The tinsel is tangled, the Christmas crackers are questionable, and we’re wrapping the year with a bow and a mic. In this festive (and frankly, emotional) episode, with Aly, Andrew, Amy and Jack, we kick things off with some seasonal silliness, then get real about the year that was, a rollercoaster of rain-drenched offshore teams, mental overload, leadership curveballs, and unexpected wins.

We share the tough stuff we dropped, the tweaks that turned it around, and how a mid-year pivot set the stage for a good run into year end. There’s heartfelt reflection, actual advice, and a dash of seasonal wisdom, plus a few dodgy jokes (from Andrew), naturally.

But the biggest moment? A bittersweet farewell to our beloved Jack, whose curiosity and candour helped shape the first five seasons of the tech season. We send him off with full hearts… and welcome a brand new co-host: the brilliant (insert drum roll) ... Will Buckley. From cadet accountant to tech leader to firm founder, Will’s story is full of hard-won insight, from cashflow crunches to rediscovering ikigai (yes, we go there—and it lands).

We finish with firm culture in Christmas mode: inclusive, remote-friendly, and energy-smart. Whether you're hosting a Bad Santa showdown or just hoping for a silent night, this ep is packed with laughs, lessons, and permission to slow down.

🎧 Plug in, pour a cuppa (or something bubbly), and celebrate the wins, wobbles, and wonders of the year.

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BGL With 35 years of experience and ISO 27001 certification, BGL Corporate Solutions delivers innovative, multi-award winning company compliance, self-managed superannuation fund, investment management, identity verification and AI-powered paper-to-data software solutions to 12,700+ businesses maintaining 1.5 million+ entities worldwide. 

FuseSign Digital Signing, Done Simply. FuseSign is an affordable, intuitive and easy to use Digital Signing platform. Greater Control, Greater Flexibility, Greater Client Experience.

TOA Global Dedicated outsourcing solutions for Accounting firms in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK and across the globe.

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Illumin8 | Purpose-led cloud-driven accounting humans

MUSIC
ENTENTE (@ententemusic) | Instagram

PRODUCTION
David Easton (@davidjeasty) | Instagram

A punchline, a plane ticket, and a hallway recording in Boracay turned into a realisation: learning lands differently when you leave your routine. Aly and Andrew share how destination conferences change your headspace, why paying to be present makes you listen harder, and the simple systems that let you unplug without everything unravelling back home.

They break down a practical roadmap for disconnecting before you go that can stop surprise escalations and resentment. You’ll hear how handwritten notes and short reflection windows lock in retention, plus a lightweight process to digitise, summarise, and turn takeaways that you and your team can actually ship.

Beyond the stage, we go deep on the art of conference connection. From beach networking to awards-night chats. Big firms and small shops alike face the same patterns at different scales; drop the ego and the room becomes a library. We also talk honestly about cost, value, and how adding a day on either side prevents your new ideas from getting drowned out the moment you land.

So grab yourself a cocktail (or a mocktail) and join Aly and Andrew on their next accounting adventure and if you listen right to the very end there is a special little easter egg for you #yourwelcome.

AAAAA IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR SPONSORS

TOA Global Dedicated outsourcing solutions for Accounting firms in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK and across the globe.

Practice and Pixels | A digital agency that creates new, original and authentic digital experiences for accountants and their current and future clients through brand design, website design and development, video production, creative design and strategic digital marketing for accountants

Planet Consulting | We work with firm owners and managers who want to run better businesses and achieve their version of success. We have the experience and knowledge to help you get clear on what that success looks like for you and support and guide you on the journey to achieve it

FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIALS
www.accountingadventures.com.au
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Accounting Adventures | Facebook
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Aly & Andrews All Aussie Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | X
Email: [email protected]

CHECK US OUT
ALL IN Advisory | Your squad of award-winning accountants, tax wizards, and business visionaries, perfectly tailored to elevate your biz. Let's soar together!
Illumin8 | Purpose-led cloud-driven accounting humans

MUSIC
ENTENTE (@ententemusic) | Instagram

PRODUCTION
David Easton (@davidjeasty) | Instagram

Five conversations with world class speakers, one massive TOACon. Aly and Andrew recorded this one, beachside in Boracay. 

A change strategist, a survivor turned author, an innovation expert, a peak performance coach, and a behavioural scientist walk into a bar and .... unpack what actually moves the needle in work and life.

We kick off with Dom Thurbon, who serves a spicy reminder that while everyone claims honesty is a value, most of us dodge it the second our image feels at risk. He unpacks why intent isn’t enough, how social media rewards the wrong stuff, and what leaders can do to build psychological safety so their teams actually tell the truth.

Then Emma Carey takes us from skydiving accident to the New York City Marathon, reframing resilience as the simple act of taking the next step. Her gratitude practice, recovery journey, and quiet determination will have you rethinking what strength really looks like.

Innovation gets real with James O’Loghlin, who calls out the busywork trap and hands over a structure anyone can use: daily thinking time, a one idea a month KPI, and the underrated superpower of owners calling customers themselves with curiosity rather than ego.

Next, Olly Bridge reminds us we’re all corporate athletes, sharing the three legged stool of performance—training, recovery, nutrition. Expect practical habits like exercise snacks, sleep hygiene as a warm up, and nutrition without the guilt trip.

We wrap with Dr Shardé’s model for big trust, grounded in self acceptance, agency, autonomy, and adaptability. She explains why confidence follows action, not the other way around, and how to anchor yourself in what you can influence while riding the emotional waves that come with doing hard things.

If you’re a leader, founder, or curious human craving better conversations, smarter experiments, deeper sleep, and sturdier self belief, this episode is your island-born permission slip. Share it with the mate who needs a nudge, and tell us the moment that landed!

FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIALS
www.accountingadventures.com.au
Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | Instagram
Accounting Adventures | Facebook
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Aly & Andrews All Aussie Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | X
Email: [email protected]

CHECK US OUT
ALL IN Advisory | Your squad of award-winning accountants, tax wizards, and business visionaries, perfectly tailored to elevate your biz. Let's soar together!
Illumin8 | Purpose-led cloud-driven accounting humans

MUSIC
ENTENTE (@ententemusic) | Instagram

PRODUCTION
David Easton (@davidjeasty) | Instagram

Two flights, one ferry, and enough humidity to frizz even the smoothest operator—Aly and Andrew touched down in Boracay for TOAcon, and let’s just say: the beach wasn’t the only thing breaking down walls. This wasn’t your typical conference. Think fewer PowerPoints, more power moves—from honest chats on leadership handovers to getting real about growth that doesn’t cost your sanity.

In Part 1 of this three-part series, Aly and Andrew share their first impressions of the destination conference that flipped the script. You’ll hear from firm owners who opened up about leading, hiring, offshoring, and scaling—without the burnout. Then we sit down with TOA Global’s founder, Nick Sinclair, and CEO, Jeremy Clements, to unpack how a founder handover actually worked—clear roles, weekly check-ins, and enough mutual respect to go around.

This episode is packed with sand-between-your-toes insights: why insights > activities, how culture compounds, and why “if you can, you must” might just be your new leadership mantra. You’ll walk away with practical tactics (hello, monthly truth meetings 👀), a fresh take on feedback, and a reminder that community trumps competition—especially when there’s a mojito and sparkling water nearby.

🌊 Hit play and get the insights without the airfare.

With more to come ...
➡️ Part 2: speaker interviews which will blow your mind
🧳 Part 3: how to actually prepare for a conference that changes your firm (and maybe your mindset).

AAAAA IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR SPONSORS

TOA Global Dedicated outsourcing solutions for Accounting firms in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK and across the globe.

FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIALS
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Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | Instagram
Accounting Adventures | Facebook
Accounting Adventures | LinkedIn
Aly & Andrews All Aussie Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | X
Email: [email protected]

CHECK US OUT
ALL IN Advisory | Your squad of award-winning accountants, tax wizards, and business visionaries, perfectly tailored to elevate your biz. Let's soar together!
Illumin8 | Purpose-led cloud-driven accounting humans

MUSIC
ENTENTE (@ententemusic) | Instagram

PRODUCTION
David Easton (@davidjeasty) | Instagram

The accounting world is full of opportunities to connect, yet so many us are still going it alone, heads down, caught up in the day-to-day, unaware of the incredible ecosystems waiting for them.

In this episode, Aly and Amy reflect on their time on the road with the BGL RegTech roadshow, sharing real talk from a roadshow that’s built a loyal following over the last nine years. It’s more than just a CPD checkpoint, it’s a heartbeat moment for many in the industry, especially solo practitioners who might only make it to one event a year.

They unpack why spaces like this matter, especially when you don’t have a big team or in-house sounding board. Events like these offer more than industry updates, they offer direction, inspiration, and genuine connection.

One standout moment? Daniel’s unforgettable keynote on courage, where he didn’t shy away from talking about shame, failure, and ownership. It hit differently. When someone stands up and shares something real, you can feel the room shift.

Aly and Amy also open up about their own experiences of connection, from deep convos at conferences to the quiet comfort of admitting, “I’m not okay.” Turns out, meaningful moments don’t need to be loud. They just need to be real.

If you’ve ever felt like you're doing this whole thing on your own, this episode is your reminder: connection isn’t a bonus, it’s a necessity. And whether it’s at a big event or a one-on-one chat, finding your people can change everything. So join Amy and Aly on their next accounting adventure.

AAAAA IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR SPONSORS

BGL With 35 years of experience and ISO 27001 certification, BGL Corporate Solutions delivers innovative, multi-award winning company compliance, self-managed superannuation fund, investment management, identity verification and AI-powered paper-to-data software solutions to 12,700+ businesses maintaining 1.5 million+ entities worldwide. 

FuseSign Digital Signing, Done Simply. FuseSign is an affordable, intuitive and easy to use Digital Signing platform. Greater Control, Greater Flexibility, Greater Client Experience.

FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIALS
www.accountingadventures.com.au
Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | Instagram
Accounting Adventures | Facebook
Accounting Adventures | LinkedIn
Aly & Andrews All Aussie Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | X
Email: [email protected]

CHECK US OUT
ALL IN Advisory | Your squad of award-winning accountants, tax wizards, and business visionaries, perfectly tailored to elevate your biz. Let's soar together!
Illumin8 | Purpose-led cloud-driven accounting humans

MUSIC
ENTENTE (@ententemusic) | Instagram

PRODUCTION
David Easton (@davidjeasty) | Instagram

Recorded from Falls Creek, with snow in their boots and wisdom in their words, Andrew and Jack take us inside Finance & First Tracks, a cosy ski-side retreat where accounting pros swap their accounting tech for snow gear.

In this frosty episode of Accounting Adventures, the lads explore the real value of intimate, intentional gatherings, the kind that go deeper than your standard expo hall hellos. With just 20 accountants in tow, this retreat delivered structured learning, belly laughs, and maybe a whiskey-fuelled confession or two. (Hey, what happens on the mountain…)

Expect chats about:

• Why depth may beat breadth when it comes to industry networking
• How “psychological safety” isn’t just therapy talk, it’s a business strategy
• And how to start curating your own mini-retreats without needing ski passes or snow bunnies (though they help)

So grab your beanie and let’s get into it, because this is one Accounting Adventure that proves the best ideas come when you're off the clock and a little off-piste.

AAAAA IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR SPONSORS

Practice and Pixels | A digital agency that creates new, original and authentic digital experiences for accountants and their current and future clients through brand design, website design and development, video production, creative design and strategic digital marketing for accountants

Planet Consulting | We work with firm owners and managers who want to run better businesses and achieve their version of success. We have the experience and knowledge to help you get clear on what that success looks like for you and support and guide you on the journey to achieve it

FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIALS
www.accountingadventures.com.au
Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | Instagram
Accounting Adventures | Facebook
Accounting Adventures | LinkedIn
Aly & Andrews All Aussie Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | X
Email: [email protected]

CHECK US OUT
ALL IN Advisory | Your squad of award-winning accountants, tax wizards, and business visionaries, perfectly tailored to elevate your biz. Let's soar together!
Illumin8 | Purpose-led cloud-driven accounting humans

MUSIC
ENTENTE (@ententemusic) | Instagram

PRODUCTION
David Easton (@davidjeasty) | Instagram

Straight from the buzz of XeroCon 2025, we're bringing you an on-the-ground conversation with Xero’s Managing Director, Angad Soin. Nine months into the role and fresh off delivering his first XeroCon keynote, Angad reflects on what makes this event more than just a tech showcase, it’s the people, the passion, and the unmistakable energy of a community that genuinely cares.

In this episode, we dig into the excitement around Xero’s return to product innovation. From Syft integration and bank auto-reconciliation to the launch of the Xero Partner Hub, the announcements landed with real impact. But as Angad points out, these weren’t just flashy new features, they were thoughtful, strategic responses to long-standing challenges voiced by the accounting and bookkeeping community.

What stands out most in our conversation is the uncommon sense of collaboration within this industry. While technically competitors, firms openly exchange ideas, cheer each other on, and work together toward a shared goal: empowering small biz. That spirit of abundance was palpable across the exhibition hall, and in Angad’s perspective on leadership and growth.

We also take a moment to highlight some standout moments from the conference, including the keynote from Joe Brumby of Bluey, whose reflections on optimism and change struck a chord with many.

So whether you were there in person or watching from afar, this episode captures what made XeroCon 2025 feel like more than a conference, it felt like a movement.

FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIALS
www.accountingadventures.com.au
Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | Instagram
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Email: [email protected]

CHECK US OUT
ALL IN Advisory | Your squad of award-winning accountants, tax wizards, and business visionaries, perfectly tailored to elevate your biz. Let's soar together!
Illumin8 | Purpose-led cloud-driven accounting humans

MUSIC
ENTENTE (@ententemusic) | Instagram

PRODUCTION
David Easton (@davidjeasty) | Instagram

Live from the Coachella of Accounting XeroCon 25

We’re comin’ atcha live-ish from the glitter-dusted grounds of XeroCon, Australia’s biggest accounting reunion-slash-rager, where 3,500 humans IRL and 8,000 digital legends have gathered to nerd out, network, and maybe even boogie a little.

After a two-year hiatus, the accounting community is back, and baby, it’s not just biz as usual. It’s community over content, more hugs than handouts, and an all-out celebration of what makes this industry tick: the people. 💙

⚡ Main stage? Thrown into the first half day
 💡 Specialised sessions? Poppin’.
 🤖 AI? Oh, it’s everywhere. Xero’s JAX has graduated from "Just Ask" to "Just Done". (Same, JAX, same.)
👫 Tech talk still keeps the human heart front and centre, because no algorithm replaces good ol’ accountant banter.
👕 From branded tees to bedazzled boots, the fashion forecast is a wild ride to the legendary glittery safari after-party.

🎧 Stay tuned for our bonus episode featuring an interview with the one and only Angad from Xero, a convo you won’t wanna miss.

And hey, thanks for riding the rollercoaster withus, life’s an adventure, and we’ve got a fresh batch of episodes cooking just for you.

AAAAA IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR SPONSORS

TOA Global Dedicated outsourcing solutions for Accounting firms in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK and across the globe.

Planet Consulting | We work with firm owners and managers who want to run better businesses and achieve their version of success. We have the experience and knowledge to help you get clear on what that success looks like for you and support and guide you on the journey to achieve it.

FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIALS
www.accountingadventures.com.au
Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | Instagram
Accounting Adventures | Facebook
Accounting Adventures | LinkedIn
Aly & Andrews All Aussie Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | X
Email: [email protected]

CHECK US OUT
ALL IN Advisory | Your squad of award-winning accountants, tax wizards, and business visionaries, perfectly tailored to elevate your biz. Let's soar together!
Illumin8 | Purpose-led cloud-driven accounting humans

MUSIC
ENTENTE (@ententemusic) | Instagram

PRODUCTION
David Easton (@davidjeasty) | Instagram

It’s that magical time again, EOFY chaos, and tax plans flying faster than a Friday arvo wine (or sparkling water). In this episode, Aly, Andrew, Amy and Ajack get real about what firms are charging, when they start the tax hustle, and which tools are making the madness manageable.

Also crashing the party: ChatGPT. Clients are arriving with AI-fueled advice that’s bold, wrong, and occasionally hilarious. We unpack how that’s shifting the game, and why being actually human is now a serious business advantage.

And of course, EOFY calls for a celebration. From team lunches to op-shop fashion showdowns, we’re sharing how accountants let loose when the dust finally settles.

So join on us on our next accounting adventure and tune in for tax tips, tech hot takes, and end-of-year vibes that prove accountants have more fun than you’d think. Kind of 😜 

AAAAA IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR SPONSORS

Practice and Pixels | A digital agency that creates new, original and authentic digital experiences for accountants and their current and future clients through brand design, website design and development, video production, creative design and strategic digital marketing for accountants
FuseSign Digital Signing, Done Simply. FuseSign is an affordable, intuitive and easy to use Digital Signing platform. Greater Control, Greater Flexibility, Greater Client Experience.

FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIALS
www.accountingadventures.com.au
Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | Instagram
Accounting Adventures | Facebook
Accounting Adventures | LinkedIn
Aly & Andrews All Aussie Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | X
Email: [email protected]

CHECK US OUT
ALL IN Advisory | Your squad of award-winning accountants, tax wizards, and business visionaries, perfectly tailored to elevate your biz. Let's soar together!
Illumin8 | Purpose-led cloud-driven accounting humans

MUSIC
ENTENTE (@ententemusic) | Instagram

PRODUCTION
David Easton (@davidjeasty) | Instagram

We’re getting real about overwhelm — the kind that creeps in quietly or crashes down like a piano from the sky. Aly and Andrew are opening up about what it feels like to carry the weight of responsibility as business owners, and how that pressure can sneak into every corner of life.

Through some raw honesty, they unpack the messiness of overwhelm and the ways they’re learning to cope — one to-do list and deep breath at a time.

In this episode:

• Why “I’m fine” sometimes needs a major rebrand

• The many flavours of overwhelm – from life-altering chaos to good ol’ decision fatigue

• When business is booming but your inner world feels… bankrupt

• Keeping your leadership hat on when you’d rather throw it out the window

• Coping strategies that actually help – like compartmentalising, sweating it out, and seeking tiny sparks of joy

• Practicing gratitude 

• How to actually support someone who’s overwhelmed (hint: less advice, more presence)

• A reminder that tough seasons end – and often leave us stronger than before

So take a breath. Be kind to yourself. And if all else fails, put on this episode and know you’re not in it alone. 💛

AAAAA IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR SPONSORS

BGL With 35 years of experience and ISO 27001 certification, BGL Corporate Solutions delivers innovative, multi-award winning company compliance, self-managed superannuation fund, investment management, identity verification and AI-powered paper-to-data software solutions to 12,700+ businesses maintaining 1.5 million+ entities worldwide. 

TOA Global Dedicated outsourcing solutions for Accounting firms in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK and across the globe.

FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIALS
www.accountingadventures.com.au
Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | Instagram
Accounting Adventures | Facebook
Accounting Adventures | LinkedIn
Aly & Andrews All Aussie Accounting Adventures (@accadvpodcast) | X
Email: [email protected]

CHECK US OUT
ALL IN Advisory | Your squad of award-winning accountants, tax wizards, and business visionaries, perfectly tailored to elevate your biz. Let's soar together!
Illumin8 | Purpose-led cloud-driven accounting humans

MUSIC
ENTENTE (@ententemusic) | Instagram

PRODUCTION
David Easton (@davidjeasty) | Instagram