KashFlow vs Xero

March 12, 2025 | Author: Michael Stromann
3
KashFlow
Online Accounting Software made simple. VAT is automatically updated & can be submitted directly to HMRC. Get paid faster and improve cashflow wherever you are. Share directly with your accountant for easy management
18
Xero
Xero is accounting software for small business. Like alternatives, Xero allows to manage invoicing, reconciliation, accounts payable, bookkeeping and more. Share access to your latest business numbers with your team & your accountant – so everyone is up to speed. Xero accounting software lets you work anywhere.

KashFlow and Xero are both cloud-based accounting software, which is a fancy way of saying they let you worry about your finances from anywhere with an internet connection, rather than being tied to a single, miserable, dust-ridden office computer. They allow you to send invoices, reconcile bank transactions and generally pretend that you have everything under control. Both systems also offer mobile access, presumably so you can panic about overdue payments while waiting for a bus. They integrate with third-party apps, which is a bit like having a robot assistant—useful, but only if you know how to program it not to send invoices to your grandmother.

KashFlow, born in the UK in 2005, is particularly fond of British tax rules, making it ideal for small businesses, freelancers and anyone who enjoys deciphering HMRC regulations with a cup of tea. It offers a one-time setup fee for some plans, which is either a blessing or a trap, depending on your view of subscription models. It doesn’t come with built-in payroll, so if you employ people, you’ll need another solution—or just hope they don’t notice. Also, if you like juggling multiple currencies, KashFlow would rather you didn’t.

Xero, which came into existence in 2006 in New Zealand (a country known for beautiful landscapes, hobbits and now accounting software), has grander ambitions. It’s built for scaling businesses and accountants, meaning it assumes you’ll soon have more money and problems than you do right now. It comes with built-in payroll in some regions, because why not make tax calculations even more exciting? Its multi-currency support is excellent, presumably to help you feel international and sophisticated while drowning in expenses. Plus, it has more automation, which means it will do things for you—whether you understand how or not.

See also: Top 10 Online Accounting software
Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email [email protected]