Software, a bookkeeper, or doing it yourself

Bookkeepery replaces the monthly coding and receipt-chasing. It does not replace a chartered accountant, a payroll bureau, or the person who sends the VAT return.

Versus a dedicated bookkeeper

A practice sells hours and a named person, typically £150–400 a month for a small limited company, and more once VAT is in the mix. Bookkeepery sells a monthly loop: sync, code, match, ask, close. There is no “your bookkeeper” on the payroll.

If you want someone to file VAT, run payroll, or advise on structure, keep the human. Point them at a current Xero file.

Versus doing it yourself in Xero

Doing it yourself works until receipts pile up and bank reconciliation slips. Bookkeepery does the repetitive matching and asks in email or WhatsApp, instead of leaving a red tile in Xero that you ignore for three weeks.

Versus the suggestions inside Xero

Xero can suggest codes. Bookkeepery also takes inbound receipts, asks for what is missing, keeps a record of what was posted, and prepares a VAT draft that lists what is still open — then stops before anyone files.