Updated on: October 25, 2023

Xero Review

In today’s fast-paced business world, the need for efficient and reliable accounting software cannot be overstated. Modern businesses rely on cutting-edge technology to streamline their financial management processes and gain better insights into their financial health. One such software that has been making waves in the market is Xero, a cloud-based accounting platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses. In this comprehensive Xero review, the various aspects of this software will be explored, delving into its features, pricing, customer support, and pros and cons.

Free Download

What is Xero?

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that aims to simplify financial management for small and medium-sized businesses. Launched in 2006 in New Zealand, Xero has grown exponentially and now serves more than 2 million customers worldwide. The platform offers a wide range of features, including invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, inventory management, and more. It also boasts seamless integration with over 800 third-party applications, enabling businesses to customize their accounting experience to fit their unique needs.

One of the key selling points of Xero is its cloud-based nature, which allows users to access their financial data from any device with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for manual backups and ensures that the data is always up-to-date and secure. Furthermore, the platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing even those with little to no accounting background to navigate it with ease. With its comprehensive feature set and user-centric approach, Xero has quickly become a formidable contender in the world of accounting software.

How to Use Xero?

Getting started with Xero is relatively simple, thanks to its intuitive interface and easy-to-follow setup process. Once a user has signed up for an account, they will be guided through a step-by-step process to input their business details and connect their bank accounts. This initial setup is crucial, as it lays the foundation for a smooth and seamless accounting experience moving forward.

After the initial setup, users can begin exploring the various features that Xero has to offer. These include:

  • Dashboard: The Xero dashboard provides an overview of the business’s financial health, displaying key information such as bank balances, invoices, bills, expense claims, and more. Users can also customize the dashboard to display the information most relevant to their needs.
  • Invoicing: Xero’s invoicing feature allows users to create, send, and manage invoices with ease. Invoices can be customized to match the business’s branding, and the platform also supports recurring invoices and automatic payment reminders.
  • Bank reconciliation: Xero streamlines the process of bank reconciliation by automatically importing and categorizing transactions from connected bank accounts. Users can then match these transactions to their corresponding invoices, bills, and expenses, ensuring that their financial records are always accurate and up-to-date.
  • Expense tracking: With Xero’s expense tracking feature, users can easily record and monitor business expenses. Receipts can be uploaded directly to the platform, and expenses can be categorized and tracked for more efficient financial management.
  • Payroll: Xero’s payroll feature helps businesses to manage employee payments, timesheets, and leave requests. The platform also offers support for tax calculations and compliance, making payroll management a breeze.
  • Inventory management: For businesses that deal with physical products, Xero’s inventory management feature offers a simple way to track stock levels and monitor the cost of goods sold.

Users can further enhance their Xero experience by integrating with various third-party applications, such as CRM systems, project management tools, and e-commerce platforms.

How Much Does Xero Cost?

Xero offers a range of pricing plans to cater to businesses of different sizes and needs. These plans are divided into three tiers: Early, Growing, and Established. Each plan includes different features and limits on transactions, with pricing varying accordingly.

  • Early Plan: Priced at $9 per month, the Early Plan is designed for small businesses that are just starting out. This plan includes basic features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation, but limits users to sending a maximum of 20 invoices and entering 5 bills per month.
  • Growing Plan: The Growing Plan, priced at $30 per month, is suited for businesses that require a more comprehensive feature set and have higher transaction volumes. With this plan, users can send unlimited invoices, enter unlimited bills, and enjoy additional features such as multi-currency support and automated invoice reminders.
  • Established Plan: At $60 per month, the Established Plan is designed for businesses with more complex accounting needs. In addition to all the features offered in the Growing Plan, this plan includes payroll support for up to 10 employees, project tracking, and expense claim management.

It’s worth noting that Xero offers a 30-day free trial, allowing users to test the platform and its features before committing to a paid plan.

Free Download

Xero Customer Support

Xero places a strong emphasis on providing excellent customer support to its users. The platform offers a comprehensive help center, which includes a wealth of articles, guides, and video tutorials designed to assist users in navigating the software and troubleshooting any issues they may encounter.

In addition to the help center, Xero also offers support via email and live chat, with a team of knowledgeable representatives on hand to assist users with their queries. Furthermore, Xero maintains an active community forum, where users can engage with one another, share tips and tricks, and seek advice from experienced Xero users.

Xero Pros & Cons

As with any software, Xero has its share of pros and cons. Here are some of the key points to consider when evaluating Xero as a potential solution for your business’s accounting needs:

Pros
  • Cloud-based platform: Being a cloud-based software, Xero allows users to access their financial data from any device with an internet connection, ensuring that their information is always up-to-date and secure.
  • User-friendly interface: Xero is designed to be easy to use, even for those with little to no accounting experience. Its intuitive interface and step-by-step setup process make it an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes.
  • Comprehensive feature set: Xero offers a wide range of features, including invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, inventory management, and more. Its seamless integration with over 800 third-party applications also allows for customization to fit unique business needs.
  • Excellent customer support: Xero places a strong emphasis on customer support, with a comprehensive help center, email and live chat support, and an active community forum.
Cons
  • Limited reporting options: While Xero offers basic reporting features, some users may find its reporting capabilities to be somewhat limited, particularly when compared to more advanced accounting software.
  • Limited customization options: While Xero offers a wide range of features, some users may find its customization options to be somewhat limited, particularly when compared to more advanced accounting software.
  • Higher pricing for established businesses: Xero’s Established Plan may be too costly for some businesses, particularly those with more than 10 employees.

Conclusion

Overall, Xero is a comprehensive and user-friendly accounting software that offers a wide range of features to help businesses streamline their financial management processes. Its cloud-based nature and easy-to-use interface make it an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes, while its seamless integration with third-party applications allows for customization to fit unique business needs. While its reporting and customization options may be somewhat limited, Xero’s excellent customer support and affordable pricing plans make it a strong contender in the world of accounting software. If you’re looking for a reliable accounting solution for your business, Xero is definitely worth considering.

GenNextSoftwareSolutions.com