Wellington Accountants

Client-Centric Approach

At the heart of Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants is a philosophy centered on providing top-quality service and adding value to their clients’ businesses. Their client-centric approach is evident in several key aspects:

• Prompt, Friendly, Personal Service: Clients have direct access to their own personal accounting manager, ensuring consistent and personalized support.

• Plain Language Communications: The team emphasizes clear and jargon-free communication, making complex financial matters understandable.

• Fast Turnaround Times: Efficiency is prioritized to meet clients’ needs promptly.

• No-Cost, No-Obligation Initial Consultations: Potential clients can explore their services without any upfront commitment.

• Complimentary Tax and Business News: Keeping clients informed about the latest developments that may affect their businesses.

Expertise Across Industries

Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants boasts extensive experience across various industries, including trade, retail, engineering, and services. This diversity enables them to provide tailored advice that considers the specific challenges and opportunities within each sector, reinforcing their reputation as leading Wellington Accountants.

Professional Affiliations

Affiliated with several esteemed professional organizations, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants maintains the highest standards of professionalism. Their memberships include:

• Accountants and Tax Agents Institute of New Zealand (ATAINZ)
• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
• The Governance Institute (ICSA)
• Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce

These affiliations ensure that the team stays updated on the latest industry developments, regulatory changes, and best practices.

Community Involvement

Beyond their professional services, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants is actively involved in the Wellington community. Ben Stockbridge, for example, is passionate about helping others and has been involved with Skylight, a charitable trust that provides specialized support for those facing loss, trauma, or grief. This commitment to community involvement underscores their dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realm of accounting.

Detailed Service Insights

Accounting Services

Accounting is fundamental to every business, involving the recording, summarizing, and analyzing of financial transactions. As expert Wellington Accountants, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants offers services that support decision-making, cost planning, and measuring economic performance. Their expertise ensures that clients have comprehensive oversight over their financials, aiding in regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

GST Returns

Navigating Goods and Services Tax (GST) can be complex. Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants assists clients in:

• Accurate GST registration
• Optimizing pricing to include GST
• Choosing appropriate filing frequencies (monthly, bi-monthly, or six-monthly)
• Timely filing and payment reminders to avoid penalties

Budgeting

Effective budgeting is essential for future-proofing a business. The firm helps clients prepare detailed projections of future financial standings, including:

• Sales forecasts
• Cost of goods sold
• Departmental expenses
• Profit planning

These budgets serve as tools for managerial discussions and strategic decision-making, enhancing the financial health of their clients’ businesses.

Cash Flow Forecasting

Estimating cash flow is critical for understanding the inflow and outflow of money during specific periods. Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants provides forecasts that:

• Identify funding needs and excess cash
• Analyze trends in sales and purchases
• Prepare businesses for seasonal fluctuations

Xero Integration

As experts in Xero, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants ensures that clients maximize the benefits of this cloud-based accounting software. Services include:

• Initial setup and optimization
• System audits and modifications
• Integration with other applications
• Training for staff members

Xero features leveraged include bank reconciliation, GST returns, invoicing, reporting, inventory management, payroll, and more.

Starting a Business

For entrepreneurs, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants provides invaluable support in setting up new businesses. Their services encompass:

• Financial and accounting advice during the startup phase
• Guidance on legal requirements and compliance
• Business structure recommendations (e.g., look-through companies)
• Financial planning to set a solid foundation

Payroll Services

Managing payroll can be time-consuming and error-prone. Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants offers comprehensive payroll services:

• Processing wages and salaries accurately and on time
• Managing timesheets, leave, and employee records
• Ensuring compliance with tax obligations
• Setting up online payroll systems and training staff

Tax Planning

Effective tax planning is vital to avoid unexpected liabilities and penalties. The firm’s tax services include:

• Optimization of business and personal tax bills
• Maximizing available reliefs and allowances
• Filing income and GST returns electronically
• Providing clear tax letters outlining obligations and due dates
• Acting as a tax agent, offering extended filing and payment deadlines

Foreign Investment Funds (FIF)

For clients with offshore investments, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants assists in:

• Calculating FIF income using methods like Fair Dividend Rate (FDR) and Comparative Value (CV)
• Ensuring compliance with tax liabilities for investments exceeding NZD 50,000
• Gathering necessary financial data and navigating complex regulations

Business Planning

A well-crafted business plan is crucial for achieving organizational goals. The firm aids in:

• Defining vision, strengths, and weaknesses
• Assessing internal and external factors affecting performance
• Developing financial measures to track success
• Selecting banking systems aligned with strategies

Client Accessibility

Understanding the importance of accessibility, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants offers:

• Flexible Payment Options: Tailored to meet individual financial situations.

• Free Initial Consultation: Allowing potential clients to explore services without commitment.

• Personalized Communication: Each client is assigned a dedicated accounting manager for consistent support.

Service Areas

While based in Wellington CBD, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants extends its services to numerous suburbs, ensuring that businesses throughout the region have access to high-quality accounting services. These areas include Johnsonville, Island Bay, Thorndon, Miramar, Kelburn, Karori, Crofton Downs, Te Aro, and Wadestown.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants remains committed to adapting to the changing needs of their clients and the business environment. Their focus on continuous improvement, technological adoption, and professional development positions them to guide clients through future challenges and opportunities effectively.

Conclusion

Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants exemplifies excellence in accounting services through a combination of experienced leadership, a dedicated team, comprehensive service offerings, and a client-centric approach. Their deep roots in the Wellington community, coupled with a forward-thinking embrace of technology, make them a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike. By prioritizing personalized service, professional integrity, and innovative solutions, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants stands out as a firm that not only manages numbers but also fosters success for their clients.