15 years ago Julie and I started a company and laid out a vision for what accounting could be if software and human ingenuity and expertise aligned. Standing in front of a whiteboard, I sketched out an idea for a set of complementary tools powered by the APIs of leading accounting and non-accounting data sources, presenting information in a fresh and engaging way that customers would understand and react to.
That was the "How", but the "Why" was to transform how accountants work—not just number crunching or compliance checking, but empowering trusted advisors delivering real insight and impact for their clients. That vision became Spotlight Reporting, and it was born from both deep industry experience and a belief that accountants could and should play a much bigger role in shaping business success and positive economic outcomes.
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Since that day and from my own practice experience, I was convinced that with the right software, accountants could unlock their full potential—streamlining reporting, enhancing forecasting, and stepping confidently into advisory. What followed has been an extraordinary journey: building a global SaaS company from New Zealand, scaling across countries, growing an incredible team, and forming relationships with thousands of firms who believed in the same future we did.
We’ve white-boarded, road-mapped, designed, re-designed, coded, tested, and launched five products that are ever-evolving. We've hopped on planes, trains and Ubers, working across time zones, demoing at countless conferences, hosting webinars, and grabbing late-night Zooms or office coffees with customers from London to Los Angeles. At each step, we’ve listened and learned from advisors and business owners who wanted more—more insight, more value, more impact.
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Spotlight Reporting has always been about that combination: smart technology plus the irreplaceable power of human insight. Over the years, we’ve pushed boundaries in reporting, forecasting, multi-entity consolidation, and more. We then added ESG advisory, helping firms step into a future where sustainability, transparency, and purpose are core to the business conversation.
Soon, the journey takes another leap with the launch of AI-powered features that assist, suggest, and elevate the work of advisors even further. Our new AI Suggest tool is just the beginning, helping users create Executive Summaries that are clear, compelling, and client-ready. We’re also rolling out new blue-chip integrations, expanding our team, and launching features that respond to what the next generation of accountants and advisors need.
Despite how far we’ve come, it still feels like the first few chapters have been written. Technology evolves, client needs shift, and the accounting profession continues to redefine itself. Every day brings new challenges—but also new opportunities to serve, to innovate, and to lead.
If you’re an accountant who wants to do more, to offer more, and to be more for your clients then talk to us today and help us write the next chapter together.
With acknowledgement and aroha to Spotlighters past and present, our partners, and-of course-our loyal customers wherever you are 💙.
