How to Migrate from AutoCount to Xero: A Step-by-Step Guide for Malaysian Businesses
Choosing a cutover date, what to export from AutoCount, opening balances vs history, and how to check everything balances.
Many Malaysian businesses outgrow desktop accounting and move to Xero for cloud access, automation and multi-currency. Moving from AutoCount is straightforward if you plan it well. Here's the process we follow.
Still deciding? Read our Xero vs AutoCount vs Bukku comparison first.
Step 1: Choose your cutover date
The cleanest switch is the first day of a new financial year: the old year stays in AutoCount and Xero starts fresh. If you can't wait, the first day of a month or quarter also works well, because bank reconciliation and reporting stay simple.
Step 2: Choose how much history to bring
| Approach | What moves to Xero | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Opening balances | Trial balance at the cutover date, plus unpaid customer invoices and supplier bills | Most SMEs: fastest and cleanest |
| Opening balances + comparatives | As above, plus prior-year totals so reports show comparisons | Businesses that want year-on-year reports in Xero |
| Transaction history | Detailed transactions for a period before cutover | Businesses needing drill-down history in Xero |
Keep AutoCount available (read-only) for older records. Malaysian businesses generally need to keep accounting records for seven years.
Step 3: Clean up AutoCount before you export
- Reconcile all bank accounts up to the cutover date
- Clear old, incorrect or duplicate customer and supplier balances
- Agree debtor and creditor ageing to the balance sheet
- Post all adjustments for the period
Step 4: Export from AutoCount
- Chart of accounts (to map to Xero accounts)
- Trial balance at the cutover date
- Customer and supplier lists with TIN, BRN, addresses and contacts
- Outstanding invoices and bills (debtor and creditor ageing)
- Stock item list with quantities and costs, if you track inventory
- Fixed asset register
Step 5: Set up Xero
Create your organisation with company details matching SSM and LHDN records, import the chart of accounts, set SST tax rates, and import contacts and items by CSV. Then set up bank feeds and LHDN e-invoicing so you can invoice from day one.
Step 6: Enter conversion balances and outstanding items
In Xero, enter your conversion balances from the AutoCount trial balance at the cutover date (debits positive, credits negative), then import unpaid invoices and bills so customer and supplier balances carry over. Xero's own guidance allows detailed transaction history to be imported for up to a year before the conversion date if you need it.
Step 7: Check everything balances
- Xero's trial balance at the cutover date matches AutoCount
- Aged receivables and payables match AutoCount's ageing
- Bank balances match bank statements
- Stock value matches, if applicable
Once everything agrees, set a lock date in Xero so nobody changes the period before cutover.
Step 8: Train your team and run the first month together
Most issues show up at the first month-end. Run it with your partner or accountant, then switch off AutoCount for new entries.
What about inventory?
Xero's built-in tracked inventory covers simple stock. If you rely on AutoCount's detailed stock features (multiple locations, batches, serial numbers), plan for an inventory app that connects to Xero before you switch.
Frequently asked questions
Can I migrate all my AutoCount history to Xero?
You can bring detailed history for a limited period and prior-year comparatives, but most businesses keep older years in AutoCount for reference.
How long does an AutoCount to Xero migration take?
Typically 1–2 weeks for opening balances, longer if you migrate history or have several companies.
Will my e-invoicing still work after switching?
Yes, once you authorise Xero as your MyInvois intermediary and connect Invoici. Do this before your first invoice in Xero.
General guidance only. Confirm record-keeping and tax treatment with your auditor or tax agent.
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