Today I’m speaking with Ryan Pearcy, founder of Digital Transformers and co-host of DigiTools in a Cruel World

Background: From theoretical physicist to chartered accountant with a passion for cloud technology

From Theory to Tech: Ryan shares his journey from theoretical physics to founding Digital Transformers, helping accounting firms streamline systems and gain smarter insights

Digital Transformation vs. App Advisory: Why true transformation is about processes, not just plugging in apps

Fixing the Wild West: Ryan’s mission to bring quality, accreditation, and structure to digital advisory services within the profession

Partnering with ICAEW: Efforts to integrate digital transformation into formal accounting practice standards

AI’s Impact: How AI is reshaping client relationships—from advice to assurance—and why pricing models need to evolve

Top Tools Mentioned:

• FYI, FuseSign, Xero – for practice and financial management

• ApprovalMax – to streamline approvals and bring in purchase order controls

• Addfin – flexible payment options

• Fathom – advanced reporting

• Active Workpapers – modernising workpaper processes
  
  

Pro Tips for Firms: Start with expense management automation, consider phased system rollouts, and never underestimate the value of post-implementation support

Stay Ahead: Ryan recommends using tools like Feedly and following communities like Digital Disruptors to keep pace with evolving tech

Get Involved:

• Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99%EF%B8%8F-ryan-pearcy-a3883a34/

• Follow the Digital Disruptors newsletter and live sessions

• Listen to the DigiTools in ACCruel World podcast

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

A dynamic panel explores how accountants can lead digital transformation, harness AI, train teams, and shift from compliance to advisory to stay relevant in a fast-changing tech landscape.

• The role of trusted advisors in leading digital transformation.

• Challenges in adopting new tech, especially in larger firms with undertrained internal finance teams.

• The critical importance of training staff and upskilling, starting from the advisory end and working backwards.

• Using tools like Dext and other cloud accounting apps to streamline processes and enhance client engagement.

• The value of certifications, networking, and community learning.

• Emphasis on simplifying processes before layering tech solutions.

This panel was held at the Accounting and Business Expo in Sydney, and was sponsored by Dext. Dext is a cloud-based accounting software platform that helps accountants, bookkeepers, and businesses streamline financial data collection and processing. Formerly known as Receipt Bank, Dext offers tools for automated data extraction, invoice and receipt management, and real-time financial insights. It integrates with leading accounting systems like Xero, QuickBooks Online, and Sage, making it easier to reduce manual data entry, improve accuracy, and speed up workflows. With a strong focus on automation and AI, Dext empowers advisors to shift from compliance work to more strategic, advisory-focused services.

Contacts and resources:

Lielette Calleja (BusinessDEPOT) https://www.linkedin.com/in/lielettecalleja/

Aleesha Bailey (RSM Australia) https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleesha-bailey/

Sabby Gill (CEO of Dext) https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabbygill/

Heather Smith : https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

KPMG : Keeping Us Up At Night https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/au/pdf/2025/keeping-us-up-at-night-2025.pdf

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

My co-host Tyler Caskey Partner at The BeanCounters and I presented a taster of our quarterly Accounting Tech update podcast at the popular Accounting & Business Expo in Sydney.

In this episode, we talk about . . .

Big Software Moves: Xero retires classic invoicing and introduces drag/drop bill uploads; QuickBooks enhances Projects and Work area; MYOB adds new reminders; Easy Business adds ABA payroll.

ERP & Practice App Upgrades: NetSuite introduces AI-powered “Text Enhanced,” while XonBoard simplifies Xero onboarding—praised as “worth its weight in gold.”

Insights & Oversight Tools: Fathom launches Portfolio for client-wide metrics; Dext refreshes its dashboard; Spotlight Reporting pushes ESG advisory via Sustain.

Standout Tools & Features: Modano’s online budgeting praised, Translucent adds 6 tracking categories & Deferred Revenue App, Karbon expands KPI reporting and integrates Chrome extension.

Ecosystem Growth: Sharesight adds Drawdown Risk and improved cost reporting; Fergus integrates with Xero for builders; Workshop Software boosts mobile bookings; EZRentout enhances order pipelines.

Contact details:

Tyler Caskey : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercaskey/

The Bean Counters : https://www.thebeancounters.com.au/

Heather Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting