QuickBooks Online vs Xero Cloud Accounting Software

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QuickBooks Online vs. Xero Cloud Accounting Software in Malaysia – What to Choose

If you’re thinking about moving to a cloud based accounting software, you must be wondering which software to select. You may have heard of Xero Cloud accounting and QuickBooks Online which are excellent accounting softwares but when compared, both have their own pros and cons.

In Malaysia, there is no one other than 3E Accounting who can provide you with good advices and the most accurate comparison between Quickbooks Online and Xero Cloud Accounting for your consideration. 3E Accounting are the certified advisor for both softwares and are an active user of both softwares. We provide constructive advice which are not biased to either of the software in order to help our client to make a well informed decision and to get the best software needed to meet their needs.

For QuickBooks Online Services in Malaysia, we are listed as QuickBooks ProAdvisors.

For Xero Cloud Accounting Software in Malaysia, we are listed as Xero Certified Advisor.

To begin with, QuickBooks Online can be described as a better version or the online version of QuickBooks Desktop which is all set to compete against Xero cloud accountings software.

The features or functions that you’ll find common in both these software programs are:

• Bank reconciliation
• Inventory management
• Accounts payable and receivable functions
• Invoicing
• Payroll and Bill management
• Financial reporting
• Document Sharing
• Bank synchronisation

Pricing – QuickBooks is winner

Both Xero Malaysia and Quickbooks Online Malaysia have different rates depending on the version chosen. Both enjoy unlimited users if you sign up with 3E Accounting.

QuickBooks Online Pricing: Check Out QuickBooks Online Pricing

Xero Cloud Accounting Software Pricing: Check Out Xero Cloud Accounting Software Pricing

Payroll intergration

Both Quickbooks Online and Xero does not support for payroll processing in Malaysia currently. You can only create an employee list via the employees tab and record payroll transactions via using the expense function.

GST Functions – Quickbooks is winner

Quickbooks Online can generate GST reports required by the Custom.

Xero can produce a GST reports through SmartTax third party add on (extra fee apply).

Timesheets – Quickbooks is winner

Quickbooks Online has built-in timesheets functions, which can be re-billed to clients easily.

Xero requires an add-on like Harvest or WorkFlowMax for this which will cost you extra fee of US$12 per month for each user.

Fixed Assets Listings – Xero is winner

Xero has built-in function for Fixed Asset register. QuickBooks Online does not have one currently. However, 3E Accounting can assist to prepare the fixed asset listing for you manually when requested (charges apply).

It will not be a big concern for a small business if you are not frequently in investing in a big fixed assets and most of your assets purchased will be expensed off.

Number of users – Xero is winner

Xero has unlimited number of user currently.

Quickbooks Online Plus support up to 25 users.

Add-Ons – Xero is winner

Quickbooks Online has a total of 12 add-ons for its Malaysia edition currently.

Xero’s has more than hundreds of add-on currently and provide full suite of solution for your business such as CRM system, Google apps, and etc.

Bank reconciliation

However, what makes Xero accounting special is that the reconciling account on Xero is much easier and simple for a layman rather than a conventional way of bank reconciliation process. Xero accounting has a dashboard where all your bank as well as credit accounts are listed. Under each category is a tab that informs you that you need to reconcile x number of your bank transactions. This is a great feature as it serves as a quick reminder, enabling you to quickly reconcile transactions on a daily basis instead of doing it at the end of the month which increases the chances of errors.

Both Quickbooks Online and Xero accounting has the matching transaction function. Quickbooks Online has maintain its conventional way of bank reconciliation as well if you decided to stick with the old method.

Summary

Lastly, please find below summary of table for the feature comparison between Xero and Quickbooks Online.

In summary, Quickbooks Online is more cost effective in the long run as most functions are built in. Quickbooks Online has less complicated functions and will suit your need for a simple cloud accounting software which can fullfill your basic needs such as employee expenses claims, timesheet, GST submission, multi-currency and no complicated user roles are required in your organisation.

If you are looking for more functionality and more third party apps integration such as CRM systems, Xero accounting will be the best choice since they have hundreds of add-ons which can assist you to build a comprehensive system which can support your business regardless of whether you are a SME or a MNC. However, please be reminded that each function comes with a cost which may be a crucial consideration point for most of the SMEs in Malaysia.

For more information, please contact our consultant today at [email protected] for us to better assist you to identify the most suitable software that suits your need. We can assist you to complete the basic bookkeeping if you are busy with your business operations and decided to outsource your bookkeeping function to us. Do contact us today to get a comprehensive quotation from us.

We look forward to building the most advance accounting system for you.