For smaller practices, this shift presents both opportunity and risk. When systems integrate effectively, firms can reduce manual processes, improve accuracy and free up capacity for higher-value advisory work. When they don’t, duplicated effort and disconnected workflows quietly erode profitability.

In this episode of Small Firm, Big Impact Express, Heather Smith FCA, FCCA, FICB, founder of ANISE Consulting and host of the Accounting Apps podcast, breaks down what’s changed across common accounting platforms, why your tech stack has a direct impact on profitability, and the practical steps small firms can take to audit their tools for better efficiency.

In a couple of minutes, Heather provides a practical framework to help firms:

• Map their current tech stack
• Identify overlapping tools 
• Activate underused integrations 
• Review manual touchpoints 
• Assess return on investment

Rather than undertaking a full system overhaul, this episode encourages firms to start with a focused audit of their existing tools and prioritise the highest-impact improvements.

If your firm hasn’t reviewed its tech stack in the past 12 months, this episode provides a clear and structured starting point.

Resources and further reading:

• Read the Acuity article
• View related publications in the CA Library
• Visit the Smaller Practices Centre for practical tools and guidance
• Learn more about Heather Smith and listen to the Accounting Apps podcast

View the transcript within the platform.