With a wide range of financial software packages available in Australia, choosing the right solution for your organisation can be a time-consuming and overwhelming task. To help simplify the decision-making process, School Sport Professionals has prepared a concise overview of the key pros and cons of four leading platforms: Xero, MYOB, Reckon, and QuickBooks. Feel free to use this as a starting point in exploring the many options available to you to enhance your business operations.
1. Xero
Pros:
Australian-friendly: ATO-compliant (e.g. Single Touch Payroll, BAS).
Cloud-based: Access from anywhere, ideal for remote work.
User-friendly interface and clean dashboard.
Strong integration with Australian banks and many third-party apps.
Great for collaboration: Easy for accountants/bookkeepers to access.
Cons:
Pricing can be high for advanced features or growing businesses.
Limited phone support; relies on online ticketing.
Payroll limits on lower-tier plans.
2. MYOB (Business/AccountRight)
Pros:
Well-established in Australia with strong local compliance.
Robust payroll features, including for more complex setups.
Good offline/desktop options (AccountRight), plus cloud sync.
Strong reporting and inventory tracking.
Cons:
Interface can feel dated compared to competitors.
Steeper learning curve for new users.
More expensive tiers for full functionality and multi-user access.
3. Reckon (One)
Pros:
Affordable pricing, especially for sole traders or micro businesses.
Modular system: Pay only for the features you need.
Australian-based support.
Good for basic accounting and payroll needs.
Cons:
Interface and user experience less intuitive than newer platforms.
Fewer integrations than Xero or QuickBooks.
Limited scalability for growing businesses.
4. QuickBooks (Online)
Pros:
User-friendly design, particularly for non-accountants.
Strong mobile app functionality.
Integrated payroll (KeyPay) and GST/BAS tools.
Good value for features in base plans.
Cons:
Support is offshore, which can impact response times.
Less tailored to Australian users than MYOB/Xero.
Some reports and features are limited unless on higher plans.
Summary Recommendation:
Best for simplicity and growth: Xero
Best for payroll-heavy or traditional businesses: MYOB
Best on a budget: Reckon
Best for ease of use and mobile access: QuickBooks
Feel free to add a question to the Members Forum to gain feedback directly from colleagues around Australia on their software of choice.