Switching From Xero: Every Question
Australian Businesses Ask Before They Leave, Answered.
Data export, migration steps, payroll continuity, STP compliance, accountant access, cost comparison, and what happens after you cancel.
How do I export my data from Xero before switching?
In Xero: go to Accounting → Reports → Export. You can export a Chart of Accounts (CSV), contacts/customers (CSV), manual journal entries (CSV), and bank statement data (CSV). For invoice history, go to Accounts → Sales → export all invoices. For bank transactions, download bank statements from your bank directly (OFX/QIF/CSV). Xero does not export a single comprehensive file — you export each data type separately. XIntelliSync's Migration Agent accepts all these formats.
What data transfers when I switch from Xero to XIntelliSync?
XIntelliSync's Migration Agent imports: Chart of Accounts, customer and supplier contacts, outstanding invoices (unpaid), historical invoice records, bank transaction history (last 12 months), employee records and YTD payroll figures, recurring transactions, and custom report templates. Xero-specific add-ons and third-party integrations are handled separately — you connect XIntelliSync agents that replace their function.
How do I migrate my Chart of Accounts from Xero?
Export your COA from Xero as CSV (Accounting → Advanced → Chart of Accounts → Export). In XIntelliSync, the Migration Agent maps Xero account codes to the XIntelliSync account structure. Most Australian Xero COAs follow the same standard structure — the mapping is typically 95%+ automated with a manual review step for any custom codes.
Will my customer and supplier records import correctly?
Yes. Export contacts from Xero (Contacts → Export as CSV). XIntelliSync imports name, email, phone, address, ABN, payment terms, and bank details. If you have notes or custom fields, include them in the export — the migration agent maps standard Xero fields automatically.
What happens to my invoice history?
Historical invoice records (paid invoices, credit notes, purchase bills) import as read-only records for your reference. Outstanding invoices (Awaiting Payment status in Xero) import as active invoices in XIntelliSync — the Invoice Follow-up Agent picks them up immediately and can begin automated follow-up sequences if enabled.
How do I set up bank feeds in XIntelliSync?
XIntelliSync uses Basiq for Australian bank feed connections. You connect your business bank accounts during onboarding by authorising access through your bank's login. Supported banks include ANZ, CBA, Westpac, NAB, Bendigo Bank, Bank of Melbourne, St George, and 150+ other Australian financial institutions. Bank transactions begin importing from connection date — historical transactions up to 90 days are available on initial connection.
How long does it take to switch from Xero to XIntelliSync?
Most businesses complete the migration in 3–7 days: Day 1 — export data from Xero. Day 2 — Migration Agent imports COA, contacts, invoices. Day 3–4 — review and approve mappings, connect bank feeds, configure agents. Day 5–7 — run first pay run or BAS preparation in parallel with Xero (if mid-period), confirm figures match, cancel Xero subscription.
Can I run XIntelliSync and Xero simultaneously during migration?
Yes, and we recommend it for mid-period migrations (e.g., switching mid-quarter before BAS is due). Keep Xero active until the end of the current reporting period, run XIntelliSync in parallel, then switch fully at period end. This gives you a clean cut-over point and confirmed figures on both sides. Cancel Xero only after your first XIntelliSync BAS or pay run is completed and reconciled.
What does XIntelliSync do that Xero doesn't?
XIntelliSync replaces Xero and adds: 150+ AI automation agents (invoice follow-up, reconciliation, cash flow forecasting, BAS preparation), an integrated CRM with deal pipeline, project management, scheduling, employee management with Fair Work compliance, AI business intelligence and forecasting, IntelliX — a 29+ layer, 388+ phase operating mind backed by a four-layer verification stack (Omega · Horizon · XAVS · XGVS, 356+ checks across 34+ compliance frameworks) that runs on every agent, and automated STP Phase 2 payroll. Xero is cloud accounting software. XIntelliSync is an AI Business Operating System — and we built the verification engine alongside the AI.
What does Xero do that XIntelliSync doesn't?
Xero has a large app marketplace (~1,000+ integrations) and is embedded in many Australian accountant workflows. If your accountant requires Xero access for their own practice management system, discuss this before switching. XIntelliSync provides accountant access via a dedicated portal. Xero also supports multi-currency more broadly for importers/exporters with diverse foreign currency transactions — XIntelliSync focuses on AUD-primary businesses.
Does XIntelliSync work with my accountant?
Yes. XIntelliSync provides your accountant with read-only or limited portal access. They can view transaction history, download reports, review BAS summaries, and access payroll figures. Most accountants who work with Australian SMBs are familiar with importing data from multiple platforms — provide them with the exported reports in CSV or PDF format. A growing number of accountants are familiar with XIntelliSync directly. Ready to switch? Growth plan ($297/mo, first month $148.50) includes full migration support.
How do I migrate payroll from Xero Payroll?
Export from Xero Payroll: Payroll → Reports → Payroll Activity Summary (YTD). This gives employee YTD gross, PAYG withheld, super, and leave balances. In XIntelliSync, enter each employee's YTD figures into the migration form. The Payroll Agent prepares the correct YTD STP Phase 2 data from the first XIntelliSync pay run — you submit it via the ATO Business Portal, ensuring the ATO has continuous accurate data.
How do I access my Xero data after switching?
After cancelling Xero, you retain read-only access to your historical Xero data for a limited period (typically 6 months). During this window, download any reports, PDF invoices, or payroll records you need for the 5-year compliance period. XIntelliSync stores all migrated records indefinitely — your invoice history, payroll records, and BAS history are accessible in XIntelliSync for the full 7-year period.
What is the cost comparison between Xero and XIntelliSync?
Xero Standard is ~$97/mo for accounting only. Businesses typically add Xero Payroll ($15–$40/mo depending on employees), a CRM tool ($90+/mo), project management ($60+/mo), and other tools — total stack commonly reaches $300–$500/mo. XIntelliSync Starter is $97/mo (50 agents, includes accounting, invoicing, BAS). Growth is $297/mo (100 agents, adds payroll STP Phase 2, CRM, advanced automation). In most cases, XIntelliSync Growth replaces a $350–$500 Xero stack for $297.
How do Xero integrations I use transfer over?
Xero's third-party integrations (e.g., Stripe, Shopify, Hubdoc, Dext, Vend) connect to Xero's API. XIntelliSync connects to many of the same upstream sources directly (Stripe, Shopify via webhook) — the agent replaces the integration function. For specialised integrations, XIntelliSync's API Access add-on ($297/mo) provides webhook endpoints for custom connections. Contact support to check specific integration paths.
Will my staff need training to use XIntelliSync?
XIntelliSync is designed to reduce staff interaction with the platform — agents run automatically, staff review and approve outputs. Most business owners find a 30-minute onboarding call sufficient to set up key agents. The admin dashboard is structured differently from Xero (less data entry, more approval-based workflow) — this takes a few days to adjust to. Growth and Enterprise plans include a dedicated onboarding call.
What will my accountant say about switching away from Xero?
Most accountants have two concerns: access and familiarity. Access is solved — XIntelliSync provides accountant portal access with all reports and data exports. Familiarity: show your accountant the exported reports from XIntelliSync — they are in standard Australian accounting formats (P&L, Balance Sheet, BAS summary). Some accountants have a preference for Xero because their practice management tools link to it — have that conversation before switching if your accountant is Xero-dependent.
Can I cancel Xero and get a refund?
Xero bills monthly with no lock-in contract. Cancel anytime in Xero's subscription settings — you keep access until the end of your paid period. No refund is issued for unused days in a paid month. Cancel after your last reporting period (e.g., after BAS is lodged, after financial year close) to avoid paying for an overlapping period.
What is the risk of switching accounting platforms mid-year?
The primary risk is data continuity — missing transactions, incorrect YTD figures, or incomplete history. XIntelliSync's Migration Agent mitigates this with YTD reconciliation checks. Run the migration report before going live and confirm: bank reconciliation balances match, YTD payroll figures match Xero, outstanding invoices tally, GST balances align. Most migrations complete without data issues. We recommend switching at financial year end or quarter end for the cleanest cut-over.
Does XIntelliSync handle BAS history from Xero?
XIntelliSync does not import historical BAS lodgements from Xero (these are ATO records, not Xero records). Your historical BAS records are stored in ATO Online Services — access them there. Going forward, XIntelliSync prepares your BAS from live data. We recommend downloading PDF copies of all historical BAS lodgements from Xero before cancelling.
What if something goes wrong during migration?
XIntelliSync support is available via in-app chat and email for all plans. Growth and Enterprise plans include priority response (4-hour during business hours). If migration issues arise (e.g., data mapping errors, bank feed not connecting), the support team works through them directly. Your Xero data is not altered during migration — Xero remains fully functional until you choose to cancel.
Is there a risk of losing STP compliance when switching payroll?
No — if migration is executed correctly. The key step is importing correct YTD figures from Xero Payroll before the first XIntelliSync pay run. XIntelliSync prepares the STP update event with full YTD figures — you submit it via the ATO Business Portal, creating continuity in the ATO record. Employees' income statements remain accurate. Missing or incorrect YTD import is the most common cause of STP compliance issues during platform switches — the Migration Agent validates YTD figures before you submit.
How do I move from Xero to XIntelliSync today?
Sign up for XIntelliSync Growth plan (first month $148.50). During onboarding, you are guided through the four migration steps: (1) export from Xero, (2) Migration Agent imports your data, (3) connect bank feeds, (4) configure agents. The onboarding call walks through each step. Most businesses are fully migrated and running AI agents within one week.
Most businesses migrate in under a week. Growth plan includes an onboarding call.
XIntelliSync Growth replaces Xero + payroll + CRM + project management for $297/mo. First month $148.50.