Switching · Australia
Switching from Xero to MYOB
A move usually driven by your accountant, not the software. Here is what shifting your books actually involves, the one part that can go wrong, and when it is simply not worth it.
By Software TradiesUpdated 6 October 20266 min read
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Why tradies make this switch
- Your new accountant or bookkeeper works in MYOB.
- You want payroll bundled rather than an add-on.
- You already know MYOB from a previous business.
Side by side
| Xero | MYOB | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | The AU small-business default | Those whose accountant uses MYOB |
| Price from | $37/mo (per org, ex GST) | $35/mo (Business Lite, ex GST) |
| GST/BAS | Solid | Solid |
| Payroll | Add-on | Bundled on higher tiers |
| App ecosystem | The biggest | Solid |
| Accountant support | Widely supported | Very widely used in AU |
How the move works
- 1Confirm the reason first. Is it the accountant, or the software? If your accountant is happy with Xero, there may be nothing to fix.
- 2Talk to your accountant before you move. They should drive the conversion — it is their working file as much as yours.
- 3Pick the MYOB tier that fits. Lite, Pro or AccountRight, depending on payroll, inventory and how many people need access.
- 4Convert or re-enter the data. This is the risky part. A conversion service or your accountant should handle it — do not wing it.
- 5Move at a year boundary if you can. A mid-year switch makes reporting messy. A clean start on 1 July is much easier.
- 6Reconnect your job software to MYOB. Only if your job tool supports MYOB — Xero has broader support.
What to watch for
- Data conversion is the risky part — do it with your accountant, not alone.
- Mid-year moves create messy reporting; a year boundary is far cleaner.
- Your job-management tool must support MYOB — not all do as well as they do Xero.
- Do not assume it is cheaper — entry pricing is close.
The verdict
Move to MYOB if…
- Your accountant or bookkeeper works in MYOB.
- You want payroll bundled.
- You have MYOB experience and want zero relearning.
Stay on Xero if…
- Your accountant is fine with Xero.
- You rely on the bigger Xero app ecosystem.
- You do not want a mid-year data conversion.
Common questions
Can I transfer my data from Xero to MYOB?
Yes, but it needs care. Your accountant can advise on conversion; a year-boundary move is much cleaner than a mid-year one.
Will my job-management software still sync?
Only if it supports MYOB — Xero has broader support. Check your specific tool before you move.
Is MYOB cheaper than Xero?
Entry pricing is close: MYOB Business Lite $35/mo standard, Xero Ignite $37/mo. Watch the intro offers on both.
Should I switch just to save money?
Usually not worth it. The reason to move is who does your books, not the subscription price.