PathQuest Solutions

PathQuest Solutions

PathQuest is a subsidiary of Pacific Accounting & Business Services (PABS). PABS is a renowned outsourced accounting firm, that has been revolutionizing the financial landscape for 15 years. Now, with PathQuest, we bridge the gap between financial operations and automation solutions. Our podcasts spill the beans on modern accounting, giving practical tips and expert insights. Say goodbye to accounting headaches and open doors to your business's full potential. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

The Evolution of Accounts Payable | Manual to Automated
Apr 8 2024
The Evolution of Accounts Payable | Manual to Automated
Our recent podcast episode explores the transformative journey of Accounts Payable (AP) from manual drudgery to seamless automation. Host Amit talks with Tom Johnson, a seasoned accounting professional, to shed light on the challenges faced in the past and the immense benefits reaped through automation. Here’s a quick glimpse: The Manual Era: Imagine desks overflowing with invoices and meticulous manual data entry. This was the reality of AP not long ago.The Dawn of Automation: Computers brought relief, offering digital records and streamlined processes. However, core functionalities remained manual.The Automation Revolution: The 21st century ushered in a new era with automated invoice scanning, electronic invoicing, and AI integration, making AP processes smarter and faster.Benefits Beyond Efficiency: Automation empowers businesses with real-time financial insights, informed decision-making, and the elimination of late payments through reminders and notifications.Challenges Overcome: Manual AP was plagued by human error, inefficiency, and high costs. Automation tackles these issues head-on, reducing processing times and errors significantly.Cost Savings & Efficiency Gains:  Automation boasts impressive statistics – processing times slashed by 80%, invoice processing costs reduced by 29%, and error rates minimized with 99% accuracy.The Evolving Role of AP Professionals:  With automation, AP professionals are transitioning from data entry to strategic tasks, focusing on analysis and problem-solving. Adaptability, data interpretation, and process optimization are key skill sets in this new landscape.Indicators for Automation:  Processing over 500 invoices monthly, exceeding 5% error rates, and AP staff spending more than 60% of their time on data entry are signs that your organization is ripe for automation.Enhanced Accuracy & Compliance: Automation eliminates human error and ensures adherence to regulations through data validation, invoice cross-referencing, and consistent rule application.Selecting an AP Automation Solution: Scalability, integration capabilities, and user-friendliness are prime considerations. Opt for a system that seamlessly integrates with existing software and offers room for growth.Vendor Relationships & Supplier Management: Automation fosters stronger relationships with vendors by ensuring timely payments. This strategic shift allows for better terms, optimized cash flow, and collaborative growth with suppliers.Challenges During Transition: Resistance to change, integration complexities, and initial investment concerns are potential hurdles. Effective communication, user-friendly solutions, and highlighting of long-term benefits can ease the transition.Data Analytics & Financial Insights: Leverage data analytics to uncover spending trends, identify cost-saving opportunities, negotiate better terms, and mitigate risks. Real-time cash flow visibility empowers informed decision-making and financial optimization. Want to delve deeper? Check out our comprehensive blog post on automating your accounts payable processes. Don’t miss out on future episodes! Tune in for more as we continue to explore the ever-changing landscape of technology and its impact on our world.
From Data to Decisions: How Businesses Use Insights to Win
Mar 18 2024
From Data to Decisions: How Businesses Use Insights to Win
Our latest podcast dives into the world of business intelligence (BI) and its impact on strategic decision-making. Our host Amit welcomes Tom Johnson, a seasoned regional sales director, to discuss how companies can leverage data for success. Learn from real-world examples and case studies showcasing the impact of BI on decision-making. Key takeaways: Data is king: Businesses generate massive amounts of data, but it's only valuable when analyzed effectively. Data insights inform strategic decisions, drive growth, and lead to a competitive edge.Challenges and solutions: Common hurdles include data quality issues and siloed information. Businesses can overcome these by investing in data governance, robust integration solutions, and fostering a data-driven culture.The future of BI: Expect a rise in AI-powered BI, with real-time data playing a crucial role. Companies that embrace these innovations will stay agile and competitive.From data to actionable insights: The process involves data cleaning, exploration, and advanced analytics. Effective data transformation strategies are key to unlocking BI's potential.Data & Intuition: It's a balancing act. While data provides a solid foundation, human intuition adds depth. Organizations that embrace both achieve superior results.Ethical considerations: Data privacy is a major concern. The podcast explores diverse perspectives on balancing innovation with ethical data practices.Storytelling for impact: Data insights become compelling narratives with storytelling. This engages emotions and logic, influencing decision-makers and driving informed actions.BI in action: Real-world examples showcase the power of BI. Hospitals reduced wait times and increased patient satisfaction, while retailers boosted sales through data-driven insights. Want to learn more? Listen to the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of these concepts. Stay tuned!
Understanding Why 73% of Accounting Firms Confidently Opt for Automation
Dec 27 2023
Understanding Why 73% of Accounting Firms Confidently Opt for Automation
Embark on a journey into the heart of accounting’s future with our latest PathQuest episode! This time, Amit and expert guest Tom Johnson explore the intriguing rise of Business Intelligence (BI) tools, captivating accounting firms at a staggering 73%. What’s the buzz about? Tom Johnson, a seasoned pro in the fusion of accounting and technology, unravels the transformative magic of BI tools. Join us as we demystify how these tools are shaping smarter decisions, streamlining processes, and unlocking a new era of efficiency. Get ready for a dose of captivating stories and insights where tech and numbers converge! Unearth eye-opening statistics—BI tools slash processing costs by 75%, reducing errors by a whopping 95%, and speeding up invoice processing by an impressive 85%. Tom spills the beans on real-world examples, showcasing how BI tools are breathing new life into conventional accounting processes, offering predictive analytics and revealing patterns once hidden. The episode explores scenarios where BI tools have genuinely transformed accounting practices, with examples of reduced errors, faster financial report generation, and smoother audit processes. Tom paints a picture of the evolving skill sets required, emphasizing the growing demand for analytical skills and proficiency in tools like Tableau and Power BI. Looking to the horizon, Tom unveils potential developments like advanced AI integration and blockchain, poised to elevate accounting practices. For accounting firms considering this transformative leap, Tom’s advice is crystal clear—start small, align tools with specific needs, and view automation as a catalyst for delivering greater value to clients. Don’t miss out on this intriguing episode! Subscribe to our channel at www.PathQuest.com, schedule a demo, and stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on the evolving landscape of accounting and automation. The future of finance is calling!
45% of Accounting Firms Choose AP Automation. But why ?
Nov 23 2023
45% of Accounting Firms Choose AP Automation. But why ?
Embark on a financial journey with Amit and Tom in our latest episode, ‘45% of accounting firms choose Accounts Payable (AP) Automation, But why?’ Amit, our seasoned host, joins forces with Tom, boasting over 30 years of experience in the accounting industry, to unravel the transformative power of AP automation. Ever wondered why 45% of accounting firms are embracing AP automation? The statistics are eye-opening. According to Levvel Research, organizations adopting automation witness a staggering 72% reduction in invoice processing costs. The Institute of Finance & Management reports a 70% reduction in processing times, allowing firms to allocate resources more effectively and focus on strategic financial management. Efficiency takes the spotlight, and automation emerges as the game-changer. Bill processing becomes a hassle-free task, with invoices scanned, verified, and processed in mere minutes. This not only accelerates the payment cycle but also empowers AP professionals to shift their focus to more strategic, value-added tasks. The impact on cost savings is undeniable. Automation helps avoid costly mistakes, late payments, and the need for extensive manual labor. The time saved is a resource that can be reallocated to more strategic financial planning and analysis, contributing to the overall financial health of the business. Concerns about implementing accounts payable automation are addressed. While change can be challenging, proper training and communication ease the transition. Ensuring the security of sensitive financial data is a top priority, but with the right tools and protocols, these concerns are effectively mitigated. As we wrap up this insightful episode, Tom emphasizes the importance of thorough research and choosing a solution that aligns with the specific needs of the firm. The benefits far outweigh the challenges, and in today’s dynamic business environment, embracing innovation is key to staying competitive. Did you miss the live discussion? Tune in now to explore the driving forces behind the 45% adoption rate and gain valuable insights into the transformative power of AP automation.
Crucial Business Data Discovery Why 7 out of 10 Businesses Swear By It
Nov 9 2023
Crucial Business Data Discovery Why 7 out of 10 Businesses Swear By It
In this dynamic podcast episode, Amit and Tom, our expert hosts in the field of business analytics, unveils the secrets behind the power of data-driven decision-making. Tom defines ‘business data discovery’ and explains why it’s a pivotal asset in today’s corporate landscape. With statistics backing the importance of data discovery, we explore its benefits, from cost reduction and revenue growth to enhanced operational efficiency. The episode reveals why 7 out of 10 businesses are entrusting their futures to data discovery, painting it as a transformative shift rather than just a trend. Tom also talks about the latest technologies and solutions commonly used for data discovery, highlighting the impact on various industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. Real-world success stories showcase how data discovery has boosted sales and efficiency, even for growing businesses. This latest episode doesn’t shy away from addressing challenges, emphasizing data quality, privacy, integration, and the skill gap as areas to overcome. Ethical considerations and potential pitfalls are examined to ensure a balance between innovation and ethics.Tom and Amit share valuable insights for small businesses and startups to embark on their data discovery journey, emphasizing the benefits of defining clear goals, investing in tools, and embracing automation. The best practices and tips discussed culminate in the revelation that companies leveraging data discovery effectively experience a 37% increase in revenue and a 44% reduction in operational costs. Don’t miss this data-driven revolution and embark on your journey to success. Stay tuned for more enlightening episodes, and check out our upcoming events.