
This week, Gillian, Rebecca and Anthony headed to Accountex, Manchester to discover the latest in accounting tech. With so much changing in the world of software and AI, it was the perfect chance to explore what’s new, what’s useful, and what might make us even more efficient.
We set out with three things in mind: how AI can really benefit our business, whether there are apps that link with Xero to streamline processes, and if there are smarter alternatives to Excel for working papers.
When it comes to AI, it’s clear the hype is huge, but the reality is more complex. We discovered we’re already using some AI-powered tools, like Dext, and while there’s no instant magic solution, this is definitely a space to keep watching. The potential is huge, but it’s about finding the right fit for our business.
On the working papers front, we’ve got demos lined up with a couple of providers. Xero already offers a solution, and we’ve also set up a session with Silverfin, a platform we’ve had good experiences with before. It feels like we’re on the right track to finding a smarter way of working.
The apps side of things turned out to be the real treasure hunt. We’ve got follow-up calls with providers covering new CRM options, a fresh take on document storage, Apron to give QuickBooks extra power, and even MoneyPenny, who want to add live chat to our website. Plenty of possibilities to explore!
And of course, it wasn’t all spreadsheets and software, there was a penalty shootout thrown in for good measure. A reminder that events like these are not only about the tech but also about the people and the experience.
All in all, Accountex was time well spent. We came away with ideas, next steps, and plenty of enthusiasm for what’s coming next in the world of accounting tech.
Thanks for having us, Accountex, we’ll be back!