Digi-Tools In Accrual World

Sabby Gill, CEO of Dext, levelling up on Bookkeeping Data Automation

This week we're joined by the super impressive Sabby Gill who talks to us about how Dext has levelled up on its core product, Bookkeeping Data Automation. We cover latest changes and priorities for the business as well as Dextension and the application of AI in the roadmap.

Also in this week's app news:

• End of QB desktop in US? - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/general-ledger/is-july-31-2024-the-end-of-quickbooks-desktop/
• Datasnipper valuation $1bn - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/youssefhounat_datasnipper-startup-that-uses-ai-to-eliminate-activity-7158781672820264960-4IM-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
• Pennylane becomes unicorn -https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/07/accounting-software-startup-pennylane-becomes-frances-latest-unicorn/
• ChangeGPS will be part of Access - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/davidboyar_i-am-thrilled-that-the-next-phase-of-changegps-activity-7158562132257566724-zPMn?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• Classic invoicing is retiring – Xero – App news channel 30/1/24
• Karbon billing and payments 
• Xbert launches AI data tool - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/xbert-launches-ai-data-tool-in-the-uk
  Deepfake CFO - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/deepfake-cfo-dupes-hong-kong-business-into-ps20m-payment
• Sage for accountants release - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/community/industry-insights/sage-for-accountants-in-2024-the-11-latest-features-to-enhance-your

Latest App News and MazApp by Lucy Cohen secures additional investment

Hear the latest app news with Ryan, John and Indi:

• HMRC mandate payrolling benefits https://www.accountancyage.com/2024/01/25/hmrc-to-mandate-payrolling-of-benefits-from-april-2026-implications-and-preparations-for-accountants/
• Launch of Receipt Bot - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/receipt-bot-targets-accounting-data-revolution
• Xemplo integrates with xero payroll - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/xemplo_xemplo-xero-payroll-integration-explore-activity-7155012613800652800-6acN?utm_source=combined_share_message&utm_medium=member_io
• GoCardless enhances FreeAgent integration - https://www.freeagent.com/blog/direct-debit-gocardless-payments/
• Naq raised €3m seed round - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7155868898850930688-Tlpl/?utm_source=combined_share_message&utm_medium=member_ios
• Netcall acquires Skore - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/skore-labs_netcall-acquires-process-improvement-provider-activity-7155504602488999936-f3nO?utm_source=combined_share_message&utm_medium=member_ios
• Capitalise powers FSB funding platform - https://capitalise.com/gb/insights/the-federation-of-small-businesses-partners-with-capitalise
• Coconut & GoSimple Tax integration - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/james-cryne-451b2a16_exciting-news-for-accountants-activity-7155507714498916352-Ti6P?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

We also catch up with Lucy Cohen from Mazuma about her latest raise and plans for their proprietary data capture app MazApp. Is AI next on the roadmap?

Socket to us Johnny Gaunt, what’s on the 2024 accounting tech agenda

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