Adam Backler

                                                                     

Why Choose Xero Accounting Over QuickBooks?

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Introduction: The Battle Of The Giants: Xero vs. QuickBooks

Welcome to JacRox, a brand division of Jack Ross Chartered Accountants in Manchester. We are dedicated to offering expert Xero services to a wide variety of clients, from sole traders to large corporations. If you are in need of state-of-the-art cloud accounting software, use the contact form on the right and one of our JacRox team will be in touch to discuss next steps.

 One of the most pressing questions for small business owners is which accounting software should I use: Xero or QuickBooks? While both are popular accounting software options, they have different features, pricing plans, and user experiences. This comprehensive guide provides a thorough comparison to help you make an informed decision about your business accounting needs.

Xero vs. QuickBooks: A Comprehensive Overview

The rise of online accounting software

Gone are the days when accounting required extensive paperwork and manual calculations. The advent of online accounting software has changed the game, making it easier for business owners to manage their finances. Xero and QuickBooks Online offer cloud-based solutions, but their approaches differ.

What the market says: Xero vs. QuickBooks in 2023

According to industry statistics, Xero and QuickBooks Online have gained significant traction among small businesses. However, preferences tend to vary depending on the specific accounting features that businesses prioritise.

Pricing: Breaking Down The Costs

QuickBooks Online plans

QuickBooks Online offers several plans, including Simple Start, Plus and Advanced. These plans come with different features and price points, making them scalable for businesses of different sizes.

Xero plans

On the other hand, Xero offers straightforward pricing plans that are flexible and feature-rich. A key benefit is that Xero supports unlimited users across all plans, which can be a cost-saver for businesses with multiple team members needing accounting software access.

Is Xero More Affordable?

When considering which pricing plan is right for your business, Xero is often the most cost-effective option, especially for small businesses requiring multiple users.

QuickBooks Online: Known for complexity

Although robust and feature-rich, QuickBooks Online is often cited as needing to be more user-friendly, especially for those without accounting experience. The software’s complex interface can be overwhelming for new users.

Xero: Built for simplicity

On the other hand, Xero is known for its intuitive, easy-to-use interface. The software is designed with the user in mind, making navigating various accounting tasks easier.

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Brilliant service from the Jack Ross team in setting up several companies in very quick time, along with providing associated accountancy advice. Can recommend wholeheartedly as a leading accountancy practice with a can-do attitude.

Dan Gazzard 25/02/2022
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First class service for many years from a first class team. Highly recommended. Prompt, commercially aware, personable.

Been using Jack Ross for a number of years. Good clear advice and nice people to do business with.

Jack Ross is based in Manchester and provides tax planning and Xero accounts. They are a long-standing and well-regarded firm with an excellent reputation. They provide their clients with exceptional service and a wealth of advice. I have no hesitation in using their professional services.

aj shelton 22/12/2021
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Jack Ross has been my accountants since I set up my business in 2016. From the outset I was helped with advice, support and encouragement. I cannot commend them highly enough. Always on hand to answer any question and responsive to any changes in the economy which might concern their clients. I don’t have to worry about the financial side of my business as all of that is taken care of and dealt with by Umar and the brilliant team. If you are looking for a top class accountancy firm which maintains the personal touch they are for you!

I would recommend this account, knowledgable and helpful

syra bano 16/11/2019
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I can confidently recommend Jack Ross Accountants. They are continually improving their service, greatly benefiting our company as well as me personally. The team at Jack Ross have helped suggest and set up innovative accounting software, adding training and support. This alone has been a massive step towards having more control and understanding of our company finances.

J 13/08/2018
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We have enjoyed a solid and constructive relationship with JackRoss and Can highly recommend them for accountancy services.

We have been working with Jack Ross for over two years and the service has been fantastic. They have a great and knowledgable team who have taken good care of us and our accounts.

Meeting to review annual accounts and discuss future plans. Very productive as they definitely talk my language - on reflection probably the best such meeting in recent years. Many thanks Umar and Jamie

Jack Ross has serviced my Personal Tax requirements for the last 5 years. During some complicated challenges their advice was excellent and the customer service second to none and left me with no doubt all was in hand.

Following a recommendation, I have used Jack Ross for all my accounting needs (including payroll) since the inception of my business over 12 years ago. The relationship has been completely hassle free and I greatly value their service, which goes well beyond preparation of accounts. Their tax planning advice has been really helpful and I have always felt that they have ‘got my back’. Can’t recommend them enough.

We have finally found the Accountancy firm that we have been looking for! We switched over to Jack Ross towards the end of last year and from the very first contact to the recent submission of our end of year accounts the service provided has been fantastic and has easily exceeded our expectations. Thank you!

oliver kirk 22/03/2018
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Excellent service; very helpful people and work done much quicker than I expected.

Paul Clark 29/09/2017
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I have used Jack Ross as my accountants for a number of years. Their service is professional and accurate. They deal with queries promptly and I can always get hold of the person I need to speak to. Their digital product has made a big difference to the efficiency of my business. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Benjamin 22/02/2017
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Jack Ross have been my family and business accountants and financial advisors for over 50 years. The delivery of services is second to none and i would recommend them to anyone. We have also built up great friendships over the years, above and beyond that of a normal business relationship which i value greatly.

Rob Cowan 22/02/2017
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We have been looked after by jack Ross for a number of years. They have given us fantastic tax advise and helped our company grow from strength to strength. A & f

Fee Munshi 16/02/2017
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Excellent advice and an understandable explanation of a very complex area of tax and corporate law which other (so called) advisors managed to totally confuse me. Thank you.

I have had a relationship with Jack Ross for several years and continue to be impressed by the proactive support and diligent advice received across the breadth of the firm. Excellent at signposting.

Holly Jones 14/02/2017
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Jack Ross have acted for our law company for over 5 years and have been professional, prompt, and knowledgable in all aspects of our dealing with them.

Accounting features: What Can They Do?

Invoicing features

Both Xero and QuickBooks Online offer comprehensive invoicing features. However, Xero offers more customisation options, allowing businesses to tailor invoices to their brand. QuickBooks Online stands out for its automated features, such as scheduled invoicing.

Payroll services

When it comes to payroll, QuickBooks Online has a slight edge with its dedicated payroll solution. Xero also offers payroll functionality but integrates it into its broader accounting software package.

Inventory management

If inventory management is essential to your business, Xero has more robust features than QuickBooks Online. From tracking inventory levels to generating related financial reports, Xero offers a more comprehensive solution.

Mobile App: Accounting On The Go

QuickBooks Mobile App

QuickBooks Online offers a mobile app that allows users to track expenses, send invoices, and even run financial reports. The app is well-designed and offers many of the same features as the desktop version.

Xero Mobile

Xero’s mobile app focuses on core accounting tasks. While it lacks some bells and whistles the QuickBooks Online app offers, it excels at providing a simplified, user-friendly experience.

Software Integration: Expanding Functionality

Xero and its ecosystem

Xero offers various third-party integrations, from payment gateways to advanced CRM systems. This makes Xero extraordinarily flexible and adaptable to different business needs.

QuickBooks Online and its add-ons

QuickBooks Online also has a robust ecosystem of add-ons and integrations but is generally less flexible than Xero regarding customisation.

Customer Support: Getting The Help You Need

QuickBooks ProAdvisors

QuickBooks Online has a network of certified ProAdvisors who can provide expert advice and support. However, this comes at an extra cost and may be worse for small businesses on a budget.

Xero’s support system

Xero, on the other hand, offers free 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. This makes it easier for businesses to get the help they need without incurring additional costs.

Scalability: Which Software Grows With You?

QuickBooks Online: For growing businesses

QuickBooks Online offers more advanced features and scalability options, making it ideal for growing businesses or complex accounting needs.

Xero: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses

Xero is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. Its features are robust enough to handle increasing accounting complexity but not so overwhelming that they become difficult to navigate.

Security: Keep Your Data Safe

QuickBooks Online: A secure option

QuickBooks Online uses advanced security measures, including multi-factor authentication and encryption, to protect your data.

Xero’s security protocols

Xero also follows strict security protocols to store your financial data in the cloud safely. It offers two-step authentication and regular data backups.

The Final Verdict: Why Choose Xero Over QuickBooks Online?

When Xero wins

If you value ease of use, flexible pricing and a user-friendly mobile app, Xero may be the better choice for your business. Its robust features and simple interface make it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.

When QuickBooks Online wins

Suppose you need more advanced accounting features and are prepared to navigate a more complex interface. QuickBooks Online may be a better option. It is also a good choice for businesses anticipating rapid growth and needing a scalable accounting solution.

The Bottom Line: Making The Right Choice In 2023

Choosing between Xero and QuickBooks Online is not a decision to be taken lightly. Both offer robust accounting functionality but cater to different needs and preferences. As we move further into 2023, it is essential to consider how each software fits with your business goals, both short and long-term.

Whether you are drawn to the easy-to-use interface of Xero or the advanced features of QuickBooks Online, choosing an accounting solution that best suits your business needs is essential.

Adam Backler
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Xero and Quickbooks Online 2023 are popular accounting software options for small businesses. Xero requires fewer features than Quickbooks Online 2023 but has a more expensive pricing plan than Quickbooks Online 2023. Xero allows you to process payroll and online payments within its platform. At the same time, Quickbooks Online 2023 offers a broader range of features, including payroll, invoicing and bookkeeping.

When comparing QuickBooks and Xero, it is essential to remember that both software solutions offer great tools for your business needs. The main difference between the two is that QuickBooks offers different versions with different levels of functionality, including Simple Start, which is designed for new businesses. In contrast, the Plus plan offers advanced features such as job costing or inventory management. Conversely, Xero doesn’t offer specialised plans; you get all the features in one package.

QuickBooks Online and Xero allow users to track invoices, income and expenses, reconcile accounts and complete tax returns. They can also manage bills online by setting up an automated payment system. Both platforms also offer useful integrations with third-party applications. Keep in mind, however, that only QuickBooks supports additional accounting services such as payroll or tax payments.

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Speak to a Xero Expert Today!

Take advantage of harnessing the full potential of Xero for your business. Whether you're a start-up, a thriving SME, or a larger enterprise, our Xero-certified accountants are ready to guide you through every step. Please fill out the form below, and let's begin your financial transformation.

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