Heather shares why real-world networking still matters for accountants & bookkeepers, offering practical tips to build genuine, long-term professional relationships without feeling salesy or awkward.

In this episode, Heather Smith explores the timeless power of in-person networking for accounting & bookkeeping professionals. Based on her article for Acuity Magazine, she shares stories, strategies, and tech tips for nurturing relationships authentically.

Article : https://www.acuitymag.com/business/how-to-make-the-most-of-in-person-networking/

• Why networking isn't about selling, it's about trust and relationships.
• Tips for event preparation, including reviewing attendees and sending pre-event LinkedIn messages.
• Digital vs paper business cards: the role of QR codes, NFC cards, and LinkedIn connections.
• Best conversation starters (including complimenting shoes).
• The importance of post-event follow-up, such as voice memos and task lists.
• Why introverts might actually be excellent networkers.
• How to stay top of mind with minimal LinkedIn activity (just 12 posts a year!).
• Real examples of relationships built over 15+ years that still add value today.
• Encouragement for all generations—young professionals and seasoned leaders alike—to show up and contribute.

Contact details:

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

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

A lively panel reflects on 2025's tech-driven accounting trends, AI, automation, clean data, and what’s next for 2026. Ethics, awards, remote work, and receipts that must die!

Summary

In this panel discussion recorded at the Cloudoffis end-of-year event in Sydney, Heather Smith is joined by John Munden (Cloudoffis), Tyler Caskey (The Bean Counters), and Natalia Clark (Easy Super) to reflect on 2025 and forecast on the future in 2026 and beyond in the accounting and auditing industry.

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Key 2025 trends: AI integration, automation pain points, rapid tech change.
• The obsession with building AI agents into workflows.
• Insights on award-winning success and staying unique.
• The shift to remote-first work and global team building.
• Strategic investments in talent vs. tech at Cloudoffis.
• The call to kill receipts, wet signatures, and corporate cheques.
• Bold forecasts for AI replacing admin roles and fast decision-making gaps.
• Final takeaway: ethics, professionalism, and agility are your superpowers.

Contact details:

Sponsor Offers: Here

Cloudoffis : https://cloudoffis.com.au/

Natalia Clark : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliaclack-easysuper/

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

John Munden : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmunden/

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

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Jarrod Adam is Head of Production & Distribution at The Access Group

Explore how Unleashed helps small businesses thrive through AI-driven inventory management, smarter tools, and actionable data that streamline operations and empower strategic growth.

Summary

Today I’m speaking with Jarrod Adam, Head of Production & Distribution at The Access Group. In this episode, we talk about . . . how Unleashed empowers small businesses with actionable data, AI-powered tools, and integrated inventory solutions.

• Introduction to Jarrod Adams and his background in product management
• The story behind Unleashed and its acquisition by The Access Group
• Overview of the inventory and warehouse management landscape for SMBs
• Unleashed’s value proposition for small businesses and advisors
• When and why to move from basic inventory in GL systems to dedicated inventory tools
• Implementation approach and onboarding process at Unleashed
• Unleashed’s ecosystem: integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon & more
• Evolving supply chain issues post-COVID and solutions like Advanced Inventory Manager (AIM)
• AI in Unleashed: Evo copilot, AI feed, and intelligent agents
• Partner Portal for accountants and bookkeepers – real-time client access
• Use of operational data for advisory services
• The Unleashed Manufacturing Health Index – valuable for advisory insights
• Discussion around the manufacturing “haves and have-nots”
• Closing thoughts on simplicity, design, and real value from software

Unleashed, Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Access Evo, Advanced Inventory Manager

00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro: Meet Jarrod Adams from Unleashed. 01:58 – From Tigerland to Tech: A playful rugby-themed intro. 04:20 – Jarrod’s Journey to Product Management: How he fell into software. 06:20 – Auckland’s Thriving SaaS Scene: NZ’s impact on global tech. 08:10 – Inventory, CRM & WMS Landscape: What SMBs need today. 10:50 – What Unleashed Does: Efficient workflows + strategic insights. 13:00 – Signs a Business Needs Unleashed: From post-it notes to stock stress. 15:20 – Accountant & Bookkeeper Pain Points: Data, margins & advisory blocks. 17:30 – Implementation Timeline: Fast, guided onboarding sessions. 19:05 – Unleashed Integrations: Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon & more. 21:10 – E-commerce Growth Post-COVID: Why integrations are essential. 23:15 – AI & Forecasting with AIM: Managing supply chain uncertainty. 26:00 – Using Data for Better Advice: The power of operational insights. 28:00 – Manufacturing Health Index: A free resource for advisory. 30:00 – Characteristics of Thriving Manufacturers: Mitigating supplier risks. 32:15 – Partner Portal for Accountants: Real-time multi-client access. 34:00 – AI Copilot & Agents: How Evo enhances the user experience. 35:45 – Final Thoughts & Outro: Software should solve problems, not add them.

Contact details:

Sponsor Offers: Here

Unleashed Software: https://www.unleashedsoftware.com/

Jarrod Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrod-adam/

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

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU