Xero Partner Spotlight - Avalon Accounting

Meet Joe Collins, a Xero Gold Partner

Joe is a Partner at Avalon Accounting, a cloud-based accounting firm based in Victoria, BC, servicing clients across Canada. Avalon HQ recently moved to a local co-working space, KWENCH.

"This is really a dream job for me. I love my work and love seeing the team and clients learn and grow." - Joe Collins

About the firm:

Firm: Avalon Accounting

Established: 2014

Services: Bookkeeping, Corporate Accounting, Tax Returns, Personal Tax Returns, Accounting Systems Setup, Payroll Setup and Support

Industries: Software, Co-working, Design and Creative, Online Services, Online Products

Clients on Xero: 100%

Favourite Xero product/feature: Beautiful, Simple Design

1. When did you start using Xero and why?

We started using Xero in 2014 – it just made sense to us and clients alike – simple to use and really approachable design.

2. What do you think is the biggest misconception about cloud accounting?

Security – I think a lot of people think that having their books on a thumb drive is secure, but it’s really not.

3. How does Xero differentiate from other accounting platforms?

We think the simple, approachable and people-focused design sets it apart – that and you don’t have to sacrifice any functionality to receive those benefits.

4. Why is Xero right for you and your clients?

We feel like we know Xero inside and out – we are true experts on its functionality and know it’s limitations really well (and which add-on apps can address those limitations).

5. How has Xero changed your practice?

We’ve always been 100% Xero, so it’s hard to say. I think how it’s changed how I have done accounting is that now I can offer the service I always wanted to: real human connections to solve real human problems. We aren’t stuck in trying to version control or chase documents nearly as much. It’s also helped integrate bookkeeping and accounting, which I think is a distinction most business owners don’t really care about – we get to be their finance team and help them solve their issues regardless of title.

6. What is your favourite Xero product or feature and why?

We love the design first and foremost… clients are not afraid to get into Xero and look around. It really connects them to their numbers and what is actually happening on the ground. From there, they build confidence about the questions they can ask and it opens the door to really good conversation, real problem solving.

7. Which integrated apps do you find work best for the businesses you work with?

We couldn’t live without Hubdoc and Receipt Bank. The benefit to being able to bring in documents automatically can’t be overstated. Internally, we love Practice Ignition because it’s involved the whole team in understanding our services and empowered them to sell.

8. Do you specialize in any specific industries? What made you interested?

We really focus on the person, rather than the industry. We care deeply about the business owners we work with and develop our relationship with them. The industry comes second – there are certain issues that arise in product versus service based businesses, but really we are working alongside the business owner to solve their problem at hand.

9. What does the future of accounting look like to you?

We envision a future where we are raised up out of the mundane where everything that can be automated is automated. We will then be free to build even stronger personal connections with clients and do much more forward-looking planning.

10. Any final thoughts on Xero and cloud accounting?

Once you’re in it, it’s like the biggest no-brainer in the accounting world. We chose Xero because they are at the forefront of these technologies and have helped us every step of the way.

To wrap up tell us a little bit about yourself.

While I love technology, I am actually pretty skeptical about taking on new apps – they really do have to solve a problem – no tech for tech’s sake.

I love to write – I built our website and wrote about 90% of the copy on there. I make my own bacon, play competitive squash, bike most days to work, don’t work overtime (even in busy season). We're hosting our first Avalonicon in 2020 for our staff members across Canada.

Are you a local accounting professional looking to use Xero? Find out more here and become a partner here.