Digi-Tools In Accrual World

New Year New You... Same Old DTIAW with a Bumper App News

Join our Digital Disruptors community to keep updated on the latest app news and events we'll be running this year.

This week we have a bumper app news to kick off 2024 and we take a look back at 2023 on apps we would bed, buy, bin based on their releases and forward plans.

In app news this week:

• GI and Advancetrack settle - https://www.accountancydaily.co/ip-case-settled-between-gi-outsourcing-and-advancetrack
• IRIS pay improved- https://www.unipaas.com/blog/iris-pays-next-chapter-a-strategic-partnership-with-unipaas-enhances-kashflow 
• IRIS looking to sell for £3bn - https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kkr-advanced-talks-3-billion-150834828.html
  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mergerlinks_leonard-green-partners-completed-the-acquisition-activity-7146601869576970241-ciqA?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• Iplicit gets OCR - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/community/industry-insights/iplicit-offers-all-customers-ap-automation
• AI tool Jenesys lands $1.1m to reimage role of accountants - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/ai-tool-jenesys-lands-11m-to-reimage-the-role-of-accountants
• BDO launches secure AI platform personas https://www.accountancydaily.co/bdo-launches-secure-ai-platform-personas
• Allica partners with Wise - https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/99010/allica-bank-signs-with-wise-for-cross-border-money-transfers
• Pivot (procurement app) raises $21.6m - https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/12/procurement-software-startup-pivot-raises-216-million-just-a-few-months-after-its-creation/
• Xero partner pricing increase - https://www.xero.com/uk/pricing-plans/partner-update/?fbclid=IwAR1mBcJmVESw9Nx4HpIpEwGDlFwCWbkOeS8G09ZDBfP8I79ENYjC6W5ohGM
• Xero money matters report 
• Xero hackathon releases - https://blog.xero.com/product-updates/highlights-from-2023-hackathon/
• Dext updates - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ben-s-9b707522_weve-been-delivering-the-q4-update-for-dext-activity-7138558551454547970-hTDq?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• Quickbooks enhance reporting coming - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/general-ledger/quickbooks-enhanced-reporting-changes-underway/
• QBO balance sheet budgets https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/general-ledger/quickbooks-online-balance-sheet-budgets/
• FreeAgent supports self assessment property pages https://www.freeagent.com/blog/self-assessment-property-pages/
• ServiceM8 updates - https://www.servicem8.com/uk/october-2023-update
• Bill (formerly bill.com) launches lots of new features - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/vendor-news/bill-announced-new-features/
• HMRC side hustle tax for online sellers https://uk-style-yahoo-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/uk.style.yahoo.com/amphtml/hmrc-rolls-side-hustle-tax-175719631.html
• HMRC reveal existence of income tax https://www.ladbible.com/news/sport/luke-littler-net-worth-money-earnings-hmrc-712229-20240104

2023: that’s a wrap. Intelligent Automation with Bots For That & which 2024 accounting event are you bedding, buying or binning??!

End of the year and that's a wrap for 2023. We end on the same note as we started with AI, or as Daniel Lawrence of Bots For That puts it, "Intelligent Automation".

 

Have you considered RPA or using AI of manual tasks such as bank reconciliation rather than hiring? Well this tidy interview gives you an idea of how other accounting firms are using intelligent automation in their processes. Seems like a fitting end to the year that has been all things AI.

 

And in app news this week: 

• FreeAgent and smart capture - https://www.freeagent.com/blog/introducing-smart-capture/
• FreeAgent for landlords - https://www.freeagent.com/blog/freeagent-for-landlords/
• Fresh Books board changes less the drama - https://www.freshbooks.com/blog/a-letter-from-freshbooks-founder-and-board-chair
• Iplicit's exciting batch of releases 2023. Not to be missed - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/community/industry-insights/new-iplicit-functionality-of-2023-round-up
• TaxCalc handles FRS102s to LLPs - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/taxcalc-expands-frs-102-capabilities-to-llps
• Know-IT new App - https://know-it.co.uk/blog/automated-credit-control-platform-know-it-goes-mobile-with-a-brand-new-app/
• Excel changes - hold on to your seats - Groupby & Pivotby - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/davebenaim_excel-activity-7130466435788595201-mTfN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• Spotlight Sustain and advancements in ESG accounting - https://www.spotlightsustain.com/?utm_content=272732482&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-2431406
• Payhawk launches PO - https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/98856/payhawk-launches-purchase-order-system
• German B2B e-invoicing delay - https://ffnews.com/newsarticle/funding/uk-sme-payments-fintech-crezco-raises-12m-announces-its-technology-partnership-enabling-a-new-xero-feature/
• Caution on the digital pound - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-67590468
  
  

Finally BED, BUY or BIN for accounting events - what is coming up in the next few months. We cover the events we're putting in the bed, buying or binning off. Caveat - we are signed up to all of them including the inaugural FAB event run by Accounting Web in Birmingham this year. See you there!

What’s Appening With Sage / QBO / Xero? Meet Transluscent by ex-Dext Founder Michael Wood

Latest app news covering the numerous software and business updates, this week we feature:

• Sage results - https://www.sage.com/investors/investor-downloads/press-releases/2023/11/full-year-2023-results-22-november-2023/
• Xero results - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kirstygodfreybilly_today-we-reported-xeros-half-year-earnings-activity-7128196997060198400-4wJ1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• Xero beautiful business fund winners - https://www.xero.com/blog/2023/11/beautiful-business-fund-winners-2023/
• Xero HQ – tax manager - https://www.xero.com/blog/2023/11/new-tax-manager-in-xero-hq/
• XERO AWS link - https://devblog.xero.com/were-collaborating-with-aws-to-help-small-businesses-digitise-9d98275203de?source=rss----ed4d3abf1c21---4
• Xero automated sales tax US - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/general-ledger/xero-introduces-new-automated-sales-tax/
• Xero Pay - https://blog.xero.com/product-updates/pay-bills-without-leaving-xero/
• Xero e-invoicing - https://blog.xero.com/product-updates/introducing-einvoicing-in-the-uk/
• Sage CTO AI vision - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/sage-cto-spells-out-ai-accounting-vision
• Sage Intacct releases - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/vendor-news/new-sage-intacct-features/
• QuickBooks Inventory - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/general-ledger/quickbooks-inventory-sales-and-e-commerce-enhancements/
• QBO trade gecko fearures - https://insightfulaccountant.com/podcastsvideo/quickbooks-sales-orders/
• QB ledger - https://insightfulaccountant.com/podcastsvideo/quickbooks-ledger/
• QB payroll & HR announcements - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/payroll-merchant-services/other-quickbooks-payroll-and-hr-enhancements/
• QB closing Mint - https://insightfulaccountant.com/in-the-news/people-and-business/mint-app-to-end-january-1-2024/
• Intuit new prod launches QBC - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/vendor-news/intuit-quickbooks-unveils-new-product-innovations/

 

Followed by a sneak peek into Michael Woods’ latest venture, Transluscent, backed by an all-star line league of accounting tech veterans. 

If you like this episode and haven’t reviewed us yet, don’t forget to take 2 minutes to write us one. Thanks!

Payroll Software - who do we bed, buy, bin? From Coconut to Oak North - joined by Sam O’Connor

In this episode John spends some time with Sam O'Connor, GM at Oak North and ex-Co-Founder of Coconut, for a post mortem on the exit of Coconut. As most will recall Coconut exited earlier this year to GoSimpleTax - thanks to a delayed MTD for ITSA. But we hear all about how Oak North, one of the fast growth and profitable Banks in the UK is working with Accountants in the UK.

 

Followed by a bed, bin and buy session with John and Ryan on payroll bureau softwares. That's right, we tell you who we would get into bed with, buy or bin it. 

 

We return next week with a bumper app news - but if you need your fix sooner - subscribe to app news on the all new Digital Disruptors website.

Alex Von Schirmeister, Xero’s EMEA MD, talks all things small business + App News

In this episode we're joined by Alex Von Schirmeister, Xero's EMEA MD, who talks all things small business fresh off the back of the Small Business Accounting Report released by Xero earlier this month. 

Hear about the work being done by Xero in Number 10 on rooting out late payments aka unapproved debt as well as news on the big priorities in Xero right now.

In app news this week:

• Gravity AI software - Revolutionizing Accounts Payable Automation: Gravity Software Unveils Cutting-Edge AI Technology Powered by Microsoft’s Cognitive Services AI Engine - insightfulaccountant.com
• NetSuite AI - https://www.blakeoliver.com/blog/evan-goldberg-talks-netsuite-new-ai-features-at-suiteworld-2023
• Hindsight gone - https://www.hindsightapp.com/goodbye/
• Comma gone - The Future of the Comma App. Weavr acquired Comma in March this year… | by Adam Harrison | Sep, 2023 | Comma Payments (usecomma.com)
• Sage free software - https://www.businessage.com/post/sage-launches-first-free-accounting-solution-for-sole-traders
• QBO COA template - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/general-ledger/new-qbo-accountant-coa-template-feature/
• QBO e-commerce capabilities - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/general-ledger/intuit-announces-new-e-commerce-capabilities-for-quickbooks/ https://investors.intuit.com/news/news-details/2023/Intuit-QuickBooks-Introduces-Integrated-E-Commerce-Management-for-Product-Based-Businesses-Using-QuickBooks-Online/default.aspx
• Fathom custom terminology - https://support.fathomhq.com/en/articles/8487105-custom-terminology
• FreeAgent wins friendliest software - https://www.freeagent.com/blog/freeagent-named-friendliest-software-2023/
• Freeagent amazon integration - https://www.freeagent.com/features/amazon-seller/
• Enhanced tax calculator for Mettle - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/enhanced-tax-calculator-for-mettle-and-freeagent-users
• Xero updates – Tweaked reporting for more cusotmisation. Smooth transition from old reports? Powered up the contacts screen – greater links to XPM (new focus)
• Xero awards judges - https://www.xero.com/blog/2023/11/xero-awards-uk-2024-judges/
• Iplicit linked to thousands of apps – iPaaS - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/community/industry-insights/iplicit-is-now-easily-linked-with-thousands-of-other-applications-thanks
• Apron new feature - any of approvals - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/community/industry-insights/new-feature-any-of-approvals
• RQ advisory for accounting - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/rq-aims-to-unlock-advisory-income-for-accounting-firms
• Capium launches AML - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/capium-enhances-aml-offering-and-updates-charity-tools
• Xero new app – Greenly - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/greenly-joins-xero-app-store-brings-revolutionary-carbon-accounting-app-to-wider-audience-301965695.html

Pod Collab’s: Alex Falcon on Practice life from down under, Aaron Patrick+Johan Goree on all things QBO

A very juicy episode - in just over an hour we cover app news, the latest from QuickBooks conference and a pod collab with Aaron Patrick and Johan Goree, as well as a hop over to the other side of the world to join Alex Falcon from Soaring Falcon on her latest Practice priorities.

Kicking off with Damon from Employment Hero on whether how real time reporting is delivering impact right across the industry.

In app news this week:

1. Glen foster to Dext - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/glenfoster1_bebrave-beexceptional-betogether-activity-7115691612726272001-xWj1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
2. Bright appoints new CEO https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/bright-appoints-stephen-murdoch-as-new-ceo
3. Xero AI powered contact predictions https://www.xero.com/blog/2023/10/new-ai-powered-contact-predictions/
4. Xero single client record - https://www.xero.com/blog/2023/10/single-client-record-is-coming/
5. Sage new releases https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chris-downing_feel-like-software-update-webinars-are-a-activity-7118128655003742208-Yqlv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
6. QBO - roadshow
7. Ignition new features - https://www.ignitionapp.com/news/ignition-unveils-latest-innovations-to-enable-accountants-and-professional-services-to-maximize-revenue
8. Nook brings in multi step approvals
9. Confirmation.com new UX
10. Visma deal for Silverfin €300m https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/visma-snaps-up-silverfin-in-eu300m-deal
11. Googles makes passkeys default - https://techcrunch.com/2023/10/10/google-makes-passkeys-the-default-sign-in-method-for-all-users/
12. France to roll out e-invoicing 2026 - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/business/finance-strategy/france-sets-the-ball-rolling-on-e-invoicing

S3 E4 - Will Farnell & The Human Firm, Damon Anderson on data security & a bucket load of the latest app news

In this episode we're joining Damon Anderson to talk data security in payroll tech. Followed by a flashback interview with Will Farnell post the launch of his book The Human Firm earlier this year - we talk tribalism, kindness and commercialising accounting. 

App News this week has run a little off schedule but in this week we cover a range of topics from the 40 minute mark:

• TOD – Copilot launches - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/tod-copilot-aims-to-reduce-ai-risks-for-tax-firms
• Firmcheck launches in UK - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/practice-software/firmcheck-launches-into-the-aml-software-market
• Mayday new features - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/mayday-adds-bank-reconciliation-and-loan-balance-functions
• QBO Intuit assist – firs tlook - https://intuitiveaccountant.com/accounting-tech/general-ledger/qbo-monday-minute-quickbooks-online-intuit-assist/
• QuickBooks money launched - Intuit Launches Subscription-Free Quickbooks Money (financemagnates.com)
• QuickBooks PM live - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/practice-software/quickbooks-practice-manager-tool-goes-live
• End of Pay with Wise in Xero https://central.xero.com/s/article/Set-up-Pay-with-Wise
• Modulr integration to Xero Modulr makes paying bills simple, secure and automated with Xero - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
• Xero AI driven support starts to roll out in the UK – answers rather than links
• Xero API – bulk connections - https://devblog.xero.com/streamline-your-onboarding-with-xero-bulk-connections-d39c1a65ee8?source=rss----ed4d3abf1c21---4
• Xero support now calls you
• Swoop partner sage 
• Apron feature – remtance advice - New feature: remittance advice | AccountingWEB
• Apron lands £12m funding - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/apron-lands-ps12m-funding-and-launches-client-hub
• Visma acquires silverfin - https://www.visma.com/news/visma-strengthens-position-as-europes-cloud-accounting-champion-with-acquisition-of-silverfin
• Iwoca live on shopify - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/iwoca_iwocapay-is-now-live-on-shopify-now-you-activity-7110578426335371265-jKaI?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
• Capitalise credit risk tool - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/capitalise-boosts-functionality-with-credit-risk-tool
• Plan A carbon accounting app raises $27m https://techcrunch.com/2023/09/19/plan-a-carbon-accounting/
• MTD agent authorisation is changing – had to add can no longer copy- Agent VAT authorisation is changing | AccountingWEB

S3 Episode 3 - Heather Smith Disrupts! App News Latest

Seems only fitting Heather Smith joins us for the introduction of our new network, the Digital Disruptors, to talk about the value of networks, introverts and peer learning opportunities.

What networks are you part of? Do you have a unique perspective to share? Come and join our Digital Disruptors network.

In this week's app news:

1. Intuit posts great results - https://intuitiveaccountant.com/in-the-news/people-and-business/intuit-reports-strong-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results/
2. Xero publishes its industry performance report
3. Stuart Hurst's 4 day working week success – Accounts and Legal - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stuart-hurst-cloud_friday-work-staff-activity-7100846229986717696-i_lz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
4. Phoenix from the ashes - Reducer is back
5. Snap! Waddle rises again too - https://thepaypers.com/online-mobile-banking/cbas-acquisition-of-waddle-strengthens-[…]=email&utm_campaign=Daily+2023-09-07+Daily-Newsletter-Banking
6. FYIs largest ever release - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cameronrobert_exciting-news-fyi-is-launching-a-new-activity-7102110524343013377-Rp1U?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
7. Syft – multiple releases 
8. GoProposal in AML - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/practice-software/goproposal-enters-the-aml-arena
9. Intuit launches AI powered assistant - https://techcrunch.com/2023/09/06/intuit-assist-generative-ai-assistant/ & https://intuitiveaccountant.com/in-the-news/people-and-business/meet-intuit-assist/
10. Dextension - https://info.dext.com/dextension
11. Restore signs £140 deal with HMRC for digital comms - https://www.accountancydaily.co/restore-signs-ps140m-digital-communication-deal-hmrc
12. Freshpay in Xero app store - https://x.com/xeroapi/status/1700026367226622417?s=12&t=P8Y4JmhL4HglZr3bauCj4Q
13. Wunderbuild in app store - https://x.com/xeroapi/status/1699965915968720896?s=12&t=P8Y4JmhL4HglZr3bauCj4Q
14. Setyl on Appstore - https://x.com/xeroapi/status/1700992688550809761?s=12&t=P8Y4JmhL4HglZr3bauCj4Q
15. Advancetrack win battle with GI Outsourcing - E-Accounting Solutions Ltd t/as AdvanceTrack v Global Infosys Ltd t/as GI Outsourcing

Season 3 Episode 2: Throwback to John taking the piste, latest app news, what will Jonny Gaunt do next?

We are rolling on with episode 2.

In this episode we throw back to the time where John was incapacitated and locked in a Flinder chalet - left to his own devices he pondered life's big questions... and mainly what Jon Gaunt would do next post his exit from Dext. Joined by some friendly faces, Alex Bond Burnett, Pamela Phillips, Luke Streeter and Dave Sellick.

Damon from Employment Hero gives us another 5 minute dose of the benefits of integrated HR, payroll and AI.

We also cover in app news:

1. Xero launch beautiful business fund – financial awards for small businesses - deadline in a month - Xero unveils new AI tools, $690,000 Beautiful Business Fund (smartcompany.com.au) , https://www.intuitiveaccountant.com/accounting-tech/vendor-news/xero-beautiful-business-fund-submissions-now-open/
2. Xero product announcements Sydney 2023 - Product wrap from Xerocon Sydney 2023 | Xero Blog
3. Xero sneak peek at inventory upgrade from US roadshow - US Roadshow Accelerate: Xero brings the product announcements (and the noise) | Xero Blog
4. QBO fixed asset module (US) - Whats New in QBO: Fixed Asset Management in QBO Advanced - insightfulaccountant.com (intuitiveaccountant.com)
5. Apron raises $5.5m in funding round,  available for charities and launches confirmation of payee Say hello to Apron: the powerful payment platform that’s raised $5.5M in funding | AccountingWEB New feature: charities are now welcome on Apron | AccountingWEB It's a match! New feature: Confirmation of Payee | AccountingWEB
6. Silverfin goes live AI assistant - Silverfin boots up AI assistant | AccountingWEB
7. FreeAgent using AI - How FreeAgent uses AI | AccountingWEB
8. Firmcheck (formerly connectworks) hire Kevin Lord – Head of Sales at Freeagent and Chaser
9. Translucent accounting raises £5m seed round - Translucent Accounting Platform Raises £5M Seed-round - insightfulaccountant.com (intuitiveaccountant.com)
10. Reflow added to Xero app store – field management for construction, highway management etc – now over 1,500 apps on the xero app store worldwide and over 20,000 that connect via the API (thanks to heather smith for that insight)- XeroAPI on X: "Welcome to the UK @Xero App Store, @reflow247! Re-flow's field management software for construction, highway management, civil engineering, rail and landscaping helps firms & industry heavyweights M.V. Kelly, Colas & BMI, reach the next level. Details: https://t.co/BlWLcvOdOd https://t.co/gijCpcp2Hl" / X (twitter.com)
11. Empowered by cloud – Laura Taylor construction focussed accountancy firm trial 4 day working week, reverted after 4 weeks(2) Post | LinkedIn
12. Incompetent accountant - Incompetent accountant showed no grasp of CGT | AccountingWEB
13. IRS set to go paperless by 2025 - IRS Set to Go Paperless by 2025 - insightfulaccountant.com (intuitiveaccountant.com)
14. ICAEW launch enquiry into gaps in HMRC digital journey - Gaps persist in HMRC’s digital service journey | AccountingWEB

Thanks to Leigh @ Nomad for his seriously sharp editing skills.

Back for good! Rolling with Season 3

It's Season 3 and we're all set for another season with our new editor in tow, thanks to Leigh at Nomad Video. In this episode we cover app news, the big pricing debate and an intro to Damon from Employment Hero.

In app news this week:

Xero and Dext price increases (also Sage) - Dext pricing change from today | AccountingWEB
Fathom – budget release – Adding Budgets for Divisions | Fathom Help Centre (fathomhq.com)
ApprovalMax or Cin7 Core - (1) New Messages! (approvalmax.com)
QBO aligned navigation - QuickBooks Online Navigation Revisions Coming Soon - insightfulaccountant.com (intuitiveaccountant.com)
Intuit pulls QuickBooks from France - Intuit is 'Turning Out the Lights' in France - insightfulaccountant.com (intuitiveaccountant.com)
QuickBooks workforce App - New QuickBooks Workforce App Goes International - insightfulaccountant.com (intuitiveaccountant.com)
Bright launches proposal software (Bright Propose) - Bright launches new proposal software tool | AccountingWEB
FYI sharepoint integration - FYI Software brings greater collaboration with SharePoint integration | AccountingWEB
UK government considers open banking through gov.co.uk Pay

Interested in joining us for an episode? Or joining our network? Get in touch.