Small Firm, Big Impact Express

Messy data can create big problems for smaller accounting firms. Even with better cloud tools and automation, many firms are still losing time to coding errors, unreconciled accounts, duplicated transactions and unclear handovers between bookkeepers, accountants and clients.  In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Natalie Lennon FCA, Founder and Director of Two Sides Accounting, shares practical ways smaller practices can work better with bookkeepers, reduce rework and improve the quality of client data.   You’ll hear why clearer roles, agreed processes, and regular check-ins can make a real difference to efficiency, profitability and client service.  In this episode, we cover:  Where the accountant-bookkeeper relationship often breaks down   Why messy data creates workflow, profitability and advisory issues   How to set clearer roles and responsibilities   The importance of agreed systems, standards and communication   Practical steps to prevent year-end clean-up   Resources and further reading:  Visit the Smaller Practices Centre for general practical tools and guidance  Learn more about our host here  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.