A dynamic panel explores how accountants can lead digital transformation, harness AI, train teams, and shift from compliance to advisory to stay relevant in a fast-changing tech landscape.

• The role of trusted advisors in leading digital transformation.

• Challenges in adopting new tech, especially in larger firms with undertrained internal finance teams.

• The critical importance of training staff and upskilling, starting from the advisory end and working backwards.

• Using tools like Dext and other cloud accounting apps to streamline processes and enhance client engagement.

• The value of certifications, networking, and community learning.

• Emphasis on simplifying processes before layering tech solutions.

This panel was held at the Accounting and Business Expo in Sydney, and was sponsored by Dext. Dext is a cloud-based accounting software platform that helps accountants, bookkeepers, and businesses streamline financial data collection and processing. Formerly known as Receipt Bank, Dext offers tools for automated data extraction, invoice and receipt management, and real-time financial insights. It integrates with leading accounting systems like Xero, QuickBooks Online, and Sage, making it easier to reduce manual data entry, improve accuracy, and speed up workflows. With a strong focus on automation and AI, Dext empowers advisors to shift from compliance work to more strategic, advisory-focused services.

Contacts and resources:

Lielette Calleja (BusinessDEPOT) https://www.linkedin.com/in/lielettecalleja/

Aleesha Bailey (RSM Australia) https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleesha-bailey/

Sabby Gill (CEO of Dext) https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabbygill/

Heather Smith : https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

KPMG : Keeping Us Up At Night https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/au/pdf/2025/keeping-us-up-at-night-2025.pdf

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

My co-host Tyler Caskey Partner at The BeanCounters and I presented a taster of our quarterly Accounting Tech update podcast at the popular Accounting & Business Expo in Sydney.

In this episode, we talk about . . .

Big Software Moves: Xero retires classic invoicing and introduces drag/drop bill uploads; QuickBooks enhances Projects and Work area; MYOB adds new reminders; Easy Business adds ABA payroll.

ERP & Practice App Upgrades: NetSuite introduces AI-powered “Text Enhanced,” while XonBoard simplifies Xero onboarding—praised as “worth its weight in gold.”

Insights & Oversight Tools: Fathom launches Portfolio for client-wide metrics; Dext refreshes its dashboard; Spotlight Reporting pushes ESG advisory via Sustain.

Standout Tools & Features: Modano’s online budgeting praised, Translucent adds 6 tracking categories & Deferred Revenue App, Karbon expands KPI reporting and integrates Chrome extension.

Ecosystem Growth: Sharesight adds Drawdown Risk and improved cost reporting; Fergus integrates with Xero for builders; Workshop Software boosts mobile bookings; EZRentout enhances order pipelines.

Contact details:

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

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

Heather Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

Today I’m speaking with Andrew Sims, CEO of SuiteFiles

Key Learnings from this episode include:

Understanding Fatigue: Decision, friction, and task fatigue impact productivity. Recognising them is the first step to overcoming them.

Practical Boundaries: Setting clear work boundaries and minimising interruptions can dramatically improve focus.

Calendar & Meeting Management: Colour-coded calendars, automated scheduling tools, and meeting transcribers save time and reduce cognitive overload.

Digital Decluttering: Organised digital workspaces reduce friction fatigue and make information retrieval seamless.

Deep Work Techniques: Methods like the Pomodoro technique, energy peak planning, and music-driven focus improve concentration.

The Right Tech Tools: Document management, email organisation, and workflow automation enhance efficiency and reduce time wasted on repetitive tasks.

Resources

To find out more about SuiteFiles: https://www.suitefiles.com/

Andrew Sims https://www.linkedin.com/in/adsims/

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@heathersmithau

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/heathersmithau.bsky.social

As a female founder in fintech, Jo Hurley shares her journey as a tech entrepreneur learning from other sectors, selling her business to Deloitte, and how endurance sports fuel her personal growth.

Today I’m speaking with Jo Hurley Chartered Accountant Motivational Speaker and Triathlete

• Tech in Finance: How Jo leveraged technology to transform audit processes.

• Women in Tech: Facing industry pushback & building networks beyond finance.

• Selling a Business: The realities of selling to Deloitte & unexpected retirement.

• Mindset & Endurance: How Ironman training fosters discipline & deep reflection.

• Storytelling & Speaking: Using experience to connect with and inspire others.

Resources

The Light Year Docs 25 event

https://www.lightyeardocs.com.au/event-details/lyd25-unstoppable-growth-conference-online-2

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_lyd25-lyd25-accountingandaccountants-activity-7296297019323691009-etYO/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_lyd25-accountingandaccountants-lyd-activity-7294927985101393920-lT6K/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-lyd25-futureofaccounting-activity-7294962990074765313-5JxZ/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-lyd25-futureofaccounting-activity-7295609805522489344-pK6r/

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@heathersmithau

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/heathersmithau.bsky.social

Discover how NetSuite’s new AI-powered Text Enhance feature is revolutionising finance teams, streamlining workflows, and boosting productivity with secure, business-specific automation —all while keeping data secure. Scott Wiltshire from Oracle NetSuite shares insights into AI-driven automation, its impact on finance and operations, and why Australian & NZ businesses should embrace this next-gen technology. Discover how NetSuite's new AI-powered "Text Enhanced" feature is revolutionising finance teams by automating manual tasks, improving productivity, and providing smarter business insights

Today I’m speaking with Scott Wiltshire, Vice President & GM, Oracle NetSuite ANZ

• NetSuite's "Text Enhanced" Feature: Uses generative AI to automate content creation within the ERP system.

• Boosting Productivity: AI-powered automation helps finance teams with collections, journal entry annotations, and other manual documentation tasks.

• Data Security & Compliance: The AI assistant ensures strict security protocols, keeping company data protected within Oracle Cloud.

• Personalized AI Assistance: AI-generated content is tailored to specific company data, improving accuracy and relevance.

• Competitive Advantage: Businesses leveraging AI early gain efficiency, scalability, and a productivity boost.

• SuiteConnect 2025: NetSuite’s regional conference in Sydney will unveil more AI-powered innovations and training opportunities.

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@heathersmithau

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/heathersmithau.bsky.social

Translucent CEO Michael Wood discusses the company's recent launch event, new features like automated intercompany reconciliation and custom tracking categories, and the importance of addressing data model issues for multi-entity businesses.

Today I’m speaking with Michael Wood Founder & CEO of Translucent

In this episode, we talk about . . .

🎯 Innovating for Multi-Entity Teams: Translucent unveils tools designed to tackle complex multi-entity challenges.

🛠️ New Features Highlighted: Granular permissions, tracking category audits, and intercompany auto-reconciliation take centre stage.

🔍 Tracking Categories Expanded: Solving a long-standing limitation with additional data dimensions and smarter tracking tools.

📊 Custom KPIs Made Easy: Flexibility to build financial reports tailored to unique business needs.

🚀 Future-Proofing Finance: Quarterly updates promise a steady stream of impactful features and tools.

💡 Shape the Innovation: Listeners are encouraged to share their input on future product development.

Contact details:

Michael Wood : https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwood/

Translucent https://www.translucent.io/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Join Heather Smith and Tyler Caskey as they share global insights from Xerocon, SuiteWorld, and beyond. Discover the latest in accounting tech—new features, strategic shifts, and practical tools to boost your practice.

Here are the many reasons you should listen in!

🔹 Get Ahead with the Latest Accounting Tech: Key updates from Xerocon, SuiteWorld, and other global events to keep your practice at the cutting edge.

🔹 Learn from Industry Insights: Heather and Tyler share real-world experiences, insights from speaking at major conferences, and practical tools they use.

🔹 Discover New Apps and Integrations: Explore innovations in automation, AI, ERP solutions, and practice management tools tailored for accountants.

🔹 Stay Updated on Payment Solutions: Hear about new Stripe and Pinch Payments features that can streamline client billing and payments.

🔹 Tech Trends to Watch: Find out what’s trending in accounting technology, from AI-driven tools to expanded reporting capabilities, and what’s coming next.

🔹 Optimise Your Workflow: Get tips on integrating tools like ApprovalMax, XBert, and AccountKit to enhance efficiency and accuracy in your practice.

🔹 Insights on Flexible Work Benefits: Heather and Tyler’s global work and travel experiences offer unique perspectives on balancing work and exploration.

BLOG : https://www.accountantsdaily.com.au/technology/20731-latest-tech-updates-for-the-accounting-space

Contact details:

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

B: https://www.thebeancounters.com.au/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU