Getting started: onboarding a client

From zero to a balanced set of statements, in order.

1. Create the client. Clients → New client. Fill the real legal name, display name, fiscal year-end month and currency (these drive YTD math and the Xero currency guard). Leave "Seed standard statement structures" checked. The engagement is created with it.
2. Setup. Engagement → Setup → set the tier and Reporting mode: Both (statements render only when the mode includes them).
3. Shape the structures. Statement Mapping → edit the Income Statement structure to match the client's business: rename lines, add revenue/cost lines (they land at the bottom of their section automatically), drag to reorder. Section choice pre-selects each line's behavior; override only contra/exception lines.
4. Connect Xero. Data tab → Connect Xero → authorize the client's organisation. The card shows tenant and currency; a currency mismatch with the client record is flagged and blocks sync by design.
5. First sync. Data Sources → Sync from Xero → Trial Balance (month-end) and P&L (month). Each lands as a batch.
6. Map the chart of accounts. Open the batch → "Accounts in this batch" lists every account with amounts. Pick a reporting line per account (bulk-select rows that share a line). The sign is inferred; the live preview shows exactly how each account will land. Ignore true noise accounts.
7. Re-parse → Commit. The batch page's Re-parse picks up your new mappings; Commit turns the batch into facts.
8. Generate & verify. Financials tab → check the statements against the client's books. The Balance Sheet must balance — the gate blocks publishing if it doesn't.

Month two is automatic: the nightly sync keeps everything fresh. Only a brand-new account in the books needs a human again — you'll get an email when that happens.