Cloud accounting platforms like Xero and Dext are packed with features designed to save time, improve accuracy and give you clearer insights into your business. While most businesses use them for everyday bookkeeping, there are tools designed to save time, improve accuracy, and give you clearer insights into your finances.
But with regular updates and new features being rolled out, it’s easy to miss out on functions that could make a real difference. Here’s a look at some of the most useful Xero and Dext features and how they can help streamline your accounting processes.
Xero features to explore
Bank feeds
Connect directly to your business bank accounts to automatically import transactions into Xero - keeping your records up to date with minimal effort.
Bank rules
Automate the reconciliation of recurring transactions by setting predefined conditions. Xero will categorise transactions automatically when they match your rules - ideal for subscriptions and regular payments.
Fixed asset register
Register assets individually or in bulk, set depreciation rates, and automate depreciation entries to simplify asset management.
Find and recode
Efficiently correct errors and make bulk changes to transactions - saving time and improving accuracy.
Repeating journals
Set up journals to repeat weekly or monthly for a specified period, ensuring consistency and reducing manual input
Dext features to explore
Mileage claims
Capture and calculate mileage expenses for business trips directly within Dext Prepare. Stay HMRC-compliant and never miss a claim.
Duplicate detection
Automatically detect and manage duplicate documents:
- Automatic mode: Deletes duplicates and stores them in submission history for easy recovery.
- Review mode: Flags suspected duplicates for manual review.
Supplier rules
Apply consistent categorisation and handling for documents from regular suppliers. Ideal for businesses with predictable purchasing patterns.
Supplier statement reconciliation
Automate the extraction and reconciliation of supplier statements to maintain accurate records and ensure timely payments.
Prepayments made easy
Account for costs paid upfront but relating to future periods like insurance, software licenses, or subscriptions. Prepayments will automatically generate journals in Xero to spread costs over the right reporting period.
What’s new: WhatsApp integration (coming soon)
You’ll soon be able to send documents to Dext via WhatsApp, no mobile app required. Dext will appear as a contact, so receipts and invoices can be sent through an app many already use. You’ll also be able to communicate about specific documents directly in WhatsApp, making it easier to ask questions or confirm details.
Getting the most from your cloud software
Taking a moment to explore what’s available, and how it fits your business, can unlock new efficiencies and help you get more value from your software.
The next step
If you're unsure where to start, our cloud accounting experts are here to help. Whether it’s a quick refresher, a walkthrough of new features or a chat about how to streamline your setup, we’re always happy to support you in making the most of your cloud tools.
