Episode Details

The first quarter of 2026 has delivered an extraordinary wave of AI-powered enhancements, mid-market strategy shifts and workflow automation upgrades across the accounting technology ecosystem. This session, presented at the Sydney Accounting and Bookkeeping Expo, dives deep into what matters, what is hype, and where firms should pay attention.

• MYOB Solo, MYOB AI BAS checks and Intuit Accountant Suite signal strong practice management evolution
• Xero Ultra beta, dashboard upgrades and API pricing changes reshape the mid-market and app ecosystem
• Karbon recurring billing, AI agents and Uncat integration enhance workflow efficiency
• Paidnice transforms debt collection automation, alongside major payroll innovation from Tanda
• Fathom AI commentary, Dext AI Assist and Dashboard Insights BAS Pro elevate advisory conversations

As always, the key message is this: block time in your calendar and properly explore these features. Many of these releases can immediately improve efficiency, reduce risk and deepen client advisory if implemented thoughtfully.

Jump across to the blog here : https://www.heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/blog/ for all the links so you can deep dive into the details.

The podcast is also released on Accountants Daily Momentum Media’s Under The Hood brand : https://www.accountantsdaily.com.au/technology/22289-under-the-hood-accounting-tech-update-for-q1-2026 

MYOB – https://www.myob.com
MYOB Solo – https://www.myob.com/au/products/solo
Intuit Accountant Suite – https://quickbooks.intuit.com/accountants/
Xero – https://www.xero.com
Xero Ultra – https://www.xero.com

Cloudoffis - https://cloudoffis.com.au/ 

Uncat – https://www.uncat.com
Karbon – https://www.karbonhq.com 

Paidnice – https://www.paidnice.com
A2X – https://www.a2xaccounting.com
Tanda – https://www.tanda.co
Emerge – https://www.emergeapp.net
Restoke – https://www.restoke.ai
AdvisorLi – https://www.advisorli.com
Jazoodle – https://www.jazoodle.com
Fathom – https://www.fathomhq.com
Employment Hero – https://www.employmenthero.com
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com
ActiveCollab – https://activecollab.com
Calcs – https://www.calcs.com.au
Dashboard Insights – https://www.dashboardinsights.com.au
Sharesight – https://www.sharesight.com
Botkeeper – https://www.botkeeper.com
Zendu – https://www.zendu.com
NAB Bookkeeper – https://www.nab.com.au/business/accounts/online-accounting
SuiteFiles –