Today I’m speaking with Cloudoffis co-founders Viral Kanabar and Manish Sheladia

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Cloudoffis' journey from SMSF audit automation to AI-first tax workpaper solution, TaxSorted.

• Their goal is to create a complete cloud-based operating system for accounting firms.

• The shift from manual processes (PDFs, Excel) to seamless AI-enhanced workflows.

• The importance of integrations with BGL, Class, FYI Docs, and the ATO.

• Key challenges facing accounting firms: time poverty, tech adoption hesitation, and rising compliance pressures.

• Cloudoffis’ approach to fostering startup culture internally with hackathons and open innovation.

• Vision for accountants to evolve into business analysts and trusted advisors, moving beyond data entry.

• Viral's reflections on attending leadership events and staying energized.

• Plans for international expansion into the US, UK, and Canada.

Key Takeaways:

• Automation and AI can free accountants from repetitive tasks, enabling more strategic advisory work.

• Building contextual, seamless AI into workflows is key to improving both efficiency and client outcomes.

• Collaboration with tech partners and embracing startup thinking drives ongoing innovation.

Cloudoffis began its journey by supporting SMSF auditors and accountants with automated workflows, work papers, and collaboration tools that drive efficiency, compliance, and standardisation across their practices. With over 20% of Australian SMSFs now audited through the Cloudoffis platform, Cloudoffis has become the trusted brand for more than 2,000 auditing and accounting firms across Australia.

In 2024, due to popular demand from tax teams looking for the same benefits their SMSF teams were experiencing, Cloudoffis launched Tax Sorted - a new AI-first tax work paper. Tax Sorted streamlines the preparation, review, and approval of tax work papers for both businesses and individuals, enhancing efficiency and compliance across the Australian accounting market.

Read how I work with some apps here http://endorsementdisclosure.com/

Contact details:

Viral Kanabar https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanabarviral/

Manish Sheladia https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheladia/

Cloudoffis https://cloudoffis.com.au/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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

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

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

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Today I’m speaking with Colin Hewitt, Founder & CEO of Float

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Evolution of cash flow forecasting from spreadsheets to intelligent cash flow platforms.

• Differences between direct and indirect cash flow forecasting.

• Float’s shift to support fractional CFOs and the growing need for 13-week forecasts.

• New features in Float:
  
  

• • 13-week forecasting reports with click-to-detail functionality.

  • Consolidated cash flow view for multi-entity businesses.

  • Enhanced PDF reporting capabilities.

  • Upcoming VAT & GST forecasting features.

  • AI-driven expected payment dates and "intelligent cash flow".
    
    

• Importance of embracing AI internally and the concept of becoming an "AI-first" company.

• Colin’s experience launching The New F Word podcast, focusing on the rise of fractional CFOs.

• Building visibility via LinkedIn thought leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• Cash flow tools should integrate seamlessly with reporting stacks, not replace them.

• Fractional CFOs face context-switching challenges Float aims to solve.

• AI offers new efficiencies but requires thoughtful, user-focused implementation.

Contact details:

Float: https://www.floatapp.com/

Colin Hewitt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinphewitt/

The New F*Word (F for Fractional Finance) https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-new-f-word-f-for-fractional-finance/id1779512563

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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

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

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

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Today I’m speaking with Ryan Pearcy, founder of Digital Transformers and co-host of the Digi-Tools in ACCruel World podcast.

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

Today I’m speaking with Andrew Sims, CEO of SuiteFiles

Key Learnings from this episode include:

Understanding Fatigue: Decision, friction, and task fatigue impact productivity. Recognising them is the first step to overcoming them.

Practical Boundaries: Setting clear work boundaries and minimising interruptions can dramatically improve focus.

Calendar & Meeting Management: Colour-coded calendars, automated scheduling tools, and meeting transcribers save time and reduce cognitive overload.

Digital Decluttering: Organised digital workspaces reduce friction fatigue and make information retrieval seamless.

Deep Work Techniques: Methods like the Pomodoro technique, energy peak planning, and music-driven focus improve concentration.

The Right Tech Tools: Document management, email organisation, and workflow automation enhance efficiency and reduce time wasted on repetitive tasks.

Resources

To find out more about SuiteFiles: https://www.suitefiles.com/

Andrew Sims https://www.linkedin.com/in/adsims/

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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

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

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

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@heathersmithau

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/heathersmithau.bsky.social

As a female founder in fintech, Jo Hurley shares her journey as a tech entrepreneur learning from other sectors, selling her business to Deloitte, and how endurance sports fuel her personal growth.

Today I’m speaking with Jo Hurley Chartered Accountant Motivational Speaker and Triathlete

• Tech in Finance: How Jo leveraged technology to transform audit processes.

• Women in Tech: Facing industry pushback & building networks beyond finance.

• Selling a Business: The realities of selling to Deloitte & unexpected retirement.

• Mindset & Endurance: How Ironman training fosters discipline & deep reflection.

• Storytelling & Speaking: Using experience to connect with and inspire others.

Resources

The Light Year Docs 25 event

https://www.lightyeardocs.com.au/event-details/lyd25-unstoppable-growth-conference-online-2

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_lyd25-lyd25-accountingandaccountants-activity-7296297019323691009-etYO/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_lyd25-accountingandaccountants-lyd-activity-7294927985101393920-lT6K/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-lyd25-futureofaccounting-activity-7294962990074765313-5JxZ/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heathersmithau_accountingandaccountants-lyd25-futureofaccounting-activity-7295609805522489344-pK6r/

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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

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

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

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@heathersmithau

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/heathersmithau.bsky.social

Discover how NetSuite’s new AI-powered Text Enhance feature is revolutionising finance teams, streamlining workflows, and boosting productivity with secure, business-specific automation —all while keeping data secure. Scott Wiltshire from Oracle NetSuite shares insights into AI-driven automation, its impact on finance and operations, and why Australian & NZ businesses should embrace this next-gen technology. Discover how NetSuite's new AI-powered "Text Enhanced" feature is revolutionising finance teams by automating manual tasks, improving productivity, and providing smarter business insights

Today I’m speaking with Scott Wiltshire, Vice President & GM, Oracle NetSuite ANZ

• NetSuite's "Text Enhanced" Feature: Uses generative AI to automate content creation within the ERP system.

• Boosting Productivity: AI-powered automation helps finance teams with collections, journal entry annotations, and other manual documentation tasks.

• Data Security & Compliance: The AI assistant ensures strict security protocols, keeping company data protected within Oracle Cloud.

• Personalized AI Assistance: AI-generated content is tailored to specific company data, improving accuracy and relevance.

• Competitive Advantage: Businesses leveraging AI early gain efficiency, scalability, and a productivity boost.

• SuiteConnect 2025: NetSuite’s regional conference in Sydney will unveil more AI-powered innovations and training opportunities.

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM

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

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

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

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@heathersmithau

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/heathersmithau.bsky.social