Accounting service Xero has strong account reconciliation, data imports, sales and purchase transactions, and project tracking. Recent improvements to its setup process and new business overviews solidify it as an excellent choice for small businesses.
Summary
Xero stands out by allowing unlimited users at every subscription tier, a potentially valuable feature for businesses where several users may need at least limited access to the system to run reports or analyze performance. You can also set up different permissions for each user so employees only have access to what’s relevant to their job. By contrast, QuickBooks Online Advanced allows just 25 users and three accounting firms.
The New Zealand-based company, which has accounting software that is a market leader in some parts of the world, is also working to make inroads in the U.S. It offers a full certification program for accountants (like QuickBooks does), with more than 100,000 accountants and bookkeepers using Xero — which makes it easier for Xero customers to find outside help.
Pros
- Unlimited users in all pricing plans.
- Inventory management.
- Full reporting included with all subscription levels.
- Automated bill and receipt capture.
- Double-entry accounting.
Cons
- No live phone support.
- Limits on bills and invoices with the entry-level plan (five and 20 monthly, respectively).