The Evolution of Accounting Software with Kevin McCallum

Episode 55. In today's interview, "The Evolution of Accounting Software with Kevin McCallum."

Kevin McCallum spent 11 years at FreeAgent before recently becoming Accountancy Manager's team CEO. He is responsible for the day-to-day running of AM and implementing the strategy to grow the business. He brings significant experience to the role, having spent 20 years working in the accounting software industry.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

➨ the key 'externalities' that have come into the accounting fintech and software industry that haven't been present before

➨ how open banking and open finance are changing the accounting world

➨ what the younger generations are bringing to the accounting and fintech world that are pushing boundaries of progress and innovation

➨ challenging the traditional view that accountants and CPAs are not particularly agile and comfortable with change

➨ what accounting clients really want from their professional advisors and how software vendors undermine it

➨ explaining plays by some software vendors to bypass accountants and why it's a risky strategy

➨ how tech vendors try to collaborate with accountants to develop software and the difficulties in doing that

➨ the challenges for software vendors of engaging with and selling to busy accountants

➨ explaining how accounting software vendors spend marketing dollars to reach to and through accountants

➨ how the smaller more agile fintech software vendors in accounting outsmart the bigger players

➨ how software vendors and fintech suppliers can help accounting firm leaders make decisions on investing in the right tech

➨ the arguments for a modular 'best in class' approach to software for accounting firm tech decision makers

➨ the vision for Accountancy Manager in the accounting practice management software space, particularly in automation and workflow

➨ advise for accountants who are new to practice management software from spreadsheet/pen and paper methods

➨ what's coming up for the accounting software industry in the areas of collaboration and integration

➨ the requirements of accounting software vendors to provide insights for accountants and their clients

Outside the office, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family (when the kids are home from university), riding horses and challenging himself with a bit of DIY. Connect with him here:

https://twitter.com/accountancymgr

https://www.facebook.com/AccountancyManager

https://www.instagram.com/accountancymanager

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGiRdrz-eyeqvUCJyaFzKg

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjmccallum

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NOTE TO LISTENERS:

The Accounting Influencers Podcast is a CPE-accredited daily radio-style show with four segments coming out every Monday which are repeated on the other 4 weekdays as standalone episodes, plus a bonus 'from the client's perspective' episode on Saturdays. On Sundays, listeners get a short min trailer for the coming week's episodes.

Every Tuesday the show gives you a relevant news topic from the accounting and fintech world with a direct application to accountants, CPAs and bookkeepers. Great to stay informed and build your commercial acumen.

Every Wednesday and Friday, we feature an uncut interview with top authors, leaders, thinkers and performers in the accounting and fintech world.

Every Thursday the show gives you a practical 'here's what works' tips concerning a key challenge, need or strategy for accountants, CPAs and bookkeepers. Great to stay current and keep your skills topped up.

Finally, every Saturday gives listeners a bonus episode which focuses on the buyers of accounting services - the clients themselves. In particular how they feel, react to and experience their interactions with accountants. That includes why they buy or don't buy, why they move or stay and why they think how they think about you, your firm, your prices and your offerings.

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