Heather Smith and Tyler Caskey explore major Q2 tech updates, from payroll developments to NetSuite integrations, AI trends, multi-entity reporting, and smarter expense and project tools.
Today I’m speaking with Tyler Caskey, Founder at The Bean Counter.
In this episode, we talk about . . . industry insights and key accounting technology updates from April to June 2025. We highlight the competition in HR and payroll, noting Rippling's market leadership, Employment Hero's implementation improvements, and Tanda’s attractive pricing . We discuss Xero's integration of Syft into its dashboard. Tyler praises the project management solution Work Guru for its native integrations across different systems. We also cover the integration of the ERP solution Oracle NetSuite with Airwallex, Weel and ApprovalMax, and highlight changes in Xero, QuickBooksOnline, and MYOB, including the release of Solo Money by MYOB. We wrapped up with a quick look at recent investments and a preview of upcoming Accounting Technology events.
Key Themes & Takeaways
- Payroll & HR Tech
- Competition heating up: Rippling, Employment Hero, Elmo, and Tanda making moves.
- Pricing pressures and feature sets vary widely—Tanda noted as great value.
- Multi-Entity Reporting
- Strong contenders: Fathom, Join, DataSights, Calxa, Spotlight Reporting.
- Notable updates: Xero integrates Sift, Join introduces Board Packs, Calxa adds advanced tracking category grouping.
- Expense Management & Virtual Cards
- ApprovalMax, Weel and Airwallex now integrated with NetSuite.
- Derive emerges as a serious AP/procurement tool competitor to ProSpend, especially for franchises.
- Jobs & Projects
- WorkGuru praised for native integrations, suitability for construction and manufacturing.
- Gojee, Scoro, and Project Works also discussed. Project Works raised $12M Series A.
- AI & ChatGPT Use in Accounting
- Clients are using AI for education and pre-queries—accountants need to stay ahead.
- Risks around DIY tax advice. AI as a review tool (e.g., Expert, future potential).
- CRM Tools
- Wave CRM: Excellent for member-based orgs.
- Friendly Manager and Hello Club noted in the sports/event space.
- Core App Updates
- Xero: Practice Manager UI refresh, Tap to Pay on iPhone, invoicing redesign, Carbon integration, U.S. Melio acquisition.
- QuickBooks: New 3-year forecasting, workflow approvals, ATO integration enhancements.
- MYOB: Launches Solo Money – targeted at freelancers/sole traders.
- ERP & Reporting Tools
- Hemesphere + Odoo for large-volume users.
- NetSuite growing as a high-quality GL platform, even for low-entity clients.
- Campfire (AI-first ERP) secures $35M Series A funding.
 Events Mentioned
- Heather & Tyler speaking across AU at Dashboard Insights, CloudOffice, CA ANZ & Women in Accounting events.
- Upcoming: Xerocon (Tyler speaking), Suite World Vegas, Zoholics, Mayday’s Multi-Entity Webinar Series.
Upcoming events that Tyler or Heather are speaking at:
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31 Jul - Fireside, Forecasts & Future Tech - Cloudoffis, Melbourne
1 Aug - FY25 Accounting Benchmarking Roadshow - Dashboard Insights, Brisbane
14-26 Aug Scaling with Xero
19 Aug Your Brain is Full: Build a Second Brain to Make Room for What Matters - SWAN Sydney Women in Accounting Network
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