Moving From Xero to MYOB

How this usually works

A well-run Xero to MYOB migration follows these steps:

1. Discovery and scoping: confirm why you are moving, which MYOB product you will use (Business or AccountRight), and exactly what data and history to bring across.
2. Pre-migration tidy: reconcile bank accounts in Xero, clear suspense, fix tax codes, close out old contacts and check outstanding invoices/bills.
3. Mapping: align chart of accounts, GST/BAS codes and Xero tracking categories to MYOB jobs, items and tax codes.
4. Build the MYOB file: set up company details, financial year, users, permissions, tax settings and default accounts.
5. Data import: migrate contacts, accounts, opening balances, open AR/AP, and selected history. Import items if inventory is used.
6. Payroll setup: establish payroll categories, leave, super settings, bring in YTD balances and switch on STP Phase 2.
7. Bank feeds and rules: request MYOB bank feeds, link accounts and rebuild bank rules as required.
8. Validation: trial balance match, aged AR/AP match, BAS figures check, payroll test, inventory spot checks.
9. Go live and support: lock Xero, train users, document new workflows and run the first month-end review.

Australian context to keep in view

• GST/BAS mapping must match ATO reporting: verify that MYOB tax codes correctly represent your supplies, imports and adjustments before the next BAS.
• Payroll needs STP Phase 2: map pay items carefully and lodge an update event after go-live so ATO totals align.
• Superannuation: confirm your super clearing method, SG rates and thresholds, and re-authorise payments in MYOB.
• eInvoicing and payments: if you use eInvoicing or online payments, enable and test the equivalent MYOB features.

What to compare before you commit

What moves across and what does not

Most migrations will bring across:

• Contacts (customers/suppliers) and chart of accounts
• Open invoices and bills, and opening balances
• General ledger history (to an agreed date range, if included)
• Items list (if inventory is used) and jobs/projects mapping

Expect to rebuild or reconfigure:

• Bank rules and some payment services authorisations
• Repeating invoices/bills and some add-on integrations
• Document attachments and files (use MYOB In Tray or a migration tool if needed)
• Budgets and tracking (convert to MYOB jobs as required)
• Complex inventory valuations and multi-currency settings

Keep read-only access to your Xero file for audit history and ATO reviews.

Costs, timing and risk control

• Indicative timing: 2–5 business days for simple files; 1–3 weeks for most SMEs; longer if significant history, inventory or payroll complexity is included.
• Cost drivers: data quality, volume of history, payroll and inventory setup, and whether training and documentation are included.
• Risk controls: lock dates in Xero, use a test file, reconcile trial balance and aged AR/AP, and run a parallel month if the workflow is complex.

Migration checklist

• Confirm MYOB edition and user access
• Reconcile Xero bank accounts to the cutover date
• Map GST codes and chart of accounts
• Decide on history range vs opening balances only
• Export and validate contacts, AR/AP and items
• Configure payroll, leave and STP Phase 2
• Request bank feeds and rebuild bank rules
• Validate BAS figures and run first pay in MYOB
• Train users and document the new workflow

Best next steps

Write down your must‑haves: inventory detail, jobs reporting, offline access, or specific MYOB features. Decide the cutover date, then shortlist providers who can show a clear mapping plan, timeline and validation process.

If you are still weighing options, compare core services and reach out with a simple scope: what you want moved, when you want to switch, and who will own training and support.