subject: Finding An Accountant In New Zealand [print this page] A couple of years ago I came into a modest inheritance and began looking for ways to invest it. I opted for property and bought a couple of small beach apartments to rent out as holiday lets or to longer term tenants. They are nothing grand, but they are in a prime location and provide me with a steady income, which was just what I wanted.
The next thing I needed was an accountant to help me sort out the finances as the apartments were being sought after by local residents even before my friends had vacated them. Recommendations flooded in, but I came across Accounting NOW myself - and am I glad I did! I could tell immediately that they were the sort of firm I was looking for: that combination of friendly and professional, which was just what I needed.
I'm no financial wizard, but I had already looked around so I had an idea of the costs involved. I always thought hiring an accountant would be expensive, but was pleasantly surprised. Accounting NOW offered competitive rates and promised that no hidden extras would creep into their billing. They were true to their word too, as their invoices were always just what they said they would be.
My financial statement was prepared quickly too. In fact, Accounting NOW prides themselves on their fast, efficient service - preparing annual statements within 20 working days of receiving the information. They analysed performance and pointed out ways to save money which I had no idea about.
What I particularly like about Accounting NOW is how friendly and informal they are. As I said, I'm no financial wizard and I sometimes ask questions which must show that, but they never make me feel as if I'm being a nuisance or silly. They always answer promptly and knowledgeably using language I understand. What's more, they never charge extra for returning my calls or emails and always seem pleased to hear from me.
They are such a knowledgeable bunch of people. I suppose that's because they've been in business for over ten years and have gained a lot of expertise in that time. In fact Guy, their principal accountant, has twelve years experience. They are all fully qualified chartered accountants and members of NZICA.
Apart from being there at the end of the phone line or on the internet, they will come out and visit their clients if necessary. On one occasion I had reason to call them out to one of my properties and one of the partners came out to the beach without a murmur.
I am delighted I found Accounting NOW and would recommend them unreservedly. They take such a load off my mind dealing with tax returns, GST, cash-flow issues etc. If you already have an accountant, you can switch to them without any hassle. They will do everything necessary to ensure the switch goes smoothly. One useful software package they introduced me to was Banklink, which is specially designed for small businesses to help with monthly profit and loss figures. You don't have to use it, of course, because Accounting NOW is there all the time to answer all your accounting questions.
