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

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