Accounting Steps Podcast

Kirsty St John, Month-End & More (Peterborough)

Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors – faster). In this episode I took a walk through the lovely Nene Park in Peterborough with award winning bookkeeper, Kirsty St John. Kirsty discusses the software she uses, her month end bookkeeping process and how collaboration between accountants and bookkeepers can be improved. Let’s get started! Kirsty's Counting Services Ltd: https://www.kirstyscounting.com/ Kirsty St John LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstystjohn/ Xenon Connect: https://www.xenonconnect.com/ Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/

Stu McEwan, Building Better Software (Edinburgh)

Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors – faster). In this episode I took a walk through the picturesque Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh with Stu McEwan, Staff Product Manager at FreeAgent. In true Scottish style, there was a bit of wind and rain along the way, but that didn’t stop us from having a great conversation. Stu shared his journey from studying business management and psychology, to joining FreeAgent back in 2016. We talked about his early days working in the Support team, through product management, and into what his current role looks like today. We also discussed the challenges and opportunities ahead with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, how FreeAgent approaches product development, and what is next for the software.  FreeAgent: https://www.freeagent.com/ Stu McEwan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartmcewan/ Xenon Connect: https://www.xenonconnect.com/ Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/

Beth Ruscoe, More Than Numbers (Chester)

Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors – faster). In this episode, I had the pleasure of walking a bit closer to home, through Grosvenor Park in Chester with Beth Ruscoe, founder of Nara Accountancy. Beth’s journey into accountancy is anything but traditional - starting in fashion marketing and retail buying before retraining via AAT and ACCA. We talked about what inspired her career change, the transferable skills she’s brought with her, and the early experiences that shaped her path. Now running her own firm, Beth shared insights on serving clients ahead of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, how she’s building her brand, and the real challenges—and rewards—of going it alone. Nara Accountancy: https://www.naraaccountancy.com/ Beth Ruscoe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethruscoe Xenon Connect Website: https://www.xenonconnect.com/ Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/

Katie Collin, Accounting for Health (London)

Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors - faster). In this episode, I took a walk through Regent’s Park in London with Katie Collin, Partner at Ramsay Brown - an accountancy firm specialising in the medical profession. Katie’s path into accountancy was interesting, including time spent in the music industry before training as an auditor and eventually joining Ramsay Brown in 2017. We chatted about the unique financial challenges faced by GPs, what it means to specialise in the healthcare sector, and Katie’s role with the ICAEW, as vice chair of the Healthcare Advisory Group. It’s a prime example of the deeper role that accountants can play in supporting clients. Ramsay Brown: https://ramsaybrown.com/ Katie Collin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-collin/ Xenon Connect Website: https://www.xenonconnect.com/ Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/

Chi Yun Wai, The Escape Room Bookkeeper (Birmingham)

Welcome back to Accounting Steps! I’m Gareth Salomon, accountant and founder of Xenon Connect (software that automatically detects bookkeeping errors – faster). And in this episode, I walked around the lake at the NEC in Birmingham and chatted with Chi Yun Wai (also known as Sam), a bookkeeper who specialises in serving the escape room industry. We talked about how Sam’s passion for escape rooms led him to build and run his own, the challenges of transitioning from business owner to employee, and why he eventually started a bookkeeping practice focused on this growing industry. Sam also shared insights into the financial side of escape rooms, as well as his experiences with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and his first trip to the FAB conference.  More details: Immersif: https://www.immersif.co/ Chi Yun Wai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chi-yun-wai-micb/ Xenon Connect Website: https://www.xenonconnect.com/ Gareth Salomon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsalomon/