Smarter, Faster, Simpler: What's new from XERO

At this year’s Xerocon Brisbane, Xero announced a range of exciting updates aimed at making life easier for small business owners. The biggest highlight was the launch of Just Ask Xero (JAX), a new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered financial assistant designed to transform the way small businesses manage their finances.

From AI-powered assistance to better payment options and clearer insights, these changes will help save time on admin and give business owners more confidence in their numbers. As your accountants, we’ve pulled together the highlights and what they mean for you.

Meet JAX: Your New AI Business Partner

JAX will be the trusted digital partner of your business. Instead of juggling multiple tools and dashboards, you’ll interact with one intelligent system that understands how your business runs.

One Place for Everything – Instead of navigating multiple tools and dashboards, JAX provides a single intelligent interface. It learns the rhythms of your business and adapts, for example, understanding how you invoice, when cash usually comes in, and what tasks regularly crop up.
Automation with Control – JAX is designed to handle routine tasks such as bank reconciliations, data entry, and payment workflows. By removing these manual tasks from your to-do list, while still keeping you in control, JAX frees up time and reduces the risk of error.
Clear, Actionable Insights – Instead of just looking at static reports, JAX gives you proactive tips and suggestions. It can highlight cash flow issues early, keep you updated on tax changes, or even spot trends that could affect your business.
Built on Trust and Expertise – Unlike generic AI tools, JAX is built on Xero’s decades of accounting expertise. Its JAX Assure system improves accuracy and reduces “AI hallucinations”. This means the insights are not only timely but also more reliable and secure.

Other Key Innovations from Xero

While JAX took the spotlight, several other product announcements are worth noting:

A New Homepage Experience – Xero is introducing a fresh, insight-rich homepage and redesigned navigation with customisable widgets. Think of it as a dashboard that highlights what needs your attention and helps you take action quickly.
Progress Payments and Online Statements – Businesses will be able to accept deposits and staged payments, as well as let customers pay multiple invoices at once. Both changes are designed to improve cashflow and reduce reconciliation headaches.
Syft Analytics Enhancements – Xero has partnered with Syft Analytics to give small businesses access to advanced reporting and forecasting tools at no extra cost on eligible plans. This makes it easier to spot trends, plan ahead, and make confident business decisions.
New Workpapers Solution – Workpapers Solution built in partnership with BGL, this will integrate directly with the ATO and Xero ledgers, cutting down manual entry and speeding up compliance.
Xero Partner Hub – For accountants and bookkeepers, Xero is rolling out a one-stop shop that brings practice tools, data and AI-powered insights into one place.

What This Means for Your Business

These changes reflect Xero’s commitment to making life easier for small businesses. For you, this means:

Efficiency – Routine tasks completed automatically will save you valuable time.
Clarity – Access to deeper insights provides a clearer picture of business performance.
Confidence – Proactive support means fewer surprises and greater control over financial outcomes.

For additional details on these updates and more, visit Xero’s product site The Long And Short Of It. If you would like to know more about how JAX and Xero’s other innovations could benefit your business, we’d be happy to arrange a demonstration.

Source: Xero

Compiled & Edited by Tailored Accounts

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