Xero Accounting for Beginners

Learn how to confidently use Xero with our accounting & bookkeeping courses online & in Sydney!

Xero is one of the world's most widely used cloud-based accounting platforms, trusted by small and medium businesses across Australia. Whether you're managing accounts for your own business, supporting a workplace, or building practical bookkeeping skills for new employment opportunities, this hands-on beginners course will help you develop confidence using Xero in real-world situations.

Guided by a Xero Certified Advisor, you'll learn how to navigate Xero and manage everyday bookkeeping tasks including invoicing, purchases, payments, bank reconciliation, payroll basics, GST, and BAS preparation. You'll also explore how Xero's cloud-based model works across devices and how to access support through the Xero Central help hub.

Designed for practical learning, this course focuses on day-to-day tasks commonly performed in bookkeeping and small business administration roles. You'll gain hands-on experience using Xero while building a stronger understanding of how accounting software supports business operations.

Whether you're a small business owner, aspiring bookkeeper, office administrator, or simply looking to strengthen your accounting software skills, this course offers a supportive and practical introduction to Xero.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will have developed practical skills and knowledge in areas such as:

• Navigating the Xero dashboard and interface confidently
• Processing purchases and supplier payments
• Creating and managing sales invoices
• Applying customer payments to invoices
• Managing accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Working with inventory and tracking items within Xero
• Understanding payroll basics and Single Touch Payroll (STP) requirements
• Reconciling Xero data against bank statements
• Understanding GST and BAS processes within Xero
• Producing and reviewing financial reports in Xero
• Using Xero Central for troubleshooting and support
• Developing accounting software skills relevant to bookkeeping and payroll support roles

Course content

What will be covered in this Xero course?

• During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:
• Understanding the Xero dashboard and interface
• Producing and managing purchase orders and bills
• Creating and managing sales invoices
• Managing accounts payable and receivable
• Processing payments and customer receipts
• Working with inventory and tracked items
• Introduction to payroll and Single Touch Payroll (STP)
• Reconciling accounts and bank transactions
• Understanding GST and BAS preparation within Xero
• Producing reports and reviewing business data
• Connecting bank feeds and third-party integrations
• Accessing help and support through Xero Central

Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant experience, software updates, and instructor approach.

Intended audience

Who is this Xero course for?

This course is ideal for small business owners, office administrators, aspiring bookkeepers, accounts staff, and anyone wanting to develop practical Xero skills.

A basic understanding of bookkeeping principles is recommended but not essential. Students looking for foundational bookkeeping knowledge may also wish to complete our Accounting & Bookkeeping Course for Beginners.

Course materials

What to bring to class

• Your own laptop computer
•  An active Xero subscription (a free 30-day trial is available at xero.com — participants are encouraged to set this up before the first session)

 Xero offers a free 30-day trial that is suitable for participants who do not currently operate a business. Trial accounts provide access to all core features covered in this course.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• A 30-minute lunch break will take place during the class
• Cafes and takeaway food options are available nearby, or participants may bring their own lunch