There might not be a simple approach .
If u are doing this for a customer u can be assured that there will be lot of complexities. If its a POC then Ok.
I think you should buy more time, as a total new guy and xml parsing in perl might not be a great idea that too with a quick timeline.
I mean if ure a whiz, i guess it doesnt matter.
Besides, monks generally prefer us to do our homework before we post. google, perlmaven metacpan etc etc.