Insights from TOACon 2025’s tech stream: AI, cybersecurity, client experience, and building resilient firms with smarter systems, featuring Practice Protect, AccountKit, and more.

Summary

In the second of three instalments Heather Smith explores highlights from TOACon 2025. Recorded at the luxurious Shangri-La Boracay, this episode dives into practical tools and strategies reshaping the accounting landscape.

Main Topics:

🌟 Customer Experience Strategy: Jason S Bradshaw on reducing client friction and defining your service promise.

🔐 Cybersecurity Deep Dive: Jenny Caune of Practice Protect on multi-layered security and sleep-at-night tech.

📊 Cloud App Report: Real usage data across 13 categories: what apps firms are actually using in 2025.

🔄 AccountKit Expansion: Matt Taylor from AccountKit on new features including reconciliations, integrations, and centralized workflows.

📈 Building a Business That Runs Without You: TOA Global founder Nick Sinclair on separating identity from business.

🧭 Truth in Leadership: Dom Thurbon on the fine line between experience and baggage, staying curious is key.

🏝️ Conference Culture & Community: Live insights from attendees on the power of connections, resilience, and hospitality.

Key Takeaways:

• Tech doesn’t build trust, clear communication does.
• Cybersecurity isn’t optional; it's foundational.
• Real-time app data beats outdated reviews: use the Cloud App Report.
• Centralised platforms like AccountKit are simplifying workflows.
• Leadership breakthroughs come from clarity, not complexity.

Heather Smith attended the TOACon 2025 conference as hosted media.

If you want to find out more about TOAGlobal please visit their website :toaglobal.com

If you want further information about anything covered in this podcast, please refer to the show notes: https://www.heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/blog/

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

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Join Heather Smith as she explores highlights from TOACon 2025: building resilient teams, leadership mindset shifts, and inspiring stories from accountants shaping the future through global connections.

Summary

In the first of three instalments Heather Smith shares highlights from TOACon2025: focusing on mindset, culture, offshoring, innovation, and resilience in the accounting profession. Through interviews and speaker takeaways, you'll hear how accounting leaders are embracing small actions for big impact.

• Insights from Dr. Shadé Zahrai on mindset, adversity, and recognising your own value.
• Interview with Mariel (Accounting for Jewellers): from jeweller to niche accountant, offshoring success story.
• Innovation tips from James O’Loghlin: tackle friction, protect thinking time, challenge assumptions.
• Interview with Alan Lonie (AO Accounting): navigating complex Thai regulations, digital adoption challenges.
• Human performance advice from Olly Bridge: fight burnout, habit stack, and walk through problems.
• Interview with Mark Said (MKS Group): expanding through offshoring, shifting to CFO coaching, talent shortages.
• Interview with Mareta Akari (TOA Global): TOA’s cultural values, post-conference celebrations, and resilience during natural disasters.

Heather Smith attended the TOACon 2025 conference as hosted media.

If you want to find out more about TOAGlobal please visit their website :toaglobal.com

If you want further information about anything covered in this podcast, please refer to the show notes: https://www.heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/blog/

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

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

In this special year-end wrap-up, we explore the major accounting tech releases of 2025. From new AI capabilities to feature-rich workpapers and smarter reporting tools, discover the updates that could transform your current stack.

The accompanying article to this podcast can be found on Accountants Daily.

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

X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU