3036: Xero - The Future of Small Business Accounting: AI, JAX, and Mobile Innovation

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore how AI is transforming the way small businesses operate with Akankshu Dhawan, SVP of Small Business & Growth at Xero. With a growing focus on productivity in the wake of a significant decline for small businesses, Akankshu shares how Xero is reimagining accounting through the integration of AI and mobile technologies.  Xero’s latest innovation, Just Ask Xero (JAX), is an AI-powered business companion that helps small businesses manage finances and make smarter decisions on the go. Whether it’s generating invoices, predicting cash flow, or providing real-time business insights, JAX is designed to offer proactive support across commonly used platforms like WhatsApp, email, and SMS. We discuss how small business productivity in the UK has dropped by 7% in the past year, leaving many owners struggling to keep up. Akankshu explains how AI can be the game changer for these businesses, automating repetitive tasks like bank reconciliation and invoicing, while also delivering critical insights to help owners focus on what they do best. As Xero continues to integrate AI into its platform, the combination of mobile tech and generative AI is making accounting more accessible, allowing business owners to take control of their finances from anywhere. Akankshu highlights the practical ways in which AI is reshaping the future of small business management. He explains how tools like JAX provide not just faster processes but also deeper insights, helping businesses make informed decisions. The enhanced Xero mobile app is a key part of this strategy, offering new features like predictive cash flow forecasting, mobile bank reconciliation, and the ability to manage invoices on the go. This episode offers valuable insights into how Xero is bridging the gap between small businesses and the promise of AI-driven productivity. Could tools like JAX finally bring AI’s benefits to small businesses? Tune in to hear Akankshu’s thoughts on the future of financial management and how AI is helping small businesses thrive.

Om Podcasten

If every company is now a tech company and digital transformation is a journey rather than a destination, how do you keep up with the relentless pace of technological change? Every day, Tech Talks Daily brings you insights from the brightest minds in tech, business, and innovation, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable takeaways. Hosted by Neil C. Hughes, Tech Talks Daily explores how emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, fintech, quantum computing, Web3, and more are shaping industries and solving real-world challenges in modern businesses. Through candid conversations with industry leaders, CEOs, Fortune 500 executives, startup founders, and even the occasional celebrity, Tech Talks Daily uncovers the trends driving digital transformation and the strategies behind successful tech adoption. But this isn't just about buzzwords. We go beyond the hype to demystify the biggest tech trends and determine their real-world impact. From cybersecurity and blockchain to AI sovereignty, robotics, and post-quantum cryptography, we explore the measurable difference these innovations can make. Whether improving security, enhancing customer experiences, or driving business growth, we also investigate the ROI of cutting-edge tech projects, asking the tough questions about what works, what doesn't, and how businesses can maximize their investments. Whether you're a business leader, IT professional, or simply curious about technology's role in our lives, you'll find engaging discussions that challenge perspectives, share diverse viewpoints, and spark new ideas. New episodes are released daily, 365 days a year, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable takeaways around technology and the future of business.