Dext is the leading document capture and transaction automation platform for bookkeepers. Receipts, bills, and bank statements fed through Dext get OCR-extracted, categorized, and published to accounting systems automatically. Our Dext-trained offshore bookkeepers handle daily capture workflow, categorization review, and publishing to QBO, Xero, or Sage Intacct.
Dext (formerly Receipt Bank) was founded in 2010 and has become the default document capture tool for bookkeeping in the UK, Australia, Canada, and increasingly the US. In 2023 Dext absorbed other bookkeeping automation tools; the current platform includes Dext Prepare (document capture) and Dext Precision (bookkeeping review and control).
The core value proposition: eliminate manual data entry of vendor bills, expense receipts, and bank statements. Users scan/email/upload documents to Dext; Dext OCR-extracts data; bookkeeper reviews and publishes to accounting system. Reduces data entry time 70–85% for active bookkeeping operations.
For our offshore bookkeepers, Dext is a common part of the daily workflow. Documents arrive in Dext throughout the day; offshore staff review extractions, match to vendors/categories, publish to QBO/Xero/Intacct. US business owner or approver reviews before final publishing.
Capabilities
Hubdoc is the comparable tool (acquired by Xero in 2018, now included in some Xero subscriptions). Dext and Hubdoc are functionally similar for basic capture; Dext has broader supplier network and more advanced features. Many Xero users get Hubdoc free with their subscription and stick with it; firms needing more functionality move to Dext.
Use cases
Documents captured via email/app, OCR-extracted, offshore bookkeeper reviews and publishes daily. Reduces data entry 70%+.
Dext workflow per client; offshore bookkeepers batch-process across clients efficiently. Scalable to 20+ clients per bookkeeper.
Mobile app capture for field receipts, team members photograph and submit, offshore bookkeeper processes centrally.
One-time project clearing backlog, establishing monthly rhythm, training internal approver if retained.
FAQ
Yes. Mobile app captures paper receipts via photo; OCR extracts. Digital receipts forward via email to Dext inbox. Mixed workflows handled smoothly.
Permission-based. Some firms let offshore staff fully publish; others require US approver final publish. Configurable in Dext and by your workflow preferences.
Dext Precision (bookkeeping review and control) is a separate module. Our staff can use it for month-end review, identifying uncoded transactions, accruals review, reconciliation gaps. Requires separate Dext Precision subscription.
Dext OCR is 95%+ accurate on standard receipts and invoices. Accuracy drops on handwritten receipts, unusual formats, low-quality photos. Review step catches remaining issues. Consistent suppliers improve accuracy over time as Dext learns patterns.
Yes. Setup typically 2–4 hours: create Dext account, configure for accounting system integration, set up inbox routing, train initial users. Part of onboarding for bookkeeping clients who want document automation.
Yes. Hubdoc (free with Xero), AutoEntry, Receipt Bank (now Dext Prepare), and others. Tool preference often driven by accounting platform and existing setup. Our staff adapt to whichever tool is in place.
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