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Bookkeeping stories

Pilot launches Meridian AI platform for month-end close
Software-as-a-Service

Pilot launches Meridian AI platform for month-end close

Accounting firms may be able to widen client capacity without hiring as Meridian automates month-end close work and returns review-ready statements.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Last month
AI saves small business leaders 6 to 10 hours a week
Software-as-a-Service

AI saves small business leaders 6 to 10 hours a week

More than half of small business leaders report higher productivity after adopting AI, with spending linked to savings of up to 10 hours a week.

By Kaleah Salmon • 3 min read • Wed, 22nd Apr 2026

Global Stories

Bookkeeping stories

Xero adds AI tools to JAX for small business finance
Software-as-a-Service

Xero adds AI tools to JAX for small business finance

The rollout aims to cut manual bookkeeping and speed cash flow decisions for Xero's 5 million customers worldwide.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week
Xero launches Microsoft 365 integration for finance
Software-as-a-Service

Xero launches Microsoft 365 integration for finance

It could cut time spent switching between apps by letting small businesses pull live accounts data into Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Copilot Chat.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • This month
MoonPay acquires Entendre to automate crypto finance
Software-as-a-Service

MoonPay acquires Entendre to automate crypto finance

Back-office automation for digital asset firms gets a boost as MoonPay adds software that speeds reconciliations, reporting and audits.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month
Xero launches no-code AI agent builder for finance
Digital Transformation

Xero launches no-code AI agent builder for finance

Small businesses and accountants can now automate month-end close and approvals without coding, as early access opens to XeroForce.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Fri, 22nd May 2026
Xero launches XeroForce AI agent builder for finance
Data Protection

Xero launches XeroForce AI agent builder for finance

The tool could cut repetitive finance admin for accountants and small businesses, while keeping every automated step logged for compliance.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Thu, 14th May 2026
Xero rolls out Anthropic integration to all subscribers
Data Protection

Xero rolls out Anthropic integration to all subscribers

Small businesses can now query live Xero data in Claude as the accounting group widens its AI push to 4.5 million subscribers.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Thu, 14th May 2026
Xero launches live Claude integration for customers
Data Protection

Xero launches live Claude integration for customers

Small businesses can now ask Claude for live cash and invoice data from Xero without leaving their accounting records.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Wed, 13th May 2026
Karbon launches AI community platform for accountants
Software-as-a-Service

Karbon launches AI community platform for accountants

Many firms still lack AI training, even as 85% of accountants say they are excited about it, prompting a new peer forum from Karbon.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Thu, 7th May 2026

Stories from Other Regions

Bookkeeping stories

Xero brings financial data into Microsoft 365 apps
Software-as-a-Service

Xero brings financial data into Microsoft 365 apps

Small businesses can now pull live bookkeeping data into Excel, Word and PowerPoint without leaving Microsoft 365 or exporting CSV files.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • This month
Small firms buy tax audit cover as ATO scrutiny grows
Data Analytics

Small firms buy tax audit cover as ATO scrutiny grows

Rising ATO checks are pushing small business owners to insure against accountants' fees and other audit costs, BizCover says.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month
Xero's Claude integration gives only read-only summaries
Financial Systems

Xero's Claude integration gives only read-only summaries

Accountants cannot yet use Claude to pull invoices or amend records, as Xero's new link is limited to read-only financial summaries.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month
Xero warns of stress crisis for Australian small businesses
Fintech

Xero warns of stress crisis for Australian small businesses

More than a quarter of owners fear the economy will worsen their strain as tax time and compliance pressures erode productivity and sleep.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Fri, 29th May 2026
AI tools cut hospitality bookkeeping pressure in Australia
Data Analytics

AI tools cut hospitality bookkeeping pressure in Australia

Tight margins and labour shortages are pushing cafés, restaurants and bars to automate receipts and invoices, cutting hours of admin work.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Mon, 25th May 2026
Venn Accounts cuts overdue invoices 60% with Trove
Digital Transformation

Venn Accounts cuts overdue invoices 60% with Trove

The UK firm said automated payment chases have also improved cash collection as more smaller businesses outsource day-to-day finance work.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Fri, 22nd May 2026
Sage, Gary Neville back tax digital push for traders
Digital Transformation

Sage, Gary Neville back tax digital push for traders

More than half a million UK sole traders risk missing the first Making Tax Digital deadline, with just 30% saying they understand the rules.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Mon, 18th May 2026