How to Automate Xero Data Export (No API Required)

Introduction

Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform used by businesses worldwide. While Xero provides API access, browser automation offers an alternative approach for exporting comprehensive financial reports, accessing dashboard analytics, and automating regular accounting data collection.

Use Cases for Xero Automation

• Financial Statement Export: Automated export of P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow
• Invoice and Payment Data: Collect invoice and payment history
• Bank Reconciliation Data: Export bank transaction and reconciliation data
• Tax Preparation: Generate tax-ready financial summaries
• Multi-Entity Reporting: Collect data from multiple Xero organizations

Automating Xero Data Collection

import { chromium } from 'playwright';

const setupXeroSession = async () => {
  const response = await fetch("https://api.anchorbrowser.io/api/sessions", {
    method: "POST",
    headers: {
      "anchor-api-key": "YOUR_API_KEY",
      "Content-Type": "application/json",
    },
    body: JSON.stringify({'headless': false}),
  });

  const { id } = await response.json();
  const connectionString = `wss://connect.anchorbrowser.io?apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY&sessionId=${id}`;

  const browser = await chromium.connectOverCDP(connectionString);
  const context = browser.contexts()[0];
  const ai = context.serviceWorkers()[0];
  const page = context.pages()[0];

  await page.goto("https://login.xero.com/");
  
  return { page, ai };
};

Exporting Financial Reports

const exportXeroReport = async (page, ai, reportName, dateRange) => {
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Log in to Xero and navigate to the Reports section'
  }));
  
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Select ${reportName} report and set date range from ${dateRange.start} to ${dateRange.end}`
  }));
  
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Click Export, choose Excel format, and download the report'
  }));
  
  const download = await page.waitForEvent('download');
  return await download.path();
};

Collecting Invoice Data

const exportInvoices = async (page, ai, status) => {
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Navigate to Invoices and filter by status: ${status}`
  }));
  
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Export all invoices including: invoice number, date, customer, amount, status, and line items'
  }));
  
  const download = await page.waitForEvent('download');
  return await download.path();
};

Bank Reconciliation Export

const exportBankReconciliation = async (page, ai, bankAccount) => {
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Navigate to Bank Accounts and select ${bankAccount}`
  }));
  
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Export the bank reconciliation report including all transactions and reconciliations'
  }));
  
  const download = await page.waitForEvent('download');
  return await download.path();
};

Resources

• Anchor Browser Documentation - Complete API reference and guides
• Anchor Browser Playground - Try browser automation in your browser

Conclusion

Browser automation provides a flexible solution for Xero data export, enabling comprehensive collection of financial, invoice, and reconciliation data that complements Xero's API capabilities.