Prerequisites & system requirements

Hardware, software, and data requirements to meet before using the Zato Firm Portal.

Before using the Zato Firm Portal, ensure the following requirements are in place. Getting these sorted upfront will make your onboarding and first few jobs significantly smoother.

System and technical requirements

  • Hardware: A desktop, laptop, or mobile device with a reliable internet connection.

  • Web browser: Latest supported version of Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. Older browsers may not render the platform correctly.

  • Email access: Valid login credentials for your registered email. This is required for One-Time Passwords (OTPs), notifications, and secure access.

  • Connectivity: Stable internet connection required. The portal is fully cloud-based and will not work offline.

  • Document handling: A PDF reader (e.g. Adobe Acrobat) installed to view and sign documents.

Firm and data requirements for New Zealand

  • Xero integration: Valid Xero login details, required if you intend to import clients via Xero.

  • Financial records: Chart of Accounts (CoA) and Client Trial Balance (TB) files prepared and available for mapping.

  • Compliance data: GST and Inland Revenue Department (IRD) details available for all clients.

  • Source documents: All necessary files and documents ready to upload, including prior year accounts, bank statements, and Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) invoices where applicable.

You only need to provide documents required for the specific engagement being processed. Zato lists all possible data source types. It is not mandatory to upload every file type for every job.

Supported data sources for New Zealand

  • Integrated sources (Xero, IRD, Companies Office): Only specific named file types can be uploaded through their respective integrations. These are detailed in the Workpaper data sources overview article.

  • Manual uploads: For invoices, bank statements, or supporting documents not available via automated feeds, use the Data Sources feature.

  • Ad hoc documentation: Upload additional documents through the Data Sources tab at any time during the job lifecycle.

Firm and data requirements for Australia

  • Xero integration: Valid Xero login details, required if you intend to import clients via Xero.

  • Financial records: Chart of Accounts (CoA) and Client Trial Balance (TB) files prepared and available for mapping.

  • Compliance data: GST and Australian Taxation Office (ATO) details available for all clients, including the client's ABN and TFN where applicable.

  • Source documents: All necessary files and documents ready to upload, including prior year accounts, bank statements, and workers' compensation premium notices where applicable.

You only need to provide documents required for the specific engagement being processed. Zato lists all possible data source types. It is not mandatory to upload every file type for every job.

Supported data sources for Australia

  • Integrated sources (Xero, ATO, ASIC): Only specific named file types can be uploaded through their respective integrations. These are detailed in the Workpaper data sources overview article.

  • Manual uploads: For invoices, bank statements, or supporting documents not available via automated feeds, use the Data Sources feature.

  • Ad hoc documentation: Upload additional documents through the Data Sources tab at any time during the job lifecycle.