Automating our Xero accounting processes is a game changer for our accounting practice

Problem:

Our client is an accounting firm who has been in business for four decades. They are located in the Bay area and provide full fledged accounting service starting from general accounting, payroll processing, bookkeeping, tax preparation, accounts payable and receivable etc.

They started using computer technology even before it ‘became a rage’ to the masses. With time and need they redefined their work functions. Let us see what changed so much in the past few years.

Their clients wanted them to provide a full suite of services.
Their clients were requesting for more advisory activities from the accounting firm.
With less time at their disposal, bookkeeping and other general ledger activities is outsourced by the firm.

Client’s expectation from Integra

Our client did not need any form of cajoling towards automation, they were already bought into the idea of investing in innovation. What was crucial for them was practicality, productivity and profitability in their accounting firm.

They were extremely forward thinking in their thoughts and so our team interactions bore fruitful results quickly.

They wanted us to resolve the following issues

Use automation in as many areas as possible within their practice. They wanted to reengineer their client experience from bookkeeping, compliance and advisory services.
The accounting software platform they use is Xero and wanted to know if robotic automation can be deployed to suit their needs without making any formal change to the existing IT infrastructure.
Very few in the market were able to synchronize Xero with automation tools and they were quite apprehensive if we were the right fit for this job.
The flexibility of the software tools to scale as per the future need of the firm.
All members of the team should be able to adjust without making major changes to their work patterns.

Our solution to the problem 💡

When clients have concisely defined their needs and targets, it becomes easier for the development team to quickly deploy optimal solutions. As we looked at their needs we were able to single out the processes that would benefit quickly from automation

TO give an early ROI
To reclaim the work that was outsourced
Integrate Xero with robotic software bots
Provide ample time for the accountant to concentrate on an advisory role
Easy to operate and flexible to the changing workload

Tasks handled 📋

The core team of Integra came with simple but effective solutions to integrate accounting automation robots with Xero accounting software. The fluidity and flexibility of our software bots helped to interface without any form of disruption into the already functioning model.

Flexibility of various formats - to receive invoices like PDF, JPG or any structured format.
Platform independence - allowing structured documents to be received through various sources like email, mobile app or web etc.
Efficiency in data extraction - helps in extracting data in a precise form eliminating inaccuracy during manual data entry
Multiple users - are given access without any form of hindrance to log-in
Secured authentication - given to account holders through two factor authentication
Cloud archiving facility - for co-sharing with users at distinct locations
Screening of duplication of data - if there is repetition at both levels from file or data
Dashboard - for getting real time visually all the financial information

Result 👍

As we had envisioned the client was able to get early returns both monetary and non-monetary.

The results achieved are

Xero’s integration is enhanced by our software robots and the firm is able to achieve a holistic approach in dealing with accounting and clients
Empowering the accountants to complete their tasks more accurately and watch them grow accustomed to the technology
Bots were working effectively and performing all the accounting tasks they have been deployed for at the scheduled timings
Increased the efficiency and profitability of the accounting firm
Processes producing negative outcomes were eliminated and accuracy increased