Businesses across Wellington Central, Thorndon, and surrounding suburbs rely on professional accounting support to navigate complex financial obligations. Long & Cowan Chartered Accountants have established themselves as a Wellington accountant resource for small to medium enterprises seeking accurate record-keeping and strategic guidance. Their team combines technical expertise with practical business understanding, ensuring clients receive advice that translates directly into improved financial outcomes.
Operating from their Lambton Quay office, they serve a diverse client base spanning trades, retail, hospitality, professional services, and property investment sectors. Their approach centres on building long-term relationships rather than transacting isolated services. Each client receives dedicated account management, allowing for continuity and deeper understanding of individual business contexts. This model proves particularly valuable for growing enterprises that require consistent financial oversight as they expand operations.
Their principal, Ben Stockbridge, brings nearly five decades of accounting and administrative experience to the practice. His qualifications include Chartered Accountant designation, Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, and membership in professional bodies including Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. This depth of experience informs the firm’s methodology, blending traditional accounting rigour with modern cloud-based systems. Clients benefit from both established professional standards and contemporary technological efficiency.
The firm maintains certifications as a Xero Gold Partner and MYOB Specialist, positioning them to support businesses using either platform. They handle implementation, system optimisation, and staff training for these cloud accounting systems. This technical capability complements their traditional accounting services, allowing clients to modernise their financial management while maintaining professional oversight. For businesses transitioning from manual processes or legacy software, this dual competency proves particularly valuable.
Their service offering covers statutory requirements including annual financial statements, tax return preparation, and GST compliance. They also manage payroll processing, ensuring adherence to PAYE and KiwiSaver obligations. Body corporate accounting represents another specialised area, with the firm serving multiple Wellington property developments. This breadth of capability means clients can consolidate their financial services under one provider, simplifying coordination and reducing administrative burden.
Whether businesses require a Wellington accountant for routine compliance or strategic financial planning, the practice serves notable concentrations of clients in Kelburn, Karori, Crofton Downs, Te Aro, and Wadestown. Their geographic focus on Wellington allows them to understand regional business conditions, regulatory environments specific to local government requirements, and industry dynamics particular to the capital region. This localised knowledge enhances the relevance of their advisory work, as recommendations reflect actual market conditions rather than generic business principles.
Taxation represents a significant concern for Wellington enterprises, particularly those managing multiple income streams or offshore investments. Long & Cowan Chartered Accountants provide specialised support for Foreign Investment Fund reporting, an area requiring detailed knowledge of international tax treaties and income calculation methodologies. Property investors with overseas assets often face complex reporting obligations, and the firm navigates these requirements systematically. Their experience with multi-jurisdiction taxation helps clients maintain compliance while understanding their actual tax positions.
The practice recognises that many business owners lack clarity around their obligations under New Zealand tax law. They explain income tax requirements for businesses and organisations in accessible terms, removing jargon that often obscures understanding. Their tax planning work focuses on legitimate minimisation strategies, examining business structures, timing of income recognition, and available deductions. This proactive approach differs from reactive compliance, where opportunities for tax efficiency get missed due to lack of advance planning.
Cash flow management challenges affect businesses across all sectors, from retail operations in Te Aro to construction companies serving the wider Wellington region. The firm provides budgeting services and financial forecasting that allow business owners to anticipate shortfalls before they become critical. They assist with loan applications by preparing comprehensive financial documentation that meets lender requirements. Banks and financial institutions require specific formats and supporting analysis, and the firm’s experience with these processes streamlines approval timelines. Businesses utilising cash flow forecasting tools benefit from professional oversight that validates assumptions and identifies risks.
Starting a new business involves numerous administrative and financial decisions. The firm advises on appropriate business structures, considering factors including liability protection, tax efficiency, and administrative complexity. They handle company registration, Inland Revenue Department setup, and initial compliance requirements. For sole traders considering incorporation, they provide comparative analysis showing tax implications and ongoing obligations under each structure. This guidance proves valuable during the establishment phase, when founders often juggle operational demands alongside financial administration.
Their body corporate accounting service addresses the specific needs of Wellington residential developments. They prepare monthly invoices, compile annual financial statements, and support property transfers with required documentation. Board meetings receive financial reporting that members can understand without accounting backgrounds. This transparency helps body corporate committees make informed decisions about levies, maintenance programmes, and reserve fund management. Several prominent Wellington developments rely on their services, reflecting confidence in their sector expertise.
Technology integration forms a core component of their service delivery. As a Wellington accountant practice with Xero Gold Partner status, they guide businesses through cloud accounting adoption. Implementation includes chart of accounts configuration, bank feed setup, and workflow optimisation. Staff training ensures internal teams can manage day-to-day transactions effectively, while the firm retains oversight through monthly review processes. This model balances client autonomy with professional quality control. Businesses using MYOB receive comparable support, with the firm managing payroll configurations and system integrations.
GST return filing and payment requirements create administrative burden for many small businesses. The firm handles GST calculations, return preparation, and submission through integrated systems. For businesses operating near registration thresholds, they provide advice on whether voluntary registration offers advantages. Input tax credit optimisation ensures businesses claim all legitimate deductions, reducing overall GST liability. Their systematic approach to GST compliance minimises audit risk and ensures timely filing.
Payroll processing requires attention to employment law, tax regulations, and leave entitlements. The firm manages these calculations, ensuring PAYE deductions, KiwiSaver contributions, and ACC levies get processed correctly. They stay current with legislative changes affecting employment obligations, protecting clients from non-compliance penalties. For businesses expanding their workforce, this service removes complexity from the hiring process, allowing owners to focus on operational management rather than payroll mechanics.
Advisory services extend beyond compliance work to encompass strategic business planning. They provide benchmarking analysis that compares client performance against industry standards, identifying areas for improvement. Growth strategy discussions examine pricing structures, cost management, and revenue diversification opportunities. For established businesses considering expansion, they model financial implications of different scenarios, supporting informed decision-making. This Wellington accountant approach treats financial management as a strategic tool rather than merely a compliance obligation, helping businesses achieve sustainable growth trajectories.