“I’m spending too long on manual entry and not enough time looking at the figures.”Does this sound familiar?That was the story of our client, an Installation Service Business who had (like many) historically used Sage to complete their accounts. We suggested a switch to Xero to streamline their reporting, using Xero bank feeds and rules to speed up the management accounts turnaround time, and overall increase productivity.We then began to look at other processes we might be able to speed up using Xero’s wide range of add-ons that can help streamline your processes.In this scenario, we connected Xero to an app called ServiceM8 that helps trade contractors and field service businesses improve on-site management of jobs and staff. We installed this on every engineer’s device, so that they’d be able to invoice instantly, freeing up the finance staff to focus on those all-important management accounts.So, are you falling behind your competition because of your software? Traditional software packages like Sage just don’t cut it anymore. Switching to a cloud accounting package like Xero will provide you with more than just number crunching, and at a better cost. Here are just some of our reasons why we think you’d benefit from switching to Xero:Anytime & Anywhere: Login from any device, wherever you are and have access to your financial information in real-time. Whilst Sage does offer a cloud-based solution, it’s not up to Xero’s standards. Sage50 Cloud still needs to be hosted on a desktop computer and only files can be saved in the Cloud Drive.Automatic bank feeds: Connect your bank accounts and Xero will automatically import and categorise all your transactions daily. And with just one click you can reconcile them. Sage does have automatic bank feeds, but the process is a bit clunky compared to Xero.Push for growth: Manage all areas of your business in one place, including payroll, stock, debt collecting, customer relationships and so much more with Xero’s extensive range of add-on products, which Sage doesn’t often link with unless you pay a substantial fee to design a middle-wear function (something that talks to each package and shares data) which could lead to corruption.Cost: Xero is very price competitive. It only costs £10 per month for their starter package, £24 per month for their standard package and £30 per month for their premium package. On the other hand, Sage costs far more with pricing starting at £65 per month for a standard package and ranging to £132 per month for their professional package.And best of all, if you convert to Xero in September, you will receive 3 months of Xero and Receipt Bank for FREE (normally £33 plus VAT per month). So if you’re thinking of making the switch, now is the time to do it. If you’ve never heard of Receipt Bank (though I’m sure you have as we rave about it all the time!), it’s a software application (and Xero add-on) that takes the hassle out of manual data entry by allowing businesses to electronically capture their receipts, invoices and other documents.There’s no paperwork. No shoe box full of receipts. And no data entry. So you can spend your time where it matters.You can read more about why we love Receipt Bank in this short infographic here.If you’d like a free demo of Xero and Receipt Bank in action or would like to hear how easy it is to switch, give us a call on 01474 853 856 or email Amanda.Stoneham@a4g-llp.co.uk.Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save money, free up your valuable time and have all the information you need right at your fingertips. Get set up on Xero Contact me today!Amanda StonehamReferral Marketing Manager Send me a message Ask me a questionFill in your details below and I’ll come back to as soon as I can! If your enquiry is more urgent, please do give me a call. Your full name*Contact no.*Email address* Business name*Industry / Profession*Your messageOne last thing...*By ticking this box you agree to being contacted via email or phone by one of our Advisers, and for the information you provide us with to be kept securely for future communications in line with the new GDPR Yes, I agree Other posts of interest 16th May 2024How Lasting Power of Attorney prevents financial exploitation Read more 17th July 2020How to provide great customer service Read more 19th February 2024Tax benefits of giving to charity Read more See more articles