If you run your trade business on Xero, the job management app you choose should feed it cleanly - quotes, invoices and timesheets flowing through without double entry. The good news for NZ tradies: the main apps that are compatible with Xero - Tradify, ServiceM8, Fergus and Simpro - all sync two-way, so your job invoices land straight in your accounts. The difference is how deep that sync goes and which one suits your trade. This guide ranks the Xero-friendly options, or you can jump to the best job management software for NZ tradies overall.
Pricing and features are accurate as of June 2026 but change often - check each vendor's website for current details. TradeFlow isn't affiliated with these products; this is an independent comparison for NZ tradies. One exception: if you sign up to Tradify through our link we may earn a referral commission - it doesn't change where it sits in this guide. (Tradify and Fergus prices are NZD; ServiceM8 is AUD; Simpro is quote-based.)
Why the Xero sync matters
Xero is the accounting backbone for most Kiwi trade businesses, but it isn't built to quote a job on site or schedule your week. Job management software handles that front-of-house work - then pushes invoices, payments and timesheet data into Xero so your books stay current without re-keying anything. A good integration means:
- No double entry - raise an invoice in the app, it appears in Xero.
- Faster reconciliation - payments and contacts stay in sync.
- Cleaner job costing - labour and materials line up against the right job.
- Less month-end pain - your accountant works from one source of truth.
Pick an app that doesn't sync well and you've just added admin, not removed it. So the Xero integration is worth checking before price or features.
The Xero-friendly options at a glance
| Software | From (indicative) | Pricing model | Xero sync | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradify | $48 NZD/user/mo | Per user | Yes (+ MYOB, QBO) | Solo & small trades wanting simplicity |
| Fergus | $53 NZD/mo | Per user (+ timesheet users) | Yes (+ MYOB, QBO) | Job costing & profitability focus |
| ServiceM8 | $29 AUD/mo (50 jobs) | Per jobs/month, unlimited users | Yes | Service/callout trades on Apple |
| Simpro | Quote-based (+ setup) | Tailored | Yes (+ QuickBooks) | Larger commercial & complex projects |
1. Tradify - simplest Xero workflow
Tradify is New Zealand-built and the easiest starting point for solo operators and small teams on Xero. It syncs invoices and payments straight through, and also connects to MYOB and QuickBooks Online if you ever switch. Plans run from $48 NZD/user/month (Lite) to $62 (Plus), and it runs fully on iPhone, Android and web. If your priority is the shortest path from quote to a paid invoice that lands in Xero, start here.
2. Fergus - best for Xero job costing
Fergus is another NZ product, built around job costing and profitability, which makes its Xero sync especially useful if you care about margin. Labour, materials and purchase orders line up against each job, then flow to Xero for invoicing and reconciliation. Plans start at $53 NZD/month (Basic) and $75 (Professional), plus $22/month per timesheet user. It's popular with plumbing and larger residential operations.
3. ServiceM8 - Xero sync for service trades
ServiceM8 syncs to Xero too, and suits high-volume service and callout trades - especially on Apple devices, since its full app is iPhone/iPad-only (Android staff get a limited "Lite" app). Pricing is per jobs per month with unlimited users, from $29 AUD (50 jobs) up to $349 (1,500+). If you're solo or use casual staff and live in the Apple ecosystem, its per-job model can be very cost-effective. See Tradify vs ServiceM8.
4. Simpro - Xero for larger operations
Simpro targets larger commercial trades running multi-stage projects, inventory and asset maintenance. Its Xero integration pushes invoices, timesheets, customers and suppliers across with a one-click transfer, and it also connects to QuickBooks. Pricing is quote-based with a setup/onboarding fee (as of June 2026 - check vendor site), so it's overkill for a sole trader but powerful for established mechanical, electrical and commercial fit-out businesses.
5. AroFlo - Xero for field service trades
AroFlo suits field service and established trade businesses that want depth - quoting, scheduling, timesheets, inventory and asset maintenance - with a two-way Xero sync (it also connects to MYOB) so invoices, payments and contacts stay aligned without double entry. Pricing is quote-based per user, so it fits teams with staff more than a sole operator. See our AroFlo overview.
How to choose your Xero-friendly app
- Match it to your size and trade. Solo/small -> Tradify; costing-focused or plumbing -> Fergus; service/callout on Apple -> ServiceM8; large commercial -> Simpro.
- Confirm what actually syncs. All four connect to Xero, but check whether invoices, payments and timesheets all flow the way you need.
- Check the platform. If your team is on Android, ServiceM8's full app won't suit.
- Trial before you commit. Run a real quote-to-invoice job through each shortlisted option and watch it land in Xero.
Still weighing the field? See our best job management software NZ roundup, or the head-to-heads on Fergus vs Tradify and Tradify vs ServiceM8.
Frequently asked questions
Which job management software works best with Xero in NZ?
All four main options - Tradify, Fergus, ServiceM8 and Simpro - integrate with Xero. For most NZ tradies, the NZ-built Tradify is the simplest Xero workflow; Fergus is strongest if you want Xero-connected job costing.
Does the job app replace Xero?
No. Job management apps handle quoting, scheduling and invoicing on site, then sync that data to Xero. Xero remains your accounting system; the app feeds it.
Do all of these sync invoices to Xero automatically?
Each connects to Xero, but the depth varies - most push invoices and payments, and some also sync timesheets, contacts and suppliers. Check the specific app's integration against your workflow, and run a test job during the free trial.
Is there a free job management app that works with Xero?
ServiceM8 has a free tier (30 jobs/month) that still connects to Xero, which can suit very low-volume operators on Apple devices. Beyond that, the paid plans above offer more capacity and features.
Sources
Update log
- 30 June 2026 - Added AroFlo as a Xero-friendly field service option.
- 24 June 2026 - Published. Pricing, Xero integration and platform details verified against each vendor's website in June 2026.
Last reviewed: 24 June 2026.
What job management software is compatible with Xero?
Tradify, ServiceM8, Fergus and Simpro are all compatible with Xero - each has a built-in, two-way Xero integration that pushes job invoices across and keeps contacts and payments in sync. For most NZ tradies, Tradify or ServiceM8 are the simplest Xero-compatible options to start with, while Fergus and Simpro suit bigger jobs and teams. You connect the app to Xero once, and from then on your invoices flow straight into your accounts.