In this solo episode Heather Smith explores how accountants can harness AI as a strategic enabler, boosting data-driven decision making, enhancing client value, and leading with ethics, integrity, and curiosity.
Summary
In this solo episode, I talk about . . .
Key Points:
- Technology as a strategic enabler, not just an operational tool
- AI reduces repetitive work, empowering advisory services
- Algorithms + data = core to accountants’ strengths
- Data as a strategic asset: dashboards, analytics, forecasting tools
- AI skills now a core competency—embrace continuous learning
- Importance of curiosity and experimentation
- Changing client expectations around speed, transparency, and insights
- Data security, ethics, and integrity as professional superpowers
- AI governance—opportunity to lead and educate clients
- Leadership moment for accountants in shaping AI adoption
00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview Heather introduces the AI in accounting theme.
00:45 – 1 AI as a Strategic Enabler Why technology is more than an operational necessity.
02:10 – 2. Automation Frees Accountants to Be Human From data entry to strategic advisory work.
03:30 – AI in Simple Terms: Algorithms + Data Why this formula matters for accountants and bookkeepers.
04:50 – 3. Data as a Strategic Asset Leveraging dashboards, analytics, and forecasting tools.
06:15 – 4. AI Skills Are the New Core Competencies From spreadsheets to generative AI proficiency.
07:35 – 5. Curiosity & Experimentation Drive Innovation How to create space for trying new tools.
09:10 – 6. Meeting Evolving Client Expectations Speed, transparency, and tech-savvy service delivery.
10:40 – 7. Data Security & AI Disclosure Best practices for safeguarding sensitive financial data.
12:05 – 8. Ethics & Integrity as the Accountant’s Superpower Embedding responsible AI use into daily decisions.
13:25 – 9. AI Governance: A New Service Opportunity Helping clients set rules and policies for AI adoption.
15:00 – 10. Leadership Moment for Accountants Shaping how AI delivers value and manages risk.
17:10 – Final Thoughts & Resources Encouraging continuous learning and professional community engagement.
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
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.