WHAT IS XERO.COM?

What is Xero.com? Many people haven’t heard of it. They wonder what it actually is, what it does, how it benefits them, and whether it’s safe. Here’s a plain-language answer to all of that.

30-Second Read

• Xero is cloud-based accounting software — it lives online, not installed on your computer, so your data isn’t tied to any single device.
• It’s built with strong security. It’s accessible from a browser or app on any device with an internet connection.
• We typically import your bank transactions to code as income and expenses, with some subscriptions supporting automatic bank feeds.
• Pricing varies by plan. Xero has confirmed a price increase for NZ subscriptions from 1 October 2026 — check Xero’s current pricing page for the exact current figures, since these have changed more than once recently.
• Depending on your arrangement with us, you may already have access to a Xero account through our practice.

Why Being Online Is a Good Thing

Ever hear about someone’s laptop being stolen, taking all their accounting records with it? It happens. With Xero, that risk disappears — your data lives online, not on your device. Lose your laptop, and your bank reconciliations, invoices, and customer contacts are all still there. They’re accessible from wherever you log in next.

Is It Safe?

Yes. Xero takes security seriously — see Xero’s own security page for the specifics of how they protect your data.

How Does It Benefit Me?

Beyond insulating you against the risk of losing everything to theft or hardware failure, Xero is genuinely convenient. There are official apps for iOS and Android, and it works in any browser on Mac, Windows, or Linux. You can check on things from anywhere with an internet connection. It also makes compliance easier. You can log in any time and see how things stand, backed by a range of useful reports.

How Does the Information Actually Get In There?

We’ll typically ask you to email us your bank statements in CSV format. We then import these into Xero and code them as income, expenses, and so on. Some Xero subscriptions support automated bank feeds, which import transactions directly. We can also enter information manually where needed.

What Does Xero Actually Look Like?

The dashboard gives you an overview of your accounts at a glance. The bank reconciliation screen is where transactions get matched and coded — both are genuinely straightforward once you’ve seen them once, even if you’ve never used accounting software before. Here’s what the Dashboard looks like. It is editable so you can readjust things to have them where you want them.

And here’s what the bank reconciliation screen looks like:

What Does It Cost?

Pricing depends on which plan suits your needs. Xero has announced a price increase for New Zealand subscriptions from 1 October 2026 — check Xero’s current pricing page for exact current figures rather than relying on a number that might already be out of date. Depending on your arrangement with us, you may be provided with a Xero account as part of our service. Contact us to find out what applies to you.

How Do I Invite My Advisor or Accountant Into Xero?

See our step-by-step guide for exactly how to do this.

Do I Need to Share Anything Else With You?

Very likely, yes. See our guide to sharing information online for some practical tips.

Other Questions You Might Have

• Rental Property: What Records Do You Need to Keep?
• How Do I Download Transactions from My Bank’s Online Internet Banking?
• What’s the Process for My Tax Returns?
• Common Questions About Your Financial Statements