Xero

Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform widely used by accounting firms to manage client books. It provides a full general ledger, bank feeds, invoicing, accounts payable and receivable, fixed asset management, and multi-currency support.

Accounting firms manage their client base through Xero HQ, a centralized dashboard that gives practice-level visibility across all client organizations. From HQ, firms can monitor client health, access any client’s Xero instance, and track staff activity. Xero’s partner program offers tiered pricing based on the number of clients a firm manages on the platform, along with training resources and certification.

The platform connects to over 1,000 third-party apps through its marketplace, covering payroll, inventory, time tracking, reporting, and practice management. Bank feeds are available from institutions across more than 20 countries, with particularly strong coverage in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK — the markets where Xero has its largest user base.

Xero is best suited for firms serving small to medium-sized business clients, particularly those with international operations or clients in multiple countries. Firms managing larger or more complex clients often pair it with Xero Practice Manager or third-party practice management tools.