A vibrant wrap-up of Xerocon 2025 from a Kombi van, covering AI tools, new Xero features, community energy, and standout apps like SYFT Analytics, Cradle IO & Manage My Renewals.

Summary

On day 2 of Xerocon I jumped into a community group and asked people to join me at the van at 2pm, and 40 minutes later 5 people showed up. We squeezed into the Kombi and debriefed on the two day Xerocon conference. I can not quite believe that I managed to get 6 people into a Kombi van, and recorded what could possibly be the greatest Xerocon podcast recording ever!

There have been a lot of post following Xerocon, about the strength of the community, and you can really feel a sense of community in this conversation. Today I’m speaking with

• Alex Falcon Huerta FCCA (Soaring Falcon),
• Jolene Elliot of Karlaya Accounting & Business Advisory
• Michelle Kvello of Lantern Partners
• Emma Baxter of YouTax
• Kyelie Baxter of IQ Accountants

In this episode, recorded on Day 2 of #Xerocon 2025 inside a vintage Kombi van with six passionate accounting professionals, we talk about . . .

• AI innovations including OpenAI, JAX, and the future of automation in accounting.
• Hot app discoveries like Manage My Renewals, Cradle IO, SYFT Analytics, and Fishbowl Inventory.
• Key product announcements from Xero: ATO Portal integration, Tax Manager, and Workpapers for individual tax returns.
• Reflections on session highlights: resilience, time management, and generational engagement.
• Talks about stage experiences, community strength, and the power of networking.
• Trends ahead: more automation, younger entrepreneurial accountants, and the growing importance of soft skills.
• Each guest shared a final thought on embracing innovation, avoiding conference fatigue, and staying connected.

SYFT Analytics, Manage My Renewals, Cradle IO, Fishbowl Inventory, FYI, Translucent, XBert, Xero, Dext, ATO Portal, Xero Workpapers, RPA, JAX, RecHound

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Xero’s Chief Product & Tech Officer Diya Jolly shares product highlights from Xerocon, how AI is shaping features, and what drives her mission to empower small businesses globally.

Summary

Today I’m speaking with Diya Jolly, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Xero

In this episode, recorded live at Xerocon Brisbane inside a blue Kombi van we talk about . . .

Reflections on leadership, childhood inspirations & her father’s influence Diya’s approach to customer-driven product development Highlights from recent Xero product announcements:

• New homepage & navigation redesign
• Enhanced Partner Hub
• Intelligent bank reconciliation with human + AI synergy
• Actionable insights for accountants & bookkeepers
• The impact of user feedback and communication on product strategy

Contact details:

Diya Jolly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diyajolly/

Xero: https://www.xero.com/au/

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

A live panel unpacks how accounting tech reshapes advisory, global work, and lifestyles: covering cloud, AI, ethics, niche healthcare, and why some accountants invest in apps. Guests: Gardner, Falcon Huerta, Chard.

Summary

Host Heather Smith moderates a lively panel on accounting + technology at the Brisbane Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand offices.

Guests:

Alex Falcon Huerta FCCA (Soaring Falcon) https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexfalconhuerta/

Kelly Chard (GrowthMD) https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellychard/

Paul Gardner (fresh accounting) https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-gardner-3b85322/

In this episode, we talk about . . .

• Cloud tools lower barriers for boutique firms; data enables deeper advisory.
• Lifestyle design: remote teams, digital-nomad workflows, and flexible careers.
• Global work: Hong Kong/Singapore complexities—multi-entity, multi-currency, consolidation.
• Specialisation: healthcare niche delivers powerful benchmarking and insight.
• Founders as investors: why accountants back apps they implement.
• AI: more a shift than a threat; ethics and guardrails remain paramount.
• Practical stack talk: standardising platforms, comms, and change management.

Apps & Tools Mentioned: Xero, Sage, NetSuite, SAP, Expensify, Dext, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Copilot, Excel, WhatsApp, Brieff, Otter.ai

Contact details:

Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/

Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU