In this special episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman are joined by Kate Hayward, UK Country Manager for Xero. Kate shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a family-run business to her leadership role at Xero, where she focuses on empowering accountants, bookkeepers, and small businesses. The discussion covers how digital innovations like e-invoicing and AI are shaping the future of bookkeeping, and how bookkeepers can leverage these tools to stay ahead.

Kate also highlights how Xero supports bookkeepers by streamlining workflows, improving cash flow management, and offering resources to stay updated with industry changes. The conversation touches on the human side of bookkeeping, including the importance of maintaining client trust and focusing on high-value tasks.

What Listeners Will Learn:

Kate’s Journey: From a family background in bookkeeping to UK Country Manager for Xero.

E-Invoicing: How it automates workflows, reduces errors, and speeds up payments for small businesses.

The Role of AI: Practical applications of AI in bookkeeping and how Xero is integrating this technology.

Future-Proofing Your Practice: Adapting to change and embracing tools to focus on strategic client relationships.

Continuous Learning: Why staying updated with software developments is critical for bookkeepers.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction

0:30 – Welcome to Kate Hayward

1:00 – Kate’s Background and Journey to Xero

3:45 – The Human Side of Bookkeeping: Stories from Kate’s Family

4:44 – E-Invoicing Explained: Benefits and Global Trends

6:20 – Embracing Automation in Bookkeeping

7:42 – How Xero Makes Bookkeeping Intuitive and Efficient

9:42 – Learning from Digital Innovations in Other Countries

10:56 – AI in Bookkeeping: Simplifying Repetitive Tasks

13:11 – Time-Saving Strategies for Bookkeepers

15:07 – Introducing JAX: Xero’s AI Tool

17:24 – Staying Updated with Xero’s Developments

18:51 – Opportunities for Bookkeepers in a Digital World

19:22 – Preparing for the Future of Bookkeeping

20:19 – Final Thoughts and Advice from Kate

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About Our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero.

👉 Start your free trial today: xero.com

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The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. Professional advice should be obtained before acting on any content discussed. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all responsibility for reliance on this information.