Xero

Accounting software aimed at small businesses and the self-employed, Xero keeps invoicing, payroll and reporting together in one account and connects to your bank, accountant or bookkeeper. The company says 5 million customers use it, along with more than 250,000 accountants and bookkeepers through its partner programme.

JAX handles the routine work

The built-in AI assistant, JAX, answers questions about your finances in plain language and automates repetitive tasks, including sending quotes and invoices over WhatsApp, SMS and email as well as through Xero itself.

Three plans are offered: Starter at $29 a month for sole traders and new businesses, Standard at $50 for growing ones, and Premium at $75 for established businesses, with a discount on the first three months. There is a 30-day free trial that needs no credit card, and you can set it up with demo data rather than your own. Over 1,000 app integrations are available, and Xero points to specific setups for construction and trades, real estate and retail.