operations and

Attendees attending the conference

scale up, this must-attend event is your opportunity to stay ahead in an industry that’s constantly evolving.

Here’s what your FREE pass gets you:

A CPD-accredited conference agenda packed with actionable insights

With 200+ expert speakers across 5 themed content tracks – Transformation, Finance,

Practice, Customer & Commerce and People - you’ll hear from the region’s most forward-thinking voices. Expect dynamic keynotes, practical panels, and real-world case studies that will leave you inspired and informed.

Attendees will be able to claim up to 15 hours of CPD points.

Speakers from top organisations including Rakuten, Tripadvisor, Workforce Singapore, BDO LLP, MOORE Singapore, MoneyHero Group, Cycle & Carriage, Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and many more are already confirmed.

Back by popular demand in 2025: Roundtable Discussions

Our intimate, topic-led roundtables are the ideal space to share knowledge, debate ideas and learn from peers. Covering hot-button topics in accounting, finance, business strategy and tech adoption, these small-group sessions encourage open and meaningful conversations.

Explore the latest tech and tools from 130+ exhibitors

From cloud accounting and payroll systems to automation tools, HR platforms and business apps—you’ll find it all on the exhibition floor. Meet face-to-face with 130+ exhibitors, compare solutions, see live product demos and connect directly with solution experts who can help optimise your processes and scale your business.

Confirmed solution providers include Xero, WorldFirst, Intuit Quickbooks, Airwallex, Sage, Autocount, Summit and more.

Startup Zone: Discover the next wave of disruptors

Visit the Startup Zone to meet Singapore and Asia’s most exciting new companies, offering game

changing tools for accountants, finance teams, and business owners. With over 60 startups expected to showcase their products, this is your chance to get ahead of the curve and discover what’s next.

Network with over 4,000 of your peers

Whether you're looking to build partnerships, grow your client base or connect with fellow professionals, the event delivers unlimited networking opportunities. Meet senior decision-makers from SMEs, corporates, and accounting firms, right on the show floor or through our enhanced networking platform.

Technology. Strategy. Growth.

This October, join us at The

Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 and be part of the region’s most exciting gathering of accountants, CFOs, finance professionals and business leaders.

Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore 22-23 October 2025 Registration is FREE: www.terrapinn.com/ ABShowAsia2025Free

Attendees exploring the latest accounting, finance and business solutions.

Supercharge your Xero Practice Manager

Better workflow visibility allows your team to turn jobs around faster, without feeling overwhelmed by their workload.

Step into the spotlight: enter the 2025 ICB LUCA Awards today

Celebrate your journey, share your story, and shine at bookkeeping’s biggest night

@icbuk

@elizabeth carter

Elizabeth Carter

Elizabeth has been working in marketing for longer than is believable. With experience across a range of disciplines, she is an enthusiastic and motivating marketer and enjoys delivering creative campaigns which share human stories. Elizabeth worked with accountants and bookkeepers at PracticeWeb, Senta and IRIS Software Group before joining ICB in 2023 to champion brilliant bookkeepers.

The 2025 LUCA Awards are now open for entries - bookkeepers and vendors invited to take part before 10 September.

B

ookkeepers don’t often shout about their success - but the LUCA Awards are your chance to change that. Whether you're just starting out, running a thriving practice, supporting clients in-house, or building tools that power the profession, the 2025 ICB LUCA Awards invite you to take a moment to reflect, be proud, and share your story.

Be yourself. This is your storytell it in your own words

Held on Monday 17 November at a glittering gala dinner in London, the LUCA Awards follow the Bookkeepers Summit and are the highlight of the ICB calendar. Each year, the awards honour the skill, dedication and innovation that make this community so special.

There is no fee to enter, and every submission is reviewed by an independent panel of industry experts.

Why enter?

This is more than a trophy – it’s your chance to be recognised for the difference you make, celebrate your progress and boost your confidence, and enjoy the

biggest night in the bookkeeping calendar.

• Be recognised for the difference you make

• Celebrate your progress and boost your confidence

• Inspire others with your story

• Raise your profile within a national network

• Enjoy the biggest night in bookkeeping

Many finalists tell us that simply writing their entry helped them

Bookkeeper Award Categories

• Student of the Year

• ICB Tutor of the Year

• New Practice of the Year

• Small Practice of the Year

• Medium Practice of the Year

• Large Practice of the Year

• Bookkeeper in Industry

• Team of the Year

• ICB Branch of the Year

• Bookkeeper Influencer of the Year

• Client Experience

• Payroll Practitioner of the Year

• Agricultural Bookkeeper of the Year

realise just how far they’d come. You don’t need to be perfectyou just need to be willing to put yourself forward.

Who can enter?

Everyone in the ICB community is welcome to take part:

• ICB students working towards their first qualification

• Practising bookkeepers - whether you’re self-employed or part of a team

Vendor Award Categories

• Data Capture App

• Payroll and HR

• Business Bank

• Bookkeeper Toolkit

• Payments Provider

• Reporting and Analysis Software

• Bookkeeping Software

• Tax and Accounts

Production App

• Emerging App

• Bookkeepers’ Champion

• Bookkeepers’ Friendliest Software of the Year

• Integration of the Year (new)

• AI Innovation in Bookkeeping (new)

Uncomplicate Your Quotes

Tidy Quote is built for manufacturers who need speed, accuracy, and clarity from quote to delivery.

• Handle complex pricing with ease Configure multi-line items, assemblies, and custom formulas using powerful TidyScript™ logic.

• Send branded quotes that convert Instantly create clear, professional proposals that win trust and close deals.

• Always quote with accurate pricing Live links to inventory and supplier costs mean no more guesswork or margin-eating errors.

• Skip the manual work Accepted quotes trigger instant pick lists - no double-handling.

• Manage supplier pricing like a pro Easily switch between suppliers with multi-source pricing built in.

• Say goodbye to spreadsheet chaos Speed up quoting, reduce errors, and simplify handovers from sales to production.

• Bookkeepers working in industry or within accountancy firms

• ICB branches, tutors and training providers

• Software companies and service providers who support the profession

If you're an accountancy firm that employs ICB members, you can nominate your team members for the Bookkeeper in Industry category.

How to enter

1. Visit the LUCA Awards page to choose your category

2. Complete your entry form online

3. Tell your story - include supporting documents (up to five A4 pages) if you wish

4. Submit by 5pm (BST), Wednesday 10 September 2025

numbers if you have them

• Don’t downplay success. It might feel small to you, but it could inspire someone else

• Ask for help. If a client, colleague or employer wants to contribute, invite them to share their words too

• Keep it clear. Focus on what you’re proudest of and what makes you unique

What happens next?

If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited to join us for the LUCA Awards gala dinner in London on Monday 17 November, following the Bookkeepers Summit.

The LUCA Awards celebrate the stories of small businesses transformed through great bookkeeping.

You can include testimonials, case studies, client feedback, videos or images - anything that helps bring your work to life.

Tips for a strong submission

• Be yourself. This is your storytell it in your own words

• Show your impact. Share specific results, client feedback or

celebrate the stories that don’t always get told - the quiet wins, the late nights, the steady growth, the small businesses transformed through great bookkeeping.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not sure I’m ready,” or “Maybe next year” - this is your sign to go for it. Because the LUCA Awards are about progress, not perfection.

Don’t downplay success. It might feel small to you, but it could inspire someone else

It’s a chance to dress up, meet fellow finalists and celebrate together over dinner and drinksculminating in the awards ceremony itself. Winners take home a LUCA trophy and a moment in the spotlight.

But even if you don’t win, being shortlisted is a fantastic achievement - and your story may be shared across ICB newsletters, social channels and events.

This is your invitation

The LUCA Awards are built to

They’re about courage, contribution, and community.

And they start with you. Enter today at bookkeeperssummit.com/ lucaawards

Deadline: 5pm (BST) on Wednesday 10 September 2025

Let’s celebrate the people behind the numbers.

FIND OUT MORE...

Enter today at bookkeeperssummit.com/ lucaawards Deadline: 5pm (BST) on Wednesday 10 September 2025

bookkeeperssummit.com/ lucaawards

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App Comparison in conjunction with

Project Management Apps

Choosing the right project management app can boost team efficiency and organization. With many options available, comparing features, pricing, and usability is essential.

Disclaimer: All information correct at time of publication

What year was the business founded?

Where is your business based?

What industries is your platform best suited?

A global business with HQ in Melboure, Australia New South Wales, Australia

What employee count is your platform best suited for?

What geographical regions does your platform serve?

Architecture, Consulting, Creatives, Engineering > generally any professional service based business

We have customers in 150 countries

Various industries. It’s particularly suited for businesses that manage jobs, inventory, and that require integration with Xero accounting software

Head office in Salt Lake City, Utah / AU Office Sunny Coast / Office in Singapore / Opening in London

Manufacturing, Wholesale / Distribution, eCommerce / Asset Management, product based businesses

Australia

Creative agencies or professional services

HQ in Darwin, Australia, but we help trade contractors & service businesses worldwide.

Trade and service industries

We predominantly serve customers in Australia and New Zealand but have customers and trialists in UK and South Africa

Lead Management

Can you track lead status/stages (e.g. New, Contacted, Proposal Sent)?

Can leads be captured manually and/or via web forms or integrations?

Is there a visual sales pipeline (e.g. Kanban or funnel view)?

Can leads be assigned to team members or sales reps?

Can you log interactions and notes (calls, emails, meetings) per lead?

Can you filter and sort leads by tags, stages, or owner?

All English Speaking Countries- North America, APAC, EMEA are top focus areas

All Xero regions!

Small businesses i.e. 0 to 20

ServiceM8 is available worldwide, but most popular in Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada & New Zealand.

WorkflowMax Gojee Fishbowl Drum

Can documents (e.g. quotes, drawings, specifications) be stored per lead?

Can leads be converted into clients/projects within the system?

Can leads be marked as won or lost?

If a deal is lost, can you include a reason why?

Quotations

Are Quotation templates customisable (branding, layout, terms)?

Can users create and send quotations directly from the platform?

Can different tax rates be set per line item?

Are item libraries or product/service catalogues supported for fast quoting?

Is there a margin/profitability calculator built into the quote process?

Can quotes include optional items or multiple pricing tiers?

Can users track quote status (e.g. Draft, Sent, Accepted, Rejected)?

Are digital quote approvals supported (e.g. e-signature or client acceptance button)?

Can quotes be versioned or duplicated?

Is there a quote-to-project conversion feature?

Is automated quote number sequencing available?

Project Management

Can projects have custom statuses (e.g. Planning, In Progress, On Hold)?

Are project templates available or can they be created?

Can budgets be set at the project level?

Can team members be assigned per project with specific roles?

Does the tool support project-level permissions and access controls?

Can users assign start/end dates and deadlines for projects?

Is there a project health/status indicator (e.g. on track, at risk)?

Can users track progress as a percentage or milestone-based?

Are there built-in features for risk or issue tracking?

Are project notes or internal comments supported?

Are project activity logs or audit trails available?

Can users get notifications based on proj

ect activity?

Can you issue and track project variations/ change orders?

Task Management

Can you track your forecasted cost vs your actual cost per task?

Does the platform support task assignment to individual users?

Can tasks have due dates and priorities?

Can tasks be set as recurring?

Can tasks be grouped into sub-tasks or phases?

Can users set task dependencies?

Can tasks be templated or cloned?

Can task statuses be customised (e.g. “Ready for Review”, “Waiting on Client”)?

Can tasks be marked as non-billable?

Time Tracking & Timesheets

Does the tool include built-in time tracking?

Can you input time via a timer?

Can you input time via a start and end time?

Can you input time via a length?

Can users submit timesheets for approval?

Can time entries be associated with tasks or projects?

Is there support for billable vs. non-billable time?

Can time be exported or integrated with payroll/accounting systems?

Purchase Orders

Are Purchase Order templates customisable (branding, layout, terms)?

Can users create and issue purchase orders within the system?

Differentiate between billable and non-billable purchase orders

Can you save products/product pricing/ suppliers within the platform?

Does the platform support approval workflows for purchase orders?

Can users attach supporting documents or quotes to a PO?

Can the status of POs be tracked (e.g. draft, approved, sent, received)?

Is there support for partial or full receipt of goods/services?

Can users see forecasted vs. actual spend via POs?

Can users restrict PO access/permissions by role or project?

Can you generate one PO containing line items for multiple projects?

Can your platform handle purchasing in different currencies?

Can you generate a RFQ to send to your supplier?

Is automated PO number sequencing available?

Invoicing

Can invoices be created and sent directly from the platform?

Can invoices be generated from timesheets, tasks, or project milestones?

Are invoice templates customisable (branding, layout, terms)?

Can invoice due dates and reminders be automated?

Is partial invoicing or progress billing supported?

Can recurring invoices be scheduled?

Are payment gateways supported (e.g. Stripe, PayPal, GoCardless)?

Can you mark invoices are paid within the platform?

Are invoice PDFs exportable or sharable via email?

Can invoice permissions be restricted to certain users/roles?

Can your platform handle retentions?

Can your platform handle Applications for Payment?

Is automated Invoice number sequencing available?

Document Management

Can users upload and store documents within the platform?

Is there a centralised document repository per project?

Can documents be attached to tasks, leads, or purchase orders?

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There's space in the template to add your own calculations, notes and other customisations to make sure it works for you and your clients.

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48 automated workpaper templates focusing on key reconciliations and checks that matter for real client work.

Are folders or tagging systems supported for organising files?

Is document preview available within the platform (e.g. PDFs, Word, Excel)?]

Is there a file size limit or storage cap per plan or project?

Can you add documents to a project via an email address?

Are version histories or document revisions supported?

Project Planning & Scheduling

Does the tool support Gantt charts, timeline views or calendar views?

Can milestones be created and tracked?

Is there a workload or capacity planning view?

Can you export schedules as PDFs/XLS/ CSV?

Reporting & Dashboards

Are

Can you save your custom reports for later use?

Does the platform offer pre-built reports (e.g. project status, overdue tasks)?

Can data be exported to Excel, CSV, or PDF?

Can you generate WIP reports?

Can you adjust the date for WIP reports?

Can reports be scheduled and emailed automatically?

Inventory Management

Does your platform offer Inventory Management?

Can the platform track stock levels of materials, parts, or products?

Are inventory items linkable to specific projects or tasks?

Can you set minimum/maximum stock levels with alerts for reordering?

Is batch or serial number tracking supported?

Can inventory be assigned to different locations or warehouses?

Does the platform support inventory transfers between locations?

Can users view real-time stock availability?

Are inventory items searchable and filterable (e.g. by SKU, category)?

Can inventory be added to purchase orders or quotes directly?

Are unit costs tracked and updated with each purchase?

Is inventory usage logged per job/project (i.e. job costing)?

Can you generate stock reports (e.g. stock on hand, usage, reorder status)?

Are stock adjustments and manual corrections supported?

Can users set different pricing levels (e.g. cost price vs retail)?

Can you set different Units of Measurement?

Can you set Alternate Suppliers?

Can you link products to specific Xero Accounts (EG Sales Account 300)

Do you use a Periodic or Perpetual Tracking Method?

Can you scan/generate barcodes?

Resource Management

Can you view and allocate team availability by week/month?

Are role-based or skill-based assignments supported?

Are overallocations highlighted or prevented?

Can working hours and holidays be configured per user?

Can you track assets?

Can you link qualifications/specific roles to individual users?

Xero Integration

Are Clients synced with Xero?

Are Suppliers synced with Xero?

Sales Invoices synced with Xero?

Are Purchase Orders synced with Xero?

Are Payments synced with Xero?

Are Tax Rates and Account Codes synced from Xero?

Are Chart of Accounts synced from Xero?

Other Integrations

Are native integrations available for CRM, calendars, or communication tools?

Is there a public API for custom integrations?

Does it integrate with cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)?

Can it connect with automation platforms like Zapier or Make?

Does it integrate with payroll tools?

Security & Compliance

Is two-factor authentication supported?

Are user permissions and roles configurable?

Is the software GDPR-compliant?

SSO (Single Sign-On) available?

Where is customer data stored (e.g. UK,

US)?

Onboarding & Support

Is implementation support included or available (Internal or through Partners)?

Are onboarding resources available (videos, guides)?

What support channels are available (chat, phone, email)?

What are support SLAs (response times, availability)?

Pricing & Licensing

What is the pricing model (per user, flat rate)?

there different tiers or packages?

Are there additional costs (e.g. for integrations or support)?

there a minimum user requirement?

Are discounts available for annual billing or volume?

there a minimum contract?

Mobile & Accessibility

Is there a native mobile app (iOS, Android)?

Does the platform support offline mode?

Can you upload documents/photos from the mobile app?

Can you upload timesheets from the mobile app?

Can you view projects from the mobile app?

Is the mobile experience fully functional or limited?

Is access to the mobile app included in the user price/flat fee or is it an extra fee?

(VoiP) and Independent ServiceM8 Partner for consultation, setup & training

App Spotlight

Drum

Drum is a true operating system for consulting and professional services firms. Designed to connect every aspect of your workflow, Drum brings together sales, project management, time tracking, and invoicing into one platform that integrates seamlessly with Xero.

From pipeline to proposal, project to payment, the entire process flows intuitively. Users can quickly create proposals, log time against projects, generate invoices, and push them directly into Xero, all without leaving the platform. This reduces manual entry and context switching, making teams more efficient and enabling faster onboarding with minimal training.

One of Drum’s standout features is how it surfaces real-time insights without needing to chase down data. By simply using the system, firms gain visibility into project profitability, team utilisation, and business performance, empowering leaders to make better, faster decisions.

For firms looking to modernise operations, improve client delivery, and reduce admin overhead, Drum is the foundation they can build on.

WorkflowMax

WorkflowMax is the Job Profitability OS for service businesses that care about profit, not just projects. It’s a quote-tocash platform that connects CRM, quotes, jobs, time & costs, invoicing, so teams see live margins and WIP as work happens, not weeks later.

Confidently build quotes with budgets and rate cards, convert to jobs in one click, track time and expenses against phases, then invoice precisely (fixed-fee, progress, or time & materials) without double-handling.

Managers get proactive alerts for scope creep, untracked hours, and margin erosion. Leaders get job-completed & work-in-progress reports by job, team, or client. Finance receives clean, consistent data that accurately reflects the business's revenue generation.

Co-designed with partners and customers, WorkflowMax pairs a modern UI with the essentials that made it a staple: job costing, timesheets, purchase orders, and flexible billing, now faster, more reliable, and better supported.

WorkflowMax is the system for architects, agencies, engineers, and consultants who want fewer tools and clear profitability.

Fishbowl

What makes Fishbowl special is our ability to bring clarity and control to inventory and manufacturing operations, without the cost or complexity of traditional ERP systems. Designed for product-based businesses, Fishbowl integrates with Xero and QuickBooks, delivering inventory, manufacturing, and warehouse management in one intuitive platform. Fishbowl stands out for its depth and flexibility. From bills

of materials and work orders to real-time tracking across multiple locations, businesses gain the tools they need to operate efficiently and scale confidently. It supports industries from manufacturing and wholesale to eCommerce and asset management, with workflows tailored to each customer’s needs.

We’re building an AI-first future with forecasting, automated insights, and recommendations that move companies from reactive to predictive; reducing stockouts, improving purchasing, and driving measurable gains. Backed by handson onboarding, live training, and expert support, Fishbowl is more than software. It’s a long-term partner in operational success.

ServiceM8

What makes ServiceM8 special is the iOS app; it’s exceptional.

For trade contractors and field engineers, the mobile app is the most important part of job management software. It’s what you use all day, every day, on every job. It needs to work as fast as you do, not slow you down. It also needs to work offline; crucial in rural areas, basements or concrete jungles without internet.

This is why ServiceM8 has always focused on iOS and obsesses over making its app exceptional. It’s clean and simple, making it intuitive to learn and efficient in the field, so techs actually use it (and like it). It’s blazing fast, with every tap giving an instant result.

And it’s powerful. You can complete all job admin on site: quotes, paperwork, contactless payments, invoicing, approvals, scheduling, and client communication. You can literally run your business from anywhere, with ServiceM8.

Gojee

What truly sets Gojee apart isn’t just our well-rounded, integrated feature set. It’s the people behind it. We back our technology with responsive, hands-on support from a local team that understands the unique needs of SMEs. Whether you're onboarding, troubleshooting, or scaling, help is just a phone call away.

At Gojee, we believe customer success starts with trust. That’s why we offer proof-of-concept access to qualified businesses, so you can test-drive the platform in your realworld environment, risk-free.

Designed by business owners, for business owners, Gojee tackles real-world challenges like lack of visibility, process inefficiencies and disconnected systems. Our clean, intuitive interface makes adoption fast for field teams, with zero technical background required.

Gojee’s deep two-way integration with Xero streamlines quoting, inventory, job costing, and delivery while keeping operational and financial data perfectly in sync. The result? Businesses save time, reduce admin, improve accuracy, and unlock bandwidth for growth.

Updates

Updates and new releases from Xero connected apps

Are you a Xero-connected App? Got a new feature or update you’d like to share with the Xero User community? Email alex@ xumagazine.com New feature shout-out

BASE Global Solutions baseglobalsolutions.com

As outsourcing continues to shape the future of work, BASE Global Solutions is leading the charge by opening new, flexible office spaces in the Philippines giving team members the freedom to choose where and how they work. This expansion marks a first for BASE Global, enabling Filipino team members to drop in and out of office facilities designed for productivity, collaboration, and career growth.

BGL bglcorp.com

Since its release, CAS 360 has delivered new features, including:

• Comparison Report: Automatically identifies discrepancies between company data in CAS 360 and live data at Companies House Xero Practice Manager Integration: Simplifies client and contact data management across both platforms.

Company Formations: Quickly prepares company formation documents and obtains digital client signatures for filing directly with Companies House.

• Dividend Vouchers: Supports Dividend Vouchers, with related forms updated accordingly

ChangeGPS changegps.com.au

The workpaper revolution may finally be here - and it's built on the familiar foundation of Excel, enhanced with the intelligence modern practices demand.

• Automatically populate workpapers by exporting a trial balance from any accounting software without mapping or data manipulation.

• 48 automated workpaper templates focusing on key

reconciliations and checks that matter for client work

• Space in the template to add your calculations, notes and customisations.

Content Snare contentsnare.com

XPM 2-Way integration, to set clients up in XPM from Content Snare requests

Improved AI builder, Build complex requests faster with our revamped AI request builder

Expense On Demand expenseondemand.com

1. Accounting Integration: NetSuite Integration is now available

2. Auto Bank Feed: We offer 100 FREE Corporate CC transactions for trialling feature

3. Create Expense: Added search bar to Expense Category List for easier access

4. Xero: Two-way sync between Xero Projects & ExpenseOnDemand

5. Xero: Log shows ETA for exporting to Xero

6. Xero: If your Company delinks from Xero, you'll be guided to restore the link

G-Accon g-accon.com

1. We’ve redesigned the QuickBooks and Xero upload experience in G-Accon — making it faster, more intuitive, and packed with smart controls.

2. It’s now easier than ever to bulk import thousands of transactions from Google Sheets directly into QuickBooks Online or Xero in just a few clicks.

3. Xero and QuickBooks users - great news, One-Click KPI Dashboards and Chart of Accounts Mapping (Group Accounts) for Consolidated Reports are now available.

Gojee gojeeapp.com.au

Public API's access - beta release to be announced at Xerocon Advanced Payroll Module

Manufacturing Module Reverse Supplier Bill Reconciliation Leave Requests and Approvals Mobile View Updates

HR Partner hrpartner.io

Reducing emails outside of working hours

With the "Right to Disconnect" legislation being introduced in many countries, HR Partner has a new email 'sending hours' feature to help you let your employees have a better work/life balance. Schedule emails to automatically send within business hours only or at a predetermined time, so your employees can make the most of their personal time - without any work interruptions.

Sinchii sinchii.com

Looking Ahead: AI, Benchmarking, and Beyond Sinchii's roadmap is focused but ambitious: AI-powered benchmarking, smarter scenario building and increased self driven education features.

Tall Emu tallemucrm.com

New in Tall Emu CRM: Automated Workflows

You can now set up workflows to handle repetitive tasks automatically - like sending emails, updating records or assigning tasks when certain events happen. It’s a way to keep things moving without needing to manually push every button. If your team follows the same steps over and over, this helps streamline the process

and reduce errors. More info: https://tallemucrm.com/features/ automations-and-workflows/

Vibe CFO vibecfo.ai

EVA Analyse - Automated Reports. More context, deeper insights. Whether you’re preparing board packs or running cash flow diagnostics, EVA makes it effortless to go from a question to a detailed

report in seconds. From simple words to advanced reports.

WorkflowMax workflowmax.com

Introducing Job Profitability OS. WorkflowMax is the Job Profitability OS built for growing teams. From quote to invoice, track your margins in real-time, so your projects stay profitable, not just pretty.

New to the Xero App Marketplace

Anrok

Anrok connects with Xero to automate sales tax for software and technology companies, allowing users to automate US sales tax and global VAT requirements with confidence.

Available regions: Everywhere

Autogold

Autogold Cloud DMS integrates with Xero to offer a deeply functional system for motor traders. It provides VRM lookups, purchasing, preparation, sales invoicing, and reporting, serving as a definitive solution for efficiently managing the accounting needs of used car dealers.

Available regions: UK, IR

BookWell

BookWell integrates with Xero to save hours on manual data entry and categorization. Its AI automatically captures, categorizes, and syncs data from invoices and bank statements, perfect for businesses and accountants looking to eliminate errors, improve accuracy, and focus on growth.

Available Regions: AU

Coreloops

Coreloops is a financial management system for commercial contractors. It allows you to track costs, progress, and profitability all in one place.

Available Regions: UK

Cloudfuse

Cloudfuse connects Xero to hundreds of other applications, automating data transfer, eliminating manual tasks, and orchestrating workflows across your business. Enjoy seamless integration, white-glove setup, and ongoing support, ensuring your apps work for you, not the other way around.

Available regions: Everywhere

DayspringCare Software

DayspringCare Software integrates with Xero to simplify NDIS & Aged Care management. It streamlines rostering, billing, and compliance, saving you time and reducing administrative burdens. The platform empowers you to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional care.

Available regions: US

FieldInsight

FieldInsight offers Field & Asset Management software for HVAC, Fire & Mechanical Install & Service teams. It covers job costing, field service, scheduling, construction, civil, asset testing, safety, reporting, and more.

Available Regions: AU, NZ, UK

Finnex AI

Finnex AI, the Excel-native AI assistant for accountants and bookkeepers, has released a certified Xero connector. Users can sync charts of accounts, invoices, bills, journals and bank transactions from Xero, chat in natural language to analyse or reconcile, and post journals or documents back to Xero—all without leaving their spreadsheet. The add-in also reads PDFs, images and CSVs to auto-extract invoice details and process to Xero in seconds. Finnex AI is available globally on Microsoft Office AppSource and includes a 14-day free trial of the Xero connector.

Learn more or get started at www.finnex.ai.

Are you a new Xero-connected App? Let other Xero Users know... Email alex@ xumagazine.com New App shout-out

GATHER.nexus

GATHER.nexus connects with Xero as a multi-entity financial management platform for finance teams and fractional CFOs. Enhanced by AI, the platform supports and automates consolidated financial reporting, planning, and intercompany control (recharges and reconciliations).

Available regions: Everywhere

Lutra

Lutra AI is your personal AI agent, automating workflows across applications using plain English. Connect Lutra AI with Xero to streamline accounting, invoice processing, and financial reporting with no code required. Boost efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and gain deeper financial insights effortlessly.

Available Regions: US, AU, NZ

Ostendo

Ostendo integrates with Xero to streamline your financials with seamless ERP synchronization. It automatically posts invoices, bills, payments, journals, contacts, and multi-currency entries. Enjoy comprehensive inventory, job costing, manufacturing, service maintenance, and mobile data within one integrated cloud accounting flow.

Available regions: AU, NZ, MY, SG, ZA

Scoro

Scoro, the all-in-one professional services automation platform, is now live on the Xero App Store. Scoro has supported a native two-way integration with Xero for almost a decade, helping servicebased businesses connect their projects and operations directly with accounting.

Unlike generic project management tools, Scoro is purpose-built for businesses that bill by the hour and need complete visibility into their team’s time usage and capacity, such as consultancies, agencies, architecture and engineering firms, IT and software companies, etc. By consolidating data around projects, resources, and finances, Scoro gives these service firms a single, real-time source of truth.

SME Clutch

SME Clutch integrates with Xero to provide simple goals and accountability for lifestyle business owners. Run your business with clarity, confidence, and more money in your pocket.

Available Regions: UK, CAN, US

TRIVER

TRIVER helps you instantly advance your unpaid Xero invoices. There’s no paperwork or personal guarantees, just immediate access to funds when you need them. TRIVER connects securely to your Xero account to retrieve invoice

data and automate reconciliation, boosting your cash flow effortlessly with reliable financing designed specifically for SMEs.

Available Regions: UK

Vinyl

Vinyl integrates with Xero to provide AI-powered meeting notes and a meeting assistant for accountants and bookkeepers. It syncs client records from XPM for improved accuracy while keeping conversations tracked and searchable.

Available regions: Everywhere

Webgility

Webgility is an ecommerce backoffice automation platform for Xero users. It connects all your sales channels and automates bookkeeping, reconciliation, and inventory sync, providing realtime visibility, accurate financials, and audit-ready books without spreadsheets or manual work.

Available regions: US

CPD-accredited conference agenda

200+ expert speakers will deliver dynamic, quality and practical content across 5 pillars of content - Digital Innovation, SME Finance Transformation, Digital Practice, The Enterprise CFO and SME Leaders Theatre

Live demos and latest innovations

Walk the expo floor, enjoy live demos and speak to the product experts from hundreds of accounting, finance and enterprise solutions who can help take your workflows and business to the next level

22-23 October 2025 Sands Expo Singapore

Roundtable Discussions

Deeply engage with industry pioneers and fellow professionals at 10 roundtable sessions, where key issues and strategies are addressed.

Dedicated Start-up Zone

Seize the opportunity to meet the newest and most innovative Start-ups in the regional accounting, finance and business space.

Networking Extravaganza

Exchange ideas, build partnerships and grow your professional network with more than 4,000 SMEs and enterprise finance leaders, accountants and bookkeepers in practice, business owners and more

Bookkeepers Assemble!

Future-Proofing Your Clients' Growth

A flexible solution designed to grow with your business.

In today’s fast-paced business world, finance teams face growing demands with fewer resources and tighter deadlines.

anaging a growing client's complex financial data and workflows can become a significant bottleneck. Think about the challenges: a high volume of transactions, the need for intelligent insights to advise clients effectively, and the critical importance of securing sensitive financial data. All of this while ensuring the solutions you use can scale with your clients' expanding needs.

Streamline Workflows to Get More Done

Manual accounting tasks are a significant drain on an accountant's time and can introduce errors. Imagine automating key processes to free up hours for higher-value advisory work. This can involve setting up pre-set approval flows for invoices, payments, or deposits based on your clients' defined rules. Such automation not only speeds up task completion but also enhances accuracy, directly benefiting your clients' financial records.

is central to addressing complex business needs. Powerful reporting features enable you to customize financial and presentation-ready reports for clients. You can track performance, gain deeper operational insights, and schedule automatic report delivery to stakeholders. This eliminates manual reporting burdens, keeping clients informed efficiently. Furthermore, you can readily examine key performance metrics and track data most relevant to their success.

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Turn Complexity into Clarity

Providing clear financial insights

Safeguarding client data is paramount. Creating custom roles and permissions within a system to meticulously control who has access to sensitive client information and transactions. The peace of mind that comes with automatic data backups and the ability to easily restore data, if ever needed, is invaluable for maintaining data integrity.

The needs of a growing business are constantly evolving. Explore solutions built to seamlessly scale alongside your clients' growth. With features like unlimited chart of accounts and the capacity for multiple managed users, these solutions can easily accommodate expanding client portfolios. Consider the benefits of unlimited support from an award-winning team, available when you need it via phone, live chat, and screen sharing. A free onboarding session for new customers ensures a smooth transition, and the ability to migrate data from other platforms and minimises disruption for you and your clients.

Grow revenue, not admin with Ignition.

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