Your hosts Penny Breslin and Damien Greathead have more than 30 years of combined experience in the accounting industry. This podcast is to share their experiences of working in, and consulting to accounting and bookkeeping firms of all sizes, helping them grow. Nothing discussed will be rocket science, instead they'll be discussing 'how' firms have successfully, and not so successfully, pursued growth. Penny and Damien will be sharing their insights on how firms can be successful by focusin ...
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Accounting Apps Podcast | Accounting Technology | formerly Cloud Stories
Heather Smith | Accountant & Storyteller
*THE* podcast for accounting technology enthusiasts. Dive into the world of Accounting Apps with Heather Smith, a Chartered Accountant with a flair for storytelling and the engaging host of the Accounting Apps Podcast. Heather is obsessed with how effective automation and integration can produce timely clean data, to surface information for brave, fast data-informed decision making. Better data, better decisions, better business. She explores this topic with her guests, uncovering insights t ...
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Building Your Startup's Profile with 📺Media | TIF24
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Join us for insightful discussion on how startups can effectively build their profiles through media. I’m sharing with you a recording of a panel session entitled “Building Your Startup's Profile with Media” This was recorded at the 2024 Tropical Innovation Festival that is held in Cairns in June. Here are the top five takeaways from our expert spe…
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Scaling to 7 Figure: 💡Enhancing Your Fractional CFO Services | Michael King
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Today I’m speaking with Michael King: Michael is the CEO of KFE Solutions, which is the top rated Fractional CFO firm in Dallas, Texas. He’s also the creator of The CFO Accelerator, where he helps Accountants and fractional CFOs start, scale, and optimise their advisory services. He is also the host of, The CFO Report, where he shares tips, tricks,…
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🌟 Scale your business on Xero without needing a dozen other Apps and Add-ons
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AI will increase software productivity and enable users to create their own apps, multiplying software abundance I’m sharing with you the audio from a session I hosted as part of the Australian CFO Summit 2024 produced by Weel. It’s called: “Scale your business on Xero without needing a dozen other Apps and Add-ons” The presenter is Michael Wood, t…
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How to protect your business with stronger financial controls | ApprovalMax + Xero
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Financial controls enable accountable growth by distributing responsibility across teams… Today I’m speaking with: Meena Berry, Senior Partnership Manager, Xero Cassandra Scott, Head of Bookkeeping, ApprovalMax Brendan Lucas, Head of Accounting, ApprovalMax In this episode, we discuss: - ApprovalMax & Xero survey results revealing many businesses l…
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Are you maximizing your firm's potential by effectively marketing your services, even when you're swamped with work? In this episode of "Strategy and the Virtual Controller," Penny Breslin interviews Damien Greathead about marketing for accounting firms. They discuss the importance of maintaining an updated and specific website, effective client co…
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🌍 A Global Journey in Accounting Technology Marketing | Damien Greathead
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Today I’m speaking with Damien Greathead Head of Marketing - Accountant & Advisor Group, Intuit Australia Our guest is a dynamic sales and marketing leader who excels in helping venture-funded software companies build robust sales and marketing functions. With a specialised focus on the accounting and fintech verticals, he has a proven track record…
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Unravelling the future of AccounTech Sydney Xerocon 2023 🌐
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Today, I’ve something exciting to share with you. You know how you get excited when a lost Beatle or Nirvana track is found, well the extraordinary Alexi Boyd uncovered the audio of a panel discussion from Sydney Xerocon PreXerocon 2023. I honestly thought I’d never hear it again, and then mid March she sent me a copy - making me a very happy podca…
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Accounting Tech Updates May’24 : 🛠️Exploring Inventory, Practice Management, and Must-Try Apps
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Heather Smith and Tyler Caskey discuss feature and functionality releases, new integrations, pricing adjustments, and acquisitions in the Accounting Apps space during March, April, May ‘24. Today I’m speaking with Tyler Caskey Partner at The Bean Counters. In this episode, we talk about . . . News and updates from Xero, QuickBooks & MYOB were discu…
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Data-Driven Advisory Success with James Childress
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Are you leveraging data effectively to close the gap between your business goals and your current performance? In this episode, co-hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin interview James Childress, a former CPA who transitioned his firm to focus exclusively on advisory services. James shares his journey from a traditional CPA firm to specializing …
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🔄 Automating and simplifying the complexities of Lease Accounting | Adam Riches
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Today I’m speaking with Adam Riches, CEO & Co-Founder of Netgain In this episode, we talk about . . . - Adam Riches discusses the new lease accounting standards IFRS 16 and ASC 842, and how Netgain helps clients navigate the complexities - Riches shares how Netgain automates lease data extraction from contracts using AI to save accountants time - T…
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Industry Disrupting CFO Advisor Kicking Goals ⚽ | Sarah Lawrance
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Today I’m speaking with Sarah Lawrance, Founder & CEO of Hot Toast. In this episode, we talk about . . . - Sarah Lawrance shares her journey from childhood fascination with business to becoming a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and founding her firm Hot Toast - Lawrance discusses her formative career experiences in Australia, London and fast-…
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🥊 Excel vs Software Battle: Fighting it Out Over the Future of Accounting Tech
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- Heather Smith moderates a debate between accounting software pioneer Michael Wood and tech strategist John Toon on the pros and cons of Excel vs Software - Michael argues that while Excel excels for individual tasks, software is better suited for collaboration and building efficient workflows for businesses - John counters that users, not the too…
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🤖💼 The FAB Debate: AI vs The Human Touch in Accounting | Samuel Green
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Today I’m debating Samuel Green, UK Partnership Account Executive of Employment Hero on AI vs the human touch in accounting at the Festival of Accountants and Bookkeepers - Smith argues the human touch is crucial for customer service and empathy while Greene emphasises AI's potential for efficiency and insights - Both agree AI can streamline repeti…
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📣 Live from the Festival of Accountants and Bookkeepers!
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Heather Smith shares interviews from the Festival of Accountants and Bookkeepers in Birmingham, including conversations about launching a UK version of XBert, the funding journey of a founder, updates on Sage products, and Richard Sergeant's advice for vendors. Insights cover compliance, automation, growth and more. - Interview with Will Rush - GM(…
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Developing a Migration Strategy from WorkflowMax by Xero
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Today I’m sharing with you a webinar I hosted on behalf of Projectworks and WorkGuru that provides an overview of alternatives to WorkflowMax by Xero as it reaches end of life 26 June 2024. The panellists who joined me were: Heidi Seal Ops Consultant at Business Sense (NZ) Matthew Peng Founder at Business Continuum Matt Hayter Co-Founder at Project…
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Navigating Cyber Threats with Christophe Reglat
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In this episode, hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin delve into cybersecurity within the realm of CPA operations with guest Christophe Reglat. Christophe discusses his extensive background in managing data centers and the evolution of cybersecurity, particularly focusing on the challenges CPAs face. The conversation covers the importance of co…
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Transforming Accounting: Embracing Change for Sustained Success
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Are your accounting practices ready for the transformative wave of technology, or are you stuck in the compliance grind? In this episode, hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin discuss the importance of transformation in accounting firms. They touch on the continuous nature of tax season, the challenges firms face in adopting new technology, and …
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Balancing the Books and Life: Transforming Your Accounting Practice for Joy and Profit with Amanda Gascoigne
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Have you ever wondered how to transform the endless busy season into a well-balanced, profitable practice? This episode features an enlightening conversation with Amanda Gascoigne, who shares her insights on creating a more balanced and profitable accounting practice. The discussion covers the importance of selecting ideal clients, the benefits of …
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Unlocking Accounting Innovations: Live Banking, Global Solutions, Reporting Updates, and Xero's Invoicing Evolution Unveiled
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Tyler Caskey, Partner at The Bean Counters joins me in this episode. Here are five interesting insights we talk about in the show: 1. Live Banking and Direct Digital Receipting: Tools like Weel and Airwallex enable real-time banking transactions, while solutions like Slyp and Tyro streamline payment processes by sending receipt details directly to …
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Full Stack Mastery – Elevate your Practice with Xbert | Cassandra Scott
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Today I’m speaking with Cassandra Scott, Director of Laurus Bookkeeping In this episode, we talk about . . . - Delve into how Xbert leverages AI to scrutinise client accounting data, spotlighting over 80 potential anomalies and risks. - Discover the power of automating routine tasks such as payroll, BAS, and bookkeeping with standardised workflows.…
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Improving Data Quality and Practice Management through Innovation | Jonathan Gaunt
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Today I’m speaking with Jonathan Gaunt, co-founder of of Socket Digital, Xavier Analytics & FD Works In this episode, we talk about . . . Jonathan's transition from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship, embracing new opportunities and control over his career. Insights from working with Dragon's Den investor Richard Farleigh, focusing on solutio…
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Strategic Journey to Dext with Rachel Fisch
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Damien Greathead, alongside co-host Penny Breslin, welcomes Rachel Fisch for an insightful episode that delves into the nuances of modern accounting practices, leveraging technology for growth, and the journey of niche specialization. The discussion covers Rachel's extensive background in the accounting industry, from her early days of recognizing …
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The Devastating British Post Office's Point of Sale Scandal| Tom Herbert
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In this episode, Tom Herbert, technology editor at Accounting Web, shares his insights on the British Post Office scandal, which has been ongoing for decades, ruining the lives of many subpostmasters. Heather and Tom discussed the problems with the Post Office's Fujitsu Horizon point of sale system implementation, leading to unbalanced reconciliati…
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Accounting Industry Trends to Watch in 2024 | Tyler Caskey
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Today I’m speaking with Tyler Caskey, Partner at The Bean Counters In this episode, we talk about . . . Accounting industry trends in 2024 Crafting accounting stories for clients, marketing and career coaching. AI, Automation & ChatGPT in accounting. Remote work trends and virtual teams in the accounting industry. Pay raises, career progression, an…
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Ever wondered how tackling the root causes of business problems instead of just the symptoms can transform your efficiency, especially during the hectic tax season? Hosts Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin discuss the crucial topic of identifying and addressing the symptoms and root causes of problems in a business process, especially in the accoun…
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An Accountant's Manifesto: David Boyar's Journey to Transform the Profession
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The biggest kept secret in the Australian accounting industry: The acquisition of Change GPS by Access Group. This episode is kindly sponsored by Employment Hero: The All in One HR, Payroll & Benefits Platform https://employmenthero.com/ Translucent The Multi-Entity Accounting solution https://www.translucent.io/ In this episode - David Boyar refle…
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Kicking Off 2024: Adventures, Insights, and Changes from Heather Smith
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The big news is I'm rebranding the Cloud Stories podcast to the Accounting Apps podcast (fingers crossed) In this episode, I talk about . . . Summer adventures with family and Chester the Border Collie in Elanora and Crows Nest Catching up on admin backlog and office makeover Website update with recent photos and videos Rebranding Cloud Stories pod…
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Maximizing Efficiency: The Power of Daily Standups
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How does the implementation of a daily stand-up meeting empower team members, and what role does continuous learning and training play in maintaining quality service in a rapidly evolving work environment? In this episode, Damien and Penny delve into the power of daily stand-up meetings with the team of S&N Financial in Chennai, India. The team dis…
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2023 has been a brilliant technicolour year for me, and I’m delighted to end it on yet another high, hitting 20 000 podcast episode downloads during the year. As an accountant I do like a nice round number. Thank you to the many listeners, especially those who hit the subscribe button. Thank you to the many guests who graciously share their time wi…
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Strategizing in the Digital Age: Insights from Damien and Penny
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Are you curious about how technology is transforming the accounting profession and what skills are now essential for success in this evolving landscape? In this episode, co-hosts Damian Gracehead and Penny Breslin discuss the impact of bots on accounting, the importance of human review in automation, and how keen learners can help keep professional…
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Heather Smith delves into the transformative role of ChatGPT in the accounting sector. The discussion begins with an early adopter's perspective, highlighting the initial challenges and the evolving capabilities of ChatGPT. She explores its practical applications in tasks like email drafting and webinar planning, emphasising its ability to add crea…
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Solving the Multi-Entity Problem: The Story Behind Translucent | Michael Wood
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Michael Wood truly lives and breathes the title entrepreneur. Currently he’s Founder & CEO of Translucent. His LinkedIn profile reveals he’s also the founder of 4 other companies. The company that you’re likely to know him from is Receipt Bank. Michael was the original co-founder and was there till April 2021, when it was acquired by private equity…
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Live from Sydney Accounting and Business Expo
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I had a brilliant time at the Expo. I delivered four sessions on Apps, Ai, ChatGPT & Habits and honestly was shocked at how packed they all were. Expos give me an efficient opportunity to catch up with Sydney friends and, as it was not purely an accounting conference, but also a business conference, there were colleagues from different industries. …
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Global Perspectives in Accounting and Advisory
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Explore the dynamic world of accounting and advisory services in today’s episode with Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin! In this episode, Damien and Penny delve into the intricacies of virtual controller services, discussing the evolving role of accountants in today's digital landscape. They share their experiences from QuickBooks Connect in Las V…
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How to Build a Business with Intention ft. Dawn W. Brolin, CPA, CFE and More! Live at QuickBooks Connect in Las Vegas
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How are today's accounting firms harnessing technology and AI to enhance efficiency and streamline operations? What are the cutting-edge trends in cloud-based accounting, and how can these strategies be effectively implemented in your firm? Welcome back to Strategy and the Virtual Controller! Penny Breslin and Damien Greathead dive into cloud accou…
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MediaPhones to Accounting Dashboards to Digital Marketplaces : The Design Journey of Xero’s Co-Founder | Philip Fierlinger
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Xero co-founder Philip Fierlinger shares the story behind building one of the world's most successful accounting platforms, Xero He discusses his early inspiration from car dashboards and the gamification of bank reconciliations. Fierlinger also reveals how his latest startup Upstock is transforming the inefficient B2B food ordering process and lev…
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Live from the Transformational TOACon ‘23 conference
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A collection of interviews from TOA Global clients, staff, and partners, including a special interview with the emcee Kat Davidson, who shares some tips on public speaking. Relive your time at TOACon ‘23, or get a taste for what happened. Today I'm bringing you interviews from the TOA Global Transformational conference held at the Sheraton Mirage o…
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From Clutter to Clarity: Resolving Your Business's Data Overwhelm
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What are your options when your tech stack is bursting at the seams? You’re struggling to get visibility over what’s happening. You’re balancing multiple spreadsheets and you’re spending a lot of time consolidating data. If you are trying to resolving your business's data overwhelm there are a number of options: Spring cleans all the files, and all…
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Are you having trouble navigating the complexities of integrating Client Accounting Services (CAS) into your accounting practice? In this episode, Damien and Penny have on Jan Haugo to dive deep into the journey of adopting CAS. They explore how this isn't just about embracing new technology but fundamentally evolving your business model to align w…
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The Future of Accounting and Revolutionizing Tax Filing with AI
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How is the rise of AI and advanced technology reshaping the landscape of accounting? In this episode, Damien and Penny sit down with Jody Padar. Sharing her journey, Jody detailed her transition from joining her father's traditional firm to establishing her brand, "the Radical CPA", leveraging cutting-edge tech. She talks about April, an AI-powered…
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Scaling a Boho Bridal Gown Business with NetSuite | Sarah Rynja
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Discover how Grace Loves Lace transformed their bridal gown business with a strategic NetSuite implementation. Learn insights on scaling operations and enhancing efficiency in the fashion industry. Today I’m speaking with Sarah Rynja, Global Systems Manager of Grace Loves Lace In this episode, we talk about . . . - The NetSuite implementation she h…
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Trends, Triggers, and Transformation: How NetSuite Helps Australian Businesses Grow| Scott Wiltshire
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Explore how NetSuite empowers Australian businesses to thrive. Scott Wiltshire delves into the transformative impact of NetSuite solutions on local SMEs, offering insights and success stories for business growth in Australia. Today I’m speaking with Scott Wiltshire, Vice President & GM, Oracle NetSuite ANZ In this episode, we talk about . . . 1. Ne…
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From Pioneers to Partners: A 20 Years Journey with NetSuite | Don McLean
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Explore the 20-year evolution of NetSuite partnerships through Don McLean's insights, highlighting key milestones and the future of cloud ERP solutions. Today I’m speaking with Don McLean, CEO of PKF Digital, who shares insights and experiences from his 20 year journey with NetSuite. In this episode, we talk about . . . 1. Don McLean's background a…
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Live from the Accounting & Finance Show Asia
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Join Alex and I as we walk around the floor of the Accounting and Finance Show Asia. We speak with: Namrata Goyal - Regional Manager Grab for Business Julian Sng - Head of Marketing & Communications - Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) David Hanna - Co-Founder & CEO Finmo Darius Fong - Automation Evangelist at Blue Sheets Kevin Fit…
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Elevating the Impact of Advisory Services | Ash Brown
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Today I’m speaking with Ash Brown, the Founder & CEO of Empiraa. Ash Brown, a former leader with 15 years of experience in SME management. Frustrated with the disconnect between business planning and execution, Ash created a solution to help businesses align their plans in a simple and effective way. With a strong belief that work should feel good,…
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The Tanda Story: From University Bar to Brisbane Skyline | Alex Ghiculescu
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Today I’m speaking with Alex Ghiculescu, co-founder of both Tanda and Workforce.com. Alex is known for blogging and has a Substack newsletter where he shares stories from his 10+ years of building Tanda. Additionally, through Keen Strategies, Alex invests in B2B SaaS companies offering early-stage investments alongside technical and operational exp…
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The Magic Change Management Playbook | Weel
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Today I’m sharing a panel discussion from the Weel CFO Summit ‘23. This discussion covered key considerations for finance technology procurement strategies, including expense management solutions, revenue collection processes, and spreadsheet vs reporting apps. The panellists provided advice on touching multiple solutions, negotiating pricing, and …
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Expert Cybersecurity Tips for Accountants
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Phishing emails are common nowadays. How aware are you of these threats? Do you know the magnitude of what these hackers can do? This episode of the podcast Strategy in the Virtual Controller dives into the story of Andrew Lassise, IT for tax professionals & bookkeepers at Rush Tech / Tech 4 Accountants. Andrew provides insight into common cyber th…
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In this episode, I’m sharing a talk I gave on Content Creation for Building your Brand at the Tropical Innovation Festival in Cairns on May 23. I talk about: Robot vs human-led content. How to leverage ChatGPT and other tools in your content creation process. Questions are a gift, how to leverage them in your content. Recycle, Reuse and Repurpose c…
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Reinventing the Traditional Accounting Firm
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What are the new perspectives in technology in relation to the current financial landscape? In this episode of Strategy and the Virtual Controller, Damien and Penny discuss how accountants and financial planners are adapting to the current financial landscape in the midst of the pandemic. They share their experiences from a conference they attended…
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