Introduction

What's changed

Why it matters

What to do next

Conclusion

New integrations, AI-powered features and deeper connections between software tools are rapidly reshaping the accounting tech landscape. 

In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Heather Smith FCA, FCCA, FICB, founder of ANISE Consulting and host of the Accounting Apps podcast, breaks down what’s changed across common accounting platforms, why your tech stack has a direct impact on profitability, and the practical steps small firms can take to audit their tools for better efficiency. 

When systems don’t talk to each other, the cost isn’t just subscription fees. It’s duplicated effort, manual re-keying and billable time lost. 

In just five minutes, you’ll learn how to review your current stack, identify overlaps, activate underused integrations and prioritise the highest-impact improvements. 

If you want a clear, actionable check-in on whether your tools are helping or hindering your firm’s growth, this episode gives you the essentials without the overwhelm.  

 Resources and reading: 
View the full resource list and episode notes here
Explore more resources on the podcast page
Visit the Smaller Practices Centre for more information 

New integrations, AI-powered&nbsp;features&nbsp;and deeper connections between software tools are rapidly reshaping the accounting tech landscape.&nbsp;
In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Heather Smith FCA, FCCA, FICB, founder of ANISE Consulting and host of the Accounting Apps podcast, breaks down what&rsquo;s changed across common accounting platforms, why your tech stack has a direct impact on profitability, and the practical steps small firms can take to audit their tools for better efficiency.&nbsp;
When systems&nbsp;don&rsquo;t&nbsp;talk to each other, the cost&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;just subscription fees.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;duplicated effort, manual re-keying&nbsp;and billable time lost.&nbsp;
In just five minutes,&nbsp;you&rsquo;ll&nbsp;learn how to review your current stack,&nbsp;identify&nbsp;overlaps, activate underused&nbsp;integrations&nbsp;and prioritise the highest-impact improvements.&nbsp;
If you want a clear, actionable check-in on whether your tools are helping or hindering your firm&rsquo;s growth, this episode gives you the essentials without the overwhelm.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;Resources and reading:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="12" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/news/podcasts/small-firm-big-impact-express/optimise-your-tech-stack-for-efficiency-and-profitability">View the full resource list and episode notes here</a></li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="12" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/news/podcasts/small-firm-big-impact-express">Explore more resources on the podcast page</a></li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="12" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/member-services/smp-resource-centre">Visit the Smaller Practices Centre for more information</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Need regular small practice updates on the go? Small Firm, Big Impact Express (SFBI Express) delivers essential insights for Chartered Accountants in just 5 minutes. ​ 

Each episode, we bring you the best minds across the accounting industry to share critical regulatory changes, compliance updates and emerging trends that impact you.​  

Whether you are commuting, taking a coffee break, or between client meetings, SFBI Express helps you stay up to date. Listen to find out what’s changed, why it matters, and what you need to do next. 

If you’re looking for deeper conversations and bigger-picture thinking, explore our long-form podcast, Small Firm, Big Impact, where we unpack the ideas and issues influencing the future of smaller practices. 

Need regular small practice updates on the go? Small Firm, Big Impact Express&nbsp;(SFBI Express)&nbsp;delivers essential insights for&nbsp;Chartered&nbsp;Accountants in just 5 minutes.&nbsp;​&nbsp;
Each episode, we bring you the best minds across the accounting industry to share critical regulatory changes, compliance updates and emerging trends that&nbsp;impact&nbsp;you.​&nbsp;&nbsp;
Whether you are commuting, taking a coffee break,&nbsp;or&nbsp;between client meetings, SFBI&nbsp;Express&nbsp;helps you stay up to date. Listen to find out&nbsp;what&rsquo;s&nbsp;changed, why it matters,&nbsp;and what you need to do next.&nbsp;
If&nbsp;you&rsquo;re&nbsp;looking for deeper conversations and bigger-picture thinking, explore our long-form podcast,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/news/podcasts/small-firm-big-impact">Small Firm, Big Impact,</a>&nbsp;where we unpack the ideas and issues influencing the future of smaller practices.&nbsp;

Small Firm, Big Impact Express

Your Tech Stack Check-In: Optimise for Efficiency and Profitability 

What happened?

What to do next?

Resources and support

In a small accounting firm, a leader’s stress rarely stays personal. It can shape how the team communicates, responds to pressure and raises problems before they grow. 

In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Chartered Accountant and Khoh Partners founder Jeremy Khoh explores why wellbeing in a smaller practice starts with leadership behaviour, not another policy or program. He explains how a leader’s emotional state can influence psychological safety and why a tense or reactive environment may make people less likely to speak up about deadlines, client issues or mistakes. 

You’ll hear three practical ways to create more breathing room, set healthier expectations and lead more sustainably, without pretending the workload or resourcing pressure is not real. The advice is designed for busy firm owners and practice leaders and does not require a large budget, a new wellbeing initiative or a spare afternoon. 

Resources and further reading: 
Learn more about what Jeremy does  
Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn  
Visit the CA ANZ member wellbeing hub  
Visit the Smaller Practices Centre for general practical tools and guidance 

In a small accounting firm, a leader&rsquo;s stress rarely stays personal. It can shape how the team communicates, responds to pressure and raises problems before they grow.&nbsp;
In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Chartered Accountant and Khoh Partners founder Jeremy Khoh explores why wellbeing in a smaller practice starts with leadership behaviour, not another policy or program. He explains how a leader&rsquo;s emotional state can influence psychological safety and why a tense or reactive environment may make people less likely to speak up about deadlines, client issues or mistakes.&nbsp;
You&rsquo;ll hear three practical ways to create more breathing room, set healthier expectations and lead more sustainably, without pretending the workload or resourcing pressure is not real. The advice is designed for busy firm owners and practice leaders and does not require a large budget, a new wellbeing initiative or a spare afternoon.&nbsp;
Resources and further reading:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://caanz.s.gy/UoxDuc">Learn more about what Jeremy does </a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://caanz.s.gy/Lt7KWF">Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn </a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://caanz.s.gy/kk27O8">Visit the CA ANZ member wellbeing hub </a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://caanz.s.gy/9QGkfP">Visit the Smaller Practices Centre for general practical tools and guidance</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Your stress is the culture: How to reset your practice 

Supporting First Nations businesses goes beyond meeting procurement targets. For smaller accounting practices, Indigenous Business Month is an opportunity to recognise the contribution of First Nations entrepreneurship and explore practical ways to get involved. 

In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Jolene Kawak, a proud Yamatji woman, Fellow Chartered Accountant and Director at Karlaya Accounting & Business Advisory, explains why First Nations business success matters and how accountants can play a meaningful role in supporting it. 

In this episode, discover: 
Why supporting First Nations businesses matters beyond procurement. 
Opportunities for smaller practices to connect with and support First Nations businesses. 
The importance of genuine relationships and culturally respectful engagement. 

Resources and further reading 

🔗 Explore the Smaller Practices Centre: https://caanz.s.gy/QgtnMj  

🔗 Connect with Jolene: https://caanz.s.gy/7e3A4P  

🔗 Supply Nation: The Sleeping Giant Rises: https://caanz.s.gy/DLeHQH  

🔗 University of Melbourne: Indigenous Business and Corporation Snapshot Study 4.0: https://caanz.s.gy/1WMobY  

🔗 Supply Nation: Indigenous Business Directory: https://caanz.s.gy/oRjsII  

Supporting First Nations businesses goes beyond meeting procurement targets. For smaller accounting practices, Indigenous Business Month is an opportunity to recognise the contribution of First Nations entrepreneurship and explore practical ways to get involved.&nbsp;
In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Jolene Kawak, a proud Yamatji woman, Fellow Chartered Accountant and Director at Karlaya Accounting &amp; Business Advisory, explains why First Nations business success matters and how accountants can play a meaningful role in supporting it.&nbsp;
In this episode, discover:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="41" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Why supporting First Nations businesses matters beyond procurement.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="41" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Opportunities for smaller practices to connect with and support First Nations businesses.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="41" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">The importance of genuine relationships and culturally respectful engagement.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Resources and further reading&nbsp;
🔗 Explore the Smaller Practices Centre: <a href="https://caanz.s.gy/QgtnMj">https://caanz.s.gy/QgtnMj</a> &nbsp;
🔗 Connect with Jolene: <a href="https://caanz.s.gy/7e3A4P">https://caanz.s.gy/7e3A4P</a> &nbsp;
🔗 Supply Nation: The Sleeping Giant Rises: <a href="https://caanz.s.gy/DLeHQH">https://caanz.s.gy/DLeHQH</a> &nbsp;
🔗 University of Melbourne: Indigenous Business and Corporation Snapshot Study 4.0: <a href="https://caanz.s.gy/1WMobY">https://caanz.s.gy/1WMobY</a> &nbsp;
🔗 Supply Nation: Indigenous Business Directory: <a href="https://caanz.s.gy/oRjsII">https://caanz.s.gy/oRjsII</a> &nbsp;

How smaller accounting firms can support First Nations businesses

What's happened?

Resources and links

Ethical challenges in accounting rarely arrive as obvious dilemmas. They often show up in everyday decisions, from client pressure and tight deadlines to incomplete information or situations where something simply doesn’t feel right. 

In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Josephine Haste, Manager for Ethics and Professional Practice at CA ANZ, explores why ethics matters in everyday accounting practice, particularly for smaller firms where close client relationships can put professional judgement to the test. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 
How ethical pressures can arise in day-to-day practice 
Why professional judgement and client trust matter 
Practical ways to build ethical decision-making into your firm 
Where to seek guidance when an issue isn’t clear 

Resources and further reading: 
Learn more and register for Global Ethics Day: https://caanz.s.gy/a6yM8c  
Review the Code of Ethics: https://caanz.s.gy/jzypzO  
Learn about the Chartered Accountants’ Advisory Group: https://caanz.s.gy/To2PzW  
Visit the Smaller Practices Centre: https://caanz.s.gy/KLeGJV  

Ethical challenges in accounting rarely arrive as obvious dilemmas. They often show up in everyday decisions, from client pressure and tight deadlines to incomplete information or situations where something simply&nbsp;doesn&rsquo;t&nbsp;feel right.&nbsp;
In this episode of&nbsp;Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Josephine Haste, Manager for Ethics and Professional Practice at CA ANZ, explores why ethics matters in everyday accounting practice, particularly for smaller firms where close client relationships can put professional judgement to the test.&nbsp;
In this episode, you&rsquo;ll learn:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">How ethical pressures can arise in day-to-day practice&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Why professional judgement and client trust matter&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Practical ways to build ethical decision-making into your firm&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Where to seek guidance when an issue&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;clear&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Resources&nbsp;and further reading:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Learn more and register for Global Ethics Day: <a href="https://caanz.s.gy/a6yM8c">https://caanz.s.gy/a6yM8c</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Review the Code of Ethics:&nbsp;<a href="https://caanz.s.gy/jzypzO">https://caanz.s.gy/jzypzO</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Learn about the Chartered Accountants&rsquo; Advisory Group:&nbsp;<a href="https://caanz.s.gy/To2PzW">https://caanz.s.gy/To2PzW</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Visit the Smaller Practices Centre:&nbsp;<a href="https://caanz.s.gy/KLeGJV">https://caanz.s.gy/KLeGJV</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Your Tech Stack Check-In: Optimise for Efficiency and Profitability

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