ATL220

Episode ATL220: Small Business Accounting Innovations – 1H 2025

Recording Date: July 21, 2025

Duration: 26:09

Hosts: Randy Johnston and Brian F. Tankersley, CPA.CITP, CGMA

Series: Accounting Technology Lab Podcast

Source: CPA Practice Advisor

Summary

In this episode, Randy Johnston and Brian Tankersley examine the rapid evolution of small business accounting systems and the new wave of AI-driven competitors entering the market in 2025. They discuss the implications of Intuit’s June 2025 AI announcements—including QuickBooks Online’s inability to opt out of AI—and explore alternative platforms for client accounting services (CAS). The conversation highlights emerging tools such as Digits AI, Basis AI, Puzzle.io, and Light by Atomic.Co, along with established players like Zoho Books, Xero, FreshBooks, and IRIS Accounting Power. They explain how AI classification, automation, and workflow tools are redefining CAS efficiency. Johnston and Tankersley emphasize that firms should test at least one next-generation platform to stay ahead, as automation, analytics, and integrated advisory tools become the new standard in accounting technology.

Key Quotes

• “QuickBooks users can’t opt out of AI anymore — that’s giving practitioners pause.” — Randy Johnston (00:15)
• “Digits has evolved from a reporting tool into a full AI accounting platform.” — Randy Johnston (05:08)
• “When Craig Walker from Xero joins your team, that gives your product instant credibility.” — Brian F. Tankersley (06:36)
• “Basis AI is designed to optimize CAS processing — it’s far beyond rapid close.” — Randy Johnston (08:52)
• “Zoho Books is a serious player now — complete finance suite, payroll, analytics, and integration.” — Brian F. Tankersley (11:43)
• “Automation and AI will drive more advisory work, if you’re ready to take it.” — Randy Johnston (19:36)
• “If you haven’t changed software since Y2K, it’s time to look around.” — Brian F. Tankersley (24:47)

Companies, Products, and Services Mentioned

Company / Product	Description	X (Twitter)	Facebook	LinkedIn	Instagram
Digits AI	AI-driven accounting platform automating classification, reporting, and reconciliation	@DigitsAI	Digits AI	Digits AI	N/A
Basis AI	AI platform optimizing CAS transaction processing and reporting	N/A	N/A	Basis AI	N/A
Puzzle.io	Cloud accounting system designed for AI-assisted bookkeeping	@Puzzle_io	N/A	Puzzle.io	N/A
Light by Atomic.Co	Lightweight, AI-first accounting platform for startups	N/A	N/A	Atomic Co.	N/A
Zoho Books	Full-featured accounting system within the Zoho One suite	@ZohoBooks	Zoho Books	Zoho Books	@zohobooks
Xero	Cloud accounting software for small businesses	@Xero	Xero	Xero	@xero
SoftLedger	Multi-entity accounting and finance platform	@SoftLedger	N/A	SoftLedger	N/A
DualEntry	Multi-company and consolidated accounting platform	N/A	N/A	DualEntry	N/A
For Impact Data	AI-powered analytics platform surfacing advisory opportunities	N/A	N/A	For Impact Data	N/A
AuditSite	AI-based audit automation and management platform	@AuditSiteHQ	N/A	AuditSite	N/A
Crunchify (formerly LeaseCrunch)	Developer of AI-powered advisory tools and management modules	N/A	N/A	Crunchify	N/A
CPA Practice Advisor	Publisher of the Accounting Technology Lab Podcast	@CPAPracticeAdv	CPA Practice Advisor	CPA Practice Advisor	@cpapracticeadvisor

See Also

• Episode_ATL221:_AI_Regulation_Update_–_August_2025
• Episode_ATL222:_Ricoh_ScanSnap_iX2500_Review
• Episode_ATL223:_Blue_J_AI_and_the_Future_of_Tax_Research
• Episode_ATL224:_Agentic_AI_Update_–_Summer_2025
• Episode_ATL225:_Zoho_SMZ_and_Balance_Conferences_Recap
• Episode_ATL226:_Audit_Automation
• Episode_ATL227:_AICPA_Blockchain_Symposium_2025
• Accounting_Technology_Lab_Podcast_Index