Let Xero help you grow: Moving a client to Xero When you move a client onto Xero there are a number of factors to consider from planning the migration through to customising Xero and training the client. By considering each step, you will ensure that Xero is set up correctly and is ready for your client to start using with confidence...
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Do not under estimate the importance of planning the move to Xero. Adequate preparation will ensure that the client’s needs are met and that you have the time and resources to complete the conversion effectively. The first step must be to speak to the client and discuss what they want from their new accounting system and to also get an understanding of how they operate. This will allow you to plan what you will need to set up and also consider any apps that they could use. Finally, discuss the deadlines that the client is working to in order to ensure that these are achievable. Another often overlooked step in planning is to ensure that you have the right staff available to
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Caroline Harridence joined MHA MacIntyre Hudson Peterborough office in February 2017 having originally trained with PWC. Caroline is a Business Services Manager running the outsourcing team. Her team provides the full spectrum of services from general bookkeeping and payroll functions, through to the preparation of management accounts for presentation to clients at their monthly board meetings. Caroline has a keen interest in Cloud Accounting and is the Eastern Regional Cloud champion.
undertake the work. They must be trained so that they know what to do and you should have set processes in place so that all conversions are undertaken following the same guidelines.
will simplify this process. Once converted, the historical data can be used for KPI reports and trend analysis which can be automated through the use of apps such as Futrli and Spotlight.
The Conversion
Where the historical results are not required, the conversion is more straightforward through simply importing the conversion trial balance into Xero. In all cases ensure, before you undertake the conversion, that you clean up the data you are transferring so that it is both free of errors and is up to date and complete.
Firstly decide when to convert to Xero. This should not be a random date but either at the year end or at the end of a VAT period. Next, it is necessary to decide what information is needed from the old system in Xero. This basically comes down to whether the client wants to monitor their results going forward against their previous historic results. If historic results are needed then it will be necessary to bring over all the historical data into Xero. Software, such as Movemybooks, is available which
Customising Xero to your Client Tailor Xero to your client so that it is customised for them and ready to use. The following steps are part of the set up that should be undertaken:• Enter the Year End - In the Financial Settings, enter the business’s year end. This will ensure that the reports run work out the year to date figures correctly and will know when one year ends and the new one starts. • Update VAT Settings - It is important to set the VAT scheme and VAT quarters when setting up Xero. This is also done under the Financial Settings section. • Format the Chart of Accounts - At the time of set up, customise the
64 / Issue 13
XU Magazine - the independent magazine for Xero users, by Xero users. Find us online at: xumagazine.com
