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's happened

Resources and support

LinkedIn is evolving, and for smaller accounting firms, it’s becoming one of the most powerful channels to build visibility, credibility, and trust. 

In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, we explore what’s changed over the past 12–18 months, including how LinkedIn now prioritises original, expertise-led content, meaningful engagement, and individual voices over company pages. We also unpack how LinkedIn is increasingly influencing not just client decisions, but recruitment and even how your firm appears in AI-driven search results. 

More importantly, we break down what this means for smaller practices and share three practical steps you can take today, from optimising your profile to sharing simple, insight-led content and engaging more effectively. 

If you want to build a stronger presence without a big marketing budget, this episode will help you get started. 

 Resources and further reading: 
Visit the podcast page for more resources 

LinkedIn is evolving, and for smaller accounting firms,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;becoming one of the most powerful channels to build visibility, credibility, and trust.&nbsp;
In this episode of&nbsp;Small Firm, Big Impact Express, we explore&nbsp;what&rsquo;s&nbsp;changed over the past 12&ndash;18 months, including how LinkedIn now prioritises original, expertise-led content, meaningful engagement, and individual voices over company pages. We also unpack how LinkedIn is increasingly influencing not just client decisions, but recruitment and even how your firm appears in AI-driven search results.&nbsp;
More importantly, we break down what this means for smaller practices and share three practical steps you can take today, from optimising your profile to sharing simple, insight-led content and engaging more effectively.&nbsp;
If you want to build a stronger presence without a big marketing budget, this episode will help you get started.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Resources&nbsp;and further reading:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" 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">Visit the podcast page for more&nbsp;resources</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

How small accounting firms can build visibility on LinkedIn 

How small firms can build visibility on LinkedIn 

Resources and links

AI tools can generate research and summaries instantly, but they don’t always produce reliable information. In some cases, outputs may include incorrect or fabricated references that appear credible at first glance. 

In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Carolyn White, Manager of Library Services at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), explains how accounting firms can use AI tools more safely when conducting research. 

In just a few minutes, she explores: 
Why AI tools can produce incorrect or fabricated references 
What firms should verify before relying on AI-generated information 
Practical steps to validate research outputs 
How CA ANZ Library Services can support research verification 

 Resources and further reading: 
Visit the podcast page for more resources 

AI tools can generate research and summaries instantly, but they&nbsp;don&rsquo;t&nbsp;always produce reliable information. In some cases, outputs may include incorrect or fabricated references that appear&nbsp;credible at first glance.&nbsp;
In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact&nbsp;Express, Carolyn White, Manager of Library Services at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), explains how accounting firms can use AI tools more safely when conducting research.&nbsp;
In just a few minutes, she explores:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" 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 AI tools can produce incorrect or fabricated references&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" 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">What firms should verify before relying on AI-generated information&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" 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 steps to&nbsp;validate&nbsp;research outputs&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" 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">How CA ANZ Library Services can support research verification&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;Resources and further reading:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" 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">Visit the podcast page for more resources</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

AI for research: risks and best practice for small firms 

What happened

Outro

In the first episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Jill Muir, Senior Policy Advocate, Business Reform at Chartered Accountants ANZ, breaks down what the Tranche 2 AML/CTF reforms mean for accounting practices ahead of the 1 July 2026 start date.

In just five minutes, this episode covers what’s changing under Australia’s AML/CTF regime, which accounting services may bring firms into scope, why the reforms matter for small practices, and the practical steps firms can start taking now.

If you want a clear snapshot of what’s changed, why it matters, and what to do next, this episode gives you the essentials without the overwhelm.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Australia’s AML/CTF reforms: questions and answers
AML/CTF program project plan (AU) for professional accountants
AUSTRAC Accounting Program Starter Kit
Access all the episode notes here 

In the first episode of&nbsp;Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Jill Muir, Senior Policy Advocate, Business Reform at Chartered Accountants ANZ, breaks down what the Tranche 2 AML/CTF reforms mean for accounting practices ahead of the 1 July 2026 start date.
In just five minutes, this episode covers what&rsquo;s changing under Australia&rsquo;s AML/CTF regime, which accounting services may bring firms into scope, why the reforms matter for small practices, and the practical steps firms can start taking now.
If you want a clear snapshot of what&rsquo;s changed, why it matters, and what to do next, this episode gives you the essentials without the overwhelm.
<hr>
Resources mentioned in this episode:
<ul>
<li data-start="1089" data-end="1282"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/insights/research-and-insights/australias-amlctf-reforms-questions-and-answers">Australia&rsquo;s AML/CTF reforms: questions and answers</a></li>
<li data-start="1089" data-end="1282"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/insights/research-and-insights/aml-ctf-program-project-plan-au-for-professional-accountants">AML/CTF program project plan (AU) for professional accountants</a></li>
<li data-start="1089" data-end="1282"><a href="https://www.austrac.gov.au/reforms/sector-specific-guidance/accountant-guidance/accounting-program-starter-kit">AUSTRAC Accounting Program Starter Kit</a></li>
<li data-start="1089" data-end="1282"><a href="https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/news-and-analysis/news/podcasts/small-firm-big-impact-express/aml-ctf-reforms-are-coming-what-small-firms-need-to-do-now">Access all the episode notes here&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>

AML/CTF reforms are coming. What small firms need to do now.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a34d9ae1-e217-41ad-8f3d-aae30005ee78/clips/9d33b46a-481c-4a81-9142-b3ed00094d81/transcript

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

Small Firm, Big Impact Express

In 1 playlist(s)

Small Firm, Big Impact Express

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips