It’s that time again as the team reunites for their final podcast of the year, reviewing the biggest stories of 2025 and finishing with some juicy predictions.

As the dust settles on the accounting tech landscape for another year, guests Billie Mcloughlin and John Toon join AccountingWEB technology editor Tom Herbert to discuss the impact of AI, run the rule over the major players in the profession, and analyse the upcoming introduction of Making Tax Digital and e-invoicing. For show notes and full details of all the stories discussed, visit: https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/content/accounting-technology-year-in-review-2025-ai-apis-and-mtd

In the latest episode of Inside the Numbers – which pulls back the curtain on the KPIs of finance leaders – Michael Burgess of DJH reveals the three main metrics that help him navigate her work, and also discusses his transition to becoming a CFO.

Chris Maslin, a speaker at The Finance, Accounting and Bookkeeping Show (FAB), joins the podcast to discuss selling a controlling stake in his firm to an employee ownership trust (EOT). He explains why he chose this route, how the transition worked, adjusting to reduced control and the alternatives he considered. Maslin also talks about launching Go EO, his consultancy helping other businesses explore EOTs, and gives his reaction to the Budget announcement cutting capital gains tax relief on EOT disposals from 100% to 50%. He’ll be going more in-depth into his journey at FAB on 11-12 March at the NEC.

Tom Herbert covers ICAEW’s new tech hub for ACA students, created to close the skills gap by giving graduates free access to industry-standard apps. He and Maslin share their thoughts and what’s still missing.

Finally, Matthew Ord discusses Grant Thornton data showing CFOs and FDs often being left out of the loop. Drawing on chats with FAB speaker Clare Elliott and fractional CFO Marc Obrart, the team explore the risks of poor communication and why alignment across finance teams matters.

Silverfin co-founder Joris Van Der Gucht tells AccountingWEB technology editor Tom Herbert that AI can automate 80% of accounting tasks, but warns the 'human in the loop' must evolve. Welcome to the age of the 'AI Orchestrator'. For full show notes visit: https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/tech-pulse/why-ai-orchestrator-might-be-the-next-job-title-in-practice

The team recorded the podcast straight after the Budget to share their instant reactions. They covered the Office for Budget Responsibility’s early report release and the pre-Budget leaks. Richard Hattersley shared his view on the announcements and what surprised him. Tom Herbert sank his teeth into some tech news, with e-invoicing and Making Tax Digital making the cut.

Paul Baker, tax partner at Buzzacott and speaker at the Finance, Accounting & Bookkeeping Show (FAB), joined to share his take. He discussed the day and what measures stood out. He mentioned the impact of extending the income tax and employer national insurance thresholds, whether this was the way forward and the issue of applying NICs to salary-sacrificed pension contributions of about £2k a year. He concluded the podcast by sharing concerns that he had and the next steps for a tax expert like himself.

Accounting tech founder Duane Jackson lifts the lid on the limits of artificial intelligence in accounting, the suite-vs-best-of-breed battle, and why he’d be “very surprised” if he sold a third business to IRIS. The Kashflow and Staffology creator joins AccountingWEB technology editor Tom Herbert to to unpack the AI race, the shifting dynamics between suites and specialist tools, and why he’s keen that his “redemptive” life story does not eclipse his ability to build a product.

For full show notes visit: https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/practice-software/duane-jackson-on-ai-suite-wars-and-the-fight-for-future-talent

In the first episode of the new Inside the Numbers podcast - which pulls back the curtain on the KPIs of finance leaders - Clare Elliott of NetSupport reveals the three main metrics that help her navigate her day-to-day, and also discusses her journey to becoming a CFO.

Nick Williams, global product director at Intuit opens the podcast by announcing the global availability of AI agents on the Intuit platform. He explains how it works, why they’re launching now, and risks and reactions.

The team discusses new Intuit QuickBooks research showing small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) can achieve up to 58% more revenue growth by closing the gap between ambition and execution. Williams explores the role of AI, automation, the importance of readiness and unlocking potential.

Tom Herbert talks about the return of tech founders, covering six founders who built and sold successful accounting tech products and are now back with new software. Herbert details their return and the growing tech gap for small businesses.

With the Budget weeks away, Richard Hattersley chats about rumours, likely changes, Rachel Reeves’s briefing and the team share their thoughts on which tax updates might actually happen.

Matthew Ord wraps up discussing ICAEW AML compliance. A new report shows that rates have remained consistent but non-compliance is rising. He reviews the findings and whether the FCA will be ready to act on them.

Accounting firm founders Emily Vass of Nourished and Dean Shepherd of Eat, Sleep, Excel, Repeat join AccountingWEB technology editor Tom Herbert to discuss their practice tech setups, the tools that have saved them time, and the false starts along the way. For full show notes, visit: https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/new-firms-lean-stacks-how-startup-practices-can-dodge-accounting-techs