At Hyphen Digital, we write about Xero-connected apps to help SMEs make better tech decisions. We’re completely vendor-neutral; no affiliate links, no commissions. Just honest insights from a team that lives and breathes Xero.
Xero is a brilliant piece of accounting software, especially for SMEs. It handles day-to-day bookkeeping and basic reports well. But once your business starts growing, maybe you’ve taken on investment, expanded to multiple entities, or just want more clarity, you might start to feel the limits of Xero’s built-in reporting.
That’s where Xero reporting apps come in.
These tools extend what Xero can do, helping you produce clearer financial insights, better cash flow forecasts, and even automate parts of your month-end close.
But with so many apps out there, how do you know which one is right?
Why Xero Reporting Apps Exist (And Who They’re For)
Most business owners don’t wake up thinking, “I need a Xero reporting app.”
What they do think is:
- “Why is reporting still a headache?”
- “I need to show cash flow to my investors, but I’m stuck in spreadsheets.”
- “I want clearer dashboards and reports I can actually use.”
Xero reporting apps solve all of that, but different apps solve different problems.
Some focus on visualising your numbers. Others are designed for forecasting, consolidating multiple Xero entities, or speeding up finance processes.
To help you navigate the space, we’ve grouped the top Xero-connected tools into four categories:
Financial Reporting & Dashboards
For businesses that want clearer insight, slicker reports and board-ready packs.
Apps to consider:
- Fathom – Known for its visual dashboards and slick board reports. Great for businesses that present performance to stakeholders regularly.
- Syft – Powerful report builder with spreadsheet-style logic. Particularly useful for accountants or internal finance teams.
- Spotlight Reporting – Combines reporting, forecasting and budgeting in one tool.
These tools connect to Xero and instantly upgrade the quality of your financial reports. Think charts, KPIs, trends, and professional-looking board packs, all with real-time data.
These tools work well for single-entity businesses. If you’re reporting monthly and need a professional presentation, this category is for you.
Multi-Entity & Consolidation Reporting
For companies operating across multiple Xero files, regions, or business units.
Apps to consider:
- Joiin – A popular choice for fast and easy consolidated reporting. Simple setup, especially for multi-entity clients.
- Fathom – Also handles consolidation, with more advanced customisation.
- Spotlight Reporting – Consolidation features are available but may require more setup.
These tools help you combine multiple Xero entities into a single, clear view, without exporting everything to Excel.
If consolidation is your only need, Joiin is often the simplest route. But if you also need dashboards and KPIs, Fathom might offer more value.
Cash Flow Forecasting & Scenario Planning
For owners and CFOs who want visibility into future cash, not just the past.
Apps to consider:
- Float – Built specifically for short-term cash flow forecasting using real-time Xero data. Intuitive and business-owner friendly.
- Futrli – Heavier-duty forecasting and business modelling. Powerful, but more complex.
- Syft – Includes forecasting, but more suitable for finance teams who want custom logic.
These tools turn your Xero invoices and bills into real-time forecasts. Some let you run “what-if” scenarios like hiring a new team or losing a big client.
Float is perfect for first-time forecasters. Futrli suits those who want deeper financial modelling (and don’t mind a learning curve).
Month-End Automation & Financial Controls
For teams looking to close the books faster, with fewer manual steps.
App to consider:
- Mayday – Focuses on month-end automation. Think intercompany journals, accruals, and deferred revenue, all handled with workflows that plug into Xero.
If your finance team is spending days every month re-running the same journals, Mayday could save hours.
This tool is best for fast-growing finance teams or startups managing multiple entities. Not essential for small, simple businesses.
Which Tool Is Best for Me?
Not all Xero reporting apps are built for the same kind of user. Here’s a quick guide to which tools tend to work best for different business types and roles:
Fathom – Leadership teams, CFOs, and businesses presenting board reports monthly
Syft – Finance teams or accountants who want full control over report logic
Spotlight – SMEs looking for an all-in-one reporting and budgeting solution
Joiin – Multi-entity businesses needing fast and simple consolidated reporting
Float – Business owners managing short-term cash flow day-to-day
Futrli – Advanced users or accountants modelling complex financial scenarios
Mayday – Scaleups and finance teams automating month-end processes
How to Choose the Right Xero Reporting App
Here’s the mistake many businesses make: they go straight to features.
Instead, start with what you need:
- Who is the reporting for?
(Just you? A board? An investor? A bank?) - How complex is your setup?
(One entity or many? UK-only or international?) - Are you looking backwards — or forwards?
(Reports vs forecasts vs scenarios?)
We often work with SMEs who think they need a tool like Syft or Fathom, but discover they’d actually benefit more from Float or Joiin once we dig into their goals.
That’s why we offer our Mini App Stack. A short, structured process to help you understand what your business actually needs from Xero-connected tools, and which ones are the best fit.
The Right Tool is the One That Fits
You don’t need to become a reporting expert overnight, and you don’t need to waste hours testing apps that don’t quite do what you hoped.
Instead, get expert guidance from people who live and breathe the Xero ecosystem.
Need help choosing the right reporting app for your business?
Read more about our Advisory, Implementation, Support, Training and Migration services, or book a free consultation
