Xero for Beginners

Take control of your business finances or upgrade your administrative skill set. This foundational Xero for beginners course is designed specifically for individuals with no prior knowledge of accounting software or bookkeeping systems.

This hands-on program introduces you to the core principles of digital bookkeeping, essential accounting terminology, and the relevant compliance legislation you need to navigate safely. By using real-world scenarios, you will build the confidence required to manage everyday business transactions, invoices, and expenses efficiently.

Critical Technical Prerequisites & System Requirements

To ensure a seamless learning experience for all participants, students must meet the following strict prerequisites prior to enrolling:

• PC Users Only: Training is conducted using Windows PC environments. This class is strictly not suitable for Mac users, and no Mac-specific troubleshooting will be provided.
• Required Skills: Students must possess strong file management skills using a Windows PC (creating folders, saving files, moving assets) alongside confident internet navigation skills.
• Mandatory Xero Account Setup: Every student must have their own active Xero account fully set up and ready to use before stepping into the first class.
  • Need help? If you do not have an account, contact us immediately upon enrolment, and we can email you step-by-step instructions on how to create a free Xero account.
  • Please note: Class time will not be spent assisting students who do not have their accounts ready to use on day one.
• Two-Factor Authentication: You must bring your smartphone to every single session. Your phone is required at the very start of each class to generate and enter your Xero multi-factor authenticator security code.

What is Provided & What to Bring

On-Campus Resources:

Enrolled students will have full use of NBMC computers (Windows PCs) to log in and access their Xero software during class hours.

What You Must Bring to Every Session:

• Your smartphone (fully charged, for multi-factor authentication codes).
• A USB flash drive (for saving and transferring exercise files).
• A notepad and pen for taking personal notes throughout the modules.

• Intermediate to advanced Windows and Internet skills.
• This course is designed for participants with little or no previous knowledge of Xero.
• Prior to the course commencement all students must have set up their own access to Xero with access to authenticator. Students must have a smart phone in class to access the authenticator. It is the responsibility of the student to have these details to hand once the class starts as the tutor will not spend time assisting students to set up their accounts in classtime.
• Please note there will be a separate course on Payroll.

Cloud Based Accounting

• Understanding Logins, Access and Pricing
• Access My Xero
• Access the Xero Demo Company
• Understanding The Xero Dashboard
• Understanding The Xero Menus, Icons & Tabs
• Getting Help & Support

Understanding Organisation Settings

• Understanding Financial Settings
• Understanding Tax Rates
• Understanding Email Settings
• Create An Email Template
• Add An Email Address
• Add A Custom Contact Link
• Send A Xero Network Invite (Xero to Xero)
• Understanding Add-ons
• Understanding User Roles
• Understanding Chart Of Accounts

Understanding Bank Accounts & Bank Feeds

• Adding A Bank Account
• Establishing Bank Account Feeds
• Bank Statements & Importing
• Importing A Bank Statement
• Account Transactions

Understanding Contacts

• Contact Input Fields
• Importing Contacts
• Adding A Contact
• Editing A Contact

Understanding Invoice Settings

• Adding A Payment Service
• Understanding The Sales Dashboard
• Invoice States
• Creating A New Invoice
• Editing An Invoice
• Copying An Invoice
• Voiding An Invoice
• Emailing An Invoice
• Printing An Invoice
• Recording A Payment
• Creating A Credit Note
• Understanding Statements
• Sending A Statement
• Batch Deposits

Understanding The Purchases Dashboard

• Bill States
• Creating A New Bill
• Editing A Bill
• Copying A Bill
• Voiding A Bill
• Importing Bills
• Recording A Payment
• Sending A Remittance
• Understanding Credit Notes
• Creating A Credit Note
• Understanding Batch Payments
• Creating A Batch Payment

Understanding Reconciliation

• The Reconciliation Screen
• Bank Statement
• Account Transactions
• Matching
• Part Payments
• Minor Adjustments
• Prepayments
• Overpayments
• Creating Spend And Receive Transactions
• Auto Suggestion
• Transfers Between Bank Accounts
• Discuss Tab
• Editing Transactions
• Editing a Transaction
• Reconciliation Report

This course may be fully funded for many Australian citizens; permanent residents; New Zealand citizens and Humanitarian Visa Holders under the NSW Government’s Adult & Community Education or Targeted Skills for Small Business funding. See ACE Funding page or TSB Funding page for details or contact Jo Mellor on 9970 1052 or email outreach@nbmc.nsw.edu.au to check eligibility or for further information.  Subject to funding availability.

An application form for any of the courses that may be funded under ACE or TSB must be completed.  To see if you are eligible, and to apply online, go to the Funding Eligibility Calculator below.   Alternatively, you can contact Jo to arrange an appointment to meet and complete a form at the College. We can then assess your eligibility and your training needs to work out an individual training plan (which may include more than one course) to provide a pathway to further training and/or improved employment opportunities.

If not eligible for the funding, a fee for service enrolment is possible below.

This training may be subsidised by the NSW Government.

From 1 January 2015 it is a requirement of the Federal Government that all students undertaking nationally recognised training will need to obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI). This involves an easy online application. See USI Fact Sheet for information on how to apply for a USI go to the Unique Student Identifier (USI)

Website for additional information: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi.

Please ensure when completing your enrolment information, that the details relating to your name are identical to those on the identification evidence (eg passport or driver’s licence) used when creating your USI, eg no abbreviations or nicknames should be used. Once created, it is important that you keep a record of your USI and access to your accredited training records in a safe place. You will need this information for any future enrolments into accredited training in Australia.

Please contact the College on 9970 1000 if you require assistance.