🌍 From Hawke’s Bay to Canada: Ben Richmond on Accounting, Tech & Leadership

Accounting technology leader Ben Richmond joins the podcast to discuss his remarkable journey from regional accounting practice in New Zealand to becoming President and CEO of WagePoint in Canada. Drawing on decades of experience across public practice, corporate finance, Xero’s international expansion and payroll technology, Ben shares lessons on leadership, customer relationships, change management and the future of accounting. The conversation explores how accountants can broaden their career horizons, embrace public speaking, leverage AI effectively and build more meaningful advisory relationships with clients. Ben also reflects on what it takes to grow software businesses across different countries and why the accounting profession remains one of the most impactful careers available today. Key Discussion Points Ben Richmond's career journey from public accounting to Xero and WagePoint. Lessons learned scaling accounting technology across New Zealand, the US and Canada. Why public speaking, emotional intelligence and relationship skills matter more than ever. The opportunities and challenges AI presents for accountants and bookkeepers. How payroll, advisory and specialist services create valuable growth opportunities. Ben’s perspective offers a refreshing blend of optimism and realism. While acknowledging the disruption created by AI and rapid technological change, he argues that accountants and bookkeepers who embrace innovation, strengthen their advisory capabilities and invest in relationships are exceptionally well positioned for the future. The discussion highlights the importance of curiosity, adaptability and customer-centric thinking in both accounting and software businesses. Apps & Tools Mentioned: Ben Richmond : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-richmond-ca-b8794220/ WagePoint https://www.wagepoint.com/  Xero https://www.xero.com  Stripe https://stripe.com/  QuickBooks, https://quickbooks.intuit.com   Episode resources and links:   If this episode helped you, the best way to support the show is to leave a review somewhere as it helps more people find us. And if you want to continue the conversation, come find me Heather Smith | Accountant and Storyteller on:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU