Xero

Xero is the accounting layer that sits under most modern AU trade businesses. Built in New Zealand and deeply integrated into the Australian accounting ecosystem, it connects directly with Tradify, ServiceM8, Fergus, Simpro, and most other job management platforms, invoices flow through automatically, payments reconcile, and BAS reports generate at quarter-end without manual effort.

Why it matters for tradies: The real value of Xero isn't in the accounting, it's in the automation. When your job management tool pushes invoices to Xero and Xero marks them paid when money hits your account, you've eliminated a full loop of manual entry. Your bookkeeper spends hours instead of days at BAS time.

AU-specific strengths: Xero has deep integration with the ATO (BAS lodgement, STP Phase 2 payroll reporting), Australian banks (bank feed connections), and AU accounting firms. If your accountant is in Australia, they almost certainly use or prefer Xero.

The platform's weakness is that it's an accounting tool, not a business management tool. It doesn't replace job management software, and some tradies make the mistake of trying to use it as their primary operational system.