Accountants After Hours

Episode 8: Accountants React to 2026 Federal Budget

Proudly brought to you by Ignition [https://ignitionapp.info/accountants-after-hours] who we both love and use in our businesses to automate proposals and streamline invoicing. The 2026 Federal Budget has landed and accountants across Australia are sounding the alarm.  In this episode Natalie Lennon and Sarah Lawrence unpack the biggest tax changes, including the removal of negative gearing on existing properties, changes to capital gains tax, the new 30% trust tax, bucket company issues, R&D updates, PAYG reforms, and what it all means for small business owners, investors, and accountants. This is an honest, unfiltered discussion about the real-world impact these proposed changes could have on everyday Australians, business owners, and the economy. ☕️ Send us your accounting industry tea and how you are using AI in your firm - hello@accountantsafterhours or DM on socials. 🔗 Episode links: * 2026 Federal Budget Government webpage [https://budget.gov.au/] * Two Sides Accounting Blog - 2026 Federal Budget Summary [https://www.twosides.com.au/single-post/2026federalbudget] * Electric Car FBT Exemption [https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/hiring-and-paying-your-workers/fringe-benefits-tax/types-of-fringe-benefits/fbt-on-cars-other-vehicles-parking-and-tolls/electric-cars-exemption]  💬 Join in on the conversation: - Follow us on Instagram [https://instagram.com/accountantsafterhours] (it’s where we have the most fun) - Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/accountantsafterhours] - Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountantsafterhours] - Watch and subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AccountantsAfterHours] DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own professional advice and conduct their own due diligence before acting on any information discussed. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 7: Show Me the Money: Re-Engagements

Proudly brought to you by Ignition [https://ignitionapp.info/accountants-after-hours] who we both love and use in our businesses to automate proposals and streamline invoicing. Stop slapping a flat 5% increase across every client and calling it a pricing strategy. In this episode Natalie and Sarah break down how to turn annual re-engagements into a strategic reset for your firm. They discuss why a service-by-service pricing review is a critical "time to shine" for accountants to protect their margins, lock in recurring revenue, and demonstrate value beyond basic compliance. Follow, subscribe and share with an accountant who needs a space where the real conversations happen. ☕️ Send us your accounting industry tea and how you are using AI in your firm - hello@accountantsafterhours or DM on socials. 🔗 Episode links: * SBAABTA FB Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/977122739056681] * Ignition Pricing Benchmark report [https://ignitionapp.info/benchmark-report-aah] 💬 Join in on the conversation: - Follow us on Instagram [https://instagram.com/accountantsafterhours] (it’s where we have the most fun) - Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/accountantsafterhours] - Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountantsafterhours] - Watch and subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AccountantsAfterHours] DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own professional advice and conduct their own due diligence before acting on any information discussed. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 6: Tax Planning Made Simple

Proudly brought to you by Ignition [https://ignitionapp.info/accountants-after-hours] who we both love and use in our businesses to automate proposals and streamline invoicing. Stop leaving money on the table by only calling clients on June 30th with last minute instructions. In this episode Natalie and Sarah break down how to turn tax planning into a high-value advisory service. They discuss why proactive tax planning is a critical "time to shine" for accountants to demonstrate value to clients beyond basic compliance. Follow, subscribe and share with an accountant who needs a space where the real conversations happen. ☕️ Send us your accounting industry tea and how you are using AI in your firm - hello@accountantsafterhours or DM on socials. 💬 Join in on the conversation: - Follow us on Instagram [https://instagram.com/accountantsafterhours] (it’s where we have the most fun) - Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/accountantsafterhours] - Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountantsafterhours] - Watch and subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AccountantsAfterHours] DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own professional advice and conduct their own due diligence before acting on any information discussed. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 5: Accountants vs Bookkeepers

Thank you to our sponsors Ignition who we both love and use in our businesses to automate proposals and streamline invoicing. Check them out here [https://ignitionapp.info/accountants-after-hours]. In this episode of Accountants After Hours, we tackle a spicy topic that’s long overdue: Why don’t accountants and bookkeepers always play nice? We unpack the tension between the two roles, where it comes from, and how miscommunication, differing expectations, and industry pressures can create an “us vs them” dynamic. From real-life experiences inside our own firms, we break down: * The key differences between bookkeeping and accounting * Why month-end processes are more than just data entry * The ongoing debate around receipts, compliance, and commerciality * Common frustrations on both sides (yes, including journals with no explanations 👀) * How better communication and collaboration leads to better client outcomes We also share practical insights into how we structure bookkeeping inside our firms, how AI is changing workflows, and why working together, not against each other is the real win. Because at the end of the day, the client should always come out on top. ☕️ This episode’s tea: * The rise of AI tools giving financial advice… and why we’re not convinced * The dangers of removing the human element from accounting * A wild client story involving financials that didn’t even balance 😬 Follow, subscribe and share with an accountant who needs a space where the real conversations happen. ☕️ Send us your accounting industry tea and questions - hello@accountantsafterhours or DM on socials. Follow us on Instagram [https://instagram.com/accountantsafterhours] (it’s where we have the most fun) Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/accountantsafterhours] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountantsafterhours] Watch and subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AccountantsAfterHours] DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own professional advice and conduct their own due diligence before acting on any information discussed. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 4: Live from The Accounting and Business Expo

Welcome back to Accountants After Hours - this time recorded live in front of an audience. Thank you to our sponsors Ignition who we both love and use in our businesses to automate proposals and streamline invoicing. Check them out here [https://ignitionapp.info/accountants-after-hours].  In this episode, Nat and Sarah dive into the real challenges accounting firms are facing right now, from team pressures and burnout to capacity issues and the constant juggle between growth and delivery. They unpack: * Why staffing and team dynamics remain the biggest pain point across firms * The reality of doing the work vs leading the business * The never-ending cycle of hiring, capacity, and chasing new clients * How community and industry connections help navigate the chaos They also get into a spicy industry debate: * CPA vs CA — should the bodies merge? * Do clients actually care about designations anymore? * And what the future of the profession could look like with AI and regulation changes Plus, they share personal career reflections: * Taking risks, backing yourself, and “doing the hard thing” * Walking away from traditional paths to build something better * Why finding your tribe in the industry is everything And of course… Tea Time ☕ makes an appearance with some live event gossip 👀 Follow, subscribe and share with an accountant who needs a space where the real conversations happen. Send us your accounting industry tea and questions - hello@accountantsafterhours or DM on socials. Follow us on Instagram [https://instagram.com/accountantsafterhours] (it’s where we have the most fun) Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/accountantsafterhours] Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountantsafterhours] Watch and subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AccountantsAfterHours] DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own professional advice and conduct their own due diligence before acting on any information discussed. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.