With a plethora of software options for businesses today, don’t ask yourself which ones you should consider. You could spend hours comparing the pros and cons of countless accounting software websites. But in the end you could find that you’re simply comparing oranges with oranges.
Instead, ask yourself why you should be using Xero. It has a host of advantages that can take your business places. In fact, before long it could be your new accounting software bestie.
Here are 5 reasons why Xero is recommended by so many accountants and bookkeepers – those people in the know.
1. Use it anywhere
Xero sets you free. Use it anywhere. Use it on your smartphone. Your tablet. On your laptop PC or Mac. It’s cloud-based, so your bookkeeper and your accountant can access it if you want them to. And in real-time, too. Work in a coffee shop, in a caravan on the coast, or in your office. It’s up to you. Have Xero – can travel could become your new mantra.
2. Get paid faster
Xero gives you the tools to get paid faster. Customise your invoices, then create them as you’re out and about, wherever you are. Use your laptop, your smartphone, iPad, or desktop. The faster you send your perfectly customised invoices, the faster you get paid. And if you want to integrate credit card or direct debit payments, Stripe and GoCardless, it’s a cinch. They’re what we call native integrations, so when payments are made, Xero will reconcile them for you.
Slow paying clients causing you grief? Not a problem with Xero’s brilliant, automated Invoice Reminders. They’ll chase your overdue invoices and send your tardy customers emails if an invoice is overdue – or about to become due.
3. Customise Xero with add-ons
Xero works with over 500 cloud-based products, so you can customise Xero to your unique requirements. Whether you need inventory management, a timesheet application, a point-of-sale system, a CRM system, or any others in the hundreds that Xero offers through its Add On marketplace, you can reduce time without doubling up on your processes. It’s all about streamlining your business. Receipt Bank is one of Xero’s most popular add-ons. Simply take a photo of your receipt on your smartphone, and send the data and the receipt image to Xero. No more messy paper receipts clogging up your office.
4. Real time processing
With Xero, you and your bookkeeper or financial advisor can work on the same data, at the same time. You’ll both have a clear overview of your business. Think of the time this will save you. No longer do you have to export data and send it to your bookkeeper or accountant. And that information will no longer be out of date as soon as you send it. Instead, collaborate with your financial people through Xero at no additional cost – and with no duplication of data.
Linked bank account
Link your bank account to Xero, and set up a bank feed which updates automatically – and imports your bank statements to Xero. Track your sales invoices, matching payments against purchases, while reducing the time and cost of financial services.
Current financial overview
A major benefit is that you can instantly have a clear overview of your business financial situation whenever you want. This means you can make good business decisions without waiting for your monthly, quarterly figures or year-end figures.
5. Automatic product updates
With everything run in the cloud, you don’t need to install – or back up – anything. That happens automatically. So no more worrying about version upgrades. Or maintenance and system administration fees. And the horror of a server failure is no longer an issue.
Updated products are available immediately to all users. So no more downloads to your desktop and re-starting your computer. Xero updates happen automatically and are all ready to go when you log in.
In a nutshell
Xero is simple to use. It will streamline your business and free you from the need to be office-based. Its add-ons mean you can customise your business without doubling up on processes. Real time processing allows you to share information with your financial advisors. Updates are automatic. And you’ll get paid faster, with professional invoicing and payment reminders.
Xero. What’s not to love.
Want advice on how you can automate your business processes with Xero? We have Xero expertise in spades, we can help you make the most of your Xero experience and advise you on the best add-ons to consider for your business needs.
Book in a free consult or give us a call on 03 9068 5636