As a bookkeeping business based on the Gold Coast, I’ve worked with a wide range of small businesses—from law firms and cafes to tradies, freelancers, and creative agencies. Over the years, I’ve had hands-on experience with multiple accounting platforms, and like many in the industry, I started with QuickBooks.
But after years of using both platforms, I made the switch to Xero—not just for my business, but for my clients too. Here’s why, and what you should know if you’re weighing up the options.
QuickBooks vs Xero: A Quick Overview
Before diving into why I chose Xero, it’s important to understand the general strengths of both platforms.
QuickBooks Pros:
- Strong brand recognition and longevity
- Good invoicing capabilities
- Flexible for certain US-based tax and accounting systems
- Affordable pricing tiers
QuickBooks Cons:
- Some features feel clunky or outdated
- Can be overly complex for Aussie small businesses
- Limited local support and integrations tailored to Australian compliance
Xero Pros:
- Built and headquartered in New Zealand, with strong support for Australian compliance (GST, BAS, Super, Single Touch Payroll)
- Beautiful, simple user interface
- Seamless bank feeds and reconciliation tools
- Cloud-native with excellent integrations
- Trusted by many Australian bookkeepers and accountants
Xero Cons:
- Slightly higher pricing for premium plans
- May take time to learn if you’re used to a different system
Why I Made the Switch
- Xero Works the Way My Clients Work
Most of my clients aren’t accountants—they’re business owners trying to keep their numbers straight while running their day-to-day. Xero is incredibly intuitive, which means less time spent explaining where to click and more time helping clients grow. - Better for Australian Compliance
Xero is made with Australian business needs in mind. From BAS to Super to payroll lodgements, it just makes more sense for local businesses. Everything aligns neatly with ATO requirements. - Cleaner Interface, Less Clutter
Xero’s dashboard is easy to understand. The live bank feeds, simple reports, and automation tools reduce confusion and save time—something every business owner values. - Integration-Friendly
Whether it’s linking to payment platforms like Stripe, rostering systems for restaurants, or job tracking tools for tradies, Xero plays well with others. - Amazing Support Community
Between local bookkeepers, industry forums, and Xero’s own support team, help is always nearby. Plus, Xero has a strong presence across Australia, including Gold Coast events and support hubs.
Why Xero Works for My Clients (And Possibly Yours Too)
Here’s how Xero stacks up for different industries I serve:
Law Firm Owners
Law firms deal with trust accounts, client billing, and regular reporting. Xero integrates easily with legal practice management tools like LEAP and Actionstep, helping law firms stay compliant and efficient.
Restaurant & Cafe Owners
Hospitality moves fast. Xero connects to POS systems, inventory apps, and staff rostering platforms like Deputy. It helps business owners track cash flow, wages, and supplier payments all in one place.
Construction & Trade Businesses
Tradies need to send quotes, track job costs, and get paid on time. Xero works well with job management tools like Fergus and simPRO, and it simplifies payroll for contractors and apprentices.
Freelancers & Online Service Providers
From marketers to designers to VA’s, freelancers love the easy invoicing, expense tracking, and automated reminders. It gives them a professional front with minimal admin.
Marketing & Creative Agencies
Agencies often manage recurring invoices, project budgets, and staff payroll. Xero integrates with time-tracking and CRM tools to help them stay organised and profitable.
But Isn’t It Just a Preference Thing?
In a way, yes. Both QuickBooks and Xero have their strengths. But as a bookkeeper focused on helping Gold Coast businesses thrive, I believe Xero gives my clients the best mix of usability, compliance, and long-term scalability.
It’s not just about which software looks better—it’s about which one saves time, reduces mistakes, and grows with the business.
Final Thoughts: Should You Switch?
If you’re a business owner still trying to manage your books manually, or you feel like your current system is holding you back, it might be time to explore your options.
I now exclusively onboard my bookkeeping clients to Xero because I’ve seen firsthand how much smoother it makes everything—from day-to-day bookkeeping to EOFY reporting.
Need help figuring out if Xero’s right for your business? I offer one-on-one training and setup packages tailored to different industries.
Ready to make the switch? Book a call or learn more about our Xero support here.
