GuideFeb 12, 2026
How to automate invoice reminders in Xero (2026 guide)
Step-by-step guide to setting up Xero's built-in reminders — and how to go beyond its limits with SMS, smart scheduling, and auto-stop.
Read article“So far I'm actually really digging Xero, would totally recommend it for any newer small biz/e-commerce clients. Every time I touch QB I am reminded of how annoyingly time consuming so many simple things are. Xero is actually impressive, it's very user friendly with nice time saving needs anticipated.”
– u/Far_Criticism_8113 on r/Bookkeeping
Xero is powerful, but most small businesses only use a fraction of its features. A Xero certified advisor sets it up right, optimizes your workflows, and helps you get the most out of the platform. This guide explains what they do, how to find one, and what to expect.
A Xero certified advisor is an accountant or bookkeeper who has completed Xero's official training and certification program. They're verified experts in the platform.
They've passed Xero's official certification exams covering all core features: invoicing, bank reconciliation, reporting, payroll, and integrations.
They can set up Xero from scratch or migrate you from QuickBooks, MYOB, or spreadsheets, with your chart of accounts properly structured.
Xero advisors must maintain certification through continuing education. They stay current with platform updates, new features, and best practices.
Many Xero advisors specialize in specific industries like construction, creative agencies, trades, and professional services, and understand your unique needs.
They know which Xero add-ons and integrations work best for different business types: payroll, inventory, time tracking, and invoice automation tools.
All certified advisors are listed in Xero's official Advisor Directory, searchable by location, industry, and services offered.
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Not all Xero certifications are the same. Here's what each level means and which one you should look for.
| Certification | Requirements | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Xero Certified | Complete Xero's core certification exam covering all fundamental features | They know the basics well. Good for standard bookkeeping and invoicing setup |
| Xero Advisor Certified | Core certification + advisor-specific training on client management and Xero Practice Manager | They manage multiple Xero clients professionally. This is the standard you want |
| Xero Payroll Certified | Specialized certification in Xero's payroll features and compliance | Essential if you have employees. They can set up and manage payroll correctly |
| Xero Partner (Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum) | Based on number of clients, certifications held, and Xero engagement | Higher tiers = more experience. Gold and Platinum partners manage 100+ Xero clients |
Our recommendation: Look for at minimum a “Xero Advisor Certified” professional. If you have employees, make sure they also hold the Payroll certification. Partner tier (Silver+) indicates significant experience with Xero clients.
Real experiences from business owners who've worked with Xero certified advisors.
“Xero cert is way easier than the QBO certification. It's designed for you to pass and they make it fairly simple. It's worth it to me. I own a bookkeeping firm and am trying to move away from working with QuickBooks because Intuit sucks.”
– Reddit user on r/Bookkeeping
“I have a construction company with 3-5 employees. My new bookkeeper wants me to switch to Xero, and I have been frustrated with QBO so I would really like to make the switch.”
– Reddit user on r/xero
“To run your own practice you will want to be proficient in both QBO and Xero. You may find you steer clients to the platform you prefer, but when you are starting out, you aren't going to want to turn down business because you aren't comfortable in the platform.”
– Reddit user on r/Bookkeeping
Four proven methods to find the right Xero advisor for your business.
Go to xero.com/advisors and search by your location and industry. Filter by services (bookkeeping, tax, advisory) and partner tier. This is the most reliable source because every listed advisor is verified by Xero.
The best advisor recommendations come from business owners in your industry who use Xero. Ask in industry groups, local business networks, or online communities like r/Xero and r/smallbusiness.
Bronze advisors are newer, while Gold and Platinum partners manage 100+ clients and have deep experience. For complex setups or migrations, prioritize higher-tier partners. For basic bookkeeping, a Silver partner works well.
Most Xero advisors offer a free 15-30 minute consultation. Use this to assess their communication style, industry knowledge, and whether they understand your specific needs. Ask about their experience with businesses your size.
Your Xero advisor gets Xero running smoothly. But there are things Xero wasn't built to do, and that's where add-on tools come in.
Your Xero advisor sets up Xero properly: invoicing, reporting, bank feeds, tax compliance. ChaseBot plugs into Xero and automates the one thing it can't do well: chasing payments. Automated email + SMS reminders, escalation sequences, and real-time sync. Many Xero advisors recommend ChaseBot to their clients because it solves the #1 complaint they hear: “I sent the invoice, but they haven't paid.”
Here's a typical engagement timeline from first call to ongoing support.
Most advisors start with a free call to understand your business, current setup, and goals. They'll assess whether you need a full migration, a cleanup, or just optimization of your existing Xero account.
They'll set up your chart of accounts, connect bank feeds, configure automated bank rules, design invoice templates, and set up reporting. If migrating from another platform, they'll import your historical data.
A good advisor connects Xero to the rest of your tool stack: payment processors, time trackers, inventory management, and invoice automation tools like ChaseBot. They'll also set up automated workflows.
They'll walk you through your new Xero setup, show you how to create invoices, run reports, and manage day-to-day tasks. Some offer recorded walkthroughs you can reference later.
Most advisors offer monthly bookkeeping, quarterly reviews, and annual tax prep. The ongoing relationship ensures your Xero stays clean and you're getting maximum value from the platform.
Pricing depends on your needs, but here are typical ranges to budget for.
| Service | Typical cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Xero setup | $300-$1,500 | Chart of accounts, bank feeds, invoice templates, basic training |
| Migration from other software | $500-$3,000 | Data import from QuickBooks/MYOB/spreadsheets, historical data cleanup |
| Monthly bookkeeping | $100-$300/mo | Transaction categorization, bank reconciliation, monthly reports |
| Quarterly review + BAS | $200-$500/qtr | Financial review, BAS/GST lodgment, cash flow analysis |
| Annual tax preparation | $500-$2,000/yr | Business tax return, tax planning, year-end adjustments |
| Advisory consultation | $150-$500/hr | Strategic advice, growth planning, entity structure, complex tax issues |
Use these in your initial consultation to find the right fit.
Advisor Certified + Silver or higher is the sweet spot for most small businesses.
More clients = more experience, but make sure they're not spread too thin to give you attention.
An advisor who knows construction billing or agency retainers will set things up right the first time.
Good advisors have a proven stack of integrations. It shows they think about the whole workflow.
Email? Slack? Phone? Set expectations early. The best advisors are responsive within 24 hours.
Fixed monthly is best for budgeting. Avoid pure hourly if you want to feel comfortable asking questions.
A forward-thinking advisor will recommend tools like ChaseBot for automated reminders, rather than suggesting you do it manually.
More guides about Xero, accounting, and getting paid faster.
Step-by-step guide to setting up automated reminders in Xero with ChaseBot.
Troubleshooting guide for Xero's built-in reminders and better alternatives.
Go beyond Xero's defaults with automated escalation and SMS reminders.
Top 5 Xero integrations for automating your accounts receivable.
Honest comparison of reminder features in both platforms.
How to find the right accountant: bookkeeper vs CPA, costs, and red flags.
Automated SMS + email invoice reminders that sync with Xero in real-time. Set up in 2 minutes. Recommended by Xero advisors who want their clients to get paid faster.
Try ChaseBot freeStep-by-step guide to setting up Xero's built-in reminders — and how to go beyond its limits with SMS, smart scheduling, and auto-stop.
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