Xero introduces new AI-powered assistant

Xero has introduced a new AI-driven assistant called JAX (Just Ask Xero). This tool enables you to ask straightforward, natural-language questions and receive immediate answers based on your Xero data. For many of our international clients, especially those whose finance teams or directors are offshore, this could offer a more intuitive way to access key figures without needing deep familiarity with the Xero platform.

That said, while the concept is promising, JAX is still in its early pilot phase. Like any emerging technology, it comes with limitations that need to be carefully considered before widespread adoption.

By Ro Elvinia

How JAX works

JAX enables you to ask financial questions in plain English and receive instant responses based on data within Xero. Rather than navigating reports or extracting information manually, you can type queries such as:

  • “What invoices are still unpaid?”
  • “How much superannuation did we pay last quarter?”
  • “What is our GST liability for this reporting period?”

JAX processes the underlying ledger data and delivers clear, easy-to-understand responses, helping you to reduce the need for manual reporting or navigating multiple menus. At this stage, the tool is only available to a limited number of users in Australia and New Zealand, with access built directly into the Xero dashboard during its pilot phase.

Why this matters for your international business

If you are managing Australian subsidiaries, branches, or local entities, JAX has the potential to make it significantly easier to access day-to-day financial data from abroad. Some of the key advantages include:

Easier navigation for overseas stakeholders
Chief Financial Officers, finance managers and legal representatives who do not use Xero daily often struggle with its layout and reporting tools. JAX removes this barrier, offering quick insights without requiring in-depth knowledge of the platform.

Improved access across time zones
With many offshore teams operating in different time zones, retrieving financial information from Australian entities can sometimes be constrained by standard business hours. JAX offers an added layer of convenience by allowing you to access key financial data instantly, supporting faster decision-making at head office, especially outside normal working hours.

Efficient high-level data retrieval
For parent companies overseeing Australian operations from abroad, JAX offers a convenient way to access high-level financial insights – such as payroll costs or local tax estimates – without needing to request individual reports. This can support a more agile and efficient internal reporting process, especially for those managing group-level deadlines across multiple time zones.

Enhanced oversight for resident directors
For foreign-controlled companies with resident directors appointed either through ABN Australia or locally, maintaining effective oversight of Australian operations remains a key responsibility. JAX may offer practical support by providing you real-time visibility into company activity, helping directors stay informed without needing to navigate detailed accounting reports or perform hands-on financial tasks.

Considerations and potential limitations

While JAX has clear advantages, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You should be aware of the following constraints:

Data accuracy is key
If your Xero file contains unreconciled transactions or inconsistent data categorisation, JAX’s responses may be unreliable. As with any AI tool, the quality of output depends on the quality of your input.

Not designed for complex financial queries
JAX is best suited for single-entity, straightforward queries. It does not consolidate financial data across multiple subsidiaries, handle group financials or interpret multi-currency transactions.

Not a replacement for compliance reporting
This AI tool should not be relied upon for financial statements, tax filings or payroll lodgements. Formal reporting processes should still be handled by professional accountants or corporate service providers like ABN Australia.

Data privacy considerations
Xero’s JAX utilises OpenAI’s models for processing queries. While Xero anonymises data, businesses with strict data governance policies should assess whether this aligns with your compliance frameworks before enabling the feature.

Current availability

JAX is currently in beta testing and available to a limited number of users in Australia and New Zealand. A broader rollout is expected in 2025, but an exact timeline has not been confirmed.

If your business would like early access, you can either:

  • Visit Xero Central and search for “JAX pilot” to express your interest, or
  • Contact ABN Australia and we can nominate your file directly through the Xero Partner platform, subject to eligibility.

While JAX is not a critical tool at this point, it is one to keep an eye on, particularly for international companies managing Australian operations remotely. If your offshore team regularly seeks financial data from your local entity, JAX may help reduce the volume of ad hoc requests and allow for faster, self-service access to key figures.

ABN Australia will continue to assess JAX’s rollout and functionality. If the tool becomes widely available, we will provide guidance on best practices for implementation and usage within your reporting framework.

If you would like assistance with accessing JAX, setting up permissions or understanding how it fits into your reporting processes, please reach out to our team.

Published: 08th April 2025 | Last updated: 08th April 2025