Discover the biggest announcements from XeroCon London 2026, including Xero Force, Partner Hub, Smart Document Capture, AI-powered automation, and what's next for accountants.

At XeroCon London 2026, Xero unveiled a wave of AI-powered innovations designed to help accountants and bookkeepers work more efficiently while supporting the needs of increasingly complex businesses. In this episode, Heather Smith speaks with Diya Jolly, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Xero, about the company's latest product announcements, the thinking behind its AI strategy, and how these developments will shape the future of the Xero ecosystem.

Whether you're an accountant, bookkeeper or Xero user, this conversation offers an inside look at the strategy, technology and product direction emerging from XeroCon London 2026. It provides valuable context behind the announcements and practical insights into how AI and automation are set to transform accounting workflows in the years ahead.

Apps & Tools Mentioned: Xero, Xero Partner Hub, Book Health, Month End Readiness, Auto Bank Reconciliation, Smart Document Capture, Hubdoc, Xero Files, Xero Force, Xero Ultra, Xero Payments, AWS, Amazon Web Services, OCR, JAX, AI Studio, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT

Episode resources and links:

Diya Jolly Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/diyajolly/

Xero https://www.xero.com/

If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

The second quarter of 2026 has delivered another wave of innovation across the accounting technology landscape. In this episode, Heather Smith is joined by Tyler Caskey from The Bean Counters to unpack the recent product releases, AI developments, payroll changes, reporting enhancements, and practice management updates shaping the profession. Alongside practical commentary on the latest features from leading accounting platforms, they discuss cybersecurity lessons, the impact of industry layoffs, emerging AI-first accounting systems, and several standout apps that deserve attention. Whether you're an accountant, bookkeeper, advisor, or business owner, this episode offers practical insights to help you stay informed and identify technology worth exploring.

Key discussion points

The accounting technology ecosystem continues to evolve at an incredible pace, with AI, automation, compliance, and integration driving much of the innovation. While not every new feature will suit every business, understanding what's available helps accountants and bookkeepers make better technology decisions for themselves and their clients. This episode provides a practical snapshot of where the industry is heading and highlights the solutions that are genuinely worth keeping on your radar.

This episode is also syndicated to Accountants Daily Under the Hood podcast.

Read here how I work with some solutions mentioned  https://endorsementdisclosure.com/

Apps & Tools Mentioned:

Apps & Tools Mentioned:

Episode resources and links:

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

The Bean Counters : https://www.thebeancounters.com.au/

If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Not every opportunity that lands in your inbox is the right fit. In this episode, Heather (me!) explores the concept of "handball referrals" and why passing opportunities to the right person can strengthen relationships, build trust, and create value across the accounting profession. Drawing on real-world examples from speaking engagements, networking experiences, and community involvement, she shares practical advice on becoming a thoughtful connector within your professional network.

Professional networks thrive when people actively support one another. Whether it's a speaking opportunity, client referral, advisory role, or project, taking a few minutes to connect the right people can have a lasting impact. Heather encourages listeners to think beyond simply declining opportunities and instead consider how they can contribute to a stronger, more connected accounting community.

Episode resources and links:

If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Technology should make accounting firms more efficient, but many firms have accumulated layers of disconnected tools that create complexity rather than clarity. In this discussion, Heather Smith is joined by Tyler Caskey from The Bean Counters and John Munden from Cloud Office to explore how firms can simplify their technology stack, improve workflow visibility, reduce manual work and make better technology decisions.

The key takeaway is that firms do not need more technology. They need better connected technology, clearer workflows and a structured approach to change. By focusing on visibility, automation and process consistency, accounting firms can reduce overwhelm and create scalable systems that support long-term growth.

Episode resources and links:

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

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

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

Xero, SharePoint, APS, Excel, Microsoft Lists, HandiSoft, BGL, NowInfinity, FYI Docs, Xero Practice Manager, Content Snare, Annature, Adobe Sign, DocuSign, Employment Hero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Stripe, Pinch Payments, Macquarie Bank Feeds, Mayday, Seamless

If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Accounting technology leader Ben Richmond joins the podcast to discuss his remarkable journey from regional accounting practice in New Zealand to becoming President and CEO of WagePoint in Canada. Drawing on decades of experience across public practice, corporate finance, Xero’s international expansion and payroll technology, Ben shares lessons on leadership, customer relationships, change management and the future of accounting. The conversation explores how accountants can broaden their career horizons, embrace public speaking, leverage AI effectively and build more meaningful advisory relationships with clients. Ben also reflects on what it takes to grow software businesses across different countries and why the accounting profession remains one of the most impactful careers available today.

Ben’s perspective offers a refreshing blend of optimism and realism. While acknowledging the disruption created by AI and rapid technological change, he argues that accountants and bookkeepers who embrace innovation, strengthen their advisory capabilities and invest in relationships are exceptionally well positioned for the future. The discussion highlights the importance of curiosity, adaptability and customer-centric thinking in both accounting and software businesses.

Ben Richmond : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-richmond-ca-b8794220/

WagePoint https://www.wagepoint.com/ 

Xero https://www.xero.com 

Stripe https://stripe.com/ 

QuickBooks, https://quickbooks.intuit.com

Episode resources and links:

If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

I sat down with Paul Wittich, General Manager APAC at Dext, to explore how the platform is evolving beyond document capture into a fully automated bookkeeping workflow. We discuss AI Assist, payments, underused features, pricing transparency and what 2026 looks like for the profession.

The profession is shifting rapidly. As AI accelerates change, the firms that embrace automation thoughtfully and strategically will be best positioned to move beyond compliance and into higher-value advisory services.

Episode resources and links:

https://dext.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwittich/

If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

This episode is a personal and confronting reflection on how quickly even a cyberaware professional can lose control of a long-standing Gmail account. What began as a seemingly legitimate brand collaboration unfolded into a carefully orchestrated phishing attack that removed all security measures within seconds. The experience highlights how modern cybercrime blends patience, credibility signals, automation and psychological triggers to bypass even cautious users.

This story is not about fear. It is about awareness, practical action and understanding how sophisticated attacks have become. The lesson is simple: five minutes of security setup can prevent four days of stress.

1Password, LastPass Authenticator, Coursera, Impact, Google, Gmail, Revolut, Claude, ChatGPT, LinkedIn, Twitter, TeamYouTube

Episode resources and links:

Alex falcon Huerta’s story : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alexfalconhuerta_fraud-alexfalconhuerta-share-7394786345610682370-s-49/

 https://cyberwardens.com.au partners with the Australian Government to deliver free online security courses with verifiable CPD.

If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

This episode explores how a Chartered Accountant can move beyond traditional finance roles to create meaningful community impact. Josh Hickford shares his journey from Big Four accounting and banking to founding a cancer support app and leading Taranaki Foundation. It is a conversation about resilience, technology, philanthropy and the evolving role of accountants in a digital world.

This episode reminds us that accounting is not just about compliance or reporting. It is about leadership, confidence and using financial skills to build stronger communities. Technology may accelerate the journey, but purpose and people still lead the way.

Apps & Tools Mentioned: 

Raisely - https://www.raisely.com/ 

Sharesies https://sharesies.com.au/ 

Stripe, GoFundMe,  Otter.ai, Xero,

Episode resources and links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshhickford/ 

https://taranakifoundation.org.nz/ 

If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ 

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting 

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

In this episode, I sit down with Trent Yesberg, founder of Twine Apps and director of Regional Business Services in Townsville. We explore the realities of subscription billing, SaaS development, and what AI means for accounting firms today. This conversation moves from practical billing frustrations to the future of automation in our profession.

This episode is a grounded, practical look at innovation from inside the profession. It is about solving real problems, protecting margins, and staying curious in a rapidly shifting tech landscape.

Apps & Tools Mentioned

Twine Biller – https://twineapps.co

Episode resources and links:

Twine Biller : https://twineapps.co

Trent Yesberg : https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-yesberg-52b35366/ 

If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ 

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting 

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

The first quarter of 2026 has delivered an extraordinary wave of AI-powered enhancements, mid-market strategy shifts and workflow automation upgrades across the accounting technology ecosystem. This session, presented at the Sydney Accounting and Bookkeeping Expo, dives deep into what matters, what is hype, and where firms should pay attention.

As always, the key message is this: block time in your calendar and properly explore these features. Many of these releases can immediately improve efficiency, reduce risk and deepen client advisory if implemented thoughtfully.

Jump across to the blog here : https://www.heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/blog/ for all the links so you can deep dive into the details.

The podcast is also released on Accountants Daily Momentum Media’s Under The Hood brand : https://www.accountantsdaily.com.au/technology/22289-under-the-hood-accounting-tech-update-for-q1-2026 

MYOB – https://www.myob.com

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

Uncat – https://www.uncat.com

Paidnice – https://www.paidnice.com

Episode resources and links:

Accounting & Business Expo : https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/accounting-business-expo/index.stm 

If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ 

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ 

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting 

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU