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Basics strategic advice: how do accountants support your financial performance?

“Q: How does an accountant support my financial performance?”We’re all used to the idea of a business needing an accountant. But have you ever stopped to think what a good accountant and business adviser can actually bring to your company?Advances in technology, software and AI are changing our expectations of what a basic accountant/business owner relationship can offer. So, it’s important to reassess your expectations and to find out where we can add real, additional value.“A: Your a...

5 ways to improve your cyber security

The digitalisation of the small business world has brought immeasurable benefits. But with such a large chunk of your operations and processes now in the digital domain, it’s also made strong, solid, up-to-date cybersecurity an absolute necessity.If you’re concerned that your cybersecurity may not be up to scratch, we’ve got five suggestions for strengthening your cybersecurity as a small business. 1. Use the strongest possible passwordsMake sure you’re using complex, unique passwords an...

Team Vacancy: Intermediate - Senior Accountant

At Accounted4, our brand promise is simple — we help make business and life challenges feel easy.We’re looking for a motivated and client-focused accounting professional who genuinely enjoys helping clients succeed and wants to be part of a modern, supportive CA practice.About the RoleYou’ll work closely with a diverse range of clients, preparing and reviewing annual accounts, providing practical business advice, and helping clients navigate their financial challenges with confidence and e...

Exciting Milestone for Casual Friday Fund

Thanks to the generosity and participation of our team, our Casual Friday fund recently reached an exciting milestone. We’re proud to share that we’ve donated five contributions of $250, totalling $1,250, to five worthy causes that align with our values and our desire to make a positive difference.Below are the charities that our team voted to receive a donation:Cambridge Life SkillsCambridge Riding for the DisabledMake a Wish FoundationSt Johns AmbulanceWestpac Rescue HelicopterA heart...

Get to know Sharon

Sharon was bought up on a dairy farm in Stratford, Taranaki and her family moved here to farm at Roto-o-rangi.She works with a broad range of clients in different industries, and with her  farming background particularly enjoys the farming work.She started at Accounted4 in 2006 when the 3 children were at primary school.  Now Leah is a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Abbey a Graphic Designer and Ryan has just started his own building company.When not at work, getting out into nature is t...

Farming Employers Update – May 2026

As we move into winter and prepare for calving, longer hours, and staff rosters, it’s a good time for farming employers to pause and make sure payroll and employment obligations are up to date. A few small checks now can help avoid issues later, especially during busy periods.Below is a quick snapshot of what’s changed, followed by more detailed guidance to help you stay on track this season.What’s Changed Since Last Year – At a GlanceMinimum wage increased from 1 April 2026Public holida...

Featured Client - Little Buddies

Marty Pine grew up as a farmer’s son. That background gave him a deep appreciation for healthy soil long before it became a buzzword. To him, it’s always been the foundation that everything else on the land depends on. After years working in business operations, Marty kept noticing the same issue: good organic material being generated by organisations and simply sent off to landfill. The waste of it frustrated him. So he decided to do something about it and founded Little Buddies. Based in C...

Featured Partner - GoCardless

At Accounted4, we’re always looking for simple ways to make things run more smoothly behind the scenes for our clients.One shift we’re seeing more and more is clients moving away from manual payments and Automatic Payments, and instead using GoCardless to handle things for them.It’s not a big change, but it removes a surprising amount of admin....

Big Day Out 2026

On Friday 17 April, our team swapped desks and deadlines for helmets and fresh air, enjoying a well‑earned Big Day Out together. We kicked things off at Hampton Downs with some high‑octane go‑karting. Friendly competition quickly took over as lap times were chased, overtakes attempted, and plenty of laughs were shared both on and off the track. It was the perfect way to get everyone energised and into the spirit of the day.From there, we headed to the beautifu...

Reminder: Income Tax (IR3) deadline for non-agents

If you (or anyone you know) are filing your own tax returns without an agent, the deadline for the IR3 individual income tax return is 7 July.For our clients, we generally handle this under our agency extension, but if you have personal income sources you usually manage yourself, don't let this date slip by!If you're feeling overwhelmed by the paperwork, remember that's what we're here for. We can take over the filing for you to ensure everything is 100% accurate....

Are you up to speed with the recent changes to fringe benefit tax (FBT)?

There have been some recent changes to fringe benefit tax. But what exactly is fringe benefit tax (FBT) and how does this tax affect you as an employer?What is fringe benefit tax?A fringe benefit is a non-cash benefit that you, or a third party, provide to one of your employees. This could include benefits like offering employees a car, health insurance, gym membership, gift cards and staff discounts, etc.In situations where you provide fringe benefits to your employees, you may need to pay frin...

What are cash reserves (and why does your small business need them)?

76% of SMEs have limited or no cash reserves, with 15% having no reserves at all, leaving businesses vulnerable to unexpected disruptions or economic downturns.‘Seven critical business risks New Zealand SME owners face’, Acclime New ZealandNews from the latest Acclime research reveals that 76% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have limited or no cash reserves. That’s a concerning stat, especially when many Kiwi small businesses are facing such turbulent economic conditions.Let�...

A simpler way to stay on top of your Xero subscription

Back in March 2024, we introduced GoCardless Direct Debit for all Xero Business Edition subscriptions to make things easier for our clients.With recent changes to Xero pricing, and our updated invoicing timing, it’s a good time to revisit how Direct Debit can save you a bit of admin each month.Why make the switch?If you’re currently paying via Automatic Payment, you’ll need to manually update the amount anytime there’s a pricing change or adjustment to your invoice.By moving to GoCardles...

Get to know Carolyn

If you’ve worked with our payroll and tax team, chances are you’ve worked with Carolyn. A part of the Accounted4 team since 2007, Carolyn brings a calm, practical approach to her role, along with a depth of knowledge that clients and the team can rely on.She’s also our sustainability queen, keeping us on our toes when it comes to doing our bit with recycling at work, and home.Outside of work, Carolyn enjoys keeping active and making the most of the outdoors. Whether it’s walking, hiking,...

Featured Client - Waikato Dental

At the centre of Hamilton’s dental community is Waikato Dental, a warm, family‑focused practice with a mission to help every person smile with confidence and live without pain. From general checkups to advanced restorative care, Waikato Dental’s team brings professional expertise and a welcoming approach to dental health that truly sets them apart.A Practice Built on Care and ConnectionWaikato Dental isn’t just another clinic, it’s a place where people feel heard, valued, and supp...

In the Community

We swapped spreadsheets for scorecards late last month as the A4 team took to the fairways for the Cambridge Business Chamber Golf Tournament on Friday 27 February.Representing the A4 team were Geoff, Martyn, David and Carolyn, who enjoyed an afternoon out of the office with other local businesses and making the most of a classic Waikato golf day. The tournament is always a great opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, catch up with familiar faces, and build new connections within the Cam...

In the Office

A big happy 60th birthday to Sharon, who recently celebrated this special occasion. It’s a great chance to reflect on years of experience, achievements, and the connections built along the way, and we’re proud to have shared many of those years with Sharon here at Accounted4.Wishing Sharon all the very best for the decade ahead and all the exciting things it has in store for you!...

Featured Partner - Tax Traders

Managing Cash Flow with Tax PoolingA smarter way to handle provisional tax — with seasonal businesses in mindProvisional tax doesn’t have to be a source of stress. For many businesses, cash flow isn’t smooth or predictable — income can arrive in peaks and troughs, while Inland Revenue (IR) still expects tax to be paid on fixed dates. That mismatch can force businesses to borrow, overpay tax, or risk interest and penalties if payments fall short.This challenge is particularly familiar for...

Important Update: Change to Your Xero Business Plan Invoicing Date

To help streamline our billing process and reduce any potential confusion, we are changing the invoicing date for your monthly Xero subscription charge.Effective April 2026, invoices will be issued on the 25th of each month instead of the 15th. This ensures your invoice is generated after the 20th of the month due date for the previous month’s invoice, making it easier to match payments and manage your account.E.g.Invoice 25th April due 20th MayInvoice 25th May due 20th JuneAction required: If...

Happy New (Financial) Year!

A new financial year starts on 1 April, and it’s the perfect time for a strategic reset.While we’ll be busy closing off your 2026 records shortly, today is about looking forward. If there are new tax rules and rate changes taking effect this month - we’ll be keeping a close eye on these to ensure you stay compliant.It’s also a great time to review your goals for the next 12 months. If you’re planning any big moves this year, let’s grab a coffee and make sure the numbers support your ...

How to claim expenses as a small business

“Q: What expenses can I claim as a Kiwi small business? And what’s the financial advantage of claiming for business expenses?”When you’re running a small business, there’s a multitude of operational costs and business expenses that you’ll incur in the everyday running of the company. But which of these costs are classed as business costs and are therefore tax-deductible at year-end?“A: The short answer is that you can claim for any expenses which are wholly related to the day-to-da...

From the PAYROLL desk - Important Employer Tips for the 1st of April Changes

Hello from your A4 Payroll Team 👋We wanted to give you a heads-up about some important payroll-related changes coming into effect from 1 April 2026.Your Accounted4 Payroll Team member will take care of applying any relevant changes for you, keep you informed, and get in touch if there’s anything we need to discuss....

5 things your balance sheet can tell you about your finances

Chances are you’ve heard of the accounting term ‘balance sheet’. But what is a balance sheet? And what does it tell you about your finances?Your balance sheet is a financial statement that provides a snapshot of your company’s financial position at a specific point in time. It’s an overview of your finances that details three key elements of your accounting.The formula for the balance sheet is Assets = Liabilities + Equity:Assets: These are resources your business owns – things like ...

What does an accountant do?

The best accountants can do much more than just tax and compliance work for your business. They’re troubleshooters and strategic advisors for small business. Basically, having an accountant means that you can operate your business with more clarity and confidence.Whether you’re working to get a startup off the ground, or taking the reins of an established business, you’ll see value from making an accountant part of your team. When you have the right accountant and a good relationship, you�...

Key numbers to focus on in your business now

As a business owner, it’s never been more important to have a good grasp on your finances.For many businesses, priorities have changed, customer behaviours have mutated and revenue streams have had to evolve and pivot in order to maintain a profitable business model.To track, monitor and drive your financial performance in this updated business environment, it’s increasingly important to have a handle on your key financial reports and metrics.Getting to grips with your financial reportsWhere...