If you’re a client of ours (we love you), or thinking about it (yay!) we’ll recommend that you use Xero. But why do we want you to use Xero, and more importantly how are we going to help you get set up on Xero?
I’m going to let you in on the benefits to using Xero for your business. I’ll also show you how we help you get up and running on Xero. Finally I’ll share why I chose Xero in the first place, back in 2012, as I think it’s useful to know why we’re such huge fans!
How will you benefit from using Xero?
Xero is all about saving you time, so that you can spend it growing your business and doing what you love, whatever that may be!
Key Benefits of Using Xero
1. Easy Access:
You can access your financial information anytime and anywhere with an internet connection, via Chrome or the Xero app.
2. Real-time Updates:
It’s easy for your accountant or finance team to keep your financial data up to date so you can make informed decisions.
3. User-friendly Interface:
Xero is easy to use, even if you’re not an accounting expert.
4. Automation and Time-saving:
Xero automates tasks like bank reconciliations and invoicing, saving you time and reducing errors.
5. Simple Bank Reconciliation:
You can import and reconcile your bank transactions easily, via secure Open Banking
6. Collaboration and Multi-user Access:
Multiple people can work on your financial data together, including us as your accountant, so we’re always looking at the same numbers.
7. Integrations:
Xero connects with other tools and systems you use for a smoother workflow, with over 1,000 apps in the Xero MarketPlace
8. Customizable Reports:
You can create reports tailored to your needs, such as profit and loss reports, cashflow statements, and reporting by area or department.
9. Secure Data Storage:
Xero keeps your financial information safe with backups and strong security measures.
10. Scalability:
Xero can grow with your business, whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a larger company.
Have a look at how we gave our client her Fridays back, by getting her set up on Xero and other connected apps.
Using Xero ourselves also benefits you!
Since 2012 we’ve built all of our processes around Xero, and have become experts in its use and time saving features. We prepare all our work in Xero, including annual accounts, payroll, CIS, VAT returns, management reports, and most of the online solutions we use link to Xero.
Xero is also MTD compliant, meaning you don’t need to worry about HMRC’s new rules for filing digitally.
This means we can be most efficient in our work, freeing up more time to support you.
If we also recommended a software like Quickbooks we couldn’t be the experts in this and in Xero too, as we’re a small team. Similarly the other softwares we use wouldn’t all talk to each other, as they do now, which would create a clunky and time consuming workflow. Yuck!
How do we help you get up and running on Xero?
This all depends on where you are on your journey, and I’ll discuss each of these 3 situations separately, explaining how we can help:
- You’re completely new to Xero, having kept limited records previously (either none, handwritten books, or spreadsheets)
- You may use another software, and you’re keen to move to Xero
- You may already have Xero, but you’re not sure you’re getting the most from it, or your previous accountant.
Let’s look at each scenario in turn:
1. You’re completely new to Xero, having kept limited records previously (either none, handwritten books, or spreadsheets)
- Firstly we will make sure we understand your business and your needs, by completing a full review of your processes.
- We’ll then set up your Xero account in the background and invite you in.
- At this stage we’ll give you some guidance on setting up 2 step authentication, your invoice templates and bank feeds.
- Next we invite you to our complimentary Getting to Grips with Xero training at our offices or yours. This usually includes up to 6 Xero users, which works really well, as everyone benefits from the questions asked.
- Following this well check in with you at regular intervals, to make sure your happy using Xero.
- Along your journey, and at your pace, we will also introduce you to other apps designed to save you time and streamline your business processes.
2. You may use another software, and you’re keen to move to Xero
- Firstly we’ll discuss with you whether you want to convert your existing software data to Xero, or start from scratch.
- If it’s the latter option, we’ll revert to the guidance in 1. above, as if you’re completely new to Xero.
- However, if you’d like to keep your data we can convert it into a Xero account!
- All we ask for us a clean and tidy software backup, with everything reconciled up to an agreed date.
- We will then return to you a shiny new Xero account containing your data!
- Xero are currently funding conversions containing up to 2 years data. If you want to convert older data, it’s just £60 plus VAT per year.
- Once your new Xero account is ready, well run our standard Xero HealthCheck to make sure your data is accurate, and well report back with any areas for improving, or adjustments needed.
- At this stage we’ll give you some guidance on setting up 2 step authentication, your invoice templates and bank feeds.
- We’ll then invite you to our complimentary Getting to Grips with Xero training at our offices. This usually includes up to 6 Xero users, which works really well, as everyone benefits from the questions asked.
- Following this we’ll check in with you at regular intervals, to make sure you’re happy using Xero.
- Along your journey, and at your pace, we will also introduce you to other apps designed to save you time and streamline your business processes.
3. You may already have Xero, but you’re not sure you’re getting the most from it, or your previous accountant.
- We love it if you’re already using Xero, and ask us to look after you, thank you!
- From previous experience we want to make sure that we have a nice and tidy set of Xero data to start working with, and that you’re making the most of Xero’s awesome features.
- So before we do anything we’re going to run our standard Xero HealthCheck.
- This checks your financial data, as well as checking for expected criteria, such as all users having 2 step authentication set up. Our Xero HealthCheck blog explains what we do in much more detail.
- We’ll report back following our HealthCheck with guidance for improvements and any adjustments that are needed.
- We can then recommend our complimentary Xero training, and other useful apps, if you feel ready for more!
- Our HealthCheck will also highlight whether you or any of your team need any further Xero training or support.
Why did we choose Xero?
In early 2012 two separate clients asked me about online accounting software, and I thought “if they’re asking me I’ve already left it too late, we should be advising them!”
So I set about researching 3 different online accounting softwares. I spoke with the software companies (still waiting for a callback from one of them!). I watched demos, trialled the software, researched online, and asked my peers.
Xero stood out back then, because of its human support, the ease of use of its software, and the great features, including bank feeds and super easy bank reconciliation.
We started using Xero for our own business, and began introducing it to clients. They loved it, and the rest is history!
Sharon is also a Xero MVP, and Kinder Pocock have been finalists in Xero’s Awards for 100% Xero for several years running, and Small Firm of the Year too.
I hope that all makes sense. We love using Xero and our clients love it to:
“By moving over to Xero/Kinder Accountants not only our accounts much easier to handle and keep up to date but we no longer dread all the paper work!”
Hereford
We look forward to working with you! Find out How We Work, and get in touch today to find out more about Xero and our business growth services.
Sharon Baker FCCA
Kinder Pocock are an approachable cloud-savvy firm of accountants based in Herefordshire but supporting businesses on the move.
We specialise in Professional Services and Technology Businesses, as well as Indie Hospitality businesses.
@KinderAccountants
01432 273400
