Celebrating a New Partnership
The first episode of 2025’s Appy Hour marked the beginning of an exciting partnership with Xero, one of the leading accounting platforms in the industry. As the new Champagne-Level Sponsor, Xero is joining forces with Appy Hour to empower accountants with innovative tools and educational opportunities. Hosts Liz Scott and Heather Satterley, fresh from their experience at XeroCon Nashville, shared their excitement about Xero’s unique approach to learning, networking, and collaboration.
Meet Kristen Ivy: The Total Package
The session featured Kristen Ivy, Xero’s Senior Partner Consultant, who brought a wealth of knowledge and charisma to the discussion. Kristen, a former accountant with years of Xero experience, captivated the audience with her insights. From her background in accounting and sales to her surprising passion as a professional ballroom dancer, Kristen showcased the dynamic spirit that makes her a standout representative of Xero.
Why Xero Stands Out
Xero is not just another accounting platform; it’s a comprehensive tool designed to simplify and enhance accounting practices. Key features include:
- User-Friendly Design: Xero speaks the language of business owners and accountants alike, replacing jargon with clear and relatable terminology.
- Streamlined Reconciliation: Transactions are categorized and reconciled simultaneously, saving time and reducing errors.
- Customization and Flexibility: Features like cash coding, bank rules, and tracking categories allow firms to tailor the software to their needs.
- Robust Partner Support: Xero’s free certifications, demo accounts, and personalized consulting ensure every partner succeeds.
Training and Certification Opportunities
Kristen emphasized Xero’s versatile training programs, offering webinar-based certifications and hands-on module learning. For those who prefer real-world practice, Xero’s free demo company is an invaluable resource. Inspired by the session, attendees discussed forming a Slack accountability group to support each other in achieving their Xero training and certification goals.
Building Community
The session wasn’t just about learning Xero; it was about building connections. With over 60% of attendees new to the platform, Kristen and the Appy Hour team created a welcoming environment for exploration and collaboration. The conversation even sparked interest in attending XeroCon Australia later this year—a testament to the excitement surrounding the partnership.
Looking Ahead
Appy Hour has three more Xero deep dives planned for 2025, each designed to delve deeper into the platform’s powerful features. Whether you’re considering switching to Xero or simply exploring its capabilities, these sessions are a fantastic opportunity to enhance your understanding.
The first Xero-focused Appy Hour was a resounding success, blending innovation, education, and community. Whether you’re new to Xero or a seasoned user, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2025.
Missed the episode? Watch the full recording here. Ready to explore Xero? Sign up for their partner program and join our Slack group to stay on track with your Xero training goals.