Accountancy beyond the numbers
How do you choose a new accountancy practice? Do you want business advice or just clear concise numbers management? Do you want a business partner or simply a supplier of services? Do you look for a team you can trust or are you comfortable relying on just one person? Do you want a local and a global perspective?
CO N T E N T S
2 Can you do my numbers? Quickly? Accurately? 2 How do you demonstrate superior technical expertise? 4 How will working ‘beyond the numbers’ help my business? 6 Can you take care of my business overseas? 8 What’s your day-to-day commitment to my business? 10 If clients have the last word, what do they say about us? 13 What’s at the heart of Hayes Knight culture? 14 Who’s who at Hayes Knight? 16 A close-up on our Directors
Hayes Knight is an innovative chartered accountancy practice that works beyond the numbers to keep our clients’ businesses future fit. Our primary role is to improve your life by helping you grow your wealth and protect your assets.
This document is designed to help provide answers to the tough questions you need to ask before selecting a new accountancy practice.
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Can you do my numbers? Quickly? Accurately? With a highly experienced and energetic team of accountants across Parnell, Albany and Newmarket offices, Hayes Knight offers a full suite of services.
B u siness A dv iso r y S e r v ices
+ Accounting and compliance + Company formation and statutory maintenance + Payroll + Monthly or quarterly financial and KPI reporting + Trust management + Business improvement Ta x ation + Specialist tax consulting + Tax effective structuring + Tax risk management + Assisting with IRD audits + Domestic and international tax advice + Tax due diligence + Preparation and filing of various tax returns + + + +
Au dit and A ss u r ance Statutory audit Limited scope audits Review assignments Systems reviews
How do you demonstrate superior technical expertise? A clear endorsement of the quality of our work is our involvement as both leaders and tutors in the broader industry. We regularly present on behalf of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) and others, both here in New Zealand and internationally. Particularly popular are our presentations focusing on business succession and our technical accounting, tax and audit updates. We create tools and resources for accountants on behalf of Brookers, including the Brookers Practical Auditing Manual, Tax Examples and Scenarios and other resource packages for accountants. As authors, people regularly seek our opinion on topical matters. We are frequent commentators in the media on respective issues that impact businesses. Visit hayesknight.co.nz/register to subscribe to our publications. Our practical Business Improvement workshops, Tax workshops and Succession Planning seminars are highly regarded and regularly booked out. Our Directors are regular guest presenters for a number of educational institutions, business support organisations and economic development agencies. Hayes Knight is an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) and runs technical training sessions for our own people through the Hayes Knight Academy.
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What is Knowledge Shop? Perhaps the best example of our innovative technical expertise is the work we do for other accountants via Knowledge Shop. An online network for accounting practitioners around the country, Knowledge Shop is a successful subsidiary company of Hayes Knight. For accountancy practices around New Zealand, Knowledge Shop provides a help desk, access to Hayes Knight’s knowledge bank of tools and resources, monthly newsletters and quarterly training. See knowledgeshop.co.nz for more information.
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How will working ‘beyond the numbers’ help my business?
Sustainable Business Consulting Sustainability is more than a buzzword for business. More and more organisations are waking up to the need to
Business can change fast and the numbers are only a part of the game plan. We work closely with our clients
implement sustainable strategies within their business.
to add rigour to their business planning.
Sustainable business consulting can work in partnership
The ultimate aim of all business planning ‘beyond the
ensure long term success. Visit hayesknight.co.nz to find
numbers’ is improvement.
out more.
with you to develop and implement strategies that
Here are some of the ways we can assist you ‘beyond the numbers’: + Rather than just work the numbers, we interpret them. By teaching you to understand them, you are better equipped to make bold and powerful financial decisions. + Our contacts are your contacts and some of them will be able to positively influence your business. + We can negotiate on your behalf. + We can help you plan for your business’ next step and then help you implement it. + We don’t wait for instructions. It’s in our DNA to be at all times proactive; we regularly bring ideas to you. Here are some of the Business Improvement tools Hayes Knight clients can access: + + + +
Business and strategic planning Business appraisal and due diligence Business valuations Succession planning
+ + + + +
Financial projections and cash flow forecasts Business turnaround management Profit improvement and business growth Corporate governance Business improvement seminars and training
+ + + +
Mergers and acquisitions Financial health checks Strategic marketing plans Sustainable business consulting
Succession Planning Our business publication, Succeed, has generated a loyal following. The magazine tackles prominent social and business issues particularly around succession planning and transition of ownership. Using a combination of real life case studies and practical tools and advice, businesses have been able to implement strategies to improve their business. View these publications and other articles at succeed.net.nz
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Can you take care of my business overseas? Think global. Act local. While we can’t claim authorship of this fantastic phrase, we certainly live by it. As well as our close association with the Hayes Knight Group in Australia, we have a number of robust international connections. Here is an overview of the global resource available to our clients:
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H ay es K ni g ht Au st r a l asia
M o r ison I nte r nationa l
Wo r l dwide B u siness N etwo r ks
Hayes Knight NZ is an independent member of the Hayes Knight Group. Formed in 1996, the Hayes Knight Group has offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin.
Hayes Knight NZ is affiliated with Morison International Group, which is a global association of independent firms, represented in over 270 cities around the world. These firms work together to service the cross border needs of our clients. As a member of Morison International, we can advise you globally, liaising with Morison International members on your behalf.
Finding professional advisers who understand your requirements in a foreign territory can be very time consuming. Ideally your accountancy practice has the right connections with the right expertise and local knowledge to work with you as part of your team. Our members can meet many of your requirements in setting up or developing successful businesses abroad, such as accountancy, taxation, company law, audit, company formation, employment legislation, management information and data processing systems, corporate finance, business mergers, acquisitions and sales, joint ventures and strategic and business planning.
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What’s your day-to-day commitment to my business? It’s easy to get it right once or twice a year. The real
For a contemporary accountancy practice, we’re old
champions of business are those that achieve the highest
fashioned about service. So much so, we’ve committed
quality professional services day in and day out.
our fundamental principles to paper.
At Hayes Knight, our size provides us with a genuine advantage when it comes to the day-to-day issues;
When you come to us, you will not be kept waiting any
we’re big enough to provide high quality resource across
longer than three minutes for an appointment providing
business of any scale, but small enough to remain agile and swift with our turnaround times. We can react quickly to changing market conditions and ensure our clients consistently steal the march on their competitors.
you are on time. If we don’t meet this promise, the first hour of our time will be free.
Our size also allows us to keep it personal. An intimate understanding of your business can only be achieved by getting to know you and how you like to work.
We will return your phone calls within two working hours, sooner if possible. At Hayes Knight, direct access to a Client Service Director is always possible. We understand that you are the sole judge of our performance. If anything we do lets you down, we respect absolutely your right to withhold the fee.
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If clients have the last word, what do they say about us?
“Hayes Knight has been our accountant since we started in business in 1998. While the beans get counted regularly
“Thanks to monthly meetings with Hayes Knight, we anticipated the downturn and took corrective action that included changing our business model and finding a new bank with larger and more flexible funding lines.
“Hayes Knight came to us with the idea of adding a new service line to the business. The result has been a highly
in a very professional manner, it is the extra services, information and training opportunities that we receive
"The audit reports presented by Hayes Knight have
that make all the difference. We get invited to relevant information and training sessions and have
questions or debate. Hayes Knight has advised Property Council on a number of successful business initiatives
one-on-one sessions with them on a regular basis
that have made significant improvements to how our
to discuss our monthly accounts and look for future business opportunities.
organisation approaches banking and accountancy.
been approved at our annual general meetings without
A memorable meeting was when Hayes Knight advised
Following your advice, we have now integrated our Branch and National Office banking systems, saving
us that if we were to change the financial structure of our business we would save several thousand dollars a year, every year. How often do you get this advice?
time and money. Hayes Knight also advised the Property Council to renew our treasury functions. We have done this and are now maximising our returns.
We don’t see them as just our accountants, it’s like they’re actually part of our business.”
profitable and sustainable new revenue source that’s seen us grow 30 per cent a year, compared to just three per cent for the industry. This is just one of the many successful changes overseen by Hayes Knight; others include the acquisition of two companies, creating a Wellington office, a generational succession strategy and renegotiating bank finance. Hayes Knight gets right into the heart of business development. We could go anywhere to get accounting advice but after 10 years of working with them, what I get cannot be bottled.”
Hayes Knight acts as a business consultant and mentor, helping us think outside the square and keeping us accountable. Everyone you come in contact with at Hayes Knight treats you professionally and has a smile on their face.”
The auditors at Hayes Knight have developed a close working relationship with our organisation. This has enabled the Property Council to audit our accounts in a smooth and timely manner. We highly recommend Hayes Knight to any business that requires accounting services."
P hi l Geo r g e
C h r is M ac l ean
N e v i l l e D odds
C onna l Townsend
In the 10 years since starting, we’ve worked with Hayes Knight to create not just a series of contracting jobs, but a genuine business. For example, they encouraged us to set a revenue target of $1 million per month, which I never imagined was possible. But then they showed us how we could involve staff to achieve the goal, which we did and then had a major party to celebrate.
Managing Director , Rockhard Civil and Drainage
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CEO, Maclean Computing
Managing Director , OMNI Products
Chief Executive, Propert y Council New Zealand
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What’s at the heart of Hayes Knight culture? For all our professional achievements, it’s our culture
We are also committed to investing heavily in our local
we’re most proud of.
communities through holding various community
We are restlessly committed to helping our people
positions as well as sponsorship. We are proud to be associated with supporting excellence and emerging
flourish in an environment rich with possibilities. The industry training requirement for accountants is a structured 20 hours per year. But we insist on a minimum
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talent as well as promoting business excellence and community facilities such as the North Harbour Stadium.
of 60 hours per year. We deliver this through our own Hayes Knight Training Academy. Training is personally
Hayes Knight also acts for a wide variety of not for profit organisations. We help them succeed through applying
tailored to fit each individual’s level and aspirations.
business principles and managing their finances so they can fulfil their charitable vision.
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Who’s who at Hayes Knight?
LEE ANDERSON
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YULINE LITTLE
SCOTT TRAVIS
BRUCE MELLOR
MATTHEW BELLINGHAM
CRAIG FISHER
NIGEL WILDE
Aaron Wallace
PHIL BARLOW
PETER GRAY
TRISTAN DEAN
LUKE VAN DEN HURK
COLIN HENDERSON
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A close-up on our Directors C r aig Fishe r
Co lin H ende r son
N ig e l Wi lde
Lu ke van den H u r k
Chairman of Hayes Knight New Zealand, Craig Fisher joined the firm in 1993 after previously working in New Zealand, London and Japan and has been a Director since early 1996. Craig chairs the Hayes Knight Management Board and is one of our three Audit Directors. He also represents Hayes Knight New Zealand internationally in our Australasian and wider international affiliations. Craig has considerable audit experience across a wide variety of clients spanning commercial clients, including listed companies and issuers, not-for-profit organisations and schools. Craig was awarded a Fellowship in 2007 by the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA), is co-author of the Practical Auditing Manual, a regular contributor to industry publications and presenter of accounting and audit related seminars nationwide. He is a member of the Government’s Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (NZAuASB) and was formerly Chairman of the NZICA Professional Standards Board from 2001 to 2008, where he represented New Zealand internationally in the setting of audit and assurance standards. He is on the committee of the NZICA Not-for-Profit Special Interest Group and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Colin Henderson joined Hayes Knight as an Audit Director in 2003, having previously spent 10 years with a large international Chartered Accounting Firm. Colin is a skilled auditor with almost 20 years’ experience in statutory audits, limited reviews, internal audits, risk consulting, due diligence, process and controls assurance. Colin works across New Zealand's SME sector, including several small listed entities and issuers, not-for-profit entities and privately owned entities. Colin is proactive in assisting his clients meet their required disclosure and regulatory requirements; whilst quickly identifying any financial issues that may impact them. Colin also works with clients to add value to their business through improved controls and good governance practices. Colin sits on the Hayes Knight Management Board and jointly leads the Audit Team.
Nigel Wilde commenced his Chartered Accounting career in 1981 and has gained valuable experience with leading Chartered Accounting firms. He spent time overseas working in commerce and the profession in Australia, the United Kingdom and Bermuda. He joined Hayes Knight in 1995 and was made a Director in 1999. Nigel’s strengths lie in his ability to build a rapport with his clients, gaining an in-depth knowledge of their financial affairs. He brings his experience to a diverse range of long standing clients providing financial and management accounting, business advisory, tax advice and planning, projections and funding proposals, business restructuring, trust affairs and IT and systems reviews.
Luke van den Hurk joined the firm in 1987, becoming an Associate in 1996 and a Director in 2004. He has expertise in business structuring, tax planning, financial modelling including cash flow forecasting, management accounting, trusts and estate planning and succession planning. Given Luke’s strong analytical and technical skills, he regularly consults with a broad range of clients on these matters. Luke prides himself on excellent service delivery and developing a relationship of honesty and trust with his clients. Luke is a member of the Hayes Knight Tax Team and regular attendee at the NZICA Trusts Special Interest Group.
Chairman, Audit Director
A aron Wall ace
Business Improvement Director
Aaron Wallace joined Hayes Knight in 1994 and quickly gained experience across a diverse range of accounting and advisory disciplines. Aaron has been a Director since 2006 and leads our Business Improvement Team. Aaron’s previous roles have included auditing, where he assisted clients implement best practice controls, and two years outside of public practice in a financial management leadership role of a FTSE listed entity. During his career Aaron has learnt to understand and appreciate the practical issues facing business owners; developing expertise in the areas of due diligence, business valuations, wealth creation, succession planning and financial modelling. Aaron is a member of the Institute of Directors and brings a sound knowledge of good governance practices to his clients. He is regularly invited to share his knowledge through various business publications and public speaking roles. Aaron specialises in working with clients operating in the manufacturing, food and beverage, healthcare, viticulture and construction sectors.
B r u ce M e llo r
Business Advisory Director
Bruce Mellor became a Director of Hayes Knight in 1976 and is a member of the firm’s Management Board. He has considerable expertise in business assessment, business development, appropriate structuring, valuation of business entities and mediation. Bruce’s longstanding corporate clients appreciate his commercial approach and his contribution to their strategic direction, planning and growth. Passionate about the creation of wealth, Bruce acts for a number of high wealth individuals and families.
Audit Director
Business Advisory Director
Audit Director
A Director of Hayes Knight since 2004, Lee Anderson jointly manages our Audit Team. Lee has particular expertise in limited reviews, statutory audits, school audits and other tertiary education institution audits. As well as being responsible for the audit of one of our listed companies, Lee also has considerable experience in auditing a wide range of manufacturing, property holding, health sector, not-for-profit and importer/distributor entities. Lee co-authors the Hayes Knight Newsletter for Schools and is in charge of managing the busy annual schools audit period from March to May, when we audit approximately 150 schools.
Matthew B e llin g ham
CEO, Business Improvement Director
Starting as a graduate in 1992, Matthew Bellingham has been a Director since 1997. In February 2010 Matthew was appointed the first CEO for Hayes Knight New Zealand and is responsible for the day-to-day operations and the strategic direction of the firm. Matthew is also the Managing Director of Knowledge Shop NZ Ltd. He has experience in planning, negotiation, valuation, mergers and acquisitions, business growth and financial restructuring, business restructuring and corporate governance. Matthew sits on several boards as an adviser and prides himself on being an extension of his clients’ businesses. Matthew is Chairman of the NZICA Public Practice Advisory Board, which is the national board that is responsible for advising NZICA on all matters in respect of accountants in public practice. He is also Chairman of Judges for the Auckland North Business Awards, a trustee of North Harbour Stadium, Vice President of the North Harbour Club and was the Chairperson of the Albany Business Association from 2003 to 2008. Matthew is regularly invited to speak at business seminars and authors business assistance articles for a number of publications.
Pete r G r ay
Business Advisory Director
Phi l Bar low Tax Director
Lee Ande r son
Business Advisory Director
Phil Barlow joined Hayes Knight in 2007 as Director of our Tax Team, coming from Ernst & Young. Having specialised in tax for more than 18 years, Phil has considerable expertise in tax effective structuring, tax risk management, assisting with IRD audits, domestic and international tax advice and tax due diligence. Throughout his career, Phil has worked with many clients across a broad spectrum of industries; ranging from small to medium size businesses through to large multinational companies. Phil has also assisted the key stakeholders in these businesses with their own personal tax obligations. Phil manages the day to day operations of Knowledge Shop NZ Ltd and regularly presents on topical tax issues for the Knowledge Shop, NZICA and other Auckland Chartered Accountancy firms. Within NZICA, Phil is Chair of the Auckland Branch Operational Tax Liaison Group, a member of the Auckland Branch Tax Committee and a member of the Auckland Public Practice Committee.
Scott Tr avis
Business Advisory Director
Scott Travis joined Hayes Knight in 2002 and has been a Director since 2006. Scott was closely involved in the development of the Hayes Knight Tax Team and has particular experience in the areas of taxation planning and advice. Scott also has expertise in the areas of business structuring, business development and business sale and acquisition; including preparing a business for sale, due diligence and valuations. Scott works closely with clients across a range of industries including horticulture, manufacturing, technology, service and franchise sectors. An active member of the Franchise Association of New Zealand, Scott is passionate about helping franchise businesses grow and improve performance. He is also part of the franchise industry leadership group which was involved in establishing New Zealand’s first biannual franchise survey.
Peter Gray joined Hayes Knight in 1986 and was made a Director in 1995. Since then he has worked for a diverse range of clients including housing, construction, land development, property investment, specialist IT companies and IT developers and implementers. Peter has particular expertise in business development, taxation law, income tax, tax restructuring and tax planning assignments. Peter actively supports his local school through his membership of the school’s Board of Trustees.
Tr istan D ean
Business Advisory Director
Tristan Dean joined Hayes Knight in 1995 and has been a Director since 2000. Tristan works closely with a broad range of clients with specialised knowledge in the technology, food manufacturing and health sectors. Tristan has expertise in the areas of tax, business restructuring, forecasting, offshore expansions, negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, business valuations and business development. A regular presenter at Knowledge Shop training sessions, Tristan has presented for NZICA on the topics of business restructuring and business ethics. Tristan sits on the Hayes Knight Management Board.
Y u line Little
Business Advisory Director
Yuline Little joined Hayes Knight in 1984 and was introduced as a Director in 1998. Yuline is responsible for a number of clients in the areas of property rental, manufacturing, importing and property management. She regularly attends Board meetings for a number of these larger clients. Yuline’s areas of expertise include tax compliance, monthly accounts, trust accounting and budgeting and cash flow services. Yuline is a strong advocate for the development of women in business, encouraging female clients and team members to succeed in the challenges of today’s society.
For more detail on each of our directors, visit hayesknight.co.nz/about-us/our-people
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