book

Xero For Dummies, 4th Edition

by Heather Smith

May 2019

Beginner to intermediate

472 pages

11h 59m

English

For Dummies

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About This BookFoolish AssumptionsIcons Used in This BookBeyond the BookWhere to Go from Here
Understanding the Advantages of XeroExploring Xero’s Different EditionsHomepage: Checking Out the DashboardUnderstanding Your Team’s NeedsIntegrating Xero into Your Strategic PlanningTaking Advantage of Support OptionsUsing Xero in a Training Environment
Preparing for Set-UpSigning Up for XeroUnderstanding Bookkeeping BasicsSetting Up Your Chart of AccountsPutting Your Accounts into PracticeAdding Ways to Get PaidTax Rates
Preparing to Import Data from a Non-Accounting ProgramGetting Ready to Convert from an Accounting ProgramImporting Data into XeroTurning Off Your Old System
Tools of the Trade: Understanding the DashboardSetting Up UsersTaking Advantage of Live Bank FeedsManually Importing StatementsBank RulesUsing File Storage and the Xero Inbox
Setting Up CustomersSetting Up SuppliersConnecting Your Email Account to Your ContactsTweaking Your Contacts after Set-UpSetting Up EmployeesUtilising Smart Lists CRM functionality

Navigating the Sales DashboardMastering Basic Invoice FunctionsMastering More Advanced Invoice FunctionsRecording PaymentsTaking Advantage of Email TemplatesFollowing Up on Outstanding Debtors
Navigating the Purchases DashboardManaging Your Supplier BillsMaking PaymentsMastering Other Payment ConsiderationsEntering Expense ClaimsUnderstanding Xero Expenses Functionality
Preparing to ReconcileAutomagically Reconciling AccountsTweaking Transactions to ReconcileTaking Advantage of Cash CodingViewing Bank StatementsViewing Account TransactionsUsing the Spend Money and Receive Money OptionsFixing ErrorsWhat Happens in Life Happens in Xero
Understanding the Reports Available in XeroCustomising ReportsUnderstanding Xero’s Different Reporting OptionsExporting ReportsAccessing Management Reports
Confirming Accounts are CompleteReconciling Bank Accounts, Credit Card and Online Payment Gateway AccountsReconciling Your Clearing AccountsReconciling Your Consumer Tax Control AccountReviewing Your Business InformationReporting to Your Tax AuthorityTaking Advantage of Xero’s Budget FunctionsSetting a Period Lock Date
Getting Ready for the End of the Financial YearPreparing Accounts for Your Tax AccountantHelping with Tax Accountant TasksSpecial Considerations
Identifying Key MetricsGenerating Useful InformationUnderstanding Xero’s Tracking OptionsMaintaining Budget Control: Budget ManagerExploring Xero Projects
Understanding Inventory ItemsSetting Up a Xero Inventory ItemManaging Inventory ItemsAdjusting Inventory BalancesAccessing Cloud-Based App Solutions
Recognising Fixed AssetsAccessing Fixed Asset Reports
Setting Up Multi-Currency in XeroProcessing Multi-Currency Transactions in XeroConversion Balances and Multi-Currency Bank AccountsViewing Reports in Foreign Currency
Working with Xero to Xero NetworksUnderstanding the Benefits and Risks of Cloud App SolutionsMaking Use of Online Cloud Integration SpecialistsGetting a Feel for Available SolutionsLooking at Custom Integration
Embrace the CloudMake Use of Networking TechnologyExport Data to Create GraphsSet up Bank Feeds and Reconcile RegularlyUse the Batch Payments FeatureKeep Bank Accounts for Business UseEmbrace ChangeUse Tracking to Sharpen ReportingTake Advantage of Repeating Bills and InvoicesCollaborate with Your Xero Advisory TeamEffectively Tap into Online Storage Features
Not Making Use of Expert HelpNot Understanding Terminology DifferencesMessing Up Bank Reconciliation AutosuggestionsUsing a Communal User AccountNot Deleting Old User AccountsThinking Your Xero Emails Are StoredNot Realising the Subscriber Owns and Controls the DataTrying to Make Xero Do What Your Old System DidWatching Your Bank Feeds RefreshPaying Full Price If You’re a NFP

Overview

Get up and running with Xero in a flash

Xero is fast emerging as the leader of online accounting software around the world, representing a serious challenge to MYOB, Sage and Quickbooks. Xero For Dummies provides you with all the information you need to set up your own Xero account from scratch, convert to Xero from another accounting software provider or start using Xero to its full potential.

Easy to use and deceptively powerful, Xero is so much more than a spreadsheet – it can help you streamline reporting; manage inventory; simplify accounts; and organise suppliers, customers and more. Automatic imports, intuitive coding and seamless synching across multiple business platforms gets the paperwork done quickly so you can get back to running your business. This new fourth edition includes updates to the interface and coverage of the newest features, including updates on generating reports, working with fixed assets and managing contacts, sales and payables so you can optimise your system to help your business thrive.

Fine-tune your set-up, or convert from another accounting program
Manage daily activities with contacts, accounts, sales and payables
Master weekly and monthly reporting routines
Track inventory, monitor your business and get the most out of Xero

You didn't start your business in order to become an accountant, but bookkeeping is critically important to the short- and long-term health of your company. Xero simplifies the process and saves you time, and Xero For Dummies helps you leverage every feature Xero has to offer.