Converting to Xero – blow by blow!

Updated: June 2023

In my role as Partner Engagement Manager I get a lot of inquiries from Xero Partners wanting to understand the conversion process.

If you have never used us before, the unknown may be daunting – but in reality it is all very straightforward!

1. Prepare the source file

There is some ‘tidy-up’ work that we recommend you do in the file prior to conversion. But because it is a lot easier to perform functions such as reconciliation in Xero we suggest that you leave unreconciled items unreconciled and open invoices open, as long as these transactions are after the conversion date*.

* The conversion date is the start date from which we bring across historical data from the source file. Transactions end where the file ends.

More information on preparing your file for conversion can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

2. Start the conversion process

2.1 Desktop files

Perform a backup to compress the file and reduce the time it takes to upload.

To get started go to our website and click the green ‘Click Here to Start Your Xero conversion’ button.

Then click ‘Upload Your file’, ‘Browse File’ to select your file and then ‘Load’.

Please allow some time for the upload to occur, especially if your internet speed is slow. Usually, you only need to wait around 5 – 10 minutes though it can take up to 30 minutes depending on your broadband and file size. If you navigate away from the screen prior to the upload finishing you will need to start over again. So perhaps this is a good time to go get a cup of coffee while our server does its thing!

If you want to upload multiple files all at once please go here for instructions.

2.2 Online accounting software

You can read how to get started with these conversions at the following links:

If you want to upload multiple online entities all at once please go here for instructions.

2.3 Submit your details

You then fill in contact information for yourself, and the e-mail address to which we should send the Xero subscription once the new Xero organisation has been created.

Click the green “Proceed” button.

3. Select your service

The service page will default to the maximum amount of history that can be provided under every service package.

  • Standard package for a simple service on a budget
  • Accelerate package for large & complicated files, maximum history possible & priority service.
  • Custom Package a variety of options for those who need a unique package to meet their business needs.

 

If unsure about the selection to make please email [email protected] or hop onto chat.

Should you wish not to proceed just click the red Cancel button.

To proceed click the green button according to the package that suits you best.

If you ordered a premium package we then direct you to the status page to pay via Master or Visa card. You are entitled to a full refund if we cannot complete the conversion for you.

4. Bank account tidy up (premium packages)

Premium packages then go to another page to advise us how you want the bank accounts to be treated in Xero. This could be immediately or make take a few hours.

In your file, bank accounts will be set as either bank, credit card, asset or liability. At this step you can review and, if necessary, change bank account types prior to conversion.

Bank account mapping

We recommend that any accounts that require bank feeds or reconciliation be set up as bank accounts or credit cards and all other accounts be changed to an asset or liability account. This is because you cannot create manual journals to bank accounts in Xero.

Select the bank map account types and then hit the green Continue button to get the conversion happening.

If you selected the custom Chart of Accounts option to map the Xero Chart of Accounts you will receive a separate email asking you to perform this step.

Otherwise from here we take up to 3-5 business days to complete the conversion though more often than not we will get it to you sooner.

5. Conversion (where it happens!)

From now on your conversion status page will show you where the conversion is at.

IMPORTANT – Before you navigate away from the status page read EVERYTHING carefully and call us if you are unsure of any information displayed there.

The conversion then progresses through a number of stages including data transfer into Xero, payroll set up (if applicable, Australia only) and a conduct of checks and balances prior to completion to ensure the information has come across as expected. These QA checks include:

  • Payrun 
  • Employees Tracking
  • Employee entitlements
  • Payroll
  • Bank reconciliation
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Accounts Payable
  • GST Reconciliation
  • Activity Statement
  • Conversion balances.

You can now sit back and relax until you hear back from us.  MYOB conversions are completed in up to 3 business days, other software types in up to 5 business days.  Accelerate packages receive priority service and we aim to turn them around faster than that as much as possible.

6. Receive the Xero subscription & post conversion Action Checklist

At the completion of the conversion you will receive an email with post conversion Action Checklist as a PDF. 

The Action Checklist gives you useful information on the data that came across and recommended next steps.

Action Checklist 1

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Action Checklist 2

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Action Checklist 3

Separately you are sent an email from @xero.com with a link to taking over your Xero subscription. Click on the link in this e-mail and then either login using your existing Xero username and password, or register with Xero if you have not done so before.

manage subsimage7

I hope this helps to give you an overview of what happens during a conversion. It may sound simple – and that’s because it is!

On our part, the team have spent many hours developing the software and creating rules to get the complex and time consuming grunt work done. Which leaves you to focus on what you do best, delivering value to your customers.

I’d love to hear from you with feedback or suggestions on our service – please comment below

Wend