19.4K
Downloads
140
Episodes
The go-to place for all things cloud accounting and digital. Find out the latest in accounting app news and exclusive interviews with cloud pioneers in the accounting industry.
Episodes
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Monday Sep 01, 2025
This week’s episode (sponsored by FreeAgent ) dives into the latest
accounting tech news and fintech news, with sharp takes on major acquisitions and the future of user experience.
We cover:
The big fintech news as Starling acquire Ember — and what it means when a challenger bank strategically pulls the rug out from its high street competitors.
Xero's controversial decision to email your clients directly — and the debate on who should own the client relationship.
Xero's long-awaited navigation redesign and Syft-powered analytics — and whether this finally brings the user experience up to modern standards.
The launch of QuickBooks agentic AI experiences — and how they're leveraging the entire Intuit ecosystem to go beyond simple bookkeeping.
Plus: A deep dive into UI/UX with iplicit's CPO Paul Sparks, exploring why modern design and a mobile-first approach are just as critical as the AI hype.
We also hear from Tugger's Craig Morrall on why your P&L is only half the story, and how to get true business insight by combining financial and operational data.
00:00 Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World!
04:43 User Experience Matters: Modernising Accounting Platforms - with Paul Sparks from iplicit
05:07 Mobile App Development and User Experience
07:08 Platform Usage Analysis by Role
08:32 UI/UX Modernisation Plans
09:54 AI Assistant Integration
14:31 App News
15:18 Starling Bank Acquires Tax Software Ember
20:10 Xero will contact your clients on updates
23:57 Xero Analytics Gets an Upgrade with Syft
27:17 Xero is introducing a redesigned navigation
30:34 QuickBooks is launching new agentic AI experiences
35:00 Sage has announced the launch of Workforce Intelligence
39:05 Sage expands capabilities for Intacct
44:10 FreeAgent Adds Excel Export for Management Reports
44:40 Data-Driven Decisions: Combining Financial and Operational Reporting: with Tugger
45:28 Combining Financial and Operational Data
48:04 Data Ownership and Reporting Structure
50:03 Business Drivers for Integrated Reporting..
53:27 Legacy Systems Integration
55:53 Closing Remarks
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
This week’s episode (sponsored by Employment Hero) dives into the latest accounting tech news, with sharp takes and practical insights from the team. We cover:
-
Chaser’s new automated late fees and early payment discounts — and why it’s about more than just chasing debt
-
Vinyl’s $2m raise to tackle meeting admin with AI — and whether its specialisation is enough to break through into the overcrowded AI notetaker market
-
FreeAgent’s CIS update for contractors — and why it’s a smart move for a MTD-era market
-
Xero’s long-overdue inventory upgrades and what it means for product-based businesses
-
Dext’s long-awaited prepayments
-
Plus: Tugger’s Power BI integration powered by LLMs, helping firms unlock data insights without a data analyst
We also touch on emerging trends in outsourcing, AI-powered forecasting, and much more!
00:00 Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World Podcast
02:49 What is pod sourcing? || Advancetrack
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
04:56 Market traction and adoption of pod sourcing
06:08 How pod sourcing aligns with AI adoption
08:23 Should firms focus on specialisation over breadth?
10:41 App News
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10:56 Xero upgrades inventory tools
13:54 FreeAgent adds CIS contractor support
15:07 Vinyl raises $2m for meeting automation
19:30 Dext adds prepayments
23:44 Jenesys email cost centre coding
24:40 Briefcase one-click line items
28:22 Chaser launches automated late fees
32:39 Float adds VAT cashflow predictions
35:11 Next-Level Data Insights || Tugger
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
35:48 How AI and LLMs are enhancing data analysis capabilities
40:20 How AI will improve Power BI accessibility and reporting
42:25 Join us at the Digital Disruptor Awards!
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
In this episode of Digi‑Tools in Accrual World (sponsored by Xledger) we dive into the latest accounting tech news, covering everything from MTD developments to Sage’s newest moves, plus updates on tooling that matters to modern practices.
We speak with Ian Gregory, CTO of Advancetrack, about the future of outsourcing in accounting, how AI reshapes compliance, and the critical role Advancetrack plays in supporting firms through systemic change. Advancetrack
Later, Craig Morrall joins us to introduce Tugger, a cheekily named, no‑code solution for businesses that securely aggregates data from systems like Xero, HubSpot, Harvest—and delivers it straight into Power BI or Tableau. Tugger
This episode is perfect for:
-
Accounting firms navigating Making Tax Digital (MTD) and digital transformation
-
Practice managers and technology leads monitoring Sage, BrightPay, Xero, and Webexpenses updates
-
Firms seeking smarter outsourced workflows and reporting solutions
-
SaaS partners, vendor teams, and tech consultants who support accountants on their advisory journey
0:00 Intro | 5.33
1:43 AI, Outsourcing & the Future of Accounting – Advancetrack
App News
11:23 Xero Small Business Index – June Decline
13:53 Avalara introduces AI tax-query bot
17:12 Sage acquires Fyle for expense automation
20:06 Sage explores automating the financial close
26:45 BrightPay adds new payroll tools
30:50 Xero App Store – July releases
34:05 Xero UK now supports SMS invoicing
35:48 Webexpenses launches digital payment cards
38:11 Introducing Tugger – smarter reporting
48:50 Subscribe to our newsletter
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
In this week’s episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, we cover the latest accounting tech news, fintech news, and explore whether the profession is heading towards factory accounting in the age of AI. From HMRC policy shifts to new automation tools, we unpack the changes shaping compliance, advisory, and the future talent pipeline in accountancy.
Timestamps:
00:00 Coming Up…
01:31 Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World!
App News
04:14 HMRC scraps MTD for Corporation Tax
05:39 HMRC sets sights on ‘digital-first’ tax system
10:33 Mayday releases automation for prepayments and deferred revenue
13:30 QuickBooks launches ‘Launchpad’ for product updates
15:34 New QBO accounting agent deepdive
18:50 Alexion.AI launches to empower accountants with automation tools
22:58 Acting Office launches ACCAbot to automate bookkeeping
28:02 36-month SaaS contracts spark debate over pricing traps
33:37 AI Accounting Factories: Myth or reality? | Advancetrack interview
43:45 Thanks for joining us!
We dive deep into the tools, policies, and strategies that could redefine your firm’s future. Is AI the key to efficiency, or will over-automation strip away the personal value accountants bring?
Listen now for insights on:
• HMRC’s shifting Making Tax Digital strategy
• Fintech product launches that could change your workflow
• The reality behind “factory accounting” and what it means for your career or practice
Join us for the Digital Disruptor Awards in Manchester in September:
Nomination your heroes for an award: https://forms.gle/vEpPrSitc8k32FzM8
Join the waitlist for tickets https://forms.gle/Vjoff74RN1Njaubw6
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
In this week’s Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast, we dive into the biggest stories in accounting tech news and talk cybersecurity with Dr Ian Gregory from Advancetrack. From AI-driven hacks to practical steps for protecting your data, this episode is packed with insights every accountant and finance professional needs to hear.
00:00 Coming Up
00:56 Welcome to the Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast
App News
09:53 Socket x Adfin integration enters beta testing
13:44 Fathom launches Sage 50 Accounts integration and dashboard saved views
15:33 Joiin integrates with Pennylane for faster multi-entity consolidation
18:39 Ignition and Karbon release unified billing and workflow integration
22:27 Landlord Studio partners with Habito to support UK landlords and MTD compliance
24:17 Clio to acquire vLex in a US $1 billion deal
25:57 Campfire raises £28 m illion to expand advisory AI platform
27:39 QuickBooks rolls out new Square Connector for sales and payout sync
30:31 Cybersecurity: Where is your firm's weakest link? || With Dr Ian Gregory - Advancetrack
39:14 Thanks for joining us - please rate the pod!
Join us for the Digital Disruptor Awards in Manchester in September:
Nomination your heroes for an award: https://forms.gle/vEpPrSitc8k32FzM8
Join the waitlist for tickets https://forms.gle/Vjoff74RN1Njaubw6
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Join us as we flash back to the 2024 Digital Disruptor Awards with guests Aaron Patrick, Zoe Whitman, and Jo Wood, discussing whether vendors have become too good at selling their products.
We discuss 'magpie syndrome,' the importance of focus and effective tech adoption, and the crucial role of vendor support and training. Tune in for honest conversations and insights on how to best navigate the evolving landscape of accounting technology - and a small sample of what's in store for the 2025 awards evening.
Join the shortlist to attend: https://forms.gle/bLoM8yrQFCLagEnf6
Submit your award nominations: https://forms.gle/izNaQddthqJv9Viy8
00:00 Coming Up
01:17 Welcome to the Digi-Tools in Accrual World Podcast!
02:40 Live Podcast: Have Vendors Got Too Good at Selling?
03:20 Accountants and Magpie Syndrome
05:29 The Need for Focus and Consolidation
06:24 The Importance of Training and Support
16:17 Should Accountants Help Clients Implement Tech?
21:40 Outsourcing and Delegation
26:35 Wrap Up - Leave a like!
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
In this episode of ‘Digi-Tools in Accrual World’ - sponsored by Advancetrack Outsourcing - hosts Indi and Ryan bring you the latest news from the accounting tech space, with a big slant on fintech news this week, with Dext’s step into the fintech world with their Airwallex partnership, a major KYC misstep from Monzo, and Adfin shake a leg with DD payouts.
Along with the regular news, including ‘practical-AI’ news along with more updates from your favourite accounting tech tools.
00:00 Coming Up…
00:37 Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World
05:56 Accounting Tech App News
06:01 Dext enters the payments space
09:38 Companies House rules softened for smaller firms
10:52 Monzo fined for fake Downing Street accounts
15:12 UK firms struggling to turn AI hype into impact
19:27 Build AI-powered booking with Replit & Xero
23:36 Expend adds automated mileage tracking
25:55 Adfin promises faster payouts – settlement speeds improved
28:27 WorkflowMax reflects on a year of change
33:37 Rate the pod!
Monday Jul 14, 2025
Monday Jul 14, 2025
THE accounting tech news round-up!
Still at full strength again this week’s episode - Sponsored by FreeAgent - the Digital Disruptors crew (Ryan, Indi & John) cover a packed episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World – and there’s no shortage of opinion.
Headlines this week:
- The Big Four slash graduate intake – has AI killed the accounting career ladder?
- RSM US pledges $1 billion to agentic AI – bold move or headline fodder?
- Karbon’s latest roadmap: task automation, upgraded portals, and smarter inboxes
- FYI and BGL link up for automated cosec workflows
- Joiin launches an Excel add-in and AI insights for finance teams
- Socket drops a slick new leads module – CRMs beware
- Visma eyes up a London IPO (yes, London – not New York)
- Digits rolls out AI agents that are 8,500x faster than your average bookkeeper (literally)
Expect rants. Expect heat. Expect the kind of fintech and accounting tech commentary you don’t get anywhere else.
Whether you’re watching the big AI plays, checking in on SaaS product updates, or just here for the banter – it’s all in this week’s pod.
00:00 Coming up on this episode:?
00:47 Welcome to the Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast
Accounting Tech App news
06:23 Big four slash graduate jobs for AI
12:15 Karbon product roadmap
14:22 Visma picks London to IPO
17:01 Socket Leads module released in beta
19:03 FYI BGL integration
21:03 New Joiin features
23:09 RSM US to invest $1b in agentic AI
27:09 Digits adds AI agents
30:37 Liked the pod? Let us know!
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
We’ve got the band back together! After a run of solo gigs, Ryan, John and Indi reunite for a full-cast episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World – and just in time.
This week - sponsored by iplicit - we’re riffing on Xero’s $2.5 billion acquisition of Melio, their biggest US push to date. But is this bold play a strategic masterstroke or just another vanity signing? Spoiler: The markets aren't convinced.
From dashboard redesigns to Syft-powered analytics and Xero’s growing interest in verticals like healthcare, we break down everything you need to know about their evolving roadmap – and where it might be heading next.
Also in this episode:
• iplicit partners with Cin7 to streamline stock-heavy businesses
• Sage releases a mammoth list of (mostly incremental) updates
• QuickBooks tries to catch up with new budgeting features and AI migration tools
• And we ask: when is it time for your clients to graduate to a PSA?
Whether you’re following the latest Xero acquisition news, watching how fintech is reshaping accounting tech, or just here for the banter – this one’s worth tuning in for.
This is your backstage pass to the best in fintech news and accounting tech commentary.
We cover:
• Xero acquires Melio for $2.5bn – what it means and why the market’s lukewarm
• Why Xero’s Syft integration matters for analytics (and what UK users can expect)
• Fresh UI, smarter dashboards: Xero’s facelift – a genuine revamp or just lip gloss?
• iplicit and Cin7 join forces to supercharge wholesale and distribution
• Sage’s latest product push: nice ideas, bland delivery
• QuickBooks updates its balance sheet budgeting and plays catch-up on automation
• Scoro’s take on when clients need to upgrade their systems and grow up
Timestamps:
00:00 Coming Up
01:21 Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World Podcast!
05:38 App News
05:42 Xero to acquire Melio in $2.5 billion deal
11:17 Xero targets healthcare with new systems push
13:26 Xero Analytics gets smarter with Syft integration
15:59 Xero dashboard gets fresh redesign for better user experience
20:02 Xero highlights June apps on its App Store for new integrations
22:37 iplicit and Cin7 strike partnership to boost wholesale distribution automation
25:49 Sage Accounting introduces quick-approval quotes, GoCardless payments, budgeting tools and invoice improvements
29:28 QuickBooks Online rolls out updates to balance sheet reporting and budgeting
40:41 Scoro: How to know if your client needs a PSA
53:29 Thanks for tuning in – please leave a rating and subscribe to future shows!
#Xero #XeroAcquisition #XeroAcquireMelio #AccountingTechNews #FintechNews #DigiToolsinAccrualWorld #AppNews
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
This week on Digi-Tools in Accrual World - sponsored by FYI - we’re diving deep into the latest fintech news, with a close-up on the tools and platforms redefining the tech stack for accountants. From HMRC compliance and accounting tech consolidation to next-gen workflows and AI-powered innovation, we unpack how firms are adapting - and what’s coming next.
Whether you’re watching accounting tech news unfold or actively planning your firm’s next move, this episode has plenty to get your teeth into.
We cover:
• CCH iFirm’s new MTD for Income Tax solution - and why John Toon’s surprisingly impressed
• Access launches “Evolve” - an ERP-style suite bundling Fathom, Lightyear and more
• Employment Hero’s free payroll software for micro-businesses
• Dext drops GPS mileage tracking, auto-descriptions and bulk approval tools
• Mimo adds planned payment dates for smarter forecasting
• Active Workpapers integrates with CloudCapcha to bring timesheet automation into its workpapers suite
• Sleek raises $23m to expand its hybrid tech-accounting platform
• HMRC loses £47m to fraudulent PAYE claims
• UK government departments owe £1.65m in unpaid invoices - some dating back 18 years
Plus – we’re joined by Harv from Scoro, digging into the shift from accountant to FinOps advisor, and how PSA platforms like Scoro are helping firms evolve their client service, pricing models and digital strategy.
If you’re trying to keep pace with accounting tech innovation and want to stay ahead of changes in digital transformation - this one’s worth a listen.
00:00 Coming Up
01:02 Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World Podcast
04:39 App News
04:58 CCH iFirm launches MTD for Income Tax solution
08:06 Access launches ‘Evolve’ to tackle mid-market system sprawl
11:35 Employment Hero offers free payroll
14:37 Dext adds GPS mileage tracking and auto-descriptions
18:21 Mimo introduces Planned Payment Dates for better forecasting
19:17 Active Workpapers integrates with Cloudcapcha for timesheet automation
22:28 Sleek raises $23m to expand digital accounting and compliance tools
24:42 HMRC loses £47m to fraudulent tax repayments
27:02 Government hits £17m in unpaid supplier invoices
30:31 Scoro: Becoming a FinOps Advisor
41:07 Enjoyed the pod? Drop us a like or a review to let us know :)
#DigiToolsinAccrualWorld #AppNews #accountingtechnews #fintechnews #techstackforaccountants #accountingtechconsolidation #accountingtechinnovation