Xero and cloud accounting

Looking for a Xero accountant in Uxbridge who can set the software up properly and then keep it running smoothly? Ken Accounting is a Xero Silver Partner, and we have helped businesses across West London move their books into the cloud. We set Xero up around the way you work, train you to use it, and look after the accounting and tax that comes out of it.

Why move to cloud accounting

Spreadsheets, shoeboxes of receipts and desktop software all have the same problem: by the time anyone looks at the numbers, they are out of date. Cloud accounting keeps your records in one place, online, so you and your accountant are always looking at the same figures.

With Xero, your bank transactions can flow in automatically through a bank feed. You can raise and send invoices, see who owes you money, and photograph receipts on your phone rather than keeping paper copies.

For most small businesses, the real benefits are simple:

  • Less admin. Fewer hours spent typing in bank statements and chasing paperwork.
  • A clearer picture. You can see your cash position and unpaid invoices whenever you log in.
  • Easier year ends. Because the records are kept up to date during the year, preparing your accounts is quicker and there are fewer surprises.
  • Work from anywhere. You, your bookkeeper and your accountant can all access the same file, whether you are in the office, at home or on site.

Cloud accounting is not just for larger businesses. Sole traders, landlords and small limited companies often gain the most, because they have the least time to spare for bookkeeping.

Xero set-up and migration

A good set-up makes the difference between software that saves you time and software that creates more work. As a Xero Silver Partner, we set up your Xero organisation so that it suits your business from day one.

That usually includes:

  • Setting up your chart of accounts, VAT settings and tracking categories
  • Connecting your bank feeds and agreeing how transactions should be coded
  • Creating invoice templates with your branding and payment terms
  • Setting up bank rules so routine transactions are coded automatically
  • Bringing across opening balances so your figures are correct from the start

If you are moving from spreadsheets or another package, we handle the migration for you. We will agree a sensible switch-over date, bring across the balances and information you need, and check that everything reconciles before you start using Xero day to day.

If you already use Xero but it has become messy, we can tidy it up. Unreconciled transactions, duplicated contacts and confusing account codes are common, and they are usually quicker to fix than people expect.

[TODO: Gaurav to confirm price guidance for Xero set-up and migration]

Training for you and your team

Xero is designed to be easy to use, but a little training goes a long way. We show you and your team how to do the everyday tasks properly, so the records stay accurate between our reviews.

Training is tailored to what you actually do. For one client that might be raising invoices and reconciling the bank; for another it might be managing bills and expense claims.

We can train you face to face at our Uxbridge office, at your premises or remotely by video call. After training, you can always call us if you get stuck.

If you would rather not do the bookkeeping at all, we can do it for you. See our bookkeeping service for monthly or quarterly bookkeeping in Xero.

Cloud accounting and MTD

Making Tax Digital (MTD) means more businesses and individuals now have to keep digital records and send updates to HMRC using compatible software. Xero is one of the packages that supports this.

  • MTD for VAT. VAT-registered businesses keep digital records and file VAT returns through software. We can prepare and file your VAT returns from Xero.
  • MTD for Income Tax. Since 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 must keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC. The threshold falls to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028.

Qualifying income is your total income from self-employment and property before expenses. If you are affected, or will be soon, we can set up the right software, keep your records in order and file the quarterly updates for you. Find out more on our Making Tax Digital page.

Getting set up early means you have time to get used to the software before the deadlines matter. It also gives you a clearer view of your income during the year, rather than just once a year.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Xero Silver Partner?

Xero recognises accounting practices at different partner levels. Ken Accounting is a Xero Silver Partner, which reflects our experience of setting up and supporting clients on Xero.

Can you move my records from spreadsheets or another package into Xero?

Yes. We agree a switch-over date, bring across your opening balances and the information you need, and check that everything reconciles before you start.

Do I have to use Xero to work with you?

No. We recommend Xero because it works well for most small businesses and for MTD, but we will talk through what suits you during your free consultation.

Is Xero suitable for MTD for Income Tax?

Xero is one of the software packages that can be used for MTD. We can check whether you are affected and set it up so you can keep digital records and send quarterly updates.

Can you train my staff as well as me?

Yes. We can train you and your team at our Uxbridge office, at your premises or by video call, focused on the tasks each person actually does.