Whether you are new to using Xero, or you've got it down to a fine art, the following tips may just make things a bit smoother and quicker for you!

1. Always Use Find & Match When Reconciling Bills

If you've already entered a bill into Xero, don't code the bank transaction as a new expense. Instead, use Find & Match to link the payment to the existing bill. This prevents the same expense from being recorded twice.

2. Never Use 'Make Payment' for Bills That Will Come Through the Bank Feed

If your bank feed imports the payment automatically, avoid selecting Make Payment inside the bill. Let the payment come through the bank feed and match it during reconciliation instead.

3. Match Customer Payments to Their Invoices

When a customer pays an invoice, use Find & Match (or the suggested match) during bank reconciliation. This ensures the payment is linked to the correct invoice and keeps your records accurate.

4. Avoid Using Add Payment on Invoices

If the payment will appear in your bank feed, don't manually click Add Payment on the invoice. Doing so can record the income twice and may result in GST being reported twice.

5. Look for the Green Suggested Match

When reconciling, Xero often highlights a matching bill or invoice in green. Before clicking OK, take a moment to check it's the correct match. If it isn't, select Find & Match to choose the right transaction.

6. One Bank Payment Covering Multiple Bills or Invoices?

If a single bank payment relates to several bills or invoices, use Find & Match to select all the relevant transactions before reconciling. This keeps your accounts balanced and avoids duplicate entries.