Customer Story: Pro Pour Concrete Systems Limited
Owned and managed by Dan Vessey, Pro Pour Concrete Pumps provide a concrete pumping service using a concrete boom pump. The truck mounted hydraulic pump transfers liquid concrete through a series of hydraulic powered articulating arms and pipes to locations that a standard concrete truck can’t easily access. Dan and Pro Pour Concrete Pumps have a reputation in the commercial concrete industry for being experienced and knowledgeable with well-maintained equipment. Dan prides himself on clear and effective communication, a crucial skill when working in fast paced and potentially hazardous commercial construction sites.
Playing to his strengths
When he set up Pro Pour Concrete Pumps, Dan was aware that accounting was not his strongest skill and planned from the start to find a reliable accountancy service provider who would be persistent, structured and ensure the financial side of his business was run the right way. He was looking specifically for a professional with experience in small New Zealand businesses who was engaged and genuine. Dan found Diane and Spectrum Accounting through a mutual personal contact and hasn’t looked back.
“What I have found with Spectrum Accounting is that I sleep better. I think more clearly and I can plan better. There is a whole section of stress removed from my day-to-day now that I have Diane and Jacquie helping me with my books and planning”
The Spectrum Accounting difference
When Spectrum Accounting started working with Dan and Pro Pour Concrete Pumps the first thing they did was to strip everything back and rebuild Dan’s financial structure and processes to ensure every element was as clear and easy to maintain as possible. Dan has been impressed by their industry experience, knowledge, structure, planning and exceptional communication.
“Spectrum Accounting work with an approach that is catered to the needs of my business. If there is anything that needs urgent attention, they are right there to alert me and help me sort it out. From transaction reconciling to extensive statistics and data collection to form an overview of financial health and performance – they have me covered, and I am very appreciative.”
Spectrum Accounting assist Pro Pour Concrete Pumps with:
- Tax compliance and GST preparation
- Day-to-day bookkeeping
- Financial planning
- Regular reports
“I feel as if I am their only client in the manner they work with me, I feel like my business is focused on, never forgotten or put to the bottom of the list like larger accountancy groups.”
If you need some help getting your books in order, talk to Spectrum Accounting today.
Customer Story: Paula Apparel 2020 Limited – How outsourcing bookkeeping has helped their business
Paula Apparel 2020 Limited manufacture, wholesale and retail the iconic PAULA RYAN Brand, which was established 25 years ago. PAULA RYAN is known in Australasia for its high-end womenswear and luxury fabrics. They have a strong and highly respected reputation in the New Zealand fashion industry for their premium, classic contemporary styling with a European flavour. The PAULA RYAN Products are sold direct to the public throughout New Zealand and Australia through online, independent retail stockists such as Smith & Caughey’s, Ballantynes, and their own Northwest flagship store.
Outsourcing made sense
In 2020, then General Manager Ben MacMillan bought the business and became Managing Director. Ben saw a need for an external contractor to offer the in-house team additional support as required. He wanted on-call access to expert accountancy knowledge and support to the day-to-day bookkeeping of the business, without the commitment of adding another permanent employee.
Ben also saw this as an opportunity to strengthen and streamline their financial processes, by focusing on accounts payable/receivable in-house and outsourcing the tax obligations, quarterly financials and end or year accounts. He also wanted the peace of mind which comes from an expert, independent financial oversight ensuring that all financial records are kept up to date and accurate. Outsourcing was the logical decision.
Enter Spectrum Accounting
Spectrum Accounting became involved with Paula Apparel 2020 Limited in 2020 after being referred by their previous accountancy company.
Since then, Diane and her team have
- Managed tax obligations and GST
- Prepared the annual accounts
- Provided quarterly reports
- Overseen the accuracy of records with regular auditing
- Offered recommendations and assistance streamlining current processes and implementing new processes
- Provided support and assistance for any queries that the in-house team might have.
- Assisted with transaction processing in Xero to alleviate pressure on the in-house team
Looking to the future
Ben describes the relationship of Paula Apparel 2020 Limited and Spectrum Accounting as “a very productive working relationship” and one that he knows will continue long term.
In his words, “Diane is an asset to the business, she works in very well with our needs and timelines, we find her trustworthy, reliable and accurate.”
If you think that outsourcing could be the right fit for your business, talk to Spectrum Accounting today.
Customer Story: Edith Amituanai Artist
Acclaimed photographer and Arts Educator Edith Amituanai has been described by fellow photographer Haruhiko Saemshima as a “catalyst bringing art into communities and communities into art”. Her contemporary photography has won multiple awards including the Marti Friedlander Photographic Award 2007, the Trust Waikato National Contemporary Art Award and the Martin Hughes Contemporary Pacific Art Award.
Located in Auckland, New Zealand, much of Edith’s photography focuses on her local community and in particular the Pasifika community of which she is part of. Her work has been featured in many exhibitions around New Zealand and in 2018 she created a book Keep On Kimi Ora in collaboration with Kimi Ora Primary School in Flaxmere, New Zealand.
Art and Accounts
Like many artists, Edith’s business income comes from multiple sources and can be sporadic. She found herself with a growing business, needing help understanding both her financial position and her tax and GST obligations. She also wanted to develop long term financial systems and to prepare her accounts so she could apply for a home loan.
The importance of understanding
When looking for an accountancy partner, it was important to Edith to work with someone who understood artists and knew how to make them comfortable with their finances. Fellow artist, Nikau Hindin recommended that Edith talk to Diane and Spectrum Accounting who had first-hand experience working with artists as well as many other self-employed contractors in similar positions.
The Spectrum Accounting Experience
Diane and the team from Spectrum Accounting began working with Edith soon after. They started by setting up Edith’s accounts in Xero and establishing some financial systems for her business. They helped her meet her tax obligations and prepared her accounts so that she could successfully apply for the home loan she was wanting.
Edith still wanted to be involved in her accounts, so the team from Spectrum Accounting gave her training to understand and utilize Xero and the systems they had put in place.
“I feel very empowered by utilising the systems Spectrum Accounting has built for me.”
Now, Edith completes the parts of her accounts that she is comfortable with, while Diane and her team look after the rest.
“I now have a much clearer understanding of my finances, of how much revenue was made, expenses etc. It’s been life changing!
It means I know what I can say yes and no to, and what I areas I can develop further.”
Edith and her husband also own a rental property and Spectrum Accounting assists to manage the end of year accounts for this property.
Stamp of Approval
Edith has been very happy with the work and support she has received from Spectrum Accounting. She describes the team as prompt and great communicators and readily tells colleagues and friends about them.
“I tell many colleagues, particularly sole traders, about Diane as it has been liberating to know more about my finances, before it was very much guesswork!”
If you want to take the guesswork out of your accounts, talk to Diane and Spectrum Accounting today.