Xero

Xero Development is the process of creating custom applications and integrations that extend the functionality of Xero accounting software.

Xero is a leading cloud-based accounting platform used by small and medium-sized businesses worldwide to manage their finances. It offers a comprehensive suite of features—including invoicing, payroll, inventory, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting—all accessible from anywhere.

Since its early days, Xero has evolved into a highly intelligent, automation-driven platform. Its payroll services now include real-time tax calculations, AI-driven compliance updates, and direct integrations with government systems such as Making Tax Digital in the UK and Single Touch Payroll in Australia. Businesses also benefit from smart expense matching, where Xero automatically suggests optimal categorisation based on past behaviour.

Xero’s ecosystem has also grown significantly. Direct, built-in integrations with Shopify, Stripe, Salesforce, and other major platforms eliminate the need for middleware in many cases. The introduction of “Xero Inside” now allows companies to access Xero’s accounting features directly within third-party business applications, creating a more seamless workflow.

For automation, Xero provides drag-and-drop tools for recurring processes, such as automatically approving low-value invoices or scheduling recurring transactions. It also includes pre-built workflow templates for common business needs like subscription billing or expense approvals. Meanwhile, AI-assisted audit trails generate compliance-ready documentation automatically, reducing manual reporting overhead and lowering regulatory risk.

Xero’s open API continues to empower developers, like Blueberry, to extend the platform with custom integrations, plugins, and standalone applications. These can tie into Xero’s core services, automate complex accounting tasks, and provide organisations with tailored solutions that fit their unique workflows.

There are many benefits to using Xero, especially as its automation and intelligence features have matured:

• AI-powered automation – Xero now goes beyond basic task automation (like sending invoices or tracking expenses). Modern versions include predictive cash flow analysis, smarter expense categorisation, and automated compliance updates, helping businesses stay ahead of financial risks and regulatory changes while saving time and reducing errors.
• Improved efficiency through integration – Xero development can seamlessly connect with other platforms such as CRM systems, e-commerce tools (e.g., Shopify), and payment gateways (e.g., Stripe). These direct integrations eliminate manual data entry and streamline end-to-end workflows, from sales to accounting.
• Deeper insights and intelligence – Custom reports and dashboards can still be created through Xero’s API, but now they are enhanced by AI-driven forecasting, anomaly detection, and real-time analytics. Businesses can use these insights to make smarter financial decisions, manage cash flow proactively, and optimise operations.

By combining automation, integrations, and intelligent reporting, Xero development empowers businesses to reduce overhead, improve accuracy, and focus more time on growth rather than administration.

Blueberry has successfully implemented Xero development solutions for several clients. For our client, iEthico, for example, we automated various tasks such as:

• Creating Xero contacts when a new company is created on the website.
• Generating Purchase Orders and Invoices in Xero for those contacts.
• Setting up hooks that notify the website when an invoice is paid in Xero.

Blueberry ensured the seamless integration between iEthico's website and Xero. This has enabled efficient management of financial transactions and improved overall business processes.

Other examples of how businesses can benefit from our Xero development expertise include:

• Creating custom invoicing and expense tracking systems: Blueberry can create custom invoicing and expense tracking systems that meet your specific needs. This can help you to streamline your billing and expense management processes.
• Integrating Xero with other software applications: Blueberry can integrate Xero with other software applications, such as CRM systems and payroll software. This can help you to improve your efficiency and gain insights into your business.
• Developing custom reports and dashboards: Blueberry can develop custom reports and dashboards that provide you with the information that you need to make better decisions about your business.
• Automating tasks: Blueberry can automate tasks, such as sending invoices and tracking expenses. This can save you time and money, and it can also help you to improve your accuracy.
• Support and maintenance: Blueberry can provide support and maintenance for custom applications and integrations. This can help you to ensure that your applications are always up and running.

Blueberry is a leading provider of Xero development services. We have a team of experienced developers who can help you create custom applications and integrations that meet your specific needs. If you use accounting software and have a Xero development requirement, please contact us to learn how we can help you achieve your business goals.