Why Xero Is Positioned for Long-Term Growth
When Claire Bramley decided to find her next role after spending 14 years working at HP and four years at Teradata, she was searching for one thing: “a global company that had a clear purpose, a massive market opportunity and a culture of true innovation.”
At Xero, a global small business platform, she found all of that — and more.
“Our purpose — to make life better for small businesses, their advisors and the communities they serve — is profoundly meaningful,” the chief financial officer said.
As a self-proclaimed “accountant at heart,” Bramley understands the value that Xero brings to its customers. She described her team as the heart of the business, leveraging data science, AI and strategic guidance to ensure that business decisions are timely, informed and conducive to sustainable growth.
“We don’t just report the numbers; we drive the performance,” Bramley said.
With a data-driven and outcome-oriented leadership style, she empowers her team to challenge the status quo while working together to create the best outcomes. And as Xero strives to broaden its presence in the U.S. market, Bramley said that even more individuals will have the chance to drive its vision forward.
“We have a strong global foundation, a clear strategy and an incredible opportunity to bring even more value to our customers, partners and communities,” she said.
Below, Bramley shares more about what it’s like to work at Xero, her leadership vision and what excites her the most about the company’s bright future.
About Xero
Xero’s small business software is designed to help small business owners accept payments, manage invoices, access bank data, streamline employee payroll and more.
Why Claire Bramley Chose to Join Xero
I’ve had a long career in global tech, leading finance at some of the world’s largest companies, including Teradata, and over 14 years at HP. So, when it came time for my next move, I was looking for something specific: a global company that had a clear purpose, a massive market opportunity and a culture of true innovation.
Xero is all of that, and more. Our vision — to make life better for small businesses, their advisors and the communities they serve — is profoundly meaningful. As an accountant at heart, I truly understand the value we bring every day. We’re not just a software company; we are an essential partner enabling millions of businesses and their advisors to thrive. That sense of purpose is what drew me in.
What Employees Experience Working at Xero
Working at Xero means operating at the perfect intersection of global scale and pioneering spirit. It’s an environment that is genuinely fast-paced, ambitious and highly collaborative.
In our team we are at the very heart of the business. We don’t just report the numbers; we drive the performance. We leverage data science, AI and strategic guidance to ensure that every decision Xero makes is timely, informed and leads to sustainable growth. You have a direct line of sight to the strategy and the satisfaction of knowing your work is absolutely critical.
“Working at Xero means operating at the perfect intersection of global scale and pioneering spirit.”
The Traits Xero Looks for in Employees
- “A Growth Mindset: You are naturally curious, you embrace complexity, and you see change as an opportunity to learn and elevate your skills. I encourage my team to strive to be 1 percent better every day.”
- “Strategic Partnership: You don’t wait for the question; you anticipate the need. You view your role not just as a function, but as a strategic partner to the business. We have a seat at the table, so it’s up to us to build trusted relationships to influence decisions across Xero.”
- “The Courage to Innovate: We’re moving toward an AI-powered future. I need leaders and team members who are comfortable challenging the status quo, who will help us transform our operations and who want to build the future of finance today.”
How Xero’s Purpose Drives Daily Work and Team Priorities
Our purpose to support small businesses is the core commercial driver for every team. It dictates our product roadmap — focusing on intuitive, efficient and affordable solutions — which, in turn, drives our subscription revenue growth. For my teams, this ensures we prioritize projects that deliver measurable operational efficiencies for our users, which in the long run translates to higher adoption rates and stronger financial health for Xero. I also think that everyone knows a small business owner, and seeing how our product can impact businesses that are literally in our backyard is very rewarding.
Connecting Xero’s Global Strengths to Its U.S. Expansion
As a CFO and a global citizen, I’m excited about the opportunity ahead in the U.S. market, but I approach it with the perspective that all our key markets matter equally. We have a rich global heritage, and there is a lot we can learn from our more mature markets as we shape our approach in the United States. At the same time, it’s important that we adapt to meet local needs. My role is to help ensure we strike that balance of leveraging global strengths while enabling the U.S. market to grow in a way that’s both locally relevant and authentically Xero.
Xero’s Leadership Culture: Data-Driven, Empowering and Collaborative
I would describe my leadership style as data-driven, outcome-oriented and grounded in accountability, while also empowering people with the autonomy and support they need to succeed. I try to lead authentically and create an environment where the team feels confident to challenge the status quo, stay curious, and continue to innovate. Collaboration is central to how I work because I believe the strongest results come from the collective power of the team. I am also deeply customer-focused and want to ensure that everything we do reflects a clear understanding of what will deliver the most value for our customers, both internally and externally.
What New Hires at Xero Can Expect
- “Collaboration: High expectation for cross-functional partnership. Finance should be seen as trusted partners within the business, who can drive change through influence. This is absolutely critical and is a natural part of Xero’s culture.”
- “Career Development: This is very important to me, and I intentionally invest in programs that will help develop and upskill our talent, whether that’s through mentoring programs, rotational opportunities, ensuring everyone has a clear career path and following through on our engagement survey action plans.”
- “Impact: New hires will be working on initiatives that directly impact the business from day one. At the pace at which we are growing, there are tremendous growth opportunities, and as the business scales, we also need to find ways to be more efficient, which leads to growth and higher impact.”
How Xero Is Preparing for Its Next Phase of Scalable Growth
What excites me most about the future of Xero is the opportunity to help the company move into its next phase of scalable, profitable growth. We have a strong global foundation, a clear strategy and an incredible opportunity to bring even more value to our customers, partners and communities.
“What excites me most about the future of Xero is the opportunity to help the company move into its next phase of scalable, profitable growth.”
My focus is on helping ensure we scale in a disciplined and sustainable way by strengthening our operating model, improving our efficiency and enabling investment in the areas that matter most, including AI, product innovation and the customer experience. I am also excited by the role smart, targeted acquisitions can play in supporting our strategy and expanding the value we offer small businesses and their advisors.
I believe my experience puts me in a strong position to help Xero deliver on its long-term ambitions while staying true to our purpose and the strengths that make Xero unique. It is a phenomenal time to be part of Xero, and I am energized by the opportunity to contribute to a company with such a clear vision and strong commitment to its people and customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of company culture can employees expect at Xero?
Xero’s culture is fast-paced, collaborative and data-driven, with teams encouraged to challenge the status quo, work cross-functionally and focus on outcomes that support long-term growth.
How does Xero support employee growth and career development?
Xero invests in mentoring programs, rotational opportunities and clear career paths, giving employees visibility into how they can grow, upskill and advance within the company.
What traits does Xero look for when hiring?
Xero looks for people with a growth mindset, a strategic partnership approach and the courage to innovate, especially as the company moves toward an increasingly AI-powered future.
How do employees make an impact at Xero?
Employees work on initiatives that directly influence business performance, from improving efficiency to shaping product decisions that support small businesses and their advisors.
How is Xero preparing for future growth?
Xero is scaling in a disciplined, sustainable way by strengthening its operating model, investing in AI and product innovation, and expanding its presence in the U.S. while leveraging its global foundation.
