Xero has expanded its partnership with Chaney & Associates, adding Melio to the accounting firm's existing setup.

The arrangement is designed to centralise accounting, payroll and cross-border payments for the churches and faith-based non-profits served by Chaney & Associates, which has worked with Xero since 2012.

Chaney & Associates, a CPA firm focused on churches and faith-based organisations, has built its client service model around Xero's software. It has now integrated Melio's payment tools into its client-facing dashboard through Xero's open API.

The move is intended to support annual growth of about 50 new client organisations while reducing the need for clients to use separate financial systems. Many customers manage international mission activity, outreach funds and non-profit tax requirements, creating a need for accounting and payment tools that work across borders.

The updated setup brings together core accounting records, payroll processes and bill payments in a single workflow. Clients can use one interface for tasks that would otherwise sit across several systems, while Chaney & Associates can manage a larger book of business through its proprietary platform.

The integration also shows how accounting firms are using connected financial software to tailor services for specialist sectors. Here, the focus is on churches ranging from small start-ups to large congregations, where operational structures and reporting needs can differ from those of conventional businesses.

Jonathan Meltzer, Managing Director, US at Xero, said the partnership reflects how firms are adapting their service models around specific customer needs.

"Chaney & Associates is a strong example of how an accounting firm can build a future-forward practice by focusing on their clients' unique needs and then using technology to scale their support efficiently," said Jonathan Meltzer, Managing Director, US at Xero.

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