Choosing the right accounting software is crucial for effectively managing your rental properties. Xero and Sage are two excellent options for small firms trying to simplify their accounts. Both have been acknowledged for their strong invoicing capabilities and efficient bank transaction reconciliation, making them top contenders on our list of the best accounting software.
In this comparison of Xero vs Sage, we will help you decide on the ideal accounting solution for your needs. Xero is renowned for its user-friendly interface and ability to handle basic accounting tasks like creating invoices, Sage offers more advanced tools, particularly suited for larger businesses and industries such as real estate and construction.
Xero And Sage: Which Accounting Software Is Best for Your Business?
- Invoicing & Quotes: When comparing Xero vs Sage, the focus lies on their respective invoicing features. Xero allows for extensive customization of invoices, including adding your logo and personalizing text, which enhances the professional look of your billing. Additionally, Xero offers automated payment reminders, reducing the hassle of tracking overdue payments.
On the other hand, Sage stands out by simplifying the transition from quotes to invoices. Sage’s partnership with Stripe makes it easy to accept credit card payments, which further integrates into its strong invoicing and quoting capabilities.
- Bill Payment & Accounts Payable: Xero shines in bill payment. You can enter up to five bills on the base plan, but higher plans offer unlimited bills. Xero also integrates with Hubdoc for easy receipt capture, helping you manage and schedule payments efficiently. Sage’s accounts payable features provide clear insights into your cash flow but lack automated bill payment. You’ll have to manually pay bills from your bank account, which can be a drawback if you’re looking for a fully automated solution.
- User Access: Xero Offers unlimited users on all plans. This is a huge advantage for larger teams or businesses with multiple people needing access to the software. In Saga, You’ll only get unlimited users with Sage’s more expensive plans, which might not be cost-effective for smaller businesses.
- Xero vs Sage Payroll: Xero partners with Gusto Payroll, starting at $40 per month plus $6 per employee. This integration is simple to set up and operates without a hitch. Saga offers its proprietary Sage People Payroll, pricing tailored to your business needs. Sage offers additional products like HR management (Sage HR) and time tracking (Sage Timeslips).
- Integrations: With over 1,000 apps in the Xero App Store, you have plenty of options to enhance your accounting system. Whether it’s Shopify, Stripe, PayPal, or industry-specific tools, Xero’s integration options are vast. Sage Accounting has 41 apps available through the Sage Marketplace, offering solid choices but fewer options than Xero.
- Customer Support: In Xero vs Saga, xero lacks a dedicated customer service phone number but offers 24/7 online support and a robust help center. Sage provides a dedicated phone number for customer support, with live chat and limited 24/7 online support through an online community.
Conclusion
When CPA firms are weighing Xero vs Sage, their decision should be guided by the firm’s size, industry, and specific needs. Sage often becomes the top pick when advanced features and customization options are crucial for operations. On the other hand, if simplicity and a more intuitive user experience with essential accounting tools are preferred, Xero could be the better option. The key is carefully assessing your firm’s requirements and operational goals before choosing between these two software platforms.
Additionally, using Meru Accounting can provide further expertise and tailored advice, offering a straightforward solution for firms seeking expert guidance in financial management. Evaluate each option based on your firm’s requirements to find the best fit.