Bio

Accountants don't save lives. Accountants save livelihoods. I'm obsessed with how effective automation and integration can produce timely clean data, to surface information for informed brave decision making. I've implemented accounts systems, processes, and training, for hundreds of businesses. I’m fiercely protective of the accounting and bookkeeping community. Embracing my solution driven nature, I work with the industry at large to empower, educate and support the community to positively embrace Accounting Apps through creation, co-creation and curation of educational content. Named in the USA’s Accounting Today list of 21 people helping shape (and reshape) the accounting industry in 2020 and beyond. The only Aussie to make their list. Changemaker. Socially responsible. Incurable optimist. Community leader. • Created the world’s first and largest online Mastermind accounting technology community - a safe space to share learnings about accounting apps, and solve customer problems • Produced the world's first accounting technology podcast exploring the stories behind the people who build or use Accounting Apps: Cloud Stories • YouTube channel with over 1.5 million views • Host the world first and largest Accounting Technology MeetUp group, where Accounting Apps showcase their technology to the community • Educational Accounting Apps newsletter - sign up here -> HeatherSmithAU.com • Written 10 books including: - multiple books within the Xero for Dummies series. - Learn MYOB in 7 Days - Learn Small Business Start Up in 7 Days all published by Wiley Business. My practice fits in my handbag. I believe advisors can work from anywhere, and support clients anywhere, by honing their ability to offer services online. Community leadership roles and responsibilities • Ambassador for Innovation for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) as part of CA Catalyst; A strategic programme designed to help CA build capabilities, explore new markets, and provide greater value for themselves, their clients, and communities. I was chosen because of the work I’d done in this space; it gives me the opportunity to replicate what I’d built on a much larger scale. • The Global SME Forum for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) - representing the sector’s needs at a global level, facilitating the sharing of best practice. • Global Technology Forum for ACCA - to contribute to ACCA’s technical and research work on issues facing business and the accountancy profession. • QLD Public Practice Forum for CA ANZ