These awards recognize top U.S. Xero Firms and Partners. The awards focus on those applicants demonstrating exceptional expertise, innovation and commitment to using Xero to serve their clients.
Nominations opened on May 11, 2026, and will remain open until June 22, 2026; so you still have 10-days to submit your nomination. Judging for the awards is based on Partner and Firm performance over the 12‑month period of April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.
So, if you are an Insightful Accountant reader who is also a Xero Partner supporting clients using Xero products, and you believe you have what the judges are looking for, we encourage you to consider participating in these awards.
Award Categories:
There are eight award categories this year, the first ‘AI Efficiency Champion’ is a new award. The following is a summary of each award*.
AI Efficiency Champion (NEW)
- Recognizes firms using AI in practical, responsible ways.
- Focus: improving efficiency, client outcomes, and team productivity with Xero at the center.
Small Firm of the Year
- For firms with ≤ 4 employees.
- Honors small practices delivering exceptional client service, innovation, and professionalism despite limited size.
Mid-Size Firm of the Year
- For firms with 5–15 employees.
- Recognizes the ability to scale operations while maintaining personalized client service and strong innovation.
Large Firm of the Year
- For firms with 16+ employees.
- Celebrates organizations showing strategic vision, innovation, and major client impact at scale.
National Partner of the Year
- Honors top-tier national firms.
- Focus: advanced Xero expertise, innovation, advisory growth, and leading transformation across clients and the industry.
Advisory Innovator of the Year
- Recognizes firms building modern, high-value advisory services.
- Focus: new service models, forward-thinking insights, and measurable client impact beyond compliance work.
Community Champion Award
- Honors firms making a strong impact through community involvement and thought leadership.
- Focus: giving back, supporting others, and contributing to the Xero ecosystem/community.
Rising Star of the Year
- Recognizes an emerging firm or partner showing rapid growth and potential.
- Focus: early success, innovation, and strong trajectory within the Xero partner network.
What the Judges are likely looking for:
In reviewing the Awards criteria, judges will likely be looking for the following characteristics in a Xero Partner or Firm.
Excellence in Client Solutions
- Deliver comprehensive, high-quality services using Xero.
- Provide strategic guidance that helps clients grow and improve financially.
Innovation & Transformation
- Show innovation in building or expanding advisory services.
- Demonstrate how the firm is driving change—both internally and for clients.
Leadership at Scale
- Operate successfully at a national level, not just locally.
- Lead the industry through best practices, modernization, and forward-thinking strategy (implied by “national partner” scope and transformation focus).
Deep Use of Xero Platform
- Use Xero in advanced, impactful ways to improve workflows and outcomes.
- Demonstrate expertise and strong integration of Xero into services.
The Award Announcements
The Award winners will be announced during Xerocon 2026.
The Rewards of Winning:
- Categorical Award Trophy
- 2-free tickets to the 2028 (US) Xerocon
- Xero will be giving each of the categorical winners an all-expense paid trip (including their plus-1) during Fall 2026.
- Digital Assets including social tiles promoting their award.
Needing More Information:
You can find out more about the awards at Xero Partner Awards United States 2026 | Xero US. *-You can view the full details about the award categories HERE.
Wanting to Apply for an Award:
You can begin your nomination HERE. (Note: Nominees must have a Xero Log-in to submit their nomination.)
Disclosures:
Content (including feature graphic) adapted from Xero source materials (https://www.xero.com/us/events/xero-awards/2026/). Insightful Accountant publication of this adapted and summarized content is for educational and informational purposes only. This is an editorial feature, not paid content.
Xero, and other Xero-related terms maybe trademarked or copywritten by Xero. All such registrations are acknowledged here.