AccountingWEB

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

The AccountingWEB team celebrates the 200th podcast episode by looking back in time at some notable moments and reflecting on the first episode.

Matthew Ord takes a look at the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) new role as anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) supervisor for all accountancy and legal firms. He recalls his chat with AML expert David Winch, who warned it won’t be a light-touch regime. Ord explores why the move has frustrated supervisory bodies and whether the FCA really understands the profession.

Tom Herbert turns to Making Tax Digital (MTD) and the part that banks are starting to play. With 840,000 taxpayers not yet using commercial software, Herbert talks about which banks have made their MTD move, his concerns about this approach and how he sees it all playing out.

Back from the US, Richard Hattersley shares his experience at NetSuite’s SuiteWorld where AI was the topic of conversation. The team unpacks the launch of NetSuite Next and the push toward the “autonomous close”, asking whether finance teams are ready for AI.

Caseware CEO David Marquis tells AccountingWEB technology editor Tom Herbert about the company's UK priorities: cloud parity, safer AI, platform consolidation and a shift from compliance to advisory – and why firms shouldn’t sit on their hands when it comes to tech transformation.

For full details see the show notes at: https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/caseware-chief-on-audits-next-tech-leap

HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) programme director Craig Ogilvie joins the team to share the latest updates on MTD testing and why joining early is the best way to prepare. The team also discusses the exemptions process and who qualifies, with Ogilvie warning listeners not to leave applications until the last minute.

He outlines its benefits, talking about how MTD goes beyond compliance to build a modern, data-driven tax system. With better record keeping and improved accuracy, MTD aims to create a fairer, more efficient and resilient tax environment.

The conversation then turns to multi-agent functionality, software support and HMRC’s efforts to help both agents and unrepresented taxpayers through helplines, targeted communications and regional engagement.

Ogilvie closes with some practical advice: get your Agent Service Account (ASA) ready, sign up clients early and make sure your software and records are in shape because April 2026 will come around fast.

The team had a wonderful evening at the Accounting Excellence Awards (AEA) and we hope everyone who joined did too! They share their highlights, with Richard Hattersley reflecting on how the winners shed light on trends shaping the profession. Focusing on the small, mid-tier and large firm winners, Hattersley talks about private equity, management buyouts and growth. Many of these winners will also be speaking at the Finance, Accounting and Bookkeeping Show at the NEC, Birmingham, on 11-12 March 2026.

Tom Herbert spent the day after the awards at Wolters Kluwer’s CCH Connections User Conference. Herbert shares his experience with Wolters Kluwer’s integrated Making Tax Digital (MTD) solution ahead of the mandation date, what the next six months are going to look like for firms and the mood among attendees as MTD nears.

Matthew Ord concludes the podcast by recalling his chat with ICAEW president, Derek Blair. Appointed in June 2025, Blair outlines the legacy he wants to leave, what his goals are and his focus on a social mobility programme to tap into new talent.

As the first series of The Progressive Firm Podcast comes to an end, we profile the rise of Wilson Partners and how it navigated recruitment, M&A, branding and tech to become the multi-office operation it is today.

Richard Hattersley recalls his chats with Dan Heelan, director at Heelan Associates, and Ria-Jaine Lincoln, the founder of the Beauty Accountant, who have both found themselves having to correct AI-generated misinformation brought in by clients. The AccountingWEB team of two discuss the risks of relying on AI for advice and how accountants can get ahead of this issue when trust is on the line.

Tom Herbert looks ahead to 31 January 2026 as the first self assessment season where most taxpayers will use AI. With a survey from Taxfix showing 59% expect to turn to AI before the deadline, they explore why people are using it, how firms are applying it and why accountants remain irreplaceable.