All the way back in February (let’s be honest, the landscape has changed so much in the last week, going to a mass gathering to talk all things Xero seems like a lifetime ago!) Jo and I attended Xero Roadshow, an annual ‘What’s New’ at Xero and a preview of what’s to come with the apps we love to work with.

This year highlights quite a few new features being released in Xero in the coming months. Some big changes are coming to Xero and Xero Tax for bookkeepers and accountants that will streamline the way we communicate with our clients. Currently at the end of a BAS period I am sure you will all know you receive a few emails from us (and you read them…right?) including your BAS paperwork and then again with your end of period Management Reports. Well soon, we will be able to wrap all of these up in one tidy package, delivered to you and not making you feel like we’re bombarding you with emails! This makes numbers-nerds like me super excited that it’s one more way we can be more efficient and well presented in the way we communicate with our clients!

Xero have also created some industry specific Chart of Account templates so when a new organisation opens a Xero file there will be more tailored accounts to choose from instead of creating them along the way. This saves time and also makes accounts a little more relatable to small businesses from the get-go!

As we hurtle towards 30 June (already?) it was also a good reminder that from 1 July 2020 all closely held employees will need to be reported through STP. There is the option to only report on these payments quarterly however all other employees must still be reported at the time of pay.

However not all take aways from the day are talking numbers. The Xero community is passionate about mental health and wellbeing. Xero Central’s Learning hub has released a range of new videos and courses covering the wellbeing of Xero users, in particular a web video focussing on the Work/Life Balance for business owners. This is something the A-Team are passionate about, it contains four real life people sharing how they have evolved to have a happier life. You can check them out here!

If you have any questions about how to access Xero Central’s Learning platform or even want a chat about where you’re at with your Work/Life Balance and need some tips feel free to reach out to us!

As always, post Roadshow we return energised and full of ideas on how we can help your small businesses and allow you just a little more time at home with your friends and families. Although after isolation, you may be itching to be back in the office!

Jess Roberts