What is the best Xero rostering app for Australian businesses?

Based on Xero App Store ratings and our testing, RosterElf (4.89/5) offers the best Xero integration for Australian SMEs. It combines intuitive rostering with reliable timesheet sync and built-in award interpretation. For larger enterprises with complex requirements, Deputy offers more features but has a lower Xero rating (4.0/5).

How does Xero rostering integration work?

Rostering apps connect to Xero via the Xero API. Staff clock in/out through the rostering app, which creates timesheets. The app applies award rules (penalty rates, overtime, allowances), then exports approved timesheets to Xero with pay items correctly mapped. This eliminates manual data entry and reduces payroll errors.

Do I need Xero Payroll to use a rostering app?

Not necessarily. Many rostering apps export timesheets to Xero as draft pay runs or journal entries. However, for seamless payroll processing, Xero Payroll or a compatible payroll system works best. Some apps like RosterElf and Deputy also integrate with MYOB and standalone payroll systems.

How long does it take to set up Xero integration?

Basic Xero connection takes 5-10 minutes — just authorise the app in Xero and map your employees. Setting up pay items and award rules takes longer (1-2 hours depending on complexity). RosterElf offers free onboarding support to help configure awards correctly.

How often do timesheets sync to Xero?

Most apps support both manual and automatic sync. With RosterElf, approved timesheets can be exported to Xero with one click or scheduled automatically. Deputy offers similar options. Real-time sync isn't typical — exports usually happen at the end of pay periods.

What happens if Xero sync fails?

Good rostering apps provide error reports showing which timesheets failed and why. Common issues include unmapped pay items, missing employee links, or Xero connection timeouts. RosterElf and Deputy both provide detailed error logs and retry options.

Do Xero rostering apps handle Australian awards?

Australian-built apps (RosterElf, Deputy) include award interpretation that calculates penalty rates, overtime, and allowances before exporting to Xero. This ensures compliance with Fair Work requirements. International apps like Connecteam typically lack native award interpretation.

How are penalty rates calculated for Xero export?

The rostering app applies award rules to each timesheet entry. For example, if a hospitality worker clocks 4 hours on a Sunday, the app calculates the Sunday penalty rate and creates the correct pay line for Xero export. This happens automatically based on your award configuration.

BUYING GUIDE

Best Xero rostering app Australia 2026

We tested the top rostering apps that integrate with Xero on sync quality, award interpretation, and Xero App Store ratings. Here's how they compare.

Last updated: December 2024 · Based on Xero App Store ratings and hands-on testing

Top 3 Xero rostering apps for australian businesses

Our top Xero rostering apps based on integration quality and ratings

HIGHEST RATED

RosterElf

4.89/5 on Xero App Store. Best integration for Australian SMEs with simple award setup.

View details

BEST FOR ENTERPRISE

Deputy

Comprehensive features for large organisations. Higher cost and complex setup.

View details

BEST VALUE

Connecteam

Affordable flat-rate pricing with employee app features. Good for simple Xero sync needs.

View details

METHODOLOGY

How we tested Xero rostering apps

We connected each app to Xero, tested timesheet exports, and evaluated award interpretation accuracy. We also analysed Xero App Store ratings and reviews to understand real user experiences with the integration.

30%

Integration

Sync reliability, mapping

20%

Xero rating

App Store reviews

20%

Awards

Penalty rate accuracy

15%

Rostering

Scheduling features

15%

Value

Pricing for quality

Best Xero rostering apps compared

Top pick for Australian businesses

RosterElf

Highest-rated Xero rostering app

Native Xero integration with one-click timesheet sync. Award interpretation calculates penalty rates, overtime, and allowances before exporting to Xero payroll. Approved timesheets flow directly to Xero with correct pay items mapped.

9.3 /10

Starting at

$6/user

Xero rating

4.89/5

Best for

5-200 staff

Free trial

15 days

Strengths

Highest Xero App Store rating (4.89/5)
One-click timesheet export to Xero
Award interpretation included
Pay items auto-mapped to Xero
Australian-based support team

Limitations

MYOB integration requires separate setup
Less suited for 500+ employee enterprises

Start free trial See customer reviews View on Xero App Store

8.2/10

Best for complex enterprise payroll

Xero integration supports timesheet exports with award calculations. Strong for large organisations with complex payroll requirements, though setup can be involved and support responsiveness varies.

From $9.75/user/month + add-ons

Xero: 4.0/5 (143 reviews)

Pros

Solid Xero integration
Comprehensive award library
Multi-location payroll support

Cons

Lower Xero App Store rating (4.0/5)
Complex initial setup
Premium pricing with add-ons

Read review Compare Xero

7.2/10

Best all-in-one employee app with Xero

All-in-one employee app with Xero integration for timesheets. Strong communication and training features, though limited Australian award support and basic rostering compared to dedicated platforms.

From $35/month (up to 30 users)

Xero: 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Pros

Affordable flat-rate pricing
All-in-one employee hub
Xero timesheet sync

Cons

Limited Australian award support
Basic rostering features
Xero integration less mature

Read review Compare Xero

6.2/10

HR platform with Xero

Full-suite HR platform with rostering add-on and Xero integration. Strong for HR and payroll, though rostering UX is less polished than dedicated platforms.

From $9/user/month (HR Standard)

Xero: 3.4/5 (15 reviews)

Pros

Comprehensive HR + payroll
Xero payroll integration
Australian compliance

Cons

Rostering not the strength
Module complexity
Support responsiveness varies

Read review

More platforms (reviews coming soon)

KeyPay

Payroll-first platform

Zenshifts

Workforce management

RotaWiz

Scheduling software

Sentrient

Compliance software

BrightHR

People management

#10

BambooHR

HR software

#11

Microkeeper

Time & attendance

Which Xero rostering app is right for you?

Our recommendations based on your business type

Recommended

RosterElf

Highest-rated Xero app

Best combination of Xero integration quality, user ratings (4.89/5), and value. One-click timesheet sync with built-in award interpretation.

5-200 staff View details

Deputy

Best for enterprises

More enterprise features with complex Xero payroll support. Lower Xero rating (4.0/5) but suited for large organisations with dedicated payroll teams.

200+ staff View details

Connecteam

Best value

Affordable flat-rate pricing with high Xero rating (4.7/5). All-in-one employee app but lacks native Australian award interpretation.

Budget-first View details

View detailed comparisons

Our review methodology

Learn how we evaluate workforce management platforms through hands-on testing and verified user feedback.

FAQ

Xero rostering app FAQs

Common questions about Xero rostering integration in Australia

Based on Xero App Store ratings and our testing, RosterElf (4.89/5) offers the best Xero integration for Australian SMEs. It combines intuitive rostering with reliable timesheet sync and built-in award interpretation. For larger enterprises with complex requirements, Deputy offers more features but has a lower Xero rating (4.0/5).
Rostering apps connect to Xero via the Xero API. Staff clock in/out through the rostering app, which creates timesheets. The app applies award rules (penalty rates, overtime, allowances), then exports approved timesheets to Xero with pay items correctly mapped. This eliminates manual data entry and reduces payroll errors.
Not necessarily. Many rostering apps export timesheets to Xero as draft pay runs or journal entries. However, for seamless payroll processing, Xero Payroll or a compatible payroll system works best. Some apps like RosterElf and Deputy also integrate with MYOB and standalone payroll systems.

Ready to simplify your Xero payroll?

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