What’s the easiest thing you’ve ever had to do? Like even more easy than peasy squeazy lemons? While you’re thinking about it, we’d like to offer a candidate for your list of stuff to do: Accounting with Xero. If you’ve seen any of our review posts on Facebook, it won’t be a surprise to learn we’re big fans of Xero accounting software. We’re taking a bit of a deeper dive into our favourite features of Xero as well as an honest evaluation of some of the reasons some folks aren’t on Team Xero.
Xero Accounting Software Mod Cons and Features:
- Cloud Access. This is more than a bigged-up tech detail. Having unlimited cloud access means information shared with your accountant or even other business admin peeps is always up to date and accurate. Simultaneous interaction from different locations is essential if you have a remote or hybrid team. And you have good control over how much access and which rights each user gets. We always find that the Xero cloud system works smoothly and syncs reliably every time.
- User Friendly. Maybe we should have put this at number one. Either way, Xero has done a smashing job of making their software very easy to use and very intuitive, even for non-accountants. We always offer a software crash course for our clients if they’re not familiar with whatever software they’ve chosen. Every client who chooses Xero, however, has almost no issues with operating alone.
- Bank Feed Updates. Syncing your bank account with your accounting software is not unique to Xero, but we do find that this feature is always seamless with Xero.
- Making Tax Digital Ready. Xero is one of the software systems that is HMRC approved for MTD. This means that as long as your records are properly up to date and organised, your quarterly filing and self-assessment, etc. will all be uploaded automatically to the big white chiefs at HMRC. No late submissions, no stress over last-minute filings.
- Integration Nation! This is really where Xero shines over some of its competitors. This might not seem like a big deal, but when you start thinking about syncing data across to other apps such as job management, inventory management, debtor chasing, Shopify, Stripe, or Paypal, you really need them to all gel well together. Xero just plays nice with other software and apps where other accounting software sometimes struggles. It offers a huge selection of app integrations.
The Best Things in Life Are Not Free
Why doesn’t everyone have Xero then? Well it’s not the cheapest accounting software on the market, and so a lot of folks decide to give one of the cheaper options a go. Another thing going against Xero is the basic package is a bit too basic. You can’t do that much with it. And it doesn’t include payroll. You have to pay extra for that too.
How to Plus Up Your Xero Accounting Software Experience
Like most things, learning the basics will give you an edge when it comes to day-to-day operations. Thankfully, the design and usability of the software mean this is not hard, and Xero has a very easy-to-read, comprehensive selection of training how-tos on their website. Some of our favourite features include:
- Customising the Dashboard: If you’re anything like us, a streamlined workspace is crucial. We like organising the tabs from most to least frequently used for efficient working.
- Automate Everything: We’ve mentioned this before, but seriously, automating things like repeating invoices, bank feeds, and reminders not only saves a bunch of time but also improves accurate record keeping.
- Receipt Capture: This is a pretty neat feature, really. Take photo scans with your device through Xero’s app. It’s easy to use, and your receipts are filed right there and then.
Xero-In On The Next Steps
So if we’ve managed to persuade you that Xero is the right accounting software for you, what’s next? Try out a 30-day free trial here for starters. And of course we recommend working along with us. We’re a certified Xero partner and we’re a dab hand at transferring hard records onto Xero or helping clients make the change from one software to another. Call us up, and let’s make your business a Xero Hero together.
