Benefits and methods of integrating your accounting platform with Attio
Seamless integration between your CRM and accounting system can be a game changer. At Crawl Walk Run, APAC's first Attio experts, we've seen firsthand how connecting tools like Attio with accounting platforms such as Xero can transform operations.
This blog explores the key benefits of such integrations and outlines practical methods to achieve them. To dive deeper, we recommend watching our detailed video walkthrough below. It's packed with real world examples and step-by-step instructions on how to build an accounting integration yourself.
The key benefits of accounting integration with Attio
Integrating your accounting system, such as Xero, with Attio isn't just about data syncing. It's about empowering your team with actionable insights. Here are some of the standout benefits:
Improved cash flow management
One of the most immediate wins is enhanced cash flow oversight. By pulling invoice and payment data directly into Attio, you can monitor outstanding amounts in real time. This means quickly identifying overdue payments and making informed decisions on commitments, without switching between apps.
As demonstrated in the video, when an invoice is created or updated in Xero, it automatically appears in Attio, complete with due dates and status updates. This proactive approach helps accelerate collections and maintain healthy liquidity, which is crucial for any organisation.
Visibility for all team members
No more siloed information. With integration, every team member from sales, support to accounts gains access to a unified view of customer financials within Attio.
Imagine preparing for a client call and instantly seeing their billing history or payment status. This shared visibility fosters collaboration and ensures everyone is on the same page, reducing errors and duplicated efforts.
Stronger customer relationships
Financial discussions can be tricky, but integration makes them smoother. By evaluating customers based on their billing history (such as average days to pay or overdue patterns), you can tailor interactions accordingly. For instance, you might offer greater discounts to valuable customers that pay on time leading to new levels of customer loyalty.
Evaluate customers based on billing history
Beyond relationships, integration allows for data-driven customer segmentation. Use historical invoicing data in Attio to assess creditworthiness, prioritise high-value clients, or flag risks. This insight helps in customising terms, or adjusting strategies for those with slower payment habits.
Reporting and insights
Attio's integration unlocks powerful reporting capabilities. Generate dashboards in Attio showing total amounts owing, payment trends, or currency breakdowns, all fed from your accounting platform. These insights enable better forecasting and strategic planning, turning raw data into business intelligence.
Fewer awkward conversations about payments
Perhaps the most relatable benefit: automation reduces the need for those uncomfortable follow-ups. With real-time status updates in Attio, your team can address issues opportunistically, like during a routine check-in, rather than chasing payments reactively. It's a subtle shift that enhances customer satisfaction and internal morale.
Methods to integrate your accounting platform with Attio
Setting up an integration doesn't require advanced coding skills. Here are the main options, adaptable to accounting platforms with API support like Xero:
Middleware Tools: Use no-code automation platforms such as Zapier, Make.com, n8n, or similar. These connect via triggers (e.g., new invoice in Xero) and actions (e.g., create/update record in Attio). The video focuses on Zapier for a step-by-step example, including data mapping, filtering, and testing.
API-Based Integration: For custom or scalable needs, directly use Attio's and your accounting platform's APIs. This may involve developer assistance for building secure, bidirectional data flows.
Why this matters for your business
Integrating your accounting platform with Attio is more than a technical tweak. It's a strategic move towards efficiency and growth. By centralising financial data in your CRM, you reduce manual work, gain real-time insights, and nurture better customer ties. At Crawl Walk Run, we've helped clients in Australia and beyond implement these solutions, often seeing rapid improvements in cash flow and team productivity.
If you're ready to get started or need tailored advice, reach out to us. In the meantime, watch my video for a practical guide. It's the next best thing to a personalised consultation.
