Turning Xero Data into On-Demand CFO-Level Advice

Case Study: Real Balance – From Numbers to Insights

Overview

Real Balance, an accounting and business consulting firm led by Craig Whitton, wanted to give clients more than just financial reports. Xero already provided accurate numbers, but clients often needed guidance, context, and quick answers that went beyond bookkeeping.

The Challenge

Clients had access to dashboards and reports, yet still asked:

• “What does this mean for my business?”

• “Can I afford to hire right now?”

• “Why is profit down even though sales are up?”

Real Balance needed a way to turn raw accounting data into meaningful, real-time insights, without adding manual workload for their team.

The Solution

Phlo worked with Real Balance to build a smart client dashboard connected directly to Xero.

• Data-Driven Conversations: The dashboard syncs live Xero data, revenue, profit margin, tax obligations, and invoices, allowing clients to chat naturally with their numbers.

• AI CFO Assistant: Behind the scenes, an AI layer reads financial data and Real Balance’s internal notes to answer client questions like,
  “How is my cash flow trending?” or “What changed in my expenses this quarter?”

• Human Insight, Amplified: While Xero delivers numbers, Real Balance delivers interpretation, acting as each client’s virtual CFO team, ready to explain trends, highlight risks, and recommend actions.

(The technical side uses secure AI integrations to connect data sources and documents, but the experience feels seamless; clients log in and start a conversation with their business.)

The Outcome

• Clients now receive instant insights, not just monthly reports.

• Real Balance’s advisors spend less time compiling numbers and more time guiding strategy.

• The firm has positioned itself as a modern, advisory-led practice, blending technology with expert financial judgment.