For almost a month now, a passionate discussion has been running on the Xero Linked In Group “Xero negating the need for a bookkeeper“. I’ve started to leave a comment several times as I wrote a blog on this very subject in May 2010 but there was so much information I agreed with and disagreed with, I have decided to update my original blog with my experiences.
All my bookkeeping clients (except one, who uses the software they resell) are now using Xero. The actual time I spend bookkeeping for them is reduced due to two reasons; the client enters much of the information I would have done on another system and the actual bookkeeping I do takes less time on Xero than on another system.
The minimum I do for any client is check through the VAT reconciliation to make sure all the transactions have been coded to the correct expense code and VAT code.
The client is very happy with Xero because they now have a much better idea of the financial standing of their business than they have ever had. The amount of time they spend on Xero more than pays for itself in their new knowledge about their business. I would go as far as to say, a couple of my clients have prevented their business from closing due to their new understanding of the finances and management of cash flow.
I am very happy with Xero because it means I am no longer seen as a data entry clerk. My bookkeeping qualifications and experience are valued by the client. They ask for my advice. I now work with them, and their accountant, in growing their business. It makes my work much more interesting and enjoyable.
It also means I am able to offer other services. As Xero becomes more well known, I am continually contacted to help companies convert from their current accounting system onto Xero, then to train them (and often their bookkeeper) to use it in the most useful and efficient way for their particular business.
The usual scenario is that I am contacted by a frustrated business owner who doesn’t understand their current accounting software and has to rely on information from their accountant for any financial information about their business. They want current information, which most accountants (unless they are using a system like Xero) cannot offer. The business owner has usually found out about Xero through research, which has then lead them to me.
Xero has transformed my business for the better. I love training. I love it when people I am training begin to understand how Xero is going to transform their own business. My bookkeeping skills and experience are still very valid but I now have new skills too.
