Tax, tech, and other stuff

In this episode, Russell is joined by Rags Sathanandan and Simon Arnett, who have recently stepped away from the Big Four to launch an AI-led platform for accountants.They explore how AI is reshaping the accounting profession - from automating complex workflows like iXBRL tagging to fundamentally changing how accountants deliver value. The conversation covers the shift from manual processing to AI-assisted decision-making, why accuracy isn’t the only metric that matters, and how trust, guardrails, and human judgment remain critical.It’s a practical and forward-looking discussion on what accountants should be doing now - and why the next five years will redefine how the profession works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tax, Tech & Other Stuff, Russell is joined by Tom Elsbury and Shilin Chen to explore how the R&D tax market is evolving under increased scrutiny — and how AI is reshaping the way claims are prepared and defended.They discuss the shift from the “Wild West” era of R&D claims to today’s more robust, standardised environment, and what rising inquiry rates mean for consultants and claimant companies. The conversation explores why Word and Excel still dominate the process, how AI is transforming technical narrative writing and baseline research, and whether HMRC is using AI in enquiries.It’s a grounded, practical look at where R&D tax is heading — and why the future is likely to involve smarter tools, stronger processes, and humans firmly in the loop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tax, Tech & Other Stuff, Russell switches things up and welcomes three guests from the legal world - Andy Wright, Hugo Cassidy, and Rachel Coleman from Pinsent Masons - to explore how AI is reshaping legal services and what tax teams can learn from the legal profession. They discuss how AI is being used in practice today, from automating routine workflows to crafting 800-prompt due diligence engines, and why risk management, not cost-cutting, is becoming one of the biggest AI use cases. The conversation dives deep into prompting skills, human oversight, training the next generation of lawyers, and the uncomfortable question: what happens to junior roles as AI accelerates? Whether you're in tax, legal, or any professional services role trying to make sense of AI’s impact on people, processes, and business models, this episode offers both realism and optimism - and plenty of parallels between industries.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Russell chats with Alex Mann, Managing Director at Harvey John and one of the few recruiters focused exclusively on tax technology and transformation. They dig into the evolution of tax careers - from traditional compliance paths to hybrid data roles - and how AI and automation are shifting the hiring landscape. Alex shares honest takes on what clients really want, why LinkedIn matters more than cold calls, and how roles are changing faster than most teams can keep up. If you’ve ever wondered where tax tech talent comes from - and where it’s heading - this one’s not to be missed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tax, Tech and Other Stuff, Russell sits down with John McSorley, co-founder of Ilumis, a boutique tax technology firm launched in 2025. They talk entrepreneurship, workflow, and AI - covering everything from founding a lean consultancy, to building agentic AI tools that do the “grunt work” of tax. John shares lessons from his career across Big Four, in-house roles, and now as a founder, offering practical insight into what makes tax tech projects succeed (and why so many fail). If you’ve ever struggled to make workflow tools stick - or wondered how AI can actually help your team - this one’s for you.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Russell chats with Stevie Frooninckx, Co-Founder and CEO of Loctax, about what happens when two innovators join forces. They discuss the story behind Tax Systems’ acquisition of Loctax, how data and AI are shaping a new “tax operating system,” and why collaboration - not code - is the real differentiator. From integration to innovation, this conversation explores what’s next for connected tax technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tax, Tech and Other Stuff, Russell catches up with Nick Stobbs, Co-Founder & CEO of Syntax AI Limited, to explore how tax technology is shifting from back-office support to front-line strategy. They discuss the pressures of digital transformation, why automation alone isn’t enough, and the real barriers to adoption (spoiler: it’s rarely the tech). From client behaviours to compliance design, this conversation covers what’s changing - and what still needs to. If you’ve ever wrestled with process, platforms, or people, this episode will feel very familiar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tax, Tech and Other Stuff, Russell is joined by Sam Chilvers, Director at Forvis Mazars and Kimberley Clague, Operations Business Partner to Tax at Cooper Parry to unpack the changing shape of tax technology - and what that means for teams navigating constant transformation. From the death of the “steady state” to the rise of platforms over spreadsheets, they explore how client expectations are evolving, why simplicity is the real superpower, and where AI fits into the picture (and where it doesn’t). For anyone balancing change, complexity, and clients - this episode speaks your language.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tax, Tech and Other Stuff, Russell chats with Alastair Wilson, Tax Partner at UNW. From humble beginnings in tax compliance to scaling tech at a high-growth startup, Alastair shares his journey from spreadsheets to product strategy. They explore what users actually want from software, why moving fast matters more than ever, and how simplicity is often the smartest innovation. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to go from Big 4 to building tech that scales, this one’s for you.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tax, Tech and Other Stuff, Russell chats with Bilal Mansoor, tax technologist at Dhruva Consultants. From the fast-paced rollout of VAT and corporate tax in the UAE to the evolving role of automation and AI in advisory, Bilal shares honest reflections, war stories (including when Excel was the better option), and a grounded vision for the future. If you're curious about where tax tech is heading—and what it means for the people doing the work—this one's not to be missed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tax, tech and other stuff, Russell chats with Kyle Hunter, Customer Training Lead at Tax Systems. They dig into the real value of training—not just ticking boxes but creating confident users who understand the “why” behind the tools. Kyle shares his journey from Big 4 operations to leading training strategy, and how empathy, curiosity, and good storytelling shape better learning experiences. If you’ve ever sat through a dry compliance session, this one’s for you.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of tax, tech and other stuff, Russell chats with Rob De La Rue, Tax Technology Partner at RSM UK. They explore how tax tech is about empowering people, not replacing them, and how AI supports their workflows—from sparking ideas to drafting content. Plus, they tackle the great dashboard debate: do they boost productivity or just add noise? Tune in for a smart, practical take on the future of tax and technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back with a brand-new episode, and this time we’re welcoming our first-ever returning guest to the mic. Bruce Martin, CEO of Tax Systems, rejoins Russell to dive into the evolving role of private equity in the accountancy world. The two also unpack what’s next for Tax Systems following the exciting new partnership with Providence Equity Partners. Plus, they explore how AI is no longer just a buzzword, but a powerful tool reshaping how we live and do business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back with a new episode and Russell puts Dhruv Patel, Tax Systems’ Head of Solutions Consulting, in the hot seat. The two discuss everything from the role of solution consultancy within the customer journey, Dhruv’s Alphatax tips and tricks and whether Alpha Hacks might return for another session, to Pillar Two and even some insider Tax Systems history!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russell is back for another episode of tax, tech and other stuff – this time joined by Laurence Kiddle, a partner at Evelyn Partners. Russell gives another tax and tech news update, including his first insights into DeepSeek and some OpenAI updates, before the two discuss business partnerships and their value adds to organisations, the focuses and impacts of Pillar Two, the changes and growth of technology in the industry and how we’ve all predicted self-driving cars to be taking over the roads by now!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back with another exciting episode of tax, tech and other stuff in 2025! Join Russell as he gets together with Nora Hakim, one of our very own Product Managers, to discuss what’s been going on in the tax and tech space, the busy nature of Pillar Two, a detailed look at what it means to be a Product Manager and the most important thing – the ultimate food recommendation from 's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch)!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Russell as he speaks with David Benaim, Founder of Xlconsulting about every accountants favourite tool…Excel! They discuss everything from tips and tricks to excel vs Google Sheets, Microsoft MVPs and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russell is joined in this episode by Jane MacKay, Tax Partner at Crowe U.K, where they discuss her fantastic win of Tax Mentor of the Year at the Tolley’s Taxation Awards, the changing landscape of the tax profession over the last 30 years and the role generative AI has played in those changes. Jane also shares her insights into mentorship, the career path for new tax professionals and what a future in tax might hold. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode Russell has Mark Hart in the hot seat to discuss the growing development of RPA and automation within the tax landscape. Join them as they take a deep dive into tax technology, starting your own business, the role generative ai might play within automation processes and the future of tax technology!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Russell is joined by our very own tax guru Rob Ogilvie as they discuss all things tax, including tax dev teams and their varied roles, cloud based software, and how Pillar Two will change the landscape. Plus information everyone's eager for as the conference season draws closer! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathon Artus from Softwire talks to Russell about how generative AI is going to disrupt every industry, but why and how it's particularly well suited to tax.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Russell as he speaks to Ian Pay, Head of Data Analytics and Tech, at ICAEW, to discuss all things AI. Following the release of their guidance on the topic last year, Ian shares some great tips on the dos and don'ts of using AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2023 is coming to a close, Bruce Martin, Tax Systems’ CEO, joins Russell to give a run down of the year, including personal and professional highlights, as well as thoughts on what 2024 has in store for Tax Systems, and those in the tax and tech industries as a whole. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who knows more about the stress and business of the Corporate Tax "busy season", besides tax teams, than the customer support team for the tax teams?! No one really. Head of Customer Support, David Wallace joins Russell to talk about what it’s like on the other side and offer some advice for tax teams currently in the thick of it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re jumping on the bandwagon and launching a new podcast series; tax, tech and other stuff. Russell, our CSO, will tell you what to expect, and how you can get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.