Xero, a cloud-based accounting platform for small businesses, has updated its AI tool JAX, expanding it from a conversational assistant into a broader platform that can handle more in-depth tasks. The company has also revealed a new collaboration with OpenAI to provide JAX with deep web research capabilities.
Xero says the new version of its ‘AI financial superagent’ JAX (Just Ask Xero) – built on Xero’s agentic platform – not only answer queries but also automate routine tasks for small businesses and accountants.
The platform will learn how a business operates, automate tasks such as bank reconciliations and data entry, and surface actionable insights to help users make more informed decisions.
A collaboration with OpenAI also enables JAX to access and integrate external information, such as current tax laws and market trends, directly within the Xero platform.
Diya Jolly, chief product and technology officer at Xero, said: “This evolution of Xero’s platform is a foundation for the next era of small business accounting. JAX doesn’t just support today’s workflows; it continuously learns, adapts and acts to meet the evolving needs of business owners.”
Giancarlo ‘GC’ Lionetti, chief commercial officer at OpenAI, added: “Collaborating with Xero is a great example of how we’re bringing the practical benefits of intelligence directly into the platforms businesses already rely on.”
New tools for accounting practices
Alongside the JAX update, Xero introduced a range of new tools for accountants and bookkeepers at its Xerocon Brisbane event. A new Xero Partner Hub provides a centralised platform for a practice’s client data and tools.
Xero is also introducing a new workpapers tool, developed with BGL, which enables compliance data to be pulled directly from the platform. Updates to Syft Analytics, aimed at expanding reporting and forecasting options, along with a progress payments feature intend to give small businesses more flexibility in cash flow management.
The announcements were accompanied by a redesigned Xero homepage, which moves from a static dashboard to a customisable, insight-rich interface to give users a clearer view of their business performance.