Xero
Cloud accounting with JAX, Xero's AI assistant, for reconciliation and BAS insights.
Our verdict
The default for AU tradies, and nearly every job app syncs with it. The AI (JAX) is genuinely useful for reconciliation, but it needs Grow or higher.
Best for: Pretty much every AU trade business
What it does
Xero is cloud accounting software for small businesses: invoicing, bank feeds, payroll, GST and BAS. JAX, Xero's AI assistant, is included on Grow, Comprehensive and Ultimate plans. It automates bank categorisation and matching, reconciliation, bill and receipt capture, and gives cash-flow and GST/BAS insights.
AI features
- JAX AI: automated reconciliation and categorisation
- Bill and receipt capture
- Cash-flow and GST/BAS insights
Other invoicing & bookkeeping tools
Dext
Snap receipts and bills; Dext extracts the data and pushes it to your accounts.
Verdict: Kills the shoebox of receipts. Worth it if you buy a lot of materials across many suppliers. Many accountants can set it up for you.
Price: From A$33.58/month (A$403/year) ex GST for 5 users and 250 documents/month. Extra extraction bundles available.
MYOB
Australian accounting and payroll software, from sole traders to AccountRight.
Verdict: A safe AU choice, especially if your accountant already runs MYOB. Check that your job app syncs with your MYOB product (Business vs AccountRight).
Price: Business Lite A$35/month, Business Pro A$70/month, AccountRight Plus A$165/month, AccountRight Premier A$210/month (incl GST). New-customer discounts often available.
QuickBooks Online
Intuit's cloud accounting with AU GST, BAS and payroll.
Verdict: A reasonable alternative to Xero, with big intro discounts. Make sure your job management app integrates before you pick it.
Price: Simple Start A$33, Essentials A$60, Plus A$84, Advanced A$125/month incl GST. Intro discounts for new subscribers. Payroll extra.
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