Tech news: CBIZ rolls out "D@ta NEXUS" suite

CBIZ rolls out "D@ta Nexus" suite

Courtesy of CBIZ

Top 25 firm CBIZ announced the rollout of "D@ta Nexus," a suite of solutions focused on automation and analytics. Combining the firm's knowledge of its own clients with data solutions, the software is intended to help CFOs, management, audit committees and business decisionmakers systematize operations, identify growth opportunities and mitigate risks. Specifically, the solution sports data analytics and visualization tools that let users process large volumes of data across systems in order to surface insights. It aggregates, cleans and structures financial and operational data which, in turn, automates data-driven dashboards. It uses predictive modeling and forecasting to identify trends and projections based on business-specific data; automates businesses processes; and personalizes workflow automations, reports and dashboards to fit unique business requirements.

Biller Genie launches QuickBooks Desktop integration, PayPal integration

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AR automation solutions provider Biller Genie said that, in light of Intuit's announcement that it will stop supporting QuickBooks desktop, it will offer its own proprietary, proprietary integration tool for all versions of QuickBooks Desktop dating back to 2014. This integration does not rely on third-party services like Autofy or WebConnector, instead offering a direct connection to Intuit's SDK. Businesses can continue using their preferred QuickBooks Desktop versions without losing access to integrated payment functionalities. Biller Genie also announced support for PayPal's branded suite of alternative payment methods including Venmo and Pay Later. Biller Genie's all-in-one checkout solution can now offer (PayPal, Venmo, Pay Later options, card processing, local payment types), and more — all through a single PayPal integration.

Esker releases sustainability features in its source-to-pay suite

Environmental social governance (ESG) text on wooden signpost outdoors in nature

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Finance automation solutions provider Esker announced new capabilities for its Source-to-Pay suite, incorporating sustainability features for compliance with the increased environmental, social and governance regulations worldwide. Esker Sourcing by Market Dojo helps companies identify suppliers aligned with their sustainability objectives through calls for tenders, requests for information or pre-qualification questionnaires that incorporate weighted bid scoring that considers sustainability criteria alongside pricing factors. Esker Supplier Management allows companies to create supplier ESG questionnaires, monitor third-party indicators for ESG scores and report on diversity criteria from the moment suppliers are registered and throughout the business partnership, thereby improving supply chain sustainability. Esker Procurement catalogs feature the CO2 impact of products to facilitate the procurement for eco-friendly and energy-efficient products and services. Esker Accounts Payable extracts carbon emission metrics (Scope 2) from utility bills and calculates Scope 1 and 3 emissions from various data sources, enabling companies to gain insights into the environmental impact of their supply chain and identify areas where emissions can be reduced through a dedicated dashboard. Finally, Esker Accounts Payable enables companies to anticipate and identify invoices at risk of late payment. Esker also offers dynamic discounting.

Xero now accepting entries for Beautiful Business Fund

Xero announced the opening of the 2024 Beautiful Business Fund, an initiative offering more than $460,000 in funding to support small businesses and nonprofits with their growth plans and help drive future success. Entries for the Xero Beautiful Business Fund are officially open to Xero small business customers in Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. The entry period will close on Aug. 27, 2024 NZT. Xero small business customers will need to complete an online form and record and submit a 90-second pitch video to the competition website for as many categories as they would like to enter:

Innovating for environmental sustainability — For a small business or nonprofit who wants to take the next step in their environmental sustainability journey by minimizing their own environmental impact; enhancing the sustainability of current products or services; or developing new environmentally friendly products or services.
Trailblazing with technology — For a small business or nonprofit that has a "future focus" mindset and is seeking to innovate. These organizations want to set the pace and lead the charge using new and emerging technologies.
Strengthening community connection — For a small business or nonprofit that has a mission or purpose rooted in serving their communities and making a positive impact. It could be to make a difference in the community they serve, support underserved or marginalized groups or contribute to social good through innovative ideas or solutions.
Upskilling for the future — For a small business or nonprofit that wants to overcome a skills gap, either through upskilling themselves or their employees. These organizations see a path forward with greater access to training and professional development.

The total prize pool offering of more than $460,000 will be shared among 28 winners. There will be four winners from each country (one in each category), determined by local judging panels, and each winner will receive $12,500. Of those winners, four will become global winners, determined by a global judging panel, and each global winner will receive an additional $30,000.

Foxit announces two new e-signature subscription plans

PDF and e-signature solutions provider Foxit launched two new eSignature subscription plans: Foxit eSign Essentials and Foxit eSign Business. Foxit eSign Essentials offers reusable templates for collecting legally binding signatures and Foxit Pay, allowing signers to complete agreements and make payments. Meanwhile, Foxit eSign Business features unlimited envelopes and templates, tracking, reminders, notary services, signature certificates, and Foxit Pay. It also includes global compliance features, API access and advanced workflows. The software integrates with top platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce using Foxit eSign.

Becker, Tax Rep Network, partner to deliver tax representation training

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Becker, an accounting exam prep and professional education company, announced the launch of tax representation training in partnership with Tax Rep Network, which will provide webcasts and on-demand continuing professional education courses for tax practitioners and firms looking to expand their services and represent taxpayers in front of the IRS. The first webcasts are now available for registration and purchase through Becker's catalog and website. Topics will include: IRS Enforcement of Individuals, Examinations of Cash-Intensive Businesses, IRS Collection Process, the Inside Secrets to Tax-Liens. New webcasts will be added monthly. Corporate CPE clients will have access to tax resolution webcasts and on-demand courses at no additional charge and can purchase access to the Tax Rep Network Gold Membership and schedule customized training events for their staff.

PICPA releases tech guide for firms

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The Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs released a new guide drawing on the insights of accounting tech thought leaders John H. Higgins, Jody Padar, Byron Patrick, Donny C. Shimamoto and Allison M. Henry. The guide provides firms with a CPA Firm Digital Maturity Model, an overview of the firm tech ecosystem, plus a deep dive into how firms can leverage AI. The meat of the report, though, is the experts' advice regarding common challenges such as not being sure where to begin or what comes next; experiencing resistance to technology adoption; managing tech responsibilities without dedicated IT staff; addressing inefficiencies and managing talent shortages with technology; and determining return on investment and buying future-proof tools.

New hires and appointments

Hiline, a financial-operations-as-a-service company, has added two key senior executives as the company continues its growth and expansion. Jesse Boland (formerly of Sirion, where he was vice president of growth marketing) will lead growth initiatives as Hiline's VP of growth. Meenal Garg, (formerly of Zeni, a provider of AI bookkeeping solutions, where she served as director of tax) will lead Hiline's tax service offerings as head of tax. Both leaders will help to support Hiline as it continues to provide financial services for growing businesses. These two executive hires come on the heels of Hiline's acquisition of Calculate in February. … Datadobi, a provider of hybrid cloud data services, announced the appointment of Denise Natali to the position of vice president of Americas sales. In this newly created position, Natali will report directly to CRO and co-founder Michael Jack and be responsible for developing and executing revenue growth strategies. Before Datadobi, Natali served as vice president at Cox Communications, regional director of enterprise sales at Lumen Technologies, and vice president of sales at FastPay. She is a military veteran, having served her country in the U.S. Army as a military intelligence officer. She is also an award-winning cartoonist and a published author. … Top 50 firm Schellman announced the appointment of Alyson Young Castillo as its chief growth officer. In her new role, Castillo will oversee Schellman's growth strategies, focusing on client acquisition, revenue generation and brand enhancement. Having held roles at EY, Oracle and KPMG, Castillo has spent her career demonstrating leadership in driving growth, managing large teams, building strategic client relationships, and leading market strategies. … april [sic], a tax filing solutions provider, announced the appointment of Raj R. Doshi as its president and chief operating officer. Doshi brings over 20 years of experience in driving growth strategies and leading operations across prominent organizations including Google, TaxAct and Avantax. Doshi's focus will be to scale the company's embedded partnership model and expand april's reach. Prior to joining april, Doshi served as the chief growth and marketing officer at Blucora, where he co-owned revenue responsibility for TaxAct and Avantax.

Other news

Zone & Co, a provider of ERP-expanding software solutions for the CFO's office, has acquired of Staria Flow, an AP automation solution developed by Staria, a Helsinki-based advisory services and solutions firm for growth companies. This acquisition accelerates the capability expansion of Zone's AP automation solution. Staria Flow is designed to streamline accounts payable processes and payments using bank connectivity, e-invoicing and OCR technology. Wilkie Farr & Gallagher LLP acted as legal advisor to Zone. … Biz2Credit, a business loan and financing solutions provider,announced that, for the second year in a row, the company has been named to CNBC's new list of Top 250 Global Fintech Companies. Biz2Credit was recognized in the Alternative Finance category, consisting of digital platforms that offer companies and consumers a way to raise money online, using technologies like the cloud and AI algorithms. The category includes crowdfunding platforms, non-bank lending institutions that provide capital to businesses, and platforms that facilitate personal loans funded by private or institutional investors via online platforms as an alternative to traditional lending.