Industry Advice on Finance, Business & Tax for the New Zealand Market

Taken together, the balance sheet and profit and loss statement represent a complete financial picture of a company and provide valuable “decision-relevant” information. Ratio analysis, in particular, is a useful management tool that can help improve your understanding of how well your business is performing financially and can be used to spot trends over time.

High performing boards often employ an independent advisor who can bring discipline, experience and objectivity. Having an external accountant or company lawyer on the board is common; but it is important to remember that these professionals should act in an advisory role with a ‘big picture’ or business focus.

For most SMEs, having a full time CFO in place is often not feasible – particularly one that can provide strategic thinking, progression and profitability. So here are the four main reasons that implementing a virtual financial controller or VCFO is a viable option to help your business grow.

Businesses often face rising costs across their supply chains, from raw materials to wages, leading to significant margin pressure that can erode profits. To combat this challenge, it is crucial for businesses to implement effective strategies. This article outlines three key strategies that can help alleviate margin pressure and enhance profitability.

For every business to grow, whether big or small, good governance is essential. There is no shortage to the benefits of what a governing board can bring to an organisation, but we've come up with our top five.

For small to medium-sized businesses, there are a number of factors that can inhibit the future expansion of a business – changing markets, the loss of a big client, inability to accurately scale resources. There are five main issues that constrain business growth.

New property tax compliance regulations have been introduced for residential property purchasers, potentially leading to scrutiny from the Tax Department for some taxpayers. As we assess these changes, it's crucial to understand their implications and the anticipated effects moving forward.

When is it time to initiate your business exit strategy? One of my all-time favourite songs has to be the iconic “Gambler” by Kenny Rogers. Any self-respecting karaoke party or late-night sing along would be incomplete without someone belting out this legendary story - which holds some great advice.

When you are on the lookout for a new accounting job, it isn’t just about firing out your CV to any accountancy firm that is looking for someone with your experience. You need to plan, prepare and do your due diligence to ensure the move is in the right direction, at the right firm.

Making savings with your FBT can save you a few thousand a year – and being smart around how you make available company vehicles to employees is one option. Graham Lawrence reports.

I like a good surprise as much as the next person, but a surprise cash shortage, unexpected changes in margin and unanticipated tax costs will make any business owner’s blood run cold. Preparing a cash flow forecast once a year is a good start, but it’s often not enough. Here’s why.

Becoming a Chartered Accountant isn’t the final stop in your career, in fact it’s more like the starting point where there are a variety of pathways to choose from. The question is, which one is right for you?