Buckle up and join us for a rollercoaster episode straight from the sizzling streets of Las Vegas with the latest in accounting and finance tech!

John Toon navigates Eurovision vibes, European-style sunbathing and sky-high Starbucks prices at Engage conference.

Along with the latest App News and updates from FreeAgent, do not miss Pixie co-founder Celso Pinto's insights on starting, building and exiting from Pixie in the noisy, noisy marketplace of accounting tech.

00:00 Looney Toon's Vegas Adventure 03:47 Intro

App News ~~~~~~~~~~~ 07:26 Intuit's Impressive Quarterly Results 10:41 Xero's Strong Financial Year 15:00 Sage's Net Zero Targets and ESG Reporting 20:10 Sage Partnering with DonerPerfect 21:27 Sage Intact's New Features and Updates 25:28 Xero's Pricing Plan Changes 32:04 HG's Acquisition of AuditBoard

33:55 FreeAgent - Tony Stevenson: Why Digital Transformation is a Team Sport 39:38 What Happens in Vegas Better Stay in Vegas

Interview: Celso Pinto ~~~~~~~~~~~ 42:12 Celso's Origin Story 49:24 Starting Pixie 53:33 Making Tough Product Decisions

01:10:08 Like, subscribe and rate the pod! 😃

Welcome back to the Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast!

Join us as we throwback to Accountex, where Ryan decided to desert us for the peaceful woods.

Indy lost her voice, John was knackered - but thankfully we had some stellar help from the Systems Advisory Network.

As always, this episode covers the latest in app releases, raises and acquisitions

Plus, we see which of us can delay mastication the longest.

Special shoutouts to our Accountex saviours: Dayle, Julie, and Keaton.

00:00 Intro

App News: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 02:09 Lightyear Acquired 03:19 Access Group's Acquisition Strategy and Ecosystem 05:00 Canopy + Practice Management AI Innovations 08:22 Layer's Ambitious Goal to Replace QuickBooks 10:21 FreeAgent's New Integrations and Updates 11:54 FYI Elite: A New Era in Practice Management? 13:03 Why iplicit are a great employer 14:06 Everyone’s favourite Xero update… 14:51 Quickbooks Ledger 15:18 Valid8me… validated 15:51 Sage's CoPilot and AI Developments 18:01 AirWallex Bill Pay Solution Integrated with Xero 19:36 Mercia and Inflo's Partnership 21:15 Ember and HSBC UK's Embedded Finance Partnership 22:35 TaxCalc Expands with Group Reporting ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

24:25 FreeAgent Tortoise or Hare?

29:42 Delayed Marshmallow Mastication

System Advisory Network: Accountex Retrospective ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 32:58 Introduction 33:32 Insights from Dayle and Julie 34:42 Keaton's Experience and Reflections 35:39 Diverse Queries and Solutions 36:54 The Digital Disruptors Network 37:35 Conversations and Networking at Accountex 43:16 Exploring New Technologies and Vendors 51:27 Outsourcers As Far As The Eye Can See! 55:39 Final Thoughts and Future Plans ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

01:02:56 Rate the pod!!

#S4E10

Wading through the post-conference blues (before the big blue conference) we’re back with another episode!

In App News:

0:04:28 Allica Bank's New Partnerships Team

0:05:50 Closure of Influential Women's Tech Network

0:07:40 Highlights from the Xero Awards

0:09:42 New Features and Updates from Xero

0:10:54 Xero Small Business Index

0:12:29 Planday AU

0:14:07 Payhawk + Amex

0:15:04 Soldo + Triver

0:15:45 WorkflowMax Data Transition Issues

0:17:06 Client Engager and Tax on Demand Partnership

0:17:51 NetSuite's Generative AI Features

0:20:00 Funding News: Tabs and Sumday

0:23:47 Acquisition of Inventoro by Cin7

0:25:10 Active Workpapers' New Features

This episode’s guest is (now former) Xero MVP Lauren Harvey from Full Stop Accounts. Lauren shares some incredible stories, from her unique career journey and significant industry shifts to promoting better human connections and tackling menopause challenges in a high performance environment - something everyone should know more about.

Less inspirational is Ryan’s funky spunky garden problem and bringing the ‘tone’ back up again is our friendliest sponsor - FreeAgent!

Be sure to rate, like and subscribe to the podcast and get in touch with us at www.digital-disruptors.com/

The legendary Tony Stevenson from FreeAgent joins us on the podcast this week. Voted the friendliest accounting tech software, we're putting the spotlight on the host of new features they're releasing over the last few months. Watch this space to hear and see more!

Also Jordan Vickery reveals the growth playbook for accounting techs looking to shore up adoption success post the host of accounting events.

And in app news this week is a skinny:

• HMRC to replace government gateway - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/hmrc-to-roll-out-government-gateway-replacement
• Government fund for AI skills - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/government-fund-offers-accountants-ai-skills-upgrade
• Employment Hero acquires - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/employment-hero-wants-give-employers-time-back-so-we-company-ben-tlxkc/
• Mimo launched - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alexander-gernandt-segerby-31818a6b_extremely-proud-to[…]041588203521-Om8u?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
• Iplicit for housing associations - https://www.iplicit.com/blog/iplicit-helps-housing-associations-as-they-face-digital-transformation
• Iplicit updates partical vat calculations - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/community/industry-insights/iplicit-unveils-more-time-saving-features-to-help-charities-tackle

Have you caught the news on the latest apps in the market? There are some new kids on the block in payment automation apps, and we're keen to hear from some of the OGs to find out their perspectives and lessons learned on market trends/adoption over the last two years. We spend some time with Joe Lines, CEO of Nook, to talk about tech innovations, future features and the appetite from SMEs for more.

Tune in if you're looking to compare the market on AP or AR automation.

We also spend some time with Vipul Sheth, whose upcoming pre Accountex event is imminent. If you're not on his list and want to see whether you'd benefit then here's 8 minutes from the man himself.

• Finally app news this week: Phil Hobden joins Silverfin - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/philhobden_accountex-accountants-fintech-activity-7181574519524839424-FrEF?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• Diya Jolly promoted to CPTO - https://www.xero.com/uk/media-releases/diya-jolly-promoted-chief-product-and-technology-officer/
• Five vendors for MTD ITSA release - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/five-vendors-available-as-hmrc-readies-mtd-itsa-testing-relaunch
• Spendesk acquires Okko - https://www.pymnts.com/acquisitions/2024/spendesk-adds-procurement-to-spend-management-platform-with-okko-acquisition/
• Xero new invoicing - https://blog.xero.com/product-updates/xero-invoicing-smarter-flexible-future/
• Syft updates Scrutton Bland acquired by Sumer - https://www.accountancyage.com/2024/04/10/sumer-expands-scottish-and-northern-english-footprint-with-merger-of-eq-and-douglas-home-co/

Apron, the AP accounting tech focusing on all things payable, has been on a mission for some big software releases since it burst onto the scene late last year post their Series raise. We catch up with Bogdan Uzbekov about his plans to service the accounting market and plans to go into banking, carding or lending. Hear more here.

Don't forget to book your ticket for our upcoming event - we hope to see you at the Digital Accountancy Show on the 16th and 17th of April.

And this week in app news:

• Iplicit – 18th fastest growing UK business - https://www.ft.com/ft1000-2024?utm_content=284715055&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-10141131
• Iplicit is best MAT tool – MAT awards - https://www.iplicit.com/blog/iplicit-secures-tech-company-of-the-year-accolade-at-na[…]tm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-10141131
• Allica bank integrates with Sage and Xero - https://www.assetfinanceinternational.com/index.php/technology/technology-archive/technology-articles/23570-allica-bank-announces-integrations-with-sage-and-xero-accounting-platforms
• Coconut acquires MyPAYE https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/coconut-owners-acquire-cloud-payroll-tool-mypaye
• Xero announces exciting payroll changes - migration made easy - https://blog.xero.com/product-updates/new-changes-in-xero-payroll-uk/
• Capium releases new time and fees - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/practice-software/capium-releases-new-time-and-fees-tracking-module
• Zahara custom fields and payments
• Dext due dates extraction - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stephenedginton_we-now-extract-due-dates-via-ai-dext-used-ugcPost-7170766424586588160-5sX3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• Nook app updates - payment run resolutions & ability to change scheduling dates on payments and rules & pre-warning of shortage of funds. Payments for payroll via the app!
• BBC AI taking grind out of accountancy https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68553123

Join John while he interviews Vidya Peters on her time so far with Datasnipper. Ex-Marqeta COO, Vidya was appointed CEO of Datasnipper, an intelligent automation platform that recently raised $100 million in a Series B funding round at a valuation of $1 billion. John catches up with Vidya to find out the plan for growth in the UK and all things accounting.

Also we find time with Vipul Sheth, CEO of AdvanceTrack, to talk more on the opportunity for mid-tier firms and trends he's seen on recruitment of talent in the space.

In this week's app news:

• Bye bye Xero Go - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siwoodhams_uk-mobile-app-xero-go-to-be-retired-xero-activity-7173598209813000193-UCSa?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios, https://blog.xero.com/product-updates/retiring-xero-go/
• Alex Von Schirmeister expans role to EMEA - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alexander-von-schirmeister-045375_i-am-delighted-to-have-been-asked-to-expand-activity-7170458969570758656-h3V9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• Xero payroll Bureau product
• Xero releases JAX - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/xero-backs-generative-ai-to-accelerate-software-shift-to-mobile
• Sage co-pilot - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/sage-unveils-cross-platform-generative-ai-copilot-tool RP - Sage expands construction solutions with acquisition - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/general-ledger/sage-expands-and-enhances-construction-solutions/
• QBO confirms FRS102 and personal tax filing - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/quickbooks-confirms-frs-102-and-personal-tax-filing
• Datasnipper - $1B valuation - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/abigail-weir-b68917198_thank-you-nyse-for-inviting-the-datasnipper-ugcPost-7171978576378994688-ruLq?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• Wolters Kluwer unveils CCH IFIrm cloud tax and accounting https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/practice-software/wolters-kluwer-unveils-cch-ifirm-cloud-tax-and-accounting-platform
• Wolters Kluwer release AML for CCH Ifirm https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/wolters-kluwer-releases-cloud-aml-module-for-cch-ifirm
• Apron invoice capture released - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/apron-serves-up-invoice-capture-tool-to-streamline-accounting-data
• MTD ITSA testing starts 22/4 - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tax/hmrc-policy/hmrc-to-kick-off-mtd-itsa-testing-on-22-april
• Pleo – invoice approvals, invoice status, employee reimbursements
• Pleo pricing changes – Pleo’s Advanced Plan starts at £99/month - and includes new releases such as spending budgets, SaaS vendor cards and higher overdraft limits. Cashback contracts require minimum 12-month commitment with upfront payment
• Lightyear employee expenses - https://www.lightyear.cloud/features/expenses

This week we are joined by MD of Major's Accounts, Eriona Bajrakurtaj, who talks about her entrepreneurial journey from very humble beginnings to being one of the most enterprising female entrepreneurs in the accountancy industry. If you're looking at how to shake up your Practice and press a hard reset, give this a listen to see if Eriona's playbook could work for you.

Also we're joined by Vipul Sheth, the CEO of AdvanceTrack Outsourcing, who talks about the value of his tech stack and data. Outsourcing is not for every firm but at a time where finding good talent is not easy, AdvanceTrack are leading the way on remote management of resources with a tech first approach.

Finally in this week's app news:

• Pento acquired by HiBob - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jonasboegh_glad-youre-here-welcoming-pento-to-the-activity-7163092169174589440-cVuS?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
• QBO – advanced forecasts - https://insightfulaccountant.com/accounting-tech/general-ledger/quickbooks-online-advanced-financial-forecasts/
• QBO standard payroll replaced by Core
• QBO Bureau payroll launches
• Revolut to release Billpay later 2024 - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/marcelvanoost_banking-digitalbanking-businessbanking-activity-7165618394849882113-ovG9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• KPMG launches AI tax tool with Blue J - https://www.accountancyage.com/2024/02/22/kpmgand-blue-j-launch-ai-tax-tool/
• Chaser releases auto-call - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/soniadorais_automation-chaser-accountsreceivables-activity-7165753014652223489-4KcQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
• FreeAgent Dext Prepare integration - https://www.freeagent.com/blog/dext-prepare/
• FreeAgent extends Amazon integration - https://www.freeagent.com/blog/extending-amazon-integration-reach/
• Mayday intra entity recharging
• End of the road for TAS Books - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/tasbooks-heads-for-the-exit-door
• Capium releases Time & Fees - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/community/industry-insights/introducing-capiums-new-time-fees-software-for-the-accounting-and
• Companies House fee increases, plus digital only - https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/business/financial-reporting/companies-house-fees-set-to-rise