Digi-Tools In Accrual World

QuickBooks MTD Rug-pull and Sage/Barclays Partnership

Stay informed with the latest accounting tech news and fintech news in this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World - this episode sponsored by Advancetrack.

Indi Tatla and John Toon are joined by Robbie from Forvis Mazars to discuss the rapid shift in the UK software landscape as MTD for ITSA approaches.

The team breaks down the recent QuickBooks update for sole traders and the strategic move by Sage and Barclays to provide an integrated banking and accounting experience. We also look at the rise of AI assistants within banking apps like Starling and how Dext is using AI to codify firm-level judgment for better automation.

A major highlight of this episode is the news from Briefcase regarding their AI-native MTD platform, Briefcase One, which aims to handle complex areas like fixed assets and depreciation. We also discuss Revolut finally securing its UK banking license and what their expansion means for the SME market. Finally, we look at recent data regarding AI adoption in accounting firms and whether security concerns are still acting as a blocker for core workflows.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Digi-Tools in Accrual World
03:02 QuickBooks and the New Sole Trader Experience
05:46 Barclays and Sage announce strategic partnership
07:09 Starling launches integrated accounting and MTD tool
09:42 Dext launches AI Assist tool to enhance supplier rule automation
13:27 Briefcase's Disruptive Innovations in Pre-Accounting
21:25 Revolut's Banking License and Market Expansion
26:15 Digits expands payroll connectivity
27:14 AI in Accounting: Current State and Future Prospects
31:11 Outro

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Episode Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Advancetrack.

Advancetrack provides modern accounting and tax outsourcing solutions, helping practices access top-tier talent and robust security measures to scale their business and focus on client relationships.

Visit their website: https://www.advancetrack.com/

Is your Frankenstack killing your productivity? The Future of Embedded AI

In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, Ryan Pearcy is joined by Eriona Bajrakurtaj and Kevin Fitzgerald to break down the most significant developments in accounting tech news and fintech news. The team explores how major platforms are moving beyond simple automation to embed artificial intelligence directly into the core of the accounting workflow.

The conversation covers the recent Intuit Get Connected event, where the global platform announced a massive shift toward AI-driven compliance. We examine what the partnership with Anthropic means for the rollout of custom AI agents and how the new business tax beta aims to proactively identify tax savings. The panel also reviews the latest product roadmap from FreeAgent and how they are positioning themselves to compete with larger players through rapid development and MTD readiness.

Beyond the software updates, we look at the broader economic landscape affecting the profession. Drawing on the latest data from Xero and Employment Hero, we discuss the 8.8 per cent rise in SME wages, persistent late payment challenges, and why the era of the Frankenstack—disjointed software collections—is rapidly coming to an end in favour of unified systems.

We also highlight new innovations in compliance and portfolio management, including the MTD Command Centre from Bots for That, the integration between FYI and AMLCC, and Starling Bank's expansion into integrated tax software.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Intro and Welcome

• 02:40 Employment Hero

• 03:21 Intuit scales up AI capabilities as MTD deadline approaches

• 07:38 Intuit partners with Anthropic to bring custom AI agents

• 11:33 Intuit launches business tax AI beta to simplify filings

• 14:06 FreeAgent product spotlight 2026

• 18:37 Latest Xero data reveals small businesses are still facing persistent late payment challenges

• 21:18 Latest Xero data reveals small businesses are still facing persistent late payment challenges

• 23:33 UK SME wages rise by 8.8 per cent sparking concerns over potential price increases

• 27:28 Innovations in Fintech and Compliance Tools

• 27:37 Bots for That unveils a new MTD control centre for centralised client portfolio management

• 29:51 FYI and AMLCC integrate to automate anti-money laundering compliance for accountancy firms

• 31:09 Starling Bank expands business features with integrated HMRC-recognised software for digital tax

• 33:08 Xenon Connect releases a process tool to replace manual checklists for compliance reviews

• 35:19 Outro

Episode Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Employment Hero. Visit their website: https://employmenthero.co.uk

Will Accountants Really Be Replaced in Two Years? We Put the Claim to the Test

This week on Digi-Tools in Accrual World, Indi Tatla and John Toon are joined by new co-host Billie Mcloughlin for a packed episode of accounting tech news and fintech news covering some of the biggest raises, most practical product updates, and one very contentious claim from Microsoft's AI chief.

The show kicks off with Allica Bank's $155 million Series D raise, which pushes the UK-focused business bank to a $1.2 billion valuation and into unicorn territory. The hosts unpack what the funding means for expansion into Northern Europe and whether an IPO or acquisition is the more likely exit.

From there, the team covers Stacks, which has raised $23 million to push further into financial close automation and has launched an AI Flux Analysis tool to identify transaction variances, before moving on to Basis, an AI agent platform that has hit a $1.15 billion valuation after raising $100 million to build long-horizon agentic workflows across tax, audit and advisory functions inside accounting firms.

On the more practical side, John runs through a substantial update from Active Workpapers, including the launch of Group Overview for managing portfolios of connected clients and a new integration with FreeAgent. Billie covers Xama AML's new client portal, which simplifies ID verification and multi-director onboarding, reducing the back-and-forth that has long made AML compliance a drag on practice time.

John also looks at Briefcase's new accruals automation tool, which detects recurring expenses and suggests journal postings at month-end before automatically reversing them when the invoice arrives. The hosts discuss how Briefcase's iterative, practice-led approach to development has helped them release features that genuinely land.

The episode also touches on the Crezco and iplicit partnership, which brings embedded payment functionality into iplicit's mid-market platform under the name iplicit Pay, and on Dytto, a new AI startup promising to free accountants from manual tasks, which receives a sceptical reception from all three hosts.

The episode closes with a proper debate on the Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman's claim that accountants could be fully automated within two years. Billie, John and Indi push back on the timeline, drawing on adoption curves from cloud accounting and e-commerce, and make the case that professional judgment, regulatory accountability and client trust will slow the transition considerably.

This episode is brought to you by Xledger, the mid-market accounting platform.

Find out more at: https://www.xledger.com

Sage 50 Cloud Rumours and ERP AI Updates

In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, John Toon, Ryan Pearcy, and Leigh Stallard navigate a wave of major enterprise resource planning (ERP) updates and fintech news. The team examines Intuit's shifting focus toward the enterprise market with its new Construction Edition and discusses whether this will successfully migrate long-term desktop users to the cloud.

The conversation covers significant AI advancements from industry giants. Sage Intacct has introduced new AI agents designed to streamline financial close and enhance cash intelligence, while NetSuite recently announced a suite of AI tools at its New York conference. The hosts also discuss the implications of Sage Intacct opening up data access via Snowflake, offering firms more flexibility for advanced reporting and business intelligence.

Additionally, the episode highlights a substantial $22 million funding round for audit and bank confirmation platform Circit, the launch of Ask Vinyl for automated meeting insights, and Fishbowl’s entry into the UK market with AI-driven manufacturing tools. The show concludes with a look at Zoho’s unified ERP strategy and a significant, though unconfirmed, rumour regarding the future of Sage 50 Professional in the cloud.

This episode is essential listening for digitally savvy accountants wanting to stay informed on the latest accounting tech news and fintech news.

Episode Sponsor: iplicit

Take your finances into the future and run your business or not-for-profit more effectively with iplicit, the mid-tier ERP solution. Website: https://www.iplicit.com

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Timestamps

• 00:00 Intro

• 02:35 Intuit Enterprise Suite

• 06:14 Sage Intacct AI Agents and Data Cloud

• 11:15 Circit $22m Investment

• 15:35 Vinyl's New AI Capabilities

• 20:02 Briefcase: General Availability

• 21:18 Hammock: Joint Property Owners

• 22:54 Fishbowl: AI Manufacturing

• 27:19 Zoho ERP

• 31:13 NetSuite AI Updates

• 33:55 Rumour Mill: Sage 50 Cloud

• 36:32 Outro

Is AI Really Killing the SaaS Business Model?

In this episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World - sponsored by FreeAgent - Indi Tatla and Ryan Pearcy are joined by new co-host Heather Smith to discuss the latest developments in accounting tech news and fintech news. The team breaks down a massive wave of updates from Xero, including the long-awaited integration of AI-powered data extraction directly into the core platform, which aims to eliminate manual entry for receipts and invoices.

The conversation also covers significant shifts in the wider market, exploring the so-called "SaaS Apocalypse" and how generative AI is forcing a re-evaluation of traditional software subscription models. From strategic acquisitions like Mayday taking over Easy Month End to the latest consolidation in the UK payroll market with MoorePay acquiring Buddy, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the tools and trends shaping the future for digitally savvy accountants.

00:00 - Introduction and welcome to new co-host Heather Smith
04:08 - Xero integrates AI-powered data capture into core accounting platform
05:50 - A new side-panel Quick View feature simplifies the bill management process in Xero
08:58 - Xero updates global inbox storage to improve document organisation and file management
13:58 - Xero launches new tools to help small businesses manage cash flow and tax
20:00 - Xero integrates Melio for streamlined online bill payments for US small businesses
23:43 - Mayday acquires Easy Month End to streamline the financial close process
28:41 - Digital payroll platform Buddy has been acquired by MoorePay to bolster payroll technology
32:00 - New WorkflowMax Q1 updates focus on saving time for project administration tasks
33:48 - The SaaS apocalypse: Why AI is disrupting traditional software stocks
42:35 - Closing remarks and Digital Disruptor Awards 2026 announcement

 

Episode Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FreeAgent. https://www.freeagent.com

Special Episode: Event Preview - Alternative Events

Are you heading to the Alternative Accountancy event in the next few days? In this quick-fire preview, we’ve gathered some of the best tips to help you navigate the schedule and have a great couple of days.

Join John, Leigh, and Ryan as they discuss why this event has become a staple for the UK's top 200–300 firms.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Strategic Edge: Why the "Chatham House Rules" environment makes this different from your average trade show.

• Navigating the Content: From the Samoan Circle to the X-Factor format, what you shouldn't miss.

• Peer-to-Peer Insights: How to use the breakout sessions to solve your firm's specific AI and talent challenges.

• Practical Tips: Why you should stay late on Tuesday, how to vet vendor onboarding, and even where to find the best golf and morning running groups.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Introduction to the Alternative Accountancy event

• 1:15 – Why it’s the most strategic event of the year

• 2:45 – Tips for Managing Partners and Digital Leads

• 4:10 – The importance of the Tuesday evening social

• 5:30 – Wednesday morning run and recovery

• 7:00 – Getting the most out of vendor partnerships

• 8:45 – Final tips: Breakout rooms and AI insights

Why the First Wave of AI Accounting Tools is Crashing

This episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World features Ryan Pearcy and Indi Tatla alongside guest Lara Manton to discuss the latest shifts in accounting tech news and fintech news. The team examines the stability of AI-first platforms following reports that Genesis has encountered financial difficulties and Botkeeper has closed its doors.

 

The conversation highlights a divide in the market: while some bookkeeping automation tools struggle, Field Guide has raised $75 million to target complex audit and advisory workflows for major firms. The panel also weighs in on the "AI disruption anxiety" felt across the sector after Anthropic released new legal AI tools, affecting the share prices of incumbents like Sage and Thomson Reuters.

 

Further topics include:

• Pilot’s unveiling of an "autonomous AI accountant" and the validity of its ten-year data claims.
• Simpro Group’s acquisition of Delight to bolster its trade-focused operating platform.
• The departure of Buddy’s CEO and the future of standalone payroll software.
• A landmark Upper Tribunal ruling involving HMRC that suggests baldness could be considered a disability for VAT purposes.

Episode Sponsor This episode is proudly sponsored by Advancetrack, the market leader in delivering high-quality offshore outsourcing solutions combined with cutting-edge technology for accountancy practices.

Sponsor Link: https://www.advancetrack.com/

 

0:00 Intro - welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World

07:54 AI agent Jenesys seeks new ownership

12:36 Botkeeper announces the closure of its platform to its community of users

16:18 Goldman Sachs backs Fieldguide with significant funding

21:28 Anthropic legal tool impacts data service providers

27:35 Pilot launches AI accountant to automate the entire bookkeeping process

34:12 Simpro Group expands its field service reach with the acquisition of Delight

36:36 Founder David Seisun announces his departure as CEO of Buddy after seven years

41:02 Expend introduces automatic document matching and updates reimbursement fees for 2026

42:44 Court rules that hair loss treatments can be zero-rated for VAT purposes

Accounting Tech News: Xero Updates, Dext AI, and Intuit Leadership Changes

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest accounting tech news and fintech news in this episode of the Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast.

Today, Indi Tatla, John Toon, and our new regular guest Eriona Bajrakurtaj discuss the strategic shifts happening across the major platforms. We explore how Xero is doubling down on everyday productivity with 55 new feature updates and its continued push into the US market via the Melio acquisition.

We also examine the departure of Nick Williams from Intuit after 12 years and the legacy he leaves behind in the UK QuickBooks ecosystem.

Key topics include:

* The merger of Data Switcher and Move My Books for AI data migration.
* Dext’s new AI agent, Dext Assist, and integrated payment workflows.
* Briefcase’s approach to natural language context in document uploads.
* A deep look at Xero’s quarterly product updates and global strategy.
* The market implications of the cancelled Xeinadin sale.

 

0:00 - Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World
App News:
7:00 - Merger of Dataswitcher and Movemybooks
13:10 - Dext Updates
19:37 - Briefcase Natural Language
23:43 - Xero's Updates and AI/US Strategy
35:21 - Nick Williams leaving Intuit
39:52 - Xeinadin Sale Collapse

 

This episode is made possible by Adsum. Adsum allows you to connect directly to HMRC for a single dashboard view of client taxes, including payroll, VAT, and corporation tax.

Episode Sponsor:
Adsum: https://www.adsum-works.com/

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