Xero offers three distinct plans to accommodate a variety of needs. Before you commit, you can try their accounting software for free thanks to their 30 day free trial.

Early

This plan costs $15 per month, and is a budget-friendly option that allows users to send quotes and 20 invoices, enter 5 bills, reconcile bank transactions, and enjoy the features of Hubdoc. This plan targets businesses with fewer transactions, making it suitable for start-ups or sole proprietors. When compared to similar platforms, the inclusion of features like Hubdoc at this price point might be considered competitive.

Growing

Priced at $42 per month, the Growing plan offers more flexibility. This plan includes everything in the Starter but without the restrictions on the number of invoices and bills. It’s likely ideal for growing businesses that require regular financial activities without the constraints of the Early plan. The Growing plan’s robust offering at a moderate price could be deemed a value for money, especially given the current promotional offer.

Established

It costs $78 per month and includes all features from the previous tiers and adds functionalities like multi-currency and Analytics Plus. It’s designed for businesses that operate on a global scale or those that need deeper financial insights. The multi-currency feature, in particular, stands out as a significant advantage when compared to some competitors that might offer this only at a higher cost.

Xero, a leading online accounting software, streamlines finances for small businesses and accountants with features like invoicing, multi-currency, and bank connections from over 21,000 global institutions. Founded in New Zealand, Xero has expanded globally, making it a top choice for modern, efficient, and cloud-based financial management.

Multi-currency Invoicing: Xero offers a dynamic multi-currency feature, allowing businesses to handle transactions in various global currencies seamlessly. This is vital for businesses operating in the international marketplace, as it allows for instant currency conversions, management of exchange rate fluctuations, and consolidated financial reporting across multiple currencies.

Custom Reporting and Dashboards: Xero provides customizable reporting tools, enabling businesses to tailor their financial reports according to their specific needs. The intuitive dashboards present real-time data, allowing users to have a clear and up-to-date picture of their financial health at any given moment. For businesses, this means making informed decisions based on accurate and relevant data.

Auditing Features: The software comes with an in-built audit trail, which means users can track changes made to the financial data over time. This is crucial for maintaining transparency, and accountability, and ensuring that financial records are accurate and uncompromised.

Payment Integration: Xero integrates smoothly with numerous third-party payment gateways, like Stripe and PayPal, streamlining the invoicing and payment process. For businesses, this translates to quicker payments, improved cash flow, and a more streamlined accounts receivable process.

Tax Documents and Accountant Collaboration: Xero shines when it comes to tax documentation and collaboration with accountants. The software has specialized features for generating tax returns, managing VAT, and other tax-related tasks. Furthermore, Xero offers a “Collaborate” feature, where users can invite their accountant or financial advisor directly into their account. This allows for real-time collaboration, where both parties can view and edit financial data simultaneously, making tax time less cumbersome and more efficient.

Access and Compatibility: Xero is a cloud-based accounting software, which means users can access their financial data from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. This cloud-first approach ensures data is always backed up, updated in real-time, and secure. Xero also offers a mobile app, available for both Android and iOS, enabling users to manage their finances on the go, from invoicing clients to reconciling transactions.

Browser Compatibility:  Xero works well with all major web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. As it’s web-based, there isn’t a traditional desktop version, but the advantage here is that users won’t have to worry about manual software updates or compatibility issues with their operating system.

Xero Accounting Software offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored for modern businesses. Its cloud-based infrastructure, combined with unique features like multi-currency invoicing and custom reporting, makes it a go-to choice for many SMEs and larger enterprises alike.

One of the notable benefits of Xero is its straightforward setup process. Since it’s a cloud-based solution, it doesn’t require any software installation on a local computer. This means businesses can get started almost instantly after signing up for an account. It doesn’t necessitate IT support for installation, which can be especially appealing for smaller businesses with limited IT resources.

Interface

Xero boasts a clean and user-friendly interface, designed with non-accountants in mind. The layout is intuitive, with clear navigation menus, accessible features, and concise labeling. Whether you’re reconciling bank transactions, setting up invoices, or generating financial reports, the processes are designed to be straightforward and easily comprehensible.

Dashboards

The dashboard in Xero provides a snapshot of the business’s financial health at a glance. It presents crucial metrics such as bank balances, outstanding invoices, upcoming bills, and cash flow in visually appealing charts and graphs. The customization capabilities allow users to tailor the dashboard to show the most relevant information according to their needs.

Learning Curve

While Xero is designed to be user-friendly, like any robust software, there may be a learning curve, especially for those new to accounting software. However, the curve isn’t steep. Many users find they can accomplish basic tasks after just a short time exploring the platform. The software’s consistency in design across different sections further aids in its ease of use.

Training Program

Recognizing the importance of effective onboarding, Xero offers a range of resources to facilitate the learning process. They have a comprehensive online help center, video tutorials, webinars, and even courses through Xero U. For businesses wanting a more hands-on approach, Xero has a network of advisors who can offer personalized training.

Xero has carved a niche for itself in the accounting software market by ensuring user-friendly features backed by a robust set of tools. Its cloud-based nature eliminates cumbersome installations, and the various training resources provided ensure that businesses can get the most out of the platform efficiently.

Xero offers a plethora of features and integrations to streamline the accounting process, making it easier for businesses to manage their finances.

Add-on Options:

Payment Processing: Xero supports payment processing integrations with several online payment gateways, such as Stripe, PayPal, and GoCardless. This allows businesses to send online invoices and get paid faster by their customers directly through the invoice link.

Payroll Processing: Xero offers its own integrated payroll feature in select regions, ensuring seamless financial and payroll management within the same platform. Moreover, for regions where native payroll might not be available, Xero provides integrations with third-party payroll solutions.

Project Management: While Xero has its built-in project management module to track time and projects’ profitability, it also integrates with other dedicated project management tools like WorkflowMax to provide more detailed functionality.

Time Tracking: Xero integrates with various time tracking tools, such as TSheets and Harvest, to assist businesses in monitoring employee hours and invoicing accordingly.

System Integrations:

Time/Expense & Payroll Tools: Beyond its native capabilities, Xero integrates with tools like Expensify for expense management and Gusto for payroll services in the US.

CRMs: Xero connects with multiple Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems like Salesforce and Insightly, bridging the gap between sales and accounting.

Payment Gateways: As mentioned, it integrates with Stripe, PayPal, GoCardless, and other payment processors to facilitate online payments.

Automation and Connectivity: Zapier is an important integration for Xero, as it allows the software to communicate and share data with thousands of other apps, automating workflows and tasks across different platforms.

App Integrations and Other Connectivity:

Mobile Apps: Xero offers its mobile app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, ensuring businesses can manage their finances on-the-go.

E-commerce Platforms: For businesses operating in the e-commerce space, Xero provides integrations with platforms like Amazon and Shopify.

Cloud Connectivity: Xero’s capability extends to tools like Cloud Picker and Cloud Uploader, enabling users to easily pick and upload files from various cloud storage solutions. Furthermore, its integration with G-Suite by Google allows for smooth data sharing between Google products like Google Sheets and Xero.

Xero offers a vast array of integrations and add-ons, from payment processing to app connectivity. This extensive range of features and integrations allows businesses to create a tailor-made financial management system to suit their specific needs.