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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...

Managing change in your business

Successfully implementing change in your businessResearch by Kotter International found that more than 70% of change projects within a business fail. Why is this?The research findings show that employee engagement is the biggest factor. Whether it is a small change to one or two processes, or a company-wide change, it's common for staff to feel intimidated by it.So what can you do for successful implementation of change? Here are the principals from Kotter’s 8-Step Program:1. Get the team onbo...

Why flexible working is the new normal

"Gone are the days when flexible work was a perk. Whether it’s hybrid roles, remote options, or custom hours, flexibility has become a baseline expectation." - Recruitment Trends for SMEs by Onside.The pandemic may have introduced us to the idea of working from home, but the ability to flex where we work from is now a core expectation for many employees.Why should your business embrace flexible working?According to a recent survey by Robert Walters, 54% of employees prefer a combination of in-...

In the Community

Continuing a much-loved Accounted4 Christmas tradition, our Business Manager, Chris Stevenson (centre), and our Client Payroll and Tax Admin  Manager, Carolyn Lawrence (right), recently visited the Cambridge Christmas Cheer Toy Room where they were given a tour by Amy Watkins (left) from Cambridge Community House. Accounted4 is proud to support local Cambridge families in need by donating $1500 to this initiative in lieu of client gifts.  ...

In the Office

Past and present partners of the practice (Shannon Wrigley & Co and Accounted4 Ltd) with the 70th birthday cake. Front left to right; John Boone, Richard Edge, Grant Calvert & Geoff Hurst. Back left to right; Kim Antonio, Jamie Fisher, David Faville & Martyn Steffert (John Landers absent)From Seed to Oak By Christine Stevenson, Business ManagerSeventy years ago, in 1955, a small seed was planted here in Cambridge. It wasn’t an oak tree at the time — just an idea, a comm...

Get to Know Mialy

Mialy joined the Accounted4 Team in September 2025. She completed her Master of Professional Accounting at the University of Waikato in 2024, and in 2005 graduated with a Master of Science in Economics and Management from HEC Lausanne.Mialy grew up in Madagascar, studied in Switzerland, and first moved to New Zealand in 2006 to work at Fonterra. She is a qualified Pilates instructor and before returning to study Mialy ran her own Pilates studio and business for around 10 years.Outside of work, M...

Featured Partner - Cambridge Business Chamber

Accounted4 is proud to continue our long standing sponsorship of the Cambridge Business Chamber, as well as our role as the Chamber’s Honorary Accountant. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed building strong connections with Kelly, Aroha, and the Chamber Executive, and we’re thrilled to keep supporting the local business community.As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to continue working alongside the Chamber to help local businesses thrive. It’s partnerships like these that make our commun...

Featured Client

Hi, I’m Brendon, and I’ve recently taken over ownership of Cambridge Locksmiths.I was born and raised in Matangi and spent around 15–20 years away from the area, living just out of Thames and trying a few different things along the way. After moving back home to help on the family orchard, I decided it was time to work for myself, which led me to Cambridge Locksmiths.I’m very customer-focused and really enjoy the daily challenges that locksmith work brings. Every job is different, and I ...

What’s News in the World of Payroll?

Christmas is almost here! With just a few days to go, now’s the time to wrap up your festive season planning especially if you have employees. Public Holidays | The BasicsYour employees are entitled to a paid day off if a public holiday falls on an otherwise working day for them.If they’re required to work on that day, you must:Pay at least time and a half for the hours worked, andProvide an alternative holiday, even if only part of their shift fell on the public hol...

Holiday cash flow for your small business

Are you heading away for a break from the business this year?This time of year can be hard on small business. Your expenses continue and your cashflow can suffer when your debtors go on holiday. Leading up to the holiday period, is your business cash flow in good health to carry you through? With a bit of pre-planning and being proactive, you can set yourself up for a financially stress-free holiday.Planning your cash-flow over the holiday periodInvoice early - Send any invoices that you can, an...

Why your accountant is the mentor you didn’t know you needed

A business mentor can provide guidance and support, so you make the right decisions and stay focused on the end goal as a business owner. They can also help you move forward in your career by providing advice and feedback on what steps to take to reach the pinnacle of success. But have you ever thought of your accountant as a mentor?Why your accountant is the ideal mentorHaving someone who understands your business journey is incredibly important. You might see an accountant as someone who files...

How can we support your business profitability?

Turning a profit will be high on your list of goals as a business owner. And if you want to generate the best margins, that means keeping an eye on the money that’s going out of the business, as well as what’s coming in. So, how can your accountant help with this?The days where your accountant just did the bookkeeping, compiled your accounts and filed your tax return are well and truly over. Modern accounting firms are far more interested in helping you with your financial performance, your ...

Get to Know Millie

Millie became part of the Accounted4 team in July 2025, joining David’s team as a Client Services Administrator while Alex is on parental leave.She brings a warm, approachable manner and strong organisational skills, making her a great fit for the fast-paced environment of our office.Since starting, Millie has quickly settled in with the team, and her positive attitude has been a welcome addition. She enjoys the variety of her role and takes pride in providing friendly, efficient support to ke...