Digi-Tools In Accrual World

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

 

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!