Item: Xero
Rating: 10
Author: Caz Livingstone

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Thanks for allowing me to write a review of my experience with Xero Accounting Software. I am an accountant and have been using Xero for over 6 years now in my bookkeeping and accounting service business.

Xero is my number one preference right now.

I use Xero for all my clients who do not have alternative preferred accounting software. I also do my best to convince my clients to move over to Xero, if possible.

I have experience with more than 8 accounting software programs, and Xero is one of the best and most progressive in my humble opinion. Xero is current, relevant, progressive and open to suggestions. Their support is amongst the best I have exprienced, and that is my number one priority when dealing with digital software.

I am sure there are other accounting software programs out there that I have not experienced yet who may be as good as Xero - I am not knocking other brands.

Pros and Cons

Importing transactions
continuous progressive improvements and growth of product features
excellent support platforms = self service plus live contacts plus dedicated account managers.
A good range of subscription services
An interesting array of app partners / add on resources.

I would like to have the ability to sign up a holding company and all its trading entities under one subscription, in order to have amalgamated and separate accounting records and reports for each trading entity.
This is pertaining to my own Xero business clients: I would like to have a full featured, customizable practice client support /ticketing and task manager system, with reminders that can be sent to my clients and my team for various tasks due.
I would like Xero to have a cheaper option for their packages that include invoicing and related documents, as in my country we have options with an opposition accounting firm that offers a subscription where clients can create up to 2000 invoices per year for free.

Return on Investment

Reduce software costs
Reduce work time dramatically
Increase client data using security per staff roles
Reduce errors
Ease of correction of errors

Usability

I find the interface simple and easy to understand. I really enjoy their self help articles and videos for partners and clients alike. Their communication is great, which helps if someone is stuck on trying to use a feature. Often I have submitted a ticket and within minutes I have a reply. This type of communication inspires confidence.

Cloud Costs

Xero Cloud: This feature has saved money in storage costs, and given an extra level of backup should my offline storage facilities become damaged. I have used Xero's cloud to store clients documents and link them to the relevant transactions. Clients also email their documents directly to the designated email address and I am notified that the document has been sent.

Ease of Integration

Alternatives Considered

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise and Pastel

Wow, I have used so many accounting systems over the last 30 years! Your above options don't even list them. I've used systems like AccPac, TurboCash, WaveApps, and more. The answer to the first question explains why I prefer Xero.

Key Insights

Do you think Xero delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Xero's feature set?

Yes

Did Xero live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Xero go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Xero again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

I really have said all I need in the first question. I would like to add though, that in my experience as a Xero partner, I have found that Xero is flexible and progressive and currently surpasses my needs.

Review Xero Accounting Software

Overall Satisfaction with Xero