Managing your finances efficiently is key for any small business. Xero, the online accounting software, is one of the best tools out there. It simplifies everything from invoicing to cashflow management. At Evans Partners, we’re big fans of Xero. It saves our clients hours every week, freeing them up to focus on running their businesses. As a Platinum Partner, here, we share some practical Xero tips to help you streamline your finances and boost your productivity.
Set up automated invoicing
Late invoices mean delayed payments, affecting your cashflow and potentially harming client relationships. Xero lets you set up automated invoicing, sending reminders and recurring invoices automatically. This ensures timely payments and healthier cashflow.
You can easily customise your invoices to match your brand. Personalised invoices look professional and create a positive impression. Xero’s automation cuts out repetitive tasks, saving you valuable time.
Track your cashflow in real-time
Cashflow is critical for business survival. Using Xero, you can easily track your cashflow in real-time. The software provides clear dashboards displaying money coming in and going out, helping you make quick, informed decisions.
With real-time data, spotting potential problems early becomes easier. This allows you to take action promptly, rather than reacting to surprises at month-end.
Connect your bank account for seamless reconciliation
Linking your business bank account with Xero significantly simplifies reconciliation. Transactions flow directly into Xero each day. This means you spend less time manually matching transactions, reducing errors and improving accuracy.
Regular reconciliation is essential for accurate bookkeeping. Our clients find this one of Xero’s best features, freeing them from tedious manual processes.
Harness the power of Xero integrations
Xero connects seamlessly with hundreds of other business apps, such as Shopify, Stripe, and HubSpot. Integrating these tools with Xero creates a powerful ecosystem tailored to your business needs. This reduces duplication, improves accuracy, and saves hours of administrative work.
For instance, linking your e-commerce store automatically imports sales data, eliminating manual data entry. This gives you more accurate financial reporting and frees your team to concentrate on growing your business.
Use expense management effectively
Managing expenses can quickly become overwhelming. Xero’s built-in expense management tools make this much simpler. Employees can easily upload receipts from their phones, eliminating the risk of lost paperwork.
Streamlined expense management helps you stay on top of your spending and reduces manual data entry. You can approve expenses with a click, speeding up reimbursement and keeping your team happy.
Utilise financial reporting features
Xero’s financial reporting tools offer detailed insights into your business’s financial health. Easy-to-understand reports, such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets, are available instantly.
You don’t need advanced accounting skills to interpret these reports. They’re designed for business owners, providing clear insights to support strategic decisions.
Get training and support
Evans Partners offers training and ongoing support for Xero users. Whether you’re new to Xero or looking to enhance your existing skills, our team provides practical guidance tailored to your business needs.
Our clients frequently tell us how much they value our personalised approach. We’re always on hand to help you get the most out of Xero.
Stay compliant with Making Tax Digital (MTD)
Xero ensures you stay compliant with HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative. MTD compliance is now mandatory for VAT-registered businesses. Xero automatically generates accurate VAT returns, saving you from errors and potential penalties.
Xero tips for growing businesses
As your business grows, managing financial data becomes increasingly important. Xero scales with your business, providing advanced features to match your changing needs. From payroll processing to project tracking, Xero helps manage increased complexity effortlessly.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 54% of small businesses in the UK report cashflow issues as a major challenge. Using Xero significantly reduces this risk by keeping financial data clear and manageable.
Why our clients love Xero
At Evans Partners, we’ve seen how Xero transforms the financial management of our clients. One recent survey showed that 82% of small businesses found that cloud accounting software like Xero reduced their administrative workload by at least 10 hours per month (source: ONS).
With less time spent on admin, you can focus on what truly matters – running and growing your business.
Adopting Xero simplifies your finances, making your life easier and your business more efficient. By automating mundane tasks like invoicing and reconciliation, you reduce administrative burdens and gain valuable time to dedicate to growth. Real-time financial insights provided by Xero empower you to make informed, proactive decisions. Whether you’re a new business starting out or an established one looking to streamline operations, Xero offers the tools you need to succeed.
If you’re ready to take control and streamline your business finances with Xero, we’re here to help. Get in touch today to make the switch to Xero and see how it can transform your business.