In this episode of Digi‑Tools in Accrual World (sponsored by Xledger) we dive into the latest accounting tech news, covering everything from MTD developments to Sage’s newest moves, plus updates on tooling that matters to modern practices.

We speak with Ian Gregory, CTO of Advancetrack, about the future of outsourcing in accounting, how AI reshapes compliance, and the critical role Advancetrack plays in supporting firms through systemic change. Advancetrack

Later, Craig Morrall joins us to introduce Tugger, a cheekily named, no‑code solution for businesses that securely aggregates data from systems like Xero, HubSpot, Harvest—and delivers it straight into Power BI or Tableau. Tugger

This episode is perfect for:

• Accounting firms navigating Making Tax Digital (MTD) and digital transformation

• Practice managers and technology leads monitoring Sage, BrightPay, Xero, and Webexpenses updates

• Firms seeking smarter outsourced workflows and reporting solutions

• SaaS partners, vendor teams, and tech consultants who support accountants on their advisory journey

0:00 Intro | 5.33 1:43 AI, Outsourcing & the Future of Accounting – Advancetrack

App News 11:23 Xero Small Business Index – June Decline 13:53 Avalara introduces AI tax-query bot 17:12 Sage acquires Fyle for expense automation 20:06 Sage explores automating the financial close 26:45 BrightPay adds new payroll tools 30:50 Xero App Store – July releases 34:05 Xero UK now supports SMS invoicing 35:48 Webexpenses launches digital payment cards 38:11 Introducing Tugger – smarter reporting 48:50 Subscribe to our newsletter

In this week’s episode of Digi-Tools in Accrual World, we cover the latest accounting tech news, fintech news, and explore whether the profession is heading towards factory accounting in the age of AI. From HMRC policy shifts to new automation tools, we unpack the changes shaping compliance, advisory, and the future talent pipeline in accountancy.

Timestamps:

00:00 Coming Up… 01:31 Welcome to Digi-Tools in Accrual World!

App News 04:14 HMRC scraps MTD for Corporation Tax 05:39 HMRC sets sights on ‘digital-first’ tax system 10:33 Mayday releases automation for prepayments and deferred revenue 13:30 QuickBooks launches ‘Launchpad’ for product updates 15:34 New QBO accounting agent deepdive 18:50 Alexion.AI launches to empower accountants with automation tools 22:58 Acting Office launches ACCAbot to automate bookkeeping 28:02 36-month SaaS contracts spark debate over pricing traps

33:37 AI Accounting Factories: Myth or reality? | Advancetrack interview 43:45 Thanks for joining us!

We dive deep into the tools, policies, and strategies that could redefine your firm’s future. Is AI the key to efficiency, or will over-automation strip away the personal value accountants bring?

Listen now for insights on: • HMRC’s shifting Making Tax Digital strategy • Fintech product launches that could change your workflow • The reality behind “factory accounting” and what it means for your career or practice

Join us for the Digital Disruptor Awards in Manchester in September:

Nomination your heroes for an award: https://forms.gle/vEpPrSitc8k32FzM8 Join the waitlist for tickets https://forms.gle/Vjoff74RN1Njaubw6

In this week’s Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast, we dive into the biggest stories in accounting tech news and talk cybersecurity with Dr Ian Gregory from Advancetrack. From AI-driven hacks to practical steps for protecting your data, this episode is packed with insights every accountant and finance professional needs to hear.

00:00 Coming Up 00:56 Welcome to the Digi-Tools in Accrual World podcast App News 09:53 Socket x Adfin integration enters beta testing 13:44 Fathom launches Sage 50 Accounts integration and dashboard saved views 15:33 Joiin integrates with Pennylane for faster multi-entity consolidation 18:39 Ignition and Karbon release unified billing and workflow integration 22:27 Landlord Studio partners with Habito to support UK landlords and MTD compliance 24:17 Clio to acquire vLex in a US $1 billion deal 25:57 Campfire raises £28 m illion to expand advisory AI platform 27:39 QuickBooks rolls out new Square Connector for sales and payout sync

30:31 Cybersecurity: Where is your firm's weakest link? || With Dr Ian Gregory - Advancetrack 39:14 Thanks for joining us - please rate the pod!

Join us for the Digital Disruptor Awards in Manchester in September:

Nomination your heroes for an award: https://forms.gle/vEpPrSitc8k32FzM8 Join the waitlist for tickets https://forms.gle/Vjoff74RN1Njaubw6