2013 Review of Xero Partner Program – Xero Accountant Version
The online financial data import tool is the MVP of the program when it comes to reconciliation functions, greatly easing the processes of importing, classifying, and reconciling transactions from the company’s bank accounts.
Help/Support System: 5 Stars
The completely online Xero system includes numerous guides, FAQs, video tutorials and online training options, in addition to a help utility. Additional online support options include an extensive help center with topic and function-specific sections, and an online user community where professionals can collaborate and share tips and advice. Phone-based support is generally not provided, but 24/7 email support is included in pricing.
Summary & Pricing
Xero has entered the professional accounting and write-up space with a strong system that includes excellent integration functionality and strong reconciliation features, along with instant access to the live data of clients who are using Xero for their businesses. The free Partner Program, which includes the most functional version of the Xero platform, also includes practice management utilities and additional tools and add-on options. Extra benefits include marketing leads, a directory listing on the company’s “find an accountant” list, training, promotional material and a dedicated account manager for support.
Pricing for the Large Business version that is included with the Partner Program for accounting firms is normally $39 per month, but since the goal of the partner program seems to be A) helping firms move to the cloud and manage their clients that way, and B) to get more businesses onto Xero, there is no cost to accounting firms that are a part of the Partner Program.
For clients, in addition to the Large business version mentioned above, there are also versions for Small ($19 per month) and Medium ($29 per month), with no limit to the number of users. However, the Small version does have a low limit on invoices, bills and bank statements. The other versions have no limits on these features.
