This episode is sponsored by Fathom - fathomhq.com

In this episode of the Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast, Ryan Pearcy and John Toon dive into the latest shifts in the accounting technology landscape, following John’s return from his annual ski trip. The duo explores significant new software integrations and the evolving role of AI in professional workflows.

Key topics covered include:

Platform Integrations: The hosts discuss Fathom's new official integration with FreeAgent, enhancing reporting capabilities for small business users.

Xero Updates: A deep dive into Xero’s full rollout of Syft for advanced analytics and visual reporting. They also discuss the UI alignment of credit notes with invoices and speculate on a strategic "new user segment" hinted at in recent high-level job postings.

Regulatory Alerts: Ryan flags a critical gap in major payroll software (including BrightPay, Sage, and Xero) regarding the automatic calculation of maternity pension contributions, which currently requires manual intervention to maintain compliance.

Embedded Accounting: A look at Sage’s strategic partnership to embed its technology directly into HSBC UK’s business banking platform, a move aimed at sole traders and MTD readiness.

The Rise of MCPs: John explains the significance of Scoro launching a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, allowing users to interact with their business data through natural language via LLMs like ChatGPT or Claude.

Enterprise AI: An overview of Acumatica’s heavy investment in AI-driven workflows, anomaly detection for "real-time audits," and voice-interface assistants.

Industry Reflections: The episode concludes with insights from the "Finance Takes the Peace" trip, reflecting on the diversity of opinions regarding offshoring, the "firm of the future," and the professional responsibility of using AI-generated advice.

Chapters

00:00 Ski Trip Adventures and Industry Connections 01:59 Fathom launches FreeAgent integration 03:33 Payroll Software Challenges 08:08 Xero's New Features and Enhancements 12:25 Xero's Credit Notes Upgrade 14:39 Speculation on Xero's future 18:52 Sage and HSBC partner to deliver MTD tools to Sole Traders 24:48 Scoro's MCP Server and Natural Language Integration 30:06 AI Integration in Acumatica 35:38 Accountero utilises AI agents to help firms 41:02 Regulatory Challenges in Fintech: The Airwallex Investigation 45:11 Insights from Finance Takes the Piste: The Future of Accounting