Continuing a journey to serve SMBs and accountants

By: Ariege Misherghi, SVP & GM of AP, AR and Accountant Channel at BILL

I’m excited to be at BILL. It is such a pivotal time in the industry, and technology and automation are more critical to the success of accountants and SMBs than ever before. 

A journey that continues 

My connection to the accounting professional community and SMBs started when I was a customer service representative supporting accountants after college. That role and others later building products for accountants and their SMB clients have afforded me opportunities to learn about the criticality of the relationship with accountants, to develop deep partnerships with firms, and to deliver innovative products and services that accountants want and need. And now I have the good fortune of being able to continue this journey at BILL.

Thriving together

Everyone has a meaningful connection to a small business - whether it’s a family business, a dream you have for the future, or a local spot you want to see thrive. These businesses are the engine of our economy and the backdrop of our lives and local communities. I have spent my career serving them, and when I reflect on the work I have loved, it has been with the accountants of SMBs because of the way they put the interest of their clients above all else. 

A common thread throughout my career has been shaping strategy and direction at technology companies to accelerate innovation that is substantive in a way that nurtures the symbiotic relationship with the accounting community, all in service to the success of our shared SMB clients. BILL already understands the importance of this, and in my role, it’s my job to rally the company around the work that makes the biggest difference in the lives of accountants and their clients. 

Energized for the opportunity ahead

Accountants and SMBs deserve technology solutions to help optimize business, make better decisions, and deliver for customers. For accountants, the trends towards strategic advisory services and business insights provide essential opportunities against a talent shortage and the need for firms to do more with less. The great news is that automation and AI are bringing new possibilities to help address these needs, and help SMBs and firms win.  

I had the opportunity to attend BILL’s Accountant Partner Council two weeks ago. Fittingly, that experience was my first as a BILL employee. The Partner Council brings together industry leaders from some of the most innovative and influential accounting firms from across the country and I got to witness the strong partnership between BILL and accounting firms firsthand. Partners acknowledged the exciting momentum and leadership at BILL. 

There was also a lot of energy around the future roadmap and the opportunity that still lies ahead for BILL to continue innovating for accountants and SMBs. 

What serving accountants means to me

I’m inspired by a comment René Lacerte made during the council session. He said, “Innovation has to come from a deep passion about what your customers are doing and what they need now, and into the future.” I know that when accountants make decisions about what technology to adopt, they start by looking for the most impactful solution for clients. 

Next, firms look for the benefit of increased efficiency for their practice and finally, they look for technology partners that have a compelling vision of the future for the profession. Serving accountants means honoring these three priorities by listening closely to accountants and the clients they serve, turning that feedback into a plan for the future, and then consistently delivering on that plan time and time again. 

Ongoing innovation to help firms succeed

BILL is, and will continue to be, a team that puts accountants and SMBs first. We will continue to make your lives easier and empower firms and businesses to grow.

I am eager to continue to learn from our accountant partners and deepen the already strong partnerships between BILL and the community. We will continue to look for ways to better serve you and innovate to help you and your customers and clients succeed.