“Data is everywhere. It’s ubiquitous. What we have to do is add context to that data so that we can synthesise it and understand it. Once we start to do that, then we start to see patterns. And once we see patterns, then we can start to get a little bit of knowledge. It’s about having that data synthesised so you can make informed decisions.” – Darren Glanville Country Manager – UK & EMEA at Fathom.

Joining me today is Darren Glanville Country Manager – UK & EMEA @ Fathom. Darren is no stranger to the accounting profession and has more than twenty years of experience helping accounting practices develop digital strategies and processes to drive efficiencies and profitability. Having worked for some of the biggest software providers including Sage, CCH, and Xero, Darren now heads up the EMEA region for Fathom and is passionate about leveraging technology to drive better business outcomes. Darren is a keen rugby fan (Newcastle Falcons), a self-confessed coffeeholic and a tech geek, you can find Darren walking his dogs on the beach near his home in Northumberland in the early morning and most weekends.

And I’d also like to share with you that I strategically partner with Fathom, and have been good friends with the team since the very early days.

In this episode, we talk about . . .

  • The future of the technology landscape.
  • The extraordinary journey that he has taken.
  • The changes in the accounting profession with the advent of digital technologies.
  • Fathom’s purpose. 
  • Some of the indicators proving someone needs to move away from the spreadsheets.
  • Micro-forecast and forecasting.

Summary of the interview

  • The power of social media storytelling in business.
    • Darren has been travelling the world.
    • The power of social media storytelling.
    • Fluidly shuts shop in April.
    • The rise of a more strategic view of forecasting.
  • What does this mean for the future of the technology landscape?
    • The cash flow forecasting app Fluidly is closing permanently.
    • One in three businesses is running with less than six months of cash.
    • Introduction to Darren Glanville and his journey in the accounting technology space.
    • Why Xero is the way forward.
    • The profitable and sustainable practice.
  • The extraordinary journey he has taken 
    • The extraordinary journey of an extraordinary journey.
    • The passing of Jason Forbes.
    • Rod Drury as one of the originals from the Xero world.
    • Fond memories of Rod Drury.
  • How has the accounting profession changed with the advent of digital technologies?
    • Pivoting from data-driven intel to data-driven intel.
    • The power of connecting with people.
    • How the accounting profession has evolved with the advent of digital technologies.
    • API’s.
    • Opportunities for accountants in Africa.
    • The faster cadence of development and API’s.
  • What’s the biggest change in the last 12 months?
    • End-user experience when the platform completely changes.
    • Australia and new zealand are ahead.
    • The bank feeds are the secret sauce.
    • Darren keeps a tally of conferences he attended.
    • Top tips for other sales professionals in the accounting technology space.
    • Advice for young vendors.
  • What is Fathom’s purpose?
    • Being able to absorb information and connect with people.
    • Collaboration and thought leadership.
    • Fathom provides clarity and confidence to courageous business owners.
    • The DIKW model.
  • What are some indicators that someone needs to move away from the spreadsheets?
    • The ladder from knowledge to actionable insights.
    • Indicators to move from spreadsheets to reporting solutions.
    • The difference between spreadsheets and distributed ledgers.
    • The rise of digital financial advisors.
  • How do you get bookkeepers to listen to you?
    • The rise of Lotus 1-2-3 since 1990.
    • The Australian BAS agent regime.
    • How to get consultants to revisit Fathom.
    • The cyclical nature of the fathom industry.
  • Micro-forecast and forecasting.
    • Fathom’s micro-forecast feature and how it works.
    • How the pandemic has changed the industry.
    • The cash flow forecasting app lucidly is closing its doors permanently.
    • Trends in the accounting tech space.
    • The role of AI in the future of accounting.
    • How clients will consume AI services.
  • What excites Darren most right now?
    • How to get more information about Darren.
    • What excites him about the next big thing.
    • Darren is exploring how ChatGPT can help practices.
    • Darren suggests starting a prompt club.
    • The importance of being cynical about things.
    • The problem with Xero.
    • Going to Xerocon in the US next year.
    • Physical presence changes everything.

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