Sage Advice Podcast

Ben Parker shared his professional journey and insights on the evolution of expense management, emphasizing the need to balance controlling and insight into spend. Ben also revealed that his father, a successful salesman, was his hero due to his dedication and integrity. Ed concluded the interview by providing contact details for Ben. Ben Parker is the Director of Strategic Alliances at Emburse.  Ben leads the strategic direction for all referrals and bookings growth for ERP & VAR Partners. Ben has more than 20 years of experience in the ERP, risk management, and spend management technology industries. He joined Emburse in 2013 and led the business development efforts for Travel before becoming ERP Strategic Alliances Manager in 2020. Prior to Emburse, Ben worked in the Government Sector for Tyler Technologies and prior to that focused on Risk Management efforts at Pulte Homes in Scottsdale, AZ.

Andy Nunez is an industry leader with extensive expertise in operational and sales domains, specializes in ERP consulting and ISVs. His M&A career started in 1997 with ePartners, eventually leading to the co-founding of NexTec Group. As SWK Technologies' CRO, he increased revenue from $7M to $50M, was pivotal in 17 acquisitions, and aided SWK's NASDAQ listing and Mapadoc's sale. Currently, as President & CEO of Scanco, he guided its sale to Firmament Partners, a PE firm. He continues to focus on driving Scanco's organic growth and strategic acquisitions in collaboration with Firmament. Summary Operational and sales expertise in ERP consulting and acquisitions. Andy Nunez, industry leader in ERP consulting and ISVs, shares insights on growth and acquisitions. Career path from archaeology to ERP software sales. Ex-archaeology major finds excitement in ERP software industry's daily variety. The impact of a company acquisition on the team and culture. Andy: Acquisition was transparent, resulting in

Zack Manning shared his career journey and his passion for sales and customer success. He emphasized the importance of building high-performing teams and his instrumental role in FISPAN’s growth. Zack also discussed his approach to sales, adding value for the customer, and the importance of technology in streamlining financial transactions and allowing employees to focus on more strategic tasks. He highlighted examples of success, such as integrating a business's ERP system and its bank. Zack also revealed his admiration for Nicola Tesla's work, believing it to be the cornerstone of modern technology. Zack Manning, SVP of Revenue at FISPAN, is a seasoned sales leader in the financial technology industry with a holistic approach, guiding Sales, Marketing, Business Development, and Solutions teams. Having worked at companies like Hyperwallet and SAP before FISPAN, Zack has built expertise in developing and executing go-to-market strategies that involve complex distribution channels. His focus on customer succes

Daniel Cuthew discussed the importance of data-driven decision making and the role of technology in facilitating this process. Daniel, the global partnership executive at Focus Software, shared his mission to create value for Focus and their partners through innovative and customer-centric solutions. He emphasized the need for technology that is easy to use and intuitive, enabling organizations to identify areas of growth and make informed decisions. Daniel also highlighted the importance of collaboration with partners and the right fit for both individuals and companies. He shared a success story from a company called Quality Bearings, which has benefited from using Focus Software's platform. The conversation ended with Daniel providing details on how to contact him and his admiration for authors Patrick Lecioni and Geoffrey Moore. Daniel Cuthew is the Global Partnership Executive at Phocas Software,  responsible for developing and managing channel and alliance partnerships that generate revenue and growth f

Geof Brown is Illinois CPA Society President and CEO, role he took over in 2023 and has quickly moved to maintain the society’s position as a thought leader in the profession while stepping up as one himself. In fact, Geof was named as one of Accounting Today’s most influential people in the profession! In December 2023, the ICPA released the society’s latest Insight Special Feature, “Righting Retention,” which addresses the leading factors driving perpetually high turnover in the accounting profession based on the personal responses of both employees and employers. Summary Accounting profession turnover with Illinois CPA Society president. Geof Brown, Illinois CPA Society president and CEO, discusses the society's latest insights on writing retention in the accounting profession. Talent retention in the accounting profession. Retention is a growing concern in the profession, with high turnover rates and associated costs impacting businesses. Employee retention in accounting and finance industries. Valu

Thejo Kote discussed the challenges and solutions in expense management for small and medium-sized companies. Thejo Kote, founder and CEO of Airbase, a spend management platform, explained the difficulties of bringing together disparate systems to properly understand expense management. He highlighted the benefits of consolidating all non-payroll expenses into one platform, which Airbase offers, and the positive impact this can have on various stakeholders such as employees, managers, budget owners, and finance and accounting professionals. Thejo Kote also shared an example of how Airbase has helped a public company, Proximity, streamline its expense management processes. Thejo Kote shared his personal hero, his grandfather, who despite facing significant challenges and poverty, became a leading scholar and author in India. He admired his grandfather's hard work and persistence, which have influenced his own life and career path. Thejo Kote also mentioned that he can be easily contacted through LinkedIn, and

Edwin Willis, Director of Channel Sales for Quadian Financial Automation, shared his journey in the channel sales industry, emphasizing the role of mentors and his team in his growth. He also discussed his focus on helping his team achieve their goals. The need for strong partner relationships to drive business growth was a topic of discussion. Ed and Edwin also discussed the impact of the declining interest in accounting degrees and the resulting workforce gap in the industry, which Edwin suggested will be increasingly automated. Ed concluded the interview by asking Edwin about his heroes. Ed Willis is the Director of Channel Sales for Quadient Financial Automation. With over 10 years of channel experience, Ed leads the Quadient partner team in shaping strategic channel direction with a strong focus on building partner relationships that drive mutually beneficial business growth. Quadient Financial Automation encompasses Beanworks Accounts Payable Automation which is the white labeled solutions powering Sage

Diane Gaa is a Learning Professional with over 20 years' experience in the learning industry specializing in executing transformation strategies for human resources and learning & development currently working at Sage as Director of Design, Experience and Technology.  Her passion is to help others become their best at whatever they dream; advocacy of digital accessibility supporting equal access and adopting a smarter working mindset. Summary Transforming HR and learning with digital accessibility. Diane Gaa is passionate about helping others become their best through digital accessibility and equal access. Using AI to help professionals learn and grow. Diane’s passion is helping professionals use AI to learn and grow in a better way. AI's impact on jobs and skills. Diane discusses how generative AI can help people move towards their dream jobs by enhancing their existing skills and providing new opportunities. AI's impact on jobs and education. Daine: AI will redefine jobs, not replace them. Wor

“BC” Krishna is the founder and CEO of Centime, Inc., a provider of comprehensive cash management solutions to small and mid-sized US businesses. Cash is the lifeblood of every business, and yet, most business don’t have the solutions to manage critical aspects of the cash control lifecycle – forecasting, managing AP to extend Days Payables Outstanding, managing AR to shrink Days Sales Outstanding, and tapping into credit if needed. Centime’s Cash Management Solution including all these critical capabilities in one integrated package. Summary Cash management solutions for small businesses. BC Krishna loves solving complex problems creatively through his work at Centime. Cash flow management challenges for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs face cash flow challenges, including managing inflows and outflows, extending payables, and shrinking receivables. Cash flow management for small businesses. Entrepreneur faces cash flow challenges despite growing business with 100 customers. Cash flow management and accou

Geni Whitehouse is a CPA and the President of the ITA, the Founder of The Impactful Advisor, and a consultant to wineries in the Napa Valley. Whitehouse’s resume includes roles at Top 100 and niche accounting firms, accounting software developers, consulting and advisory practices, and private industry. In her role at the ITA, she has a mandate to help lead members through an unprecedented era of change, growth and transformation in the accounting and technology sectors, from ongoing staff shortages to private equity investment in firms to the swift entry of generative AI across sectors.  Summary The rapid pace of change in the accounting profession. Genie White House discusses the unprecedented pace of change in the accounting and technology sectors. Evolving accounting profession through curiosity and innovation. Geni emphasizes the importance of curiosity and seeking alternative solutions for clients, rather than relying on the same group of people at events. The gap between those who attend events and

Erik Tomalis is a proven fundraising professional and has always been forward thinking, donor and people driven, but most of all results oriented. With 20+ years of professional fundraising experience, Erik made over 4,500 face-to-face donor solicitations where he has raised millions of dollars for many non-profit organizations. He served as a front-line fundraiser, as well as an executive in some transformative organizations focused on generosity, such as St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Boy Scouts of America and the Allegheny Health Network. At Virtuous, Erik is committed to helping nonprofits grow global generosity.  Summary Fundraising and generosity with Erik Tomalis. Erik is passionate about generosity and has raised millions for nonprofits through face-to-face donor solicitations. Declining donor giving and nonprofit trust.  Nonprofit sector responding to decline in donor giving with mixed results, despite increasing number of organizations. Decline of personalized messaging in nonprofit sector. 

Brian M. Kelly is the Managing Partner of CMS (Cost Management Services) at iRecruit. Brian has over 25 years of experience in the Human Resources software and tax credit industry. CMS originally sold HR Software, and Work Opportunity Tax Credit Screening, and developed iRecruit for our Sage HRMS customers to meet the need to automate and streamline their recruiting, applicant tracking, and electronic onboarding operations. Brian has a BS in Finance from the University of Central Connecticut. CMS is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management. In his spare time Brian both plays and coaches ice-hockey, and is an avid golfer and boater. Calculate your WOTC savings. Summary HR software and tax credits with industry expert Brian Kelly. Brian Kelly discusses his experience in HR software and tax credits with Ed Kless. Work Opportunity Tax Credits and their potential benefits for businesses. Businesses can improve marketing and sales by taking advantage of Work Opportunity Tax Credits, despite being l

Christopher Reeves claims to be as passionate about data as he is about food and music. Christopher is the CEO of ZAP, makers of Sage Data and Analytics and is a technologist with a product and finance background. As a 20-year veteran in the manufacturing, ERP and data space, Christopher has lived through many technology hype cycles, but his conviction is that the core value of data cannot be over-hyped. Summary The importance of data and its potential value. Christopher Reeves believes data's core value cannot be overhyped, despite technology hype cycles. Data value, AI, and data management. Christopher believes AI will solve data problems in the next decade, but human processes are essential for now. AI's potential to provide new knowledge and reach wisdom level. Ed Kless and Christopher discuss the potential of AI to reach the wisdom level described by Peter Drucker's data pyramid, with Christopher expressing optimism about the possibility. Kless and Christopher agree that AI will not take jobs direc

Anthony Miller is the business Development Director at Flowgear, a global business that specialises in integration and aims to shed the workload & complexity of App-to-App integration quickly & affordably, using their no code platform. Anthony is also a serial entrepreneur with a passion for building innovative businesses with inspirational people, having co-founded several successful businesses in several countries and in unrelated sectors.  Summary Integration and app-to-app connectivity with Anthony Miller. Anthony Miller is passionate about integration, bringing disparate systems together to enable data sharing between companies. Shifting from custom software to best-of-breed SaaS solutions. Historically, companies commissioned bespoke software solutions, but today they prefer to license best-of-breed SaaS technologies, and Flood goes helps connect these systems in real-time. Integration in various systems for a simple online purchase. Ed asks for a practical example of integration, and Anth

Jeremy Hemsworth is a seasoned marketer and U.S. Army veteran. He currently leads partner marketing at Ramp and has held various marketing roles at Microsoft, Slack, and Salesforce. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping customers understand how tech and automation can boost productivity and business impact. Based in Nashville, he balances his career with a hobby farm, raising chickens and sheep. Summary Productivity and automation with a seasoned marketer. Jeremy Hemsworth prioritizes helping others boost productivity and business impact through tech and automation, while balancing his career with a hobby farm. How ramp helps customer Walter Farms save time with automated processes. Ramp helps Walter farms save time on manual processes, freeing up more hands-on work in farming operations. Automating finance tasks to free up time for strategic work. CFO saves time by automating tasks, focuses on strategic work. Automating financial tasks to free up time for CFOs. CFOs save 10 hours/week with

In the late 1990s, Ryan Kerry initiated his investment technology career at Advent software. Advancing through roles at Advent, he later joined SEI to oversee their outsourced investment management. With a knack for data management and client service, he established Accusource in 2008, specializing in white-glove operations for family offices. Addressing the challenge of transferring investment data to general ledgers, Ryan founded KnowLedger in 2020. Based near Philadelphia, he harmonizes family life with his love for bicycling. Summary Using technology to make accounting easier. Ryan Kerry loves using data and computers to make life easier for accountants. Using technology to reduce data entry in accounting profession. Ryan proposes using AI to automate data entry in accounting, potentially reducing fees. Automating accounting processes with AI. Ryan discusses how their technology can reduce audit time by tagging journal entries in real-time. Using AI to automate accounting tasks and avoid errors. E

Justin Smith is the Chief Financial Officer of LeaseQuery. Justin provides leadership and oversight for capital allocation, financial management, operational efficiency and investor relations. He brings nearly 20 years of experience and came to LeaseQuery in 2023 from Goldman Sachs, where he was a senior member of their technology investment banking team. At Goldman, Justin advised CEOs, CFOs and boards on transactions including IPOs, M&A, and capital raises. Additionally, Justin served on the investment selection committee of Engage Ventures, a leading VC fund based in Atlanta. Justin holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania. Summary Financial leadership and capital allocation with Justin Smith. Justin Smith provides leadership and oversight for capital allocation and financial management at Elise Curry. The evolution of the CFO role. CFO evolved from cash manager to strategic partner, matching resources with investment opportunities.

Tom Miller After a career of over 5 decades in the technology industry Tom Miller currently works directly with the ownership of Net at Work to assist in driving the company’s M&A strategy. His career began as a mainframe sales engineer for Sperry Univac, followed by founding a computer service bureau providing automated computer services to CPA firms, which led to opening an Apple Computer Store primarily selling Great Plains Software systems to SMBs. This led Tom to Great Plains Software in 1987, followed by stints at Microsoft, Sage Software and now Net at Work. Summary Technology industry career and M&A strategy with Tom Miller. Tom Miller shares insights from 50+ yrs in tech, from mainframe sales to SMB software sales. Exit strategies for business partnerships. Tom reflects on 30-40 years of partnerships, exit strategies, and fulfillment in the business. Selling a business, finding the right buyer, and ensuring a smooth transition. Find a buyer with aligned values to maintain customer trust

Adam Lean transitioned from an accountant to a successful entrepreneur, having built and sold two businesses. He's now dedicated to guiding business owners and is the brains behind The CFO Project—a platform that trains accountants and tax professionals to offer CFO and advisory services. Through his experiences, he discovered his true passion: guiding and equipping firm owners with the necessary tools to maximize profitability and to escape the “accountant’s trap.”  For a free guide to starting a CFO service click here. Summary Entrepreneurship and accounting with Adam Lean Starting and growing an internet business. Accounting and business growth. Customer selection and business structure Business structures, compliance, and growth with a focus on Sam Walton's entrepreneurial spirit

Summary Across three episodes, Jeff Richards and David Beard from the Sage CRM team talk with Bea Rebollo from Renishaw Plc, who are a global engineering technology group, creating high-precision technology for metrology and healthcare.  Operating across 67 locations in 36 countries with 5,000+ employees worldwide, Bea is the Senior Sage CRM Analyst/Programmer whose main role is to develop and support Sage CRM for her internal customers - that's 2500 users of Sage CRM across the world. In this third & final episode, Bea talks to us about the future of Sage CRM for Renishaw, the importance of staying current with the latest version, and what she would like to see in the future for the product.