Digi-Tools In Accrual World

Sage AI, QuickBooks Inventory & The Reality of AI ROI

In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, Indi and John react to the the latest accounting tech news shaping 2026.

We break down Sage's impressive Q1 financial results and their aggressive move into "agentic" AI workflows with the new Sage Copilot for Operations.

We also discuss the "feature-parity" battle as QuickBooks Online rolls out advanced inventory management to entice Desktop users to the cloud. Plus, we look at the sobering reality of AI ROI for CEOs and why high-quality data remains the biggest hurdle for "touchless" tax compliance.

00:00 Introduction and Exciting Changes Ahead
03:22 Sage leads blue-chip leaderboard after strong quarterly growth
06:54 Sage announces new suite of AI-powered capabilities within its Operations and Inventory modules
11:52 Sage partners with Augusta Labs to build out a new AI Centre of Excellence
16:09 Intuit introduces significant inventory management upgrades for QuickBooks Online users
20:42 Xledger integrates with Tessitura
24:10 Majority of CEOs yet to see financial payoff from AI
29:10 Thomson Reuters AI Updates
32:04 Finfluencer Deep Fakes
34:08 Close Out

New Tools for MTD and Management Reporting

This episode is sponsored by Fathom - fathomhq.com

 

In this episode of the Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast, Ryan Pearcy and John Toon dive into the latest shifts in the accounting technology landscape, following John’s return from his annual ski trip. The duo explores significant new software integrations and the evolving role of AI in professional workflows.

Key topics covered include:

Platform Integrations: The hosts discuss Fathom's new official integration with FreeAgent, enhancing reporting capabilities for small business users.

Xero Updates: A deep dive into Xero’s full rollout of Syft for advanced analytics and visual reporting. They also discuss the UI alignment of credit notes with invoices and speculate on a strategic "new user segment" hinted at in recent high-level job postings.

Regulatory Alerts: Ryan flags a critical gap in major payroll software (including BrightPay, Sage, and Xero) regarding the automatic calculation of maternity pension contributions, which currently requires manual intervention to maintain compliance.

Embedded Accounting: A look at Sage’s strategic partnership to embed its technology directly into HSBC UK’s business banking platform, a move aimed at sole traders and MTD readiness.

The Rise of MCPs: John explains the significance of Scoro launching a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, allowing users to interact with their business data through natural language via LLMs like ChatGPT or Claude.

Enterprise AI: An overview of Acumatica’s heavy investment in AI-driven workflows, anomaly detection for "real-time audits," and voice-interface assistants.

Industry Reflections: The episode concludes with insights from the "Finance Takes the Peace" trip, reflecting on the diversity of opinions regarding offshoring, the "firm of the future," and the professional responsibility of using AI-generated advice.

 

Chapters

00:00 Ski Trip Adventures and Industry Connections
01:59 Fathom launches FreeAgent integration
03:33 Payroll Software Challenges
08:08 Xero's New Features and Enhancements
12:25 Xero's Credit Notes Upgrade
14:39 Speculation on Xero's future
18:52 Sage and HSBC partner to deliver MTD tools to Sole Traders
24:48 Scoro's MCP Server and Natural Language Integration
30:06 AI Integration in Acumatica
35:38 Accountero utilises AI agents to help firms
41:02 Regulatory Challenges in Fintech: The Airwallex Investigation
45:11 Insights from Finance Takes the Piste: The Future of Accounting

 

From Automated COGS to Education Specialists: The Week in Accounting Tech

In this episode of the Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast, hosts Ryan Pearcy and Leigh Stallard dive into the latest in accounting and fintech news. They discuss the impact of new technologies on the industry, highlight key updates from companies like A2X, iplicit, and Crezco, and explore the strategic moves of Briefcase and FYI. The conversation also touches on the importance of automation and innovation in accounting practices.

00:00 - Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World 6.03 - Sponsored by Scoro

04:23 - A2X Innovations and E-commerce Solutions

08:12 - iplicit's Growth and Focus on Education

11:17 - Acumatica's New Leadership and Market Positioning

14:36 - Crezco's Pay by Card Feature

17:29 - Briefcase's New Sales Processing Feature

21:52 - Briefcase adds Line Item Categorisation

25:16 - FYI's Adds Forms Feature

31:14 - Digital Disruptors Updates

Scoro - www.scoro.com

Reuben’s Website post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/reuben-steenkamp_over-christmas-i-spent-2-weeks-782-million-activity-7417541719820238848-PsSE

Xero Data Wars, FloQast AI, and Are Chatbots are Costing Clients Money?

In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, Ryan and Indi dive into the start of 2026 with a breakdown of the biggest accounting tech news and fintech news hitting the market.

The conversation headlines with Xero’s major platform shift, moving to usage-based pricing and restricting API data for AI training. Is this a move for security or a strategy to build a "walled garden"? The hosts also explore the rising "slop" in accounting books caused by generalist AI chatbots, with new data from Dext highlighting the cost of these errors for firms.

Plus, we cover the latest updates from Scoro (retainer watchdogs), FloQast’s push for deterministic AI, and WorkflowMax’s focus on capacity forecasting. Finally, we look at how niche firms are using tech stacks to target the construction boom.

In this episode, we cover:

Xero’s Platform Shift: The end of the 15% revenue share and new data usage costs. 

Data Ownership: The debate over who owns client data - the platform, the accountant, or the business. 

Scoro Updates: New "Watchdog" alerts for retainer metrics and resource booking improvements. 

FloQast & AI: Why "deterministic" AI might be the future for reliable accounting workflows. 

AI Hallucinations: Dext reveals how much money clients are losing due to chatbot errors. 

WorkflowMax: Using AI for staff capacity forecasting and handling subcontractor approvals. 

 

This episode is sponsored by Xledger, the mid-tier accounting system perfect for those moving to the cloud. www.xledger.com

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:03:41 – Xero’s Data Ownership & Pricing Shake-up

00:10:45 – Scoro Releases: Watchdog Alerts for Retainers

00:14:07 – FloQast’s Deterministic AI Strategy

00:20:36 – The Cost of AI Errors: Dext Data on Chatbot "Slop"

00:25:12 – WorkflowMax Updates: Capacity Planning & Fraud Detection

00:31:12 – Solving the Subcontractor Approval Headache

00:34:15 – Niche Focus: Tech Stacks for Construction

00:37:41 – Awards, Academy & Closing

 

The First "AI CFO", Intuit’s Suite Overhaul, and 2026 Predictions

Welcome back to Digi-Tools in Accrual World! We are kicking off 2026 with a packed episode of accounting tech news and fintech news to help you navigate the year ahead.

Join John Toon, Ryan Pearcy, and Indi Tatla as they look at the latest launches, from the world's first "AI CFO" to major platform updates from the industry giants. Plus, the team breaks down bold predictions for the profession - is the manual month-end close dead?

In this episode, we cover:

• Nume Launch: We analyse the release of Nume, the "first AI CFO". Is this $99/mo tool a threat or an opportunity for accountants?

• Intuit Accountants Suite: A look at Intuit’s massive redesign, including the new "close books at scale" feature and AI-powered client insights.

• Fintech & Capital: Updates on the QuickBooks Capital Marketplace, featuring new integrations with Adsum for instant VAT refunds and YouLend for working capital.

• Iris Elements Summary: A review of Iris’s 2025 updates, including new large-firm features, IFRS support, and the long-awaited tax anomaly detection.

• 2026 Predictions: We debate Digits CEO Jeff Seibert's claim that the month-end close will be fully automated by the end of this year.

• Future Trends: Insights from Wallester on why real-time finance and spend management are becoming the new advisory standard.

• Solver's New AI: A look at Solver’s new AI-driven supply chain management solution for manufacturing and logistics clients.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by iplicit, the award-winning mid-tier accounting software.

Subscribe for more insights into the digital evolution of accounting!

0:00 DTIAW 6.1 - Episode sponsored by iplicit

07:32 Launch of Nume – first AI CFO

14:09 Intuit updates + Accountants Suite

17:31 Quickbooks Capital Marketplace – Adsum and YouLend

20:55 Intuit App Partner Platform

23:48 Intuit MTD Hub

26:00 IRIS elements 2025 summary

29:24 Predictions by Digits CEO

32:02 Accounting trends for 2026

37:07 Solver launches AI driven supply chain

39:07 Like and Subscribe!

2025 Year in Review: 2025's Biggest Accounting Tech & Fintech News + 2026 Predictions

Join Indi, Ryan, John and Leigh for the Digi-Tools in Accrual World Year-End Special - sponsored by Advancetrack.

In this episode, the team gathers in the studio to wrap up a massive year in accounting tech news.

We break down the most controversial and exciting stories of 2025, from Xero and QuickBooks Online introducing strict usage caps to the explosion of fintech news surrounding AI agents and automated ledgers. We also cover major acquisitions, including the TaxCalc and Engager merger, and discuss the latest feature drops from Dext and FreeAgent.

Finally, we gaze into the crystal ball to share our predictions for 2026. Will AI replace compliance? Is e-invoicing about to change everything? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, we cover:

00:00:00: Welcome to the Christmas Special
00:02:41: Xero and QBO Fair Use Policies & Usage Caps
00:05:48: MTD for Income Tax Product Releases
00:07:22: FreeAgent Files MTD from Space
00:09:28: The Launch of Vinyl & AI Advisory
00:12:13: Digits Releases AI-Powered Ledger
00:14:23: Major Dext Feature Updates
00:17:25: TaxCalc Acquires Engager & Pricing Controversy
00:20:36: Intuit Platform & New AI Agents
00:23:58: CIS Features for QBO and FreeAgent
00:24:56: iplicit and Cin7 Integration
00:25:51: The Impact of API Charges 00:28:43: Digital Disruptor Awards Recap 00:30:50: Predictions for 2026

Subscribe for more insights into the world of accounting technology!

Developer Pushback, GoCardless Sold, Copilot Struggles - and an AI stall?

In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, we break down a massive fortnight of news in the accounting tech ecosystem. From leadership changes at the top of the UK’s biggest platforms to the "unbundling" of SaaS pricing, we analyse the strategic moves that will define 2026.

The Big Xero Shift: The team reacts to the continued fallout from Xero’s new API pricing model and the news that Alex von Schirmeister is stepping down to join Nomentia. We discuss whether Xero is moving away from "inclusivity" as it pivots toward profitability.

 

The AI Reality Check: Despite the hype, recent data shows a decline in active generative AI usage in the workplace. We explore why Microsoft Copilot is struggling to gain traction and why "Ask Digits" represents the future of AI as a primary software interface.

 

Acquisitions & Payments: We look at the strategic implications of Mollie acquiring GoCardless for £1.1bn and how Intuit is tightening its grip on the UK market with the official launch of QuickBooks Payments.

 

Strategic Pricing: Finally, we analyse Unleashed Software’s move to "unbundle" its pricing. Is functionality-driven pricing the new standard for SaaS?

 

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Episode Timestamps

00:00 Welcome To Digi-Tools in Accrual World

App News

03:08 Ecosystem Friction: Developers React to Xero's API Pricing Model

10:42 Leadership Change: Alex von Schirmeister Steps Down at Xero

17:56 Xero Update: MTD Support for Multiple Businesses

19:02 M&A Alert: GoCardless Acquired by Payments Giant Mollie

23:33 Why Microsoft is Struggling with AI Agent Traction

32:33 The AI Dip: Workplace Surveys Show Usage Decline

35:58 App Spotlight: Digits Unveils "Ask Digits" AI Interface

38:06 QuickBooks Payments Officially Launches in the UK

40:06 Intuit's "Agentic" Capabilities for QuickBooks & MailChimp

43:52 Briefcase Platform: Absorbing Complex Tax Codes via AI

46:07 SaaS Strategy: Unleashed Unbundles Pricing & Inventory Features

49:53 Like, Subscribe and Join Us!

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Keywords / Hashtags: #AccountingTech #Xero #Intuit #QuickBooks #GoCardless #Mollie #SaaSStrategy #AI #GenerativeAI #FinTech #Unleashed #SaaSActivation #ChannelStrategy

Thomson Reuters' AI Audit, Xero JAX & The 2029 E-Invoicing Mandate

This week on Digi-Tools in Accrual World, John Toon joins Indi from Las Vegas to unpack a massive week in accounting tech.

We cover Thomson Reuters' major move to integrate their PPC methodology with AI audit partners like Trullion and Fieldguide. We also break down Xero's two biggest announcements: the "JAX" powered automated bank reconciliation that learns from your history, and a complete overhaul of the dashboard into a "financial command center".

Plus, we discuss the confirmation of a "soft landing" for MTD for Income Tax penalties and the UK Budget’s surprise announcement mandating B2B e-invoicing by 2029.

0:00 Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World!

App News
02:49 Thomson Reuters Integrates PPC Methodology with AI Audit Partners
06:50 Xero Rolling Out JAX-Powered Bank Reconciliation
11:00 New Xero Homepage Dashboard Launched
16:03 Xero Celebrates Ecosystem Innovation with November Updates
17:34 MTD Penalty Soft Landing Confirmed
21:43 Budget 2025 Mandates E-Invoicing by 2029

22:50 Like and Subscribe!

Xero API Pricing, App Awards & The "Function Creep" of Accounting Tech

This week on Digi-Tools in Accrual World, we dive deep into the biggest accounting tech news of the week. Indi is joined by accounting tech veteran Leigh Stallard to break down the "spicy" new tiered pricing model for the Xero API - a move that could change the landscape for Xero's ecosystem.

We discuss whether this is a strategic defensive play or a barrier to innovation. Plus, we cover MIMO's new AI Associate for month-end automation, TaxCalc’s unique hybrid cloud announcement, and FreeAgent’s latest MTD controls.

Chapter Markers
00:00 - Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World
02:41 - App News
02:46 - Partners celebrated in 2025 Global App Awards
05:21 - Developers face new tiered pricing model for Xero APIs
14:35 - Reporting updates include percentage rows and better Excel formatting retention
16:26 - November update adds purchase order revisions and pause timers for billing
18:37 - New controls from FreeAgent launched for MTD for Income Tax
21:21 - Live two-way integration with Engager removes data re-keying requirements
23:09 - TaxCalc confirms hybrid future with browser-based option for compliance suite
29:04 - Mimo releases AI Associate to automate month-end journals and anomalies
34:04 - Rate and Subscribe

Curve’s £120m exit, TaxPad’s return and Expensify’s hybrid AI agent

The Taxfiler founders are back with TaxPad, a new compliance suite for smaller firms, but will accountants trust them after the sale to Iris? Ryan and Indi discuss the market’s cautious reaction and whether a commitment to not sell is enough .

This week's accounting tech news:

Fintech Exits: Lloyds Banking Group acquires Curve for £120m—less than half of what the fintech raised—marking a sobering reality for valuations. Meanwhile, US spend management platform Ramp hits a massive $32bn valuation.

AI Agents: Expensify releases a "hybrid contextual AI expense agent" that works across the platform .

Compliance & Audit: TaxCalc launches biometric ID checks for Companies House verification , and Caseware brings group audit functionality to the cloud .

New Tools: TaxNav launches a simple bridging tool for landlords, Solver integrates with Microsoft Fabric, and BrightPay Cloud introduces a new app for employees.

Finally, John Toon speaks with Peter Hucker from Xledger about the friction in the audit process . They discuss how giving auditors read-only access and using automation for month-end accruals can solve the annual audit pain for mid-market finance teams.

Timestamp
00:00 Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World!

App News
02:47 Taxfiler founders return with TaxPad
08:16 TaxCalc launches biometric ID checks
11:02 Expensify releases hybrid AI expense agent
14:14 Caseware brings group audit functionality to the cloud
15:51 Lloyds Banking Group acquires fintech Curve for £120m
20:01 Solver announces new data integration with Microsoft Fabric
21:47 TaxNav launches simple MTD bridging tool for landlords
22:49 Ramp hits $32bn valuation in latest funding round
27:00 BrightPay Cloud introduces new manager and employee app

28:46 The Problem With Audit...
38:57 Rate and Subscribe!