Xero launches Xforce AI support for accounting firms

Xero has launched Xforce by Xero for accounting firms, with a beta programme starting with design partners in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

The initiative provides forward-deployed engineers and partner consultants to work with firms on AI and automation workflows. These teams will use XeroForce, its application programming interfaces and Xero OS, while also connecting with other software already used by a practice.

Xforce builds on XeroForce, a custom AI agent builder introduced earlier. The new programme shifts the focus from software alone to direct support for firms that want to apply AI tools in day-to-day work.

Initial design partners include Liston Newton Advisory in Australia, Nexia Christchurch and Shepherd Hensman in New Zealand, and Azets and Sumer in the UK. The beta is being developed with a small group of firms across the three markets.

Accounting practices are looking for ways to reduce manual work and create repeatable workflows across their operations. Firms using Xforce will decide which clients and data are included in automated processes.

In a statement on the launch, Xero positioned the service as practical support for firms that want to move beyond experimenting with AI. The programme is intended to help practices design workflows on a platform they control.

"Building on positive feedback on XeroForce in beta, Xforce by Xero puts experienced experts in the field with firms, helping them embed trusted, repeatable and scalable AI workflows that deliver greater consistency and efficiency, and give them time back to reinvest in growing their practice," said Diya Jolly, President of Product and Technology at Xero.

Jolly also outlined the role of the design partners in shaping the service during the beta phase. "Xero is excited to be working with these firms as our first design partners for Xforce by Xero. Together, we'll explore how AI and automation can make everyday accounting simpler, giving their people more time to support their clients. Our shared ambition is to champion clients' success, combining great technology with the personal advice and support that help their businesses thrive," Jolly said.

AI support

Xero said the service draws on technology it has already developed, including JAX, its agentic platform, and what it describes as Accountable Intelligence standards within Xero OS. Its AI products are based on two decades of proprietary data and infrastructure, and are aimed at accountants, bookkeepers and small business customers.

The launch comes as accounting firms face pressure on staffing and workloads. Fewer people are entering the profession while existing firms are being asked to take on more work, creating demand for tools that can remove administrative tasks and standardise parts of the workflow.

That framing was reflected in comments from the company's leadership on the reasons for creating Xforce. Xero linked the new programme to the role consultants played when firms shifted from desktop accounting systems to cloud software.

"Accountants and bookkeepers are being asked to do more with fewer people, and fewer are entering the profession," said Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, Chief Executive Officer of Xero. "AI can help, but to scale it firms need hands-on support to build it into the way they work. Our partner consultants provided that support when thousands of firms moved from desktop to cloud, and now Xforce is designed to do the same for AI, with every firm deciding what gets automated on a trusted platform they control."

Xero said it now serves more than five million customers globally and operates in more than 180 countries. With Xforce still in beta, the early design partners are likely to shape how the service develops for wider use in accounting practices.