The Biggest Problem with Xero Integrations, And How You Can Fix It

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Keeping track of your small business’s finances is essential to its long-term survival. Millions of SMEs trust Xero because it is simple to use, flexible, and can grow with your business as you prepare key reports and tax submissions by giving your accountant access to your accounts.

The software now has over two million users and is the ‘go-to’ software for over 16,000 accounting firms as their first choice for providing accounting solutions.

Though Xero accounting software is an excellent choice for most small business needs, on the flip side, there are a few niggles that you need to know about. Unfortunately, most of these problems are faced by big businesses, as Xero seems to run into trouble when processing many transactions.

In this article, we look at some of those issues in a bit more detail so that you have everything you need to know about Xero before you decide to use it as your daily financial tool.

What is Xero?

Xero is entirely cloud-based accounting software for small businesses. It is similar to other accounting software on the market (such as QuickBooks and Freeagent). It offers various accounting features that keep your accounts, such as invoicing and payroll and payments, right up to date. It also allows you to sync up with your bank feed and store all your data in the cloud.

You can access the software from any device. Its smartphone app makes it convenient for users to access its dashboard anywhere, anytime, providing access to a strong internet connection. Some applications, like bookkeeping, work much better on the app than they do on the desktop version.   

It is a central area where your accountant can manage their workflows, request documents securely, and stay on top of jobs, invoicing, etc.

One of the software’s greatest benefits is that it provides a concise overview of your business finances where you can see how your business cash flow is performing and a snapshot of all expenses, bank balances, creditors, and debtors. 

Disadvantages of Xero

Big transactions, big problems

The main drawback of Xero accounting software is that it has real problems with processing large volumes of transactions for big businesses. In addition, Xero will make you wait for some time before the window reappears after processing. So, if you are an owner of a large company, Xero might not be the right choice for you.  

Cost factor 

Xero is far more costly than its main competitors. To give you an idea of the cost difference, if you were using QuickBooks, you would be spending approximately £180-£200 (roughly £50 per annum) for a three-to-four-year subscription. Xero, however, would see you spending around £25 every month. Furthermore, this spend increases if you choose any add-ons, such as payroll, project tracking and expenses processing.

So-So client support

Though Xero offers free unlimited access to customer support and resources, speaking to a representative proves far more complex. In addition, issues take longer to resolve when a chatbot is the only option available. If the problem cannot be resolved by email (usually taking 48 hours), then Xero will arrange a phone call. The lack of phone access is a longstanding issue for Xero, and they do not seem to be in any rush to change things any time soon! 

The disadvantage of the report feature

Basic plan limits on bills and invoices

In the starter plan (currently £10 per month), the least expensive subscription, you are limited to sending a maximum of twenty invoices and schedule up to five bill payments, which can be very limiting as a small business, freelancer or sole trader. You will need to upgrade to the standard package (currently £24 per month), which is a bit of a leap price-wise!

Learning curve

Though Xero has put together a beautiful, modern, and well-organised user interface, be prepared to invest quite a bit of time understanding how the software works. Although it may take a while to get to know all its features and where to find them, once you get more familiar with the software, Xero is relatively easy to use.

Xero’s help centre does provide an extensive library of support with several video tutorials, resources, guides, online courses, and webinars. However, the good news is that we provide 121 training on any software you choose – and it is free!

Lacks robust invoice system

Another problem Xero users face is that it does not have a robust invoice system. It should provide more payments provider add-ons so that payments through the ACH are also accepted instead of solely relying on credit cards.

Get help from Xero Support

For all the problems you encounter while using Xero, the company itself has offered a support system that solves most of the problems. So, let’s look at how you can bring it into your use. 

What it offers:

  • Xero support provides you with unlimited online customer support. The good part is that it is free as it comes in the Xero package that you buy. 
  • You can approach Xero Central to advance an issue with the help of the Xero support team. 
  • Most of the support is offered over texts or emails. However, if there is a need, Xero will call you. 

How Xero Support works

  • Any Xero users can approach the support team, which is available 24/7. 
  • Xero will provide an expert that specialises in the area you are having issues with proceeding with your case. 
  • Xero will call you if they are unable to resolve the issue quickly through an email dialogue with you. 
  • You can attach files with your report and invite Xero support within your organisation simultaneously. 
  • Xero Central is also available to resolve any problems. You can track your issue in my ‘cases options’ in Xero software. The response time and status of the case is available here as well. 

How to raise a case in Xero Central 

If you are unable to find the right information even after looking for Xero central, you can directly contact Xero for further help, following the steps: 

  • Log in to your Xero account, entering the email address and password. 
  • Click on the ‘Get in touch’ button located at the bottom of the suggested articles. 
  • Type in the question you have and choose a relevant topic 
  • Provide further information in the details section so the support team can understand your issue. 
  • You can change the organisation that your query relates to or send an invite to the Xero support team or add the file attachments related to the case.   
  • Click on the send button. 

Xero integration issues with share sight and the solutions: 

Broken connection

Broken connection

If you encounter a broken connection (with GoCardless, A2X, Futrli etc.) and you are unsure of the problem, click on the strings in Xero, situated right under the portfolio settings tab. After clicking, see if the connection is marked as broken or not. If it is marked as broken, then click on the reconnect button and follow the steps in the windows that appear to reconnect to Xero.

If you have a broken Xero connection, that means that the integrated app cannot communicate with your Xero account. This could happen for two reasons: Xero requires reauthorization of the connection for some unknown reason, or you accidentally revoked the connection within Xero.

Connecting to the wrong Xero Organisation 

If you link to the wrong Xero Organisation by chance, there are solutions open to you. Just click on the edit settings button and check to ensure your portfolio is connected to the relevant Xero Organisation. If it is not, click on the disconnect button and follow the steps on the window.

Xero organisation failing to show in the list of Xero organisations  

Xero error messages and their solutions

If you ever encounter this issue, you must connect to the Xero organisation that is missing from the list. But, first, click on the connect button, which is situated right under the select button and here, you can add the Xero Organisation yourself.

Xero error messages and their solutions

Blue Xero icon

If you see a blue Xero icon, the transaction has synced successfully in the app with the send to Xero box ticked. Now click on the edit transaction button, then click on the ‘open in Xero’ button. Here you can view the transaction in Xero through a link. If the link to the transaction is not available, look for error messages and follow the steps to resolve it.

No Xero icon

If you see a ‘no Xero’ icon, the transaction has not been forwarded to Xero as of yet. Click on the edit transaction button and send it to Xero with the selected tick box. 

Grey Xero Icon

The grey Xero icon indicates that the transaction is in the process but delayed due to some temporary networking problems. Check back to see if the process has been completed. If not, then contact Xero support. 

Xero icon with a red cross through it

If you see a red cross through the Xero icon, Xero refused the transaction. View the error message to learn more about the problem and follow through. 

In conclusion 

Xero, as mentioned before, is a market-leading accounting software simplifying everyday business tasks with its features and tools for bookkeepers, small businesses, and Accountants the world over! 

However, the software does have its shortcomings which we have touched on above, but we have provided solutions to help you so that you can run your day-to-day processes as smoothly as possible. Not all issues can be resolved, as Xero would have to work on its algorithms to accommodate a wider range of businesses.

If you think Xero is the answer to your accounting and financial needs, we recommend that you give its 30-day free trial a go first to test its features and how it may benefit your business.

As recent winners of the Xero mid-sized firm of the year, we can help take your business to the next level using Xero software and offer advice and support in choosing the right Xero integrations. Contact our Brentford office for more information.