Starting A Business

You’re good at what you do. Running a business is a different skill.

You’re good at what you do. Running a business is a different skill.

Most people start a business because they’re good at something. Then suddenly there’s a whole other side to deal with — accounts, tax, invoicing, cash flow and working out what you can afford to pay yourself.

That’s where I come in.

I take care of the numbers and help you understand what they’re telling you, so you can make better decisions, build a stronger business and spend more time doing what you set out to do in the first place.

What I do

Getting things right from the start matters. I help you choose the right structure for the business you’re building, then make sure the essentials are in place from day one.

Getting you set up — company formation, IRD and GST registration, and the records you need to keep

Xero — set up to suit your business, with practical guidance so you know how to use it

Financial statements and tax returns — income tax, GST, PAYE and FBT, taken care of accurately and on time

Payroll — set up and managed when you’re ready to take on your first employee

Bookkeeping and admin — as much or as little as you want to hand over

You don’t need to have everything worked out before you come to me. Tell me what you’re building, and I’ll help you work out what needs to be in place.

And when something comes up that you haven’t dealt with before — a decision to make, a bank form to complete, or simply a question you need answered — call me.

That’s part of the relationship, not another invoice.

What people ask me when they're starting

"I've been trading for a while and never set any of this up properly — can I fix it?"

Yes — this is common, and completely fixable. We sort out what should have been in place, tidy up what's behind you, and get you onto a footing where it stays sorted.

"I've been trading for a while and never set any of this up properly — can I fix it?"

Yes — this is common, and completely fixable. We sort out what should have been in place, tidy up what's behind you, and get you onto a footing where it stays sorted.

"Should I set up as a sole trader or a company?"

For most people starting out, sole trader is simpler; a company starts to make sense once there's real income, or risk worth protecting — but it depends on what you're building. Ten minutes of the right questions usually makes the answer obvious.

"Should I set up as a sole trader or a company?"

For most people starting out, sole trader is simpler; a company starts to make sense once there's real income, or risk worth protecting — but it depends on what you're building. Ten minutes of the right questions usually makes the answer obvious.

"Should I get an accountant to look at a business before I buy it?"

Yes — have someone check the numbers before you sign, not after. I've sat on both sides of this. I'll tell you what the figures actually say, not just what the seller's telling you.

"Should I get an accountant to look at a business before I buy it?"

Yes — have someone check the numbers before you sign, not after. I've sat on both sides of this. I'll tell you what the figures actually say, not just what the seller's telling you.

"My business is busy and making money — so why is there never anything left?"

Usually that's a profit problem wearing a cashflow disguise, and it's worth catching early. Being busy isn't the same as getting somewhere. I'll help you see the difference in your own figures, then do something about it.

"My business is busy and making money — so why is there never anything left?"

Usually that's a profit problem wearing a cashflow disguise, and it's worth catching early. Being busy isn't the same as getting somewhere. I'll help you see the difference in your own figures, then do something about it.

“I enjoy bouncing all my hair-brained ideas off Graham.”
— Geoff Young, Hamilton

If you're starting something — or you've started and want it on firmer ground — let's talk. First conversation's on me, and there's no pressure to become a client at the end of it.

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