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

Insights from a global panel of women leaders in accounting, exploring influence, ethics, personal branding, and leadership challenges in a male-dominated profession.

Summary

In this special episode of the Accounting Apps Podcast, I moderated a global panel discussion at the Accounting & Business Show Asia 2025 in Singapore. I was joined by Kyelie Baxter (IQ Accountants), Uthaya Ponnusamy (RSM Singapore), and Magdalene Ang (R Chan & Associates, ACCA Singapore Chair) for a panel session I moderated called Influence, Integrity and Impact: Navigating the Reality of Women Leading in Accounting

Together we explored:

✅ Career journeys and leadership pivots

✅ Building confidence and personal brand (hello USP!)

✅ Ethics vs. earnings — where we draw the line

✅ Mentoring, connection and navigating invisible barriers

✅ Creating influence with integrity and making an impact

Listen if you're looking for insight, inspiration, or real-world stories from women reshaping leadership in accounting.

Contact details:

Sponsor Offers: Here

Kyelie Baxter, Managing Director at IQ Accountants

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyelie-baxter-fcpa-43224334/

Uthaya Ponnusamy, Partner & Industry Lead - Not For Profit sector at RSM Singapore

https://www.linkedin.com/in/uthaya-ponnusamy-5bab1763/

Magdalene Ang, Director, R Chan & Associates PAC and Chair of ACCA Singapore Member Network Panel.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalene-ang-fcca-fca-singapore-03b2084b/

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

Kerry Butler, CFO of Woolnorth Renewables, Tasmania shares her bold NetSuite rollout, revealing strategic insights on tech, budgeting, AI, and scaling clean energy operations.

Summary

Today I’m speaking with Kerry Butler, CFO of Woolnorth Renewables, Tasmania

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Insights from attending SuiteWorld 2025 in Las Vegas
• Strategic NetSuite rollout, starting with Planning & Budgeting (NSPB)
• Overcoming implementation challenges with a lean finance team
• Use of implementation partners: Pivot Two & Netgain
• Multilingual board reporting (Chinese & English) and real-time forecasting
• Integrations with SharePoint, virtual cards, and maintenance systems
• Leveraging AI and Ask Oracle for smarter decision-making
• Community involvement and commitment to renewable energy
• Advice for scaling businesses and choosing the right tech stack

🧰 Apps & Tools Mentioned:

NetSuite, NetSuite Planning and Budgeting (NSPB), Netgain, Pivot Two, SharePoint, Smart View, Camtasia

00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro: Kerry Butler, CFO of Woolnorth Renewables 01:45 – Why Kerry Chose NetSuite: Flexibility and ecosystem advantages 04:12 – Board-Ready Reporting in Two Languages: How NSPB enabled it 06:57 – Implementing NSPB First: Breaking ERP rollout conventions 09:43 – Smart Budgeting Tools: Using Smart View for real-time inputs 12:21 – Leveraging Implementation Partners: Pivot Two & Netgain's role 15:02 – Complex Accounting Made Simple: Wind farms, loans & derivatives 17:35 – AI & Strategic Finance: What’s coming next in NetSuite 20:14 – Clean Data = Better AI: System integration & SharePoint sync 22:41 – Ask Oracle: AI-powered reporting for CFOs and CEOs 25:33 – SweetWorld Learnings: Building a global CFO network 28:08 – Advice for Scaling Businesses: Plan for future pain points now 30:17 – CFO Life at SweetWorld: Pitbull concert & Aussie networking 33:42 – Final Reflections: Strategic finance, partnerships & impact

Contact details:

Sponsor Offers: Here

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-butler-1333kes/

NetSuite: https://www.netsuite.com.au

SuiteWorld: https://www.netsuitesuiteworld.com

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

Scott Wiltshire, VP & GM of Oracle NetSuite ANZ, unpacks key SuiteWorld 2025 announcements, highlighting AI-driven tools, productivity boosts, and why NetSuite is a game-changer for growing businesses.

Summary

Today I’m speaking with Scott Wiltshire, VP & GM of Oracle NetSuite ANZ.

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Event recap: SuiteWorld 2025 highlights relevant to ANZ
• Key tools: AI Connect Services, Prompt Studio, Autonomous Close, Subscription Metrics
• NetSuite Next: Major platform upgrade promising zero-day close
• Emphasis on AI for automation, reporting, and decision support
• Discussion on value of attending SuiteWorld for ANZ professionals
• Growing importance of NetSuite's partner ecosystem
• Comparison between “automated” vs “autonomous” workflows
• Advice on bridging the knowledge gap with dedicated support
• NetSuite as a scalable “single source of truth” for growth-focused businesses

NetSuite, AI Connect Services, ChatGPT, Prompt Studio, Subscription Metrics SuiteApp, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), NetSuite Analytics Warehouse, Safe Search, Advanced Customer Support

Contact details:

Sponsor Offers: Here

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottpwiltshire/

NetSuite: https://www.netsuite.com.au

SuiteWorld: https://www.netsuitesuiteworld.com

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

Dianna Butterworth, CFO of Kieser Australia shares the move from 27 Xero files to NetSuite, improving scalability, budgeting, and team empowerment.

Summary

Today I’m speaking with Dianna Butterworth, CFO of Kieser Australia s

In this episode, we talk about . . .

Background: Dianna’s path from financial advisor and entrepreneur to CFO Company Overview: Kieser Australia is a physiotherapy-led strength training provider with 31 clinics Initial Challenge: Managing 27 separate Xero files across clinics Solution Chosen: NetSuite ERP with implementation by Anexa Key Outcomes:

1. Replaced 80+ spreadsheets with NetSuite Planning and Budgeting
2. Improved team efficiency, moving from 1:5 to 1:12 clinic-to-bookkeeper ratio
3. Faster monthly reporting and greater data visibility
4. Budget cycle shortened from six months to one to two months

Integrated Tools: Celigo, Zone & Co, ExpenseMe Conference Takeaways: Upcoming AI features in NetSuite and the value of peer networking Advice to CFOs:

• Invest early in scalable systems
• Prioritise agility as much as accuracy
• Build confidence in the numbers to support growth

NetSuite, Xero, NetSuite Planning and Budgeting, Celigo, Zone & Co, ExpenseMe, ApprovalMax, Rippling, Blue Collar Cloud Solutions

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction: Meet Dianna Butterworth, CFO of Keiser Australia 01:40 – Career Journey: From cufflinks to CFO 03:55 – About Kieser: What the business does and how it helps Australians 06:40 – Before NetSuite: The chaos of 27 Xero files 09:10 – Choosing NetSuite: Finding the right ERP for growth 11:30 – Empowering the Team: Moving from manual tasks to analysis 13:45 – Budgeting Breakthrough: Ditching spreadsheets for better planning 16:00 – Role of Anexa: Importance of a strong implementation partner 18:35 – Tech Stack Deep Dive: Celigo, Zone & Co, ExpenseMe 21:00 – Budgeting Speed: From six months to one month 23:30 – Advice for CFOs: Invest early and trust your data 25:20 – Insights from SuiteWorld: AI, networking and lifelong learning 28:10 – Wrapping Up: Thinking big and enjoying the journey

Contact details:

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianna-butterworth-9088947a/

NetSuite: https://www.netsuite.com.au

SuiteWorld: https://www.netsuitesuiteworld.com

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