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Accountants in Auckland - Costs, Best Firms and What You Need to Know

​Our guide lists the best accountants in Auckland for property investors, self-employed professionals and small businesses, including costs, services, and how to choose the right firm for your needs.
Updated 13 October 2025
Summary
  • Auckland's accounting landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years. While the Big Four firms dominate new Auckland office blocks (PwC and Deloitte being examples), a thriving ecosystem of mid-sized and boutique firms has emerged to serve property investors, contractors, and growing businesses with more personalised service at competitive rates.
  • Finding the right accountant in Auckland is about matching your needs with their expertise. You may need help managing GST, preparing financial statements for lenders and shareholders, you may be a property investor navigating deductible expenses, or running a small business; the difference between average and exceptional accounting support can save thousands of dollars annually.
  • This guide explains what Auckland accountants charge, which firms excel at specific services, and how to avoid common pitfalls when choosing professional support.

Our guide covers:
Know This First:
  • Hourly rates in Auckland range from $150-$350, though you'll often find better value in fixed annual packages that include everything you need
  • Property investors should budget between $800 and $2,000+ per rental property each year for proper tax management and compliance work
  • If you're self-employed or contracting, expect to invest somewhere between $1,500 and $4,000 annually in professional accounting support - the complexity of your situation drives the cost
  • Small business owners typically budget between $3,000 and $10,000 yearly for comprehensive accounting services, including strategic advice
  • While changing accountants midway through the financial year isn't impossible, it creates unnecessary complications and additional fees - taking time to find the right fit initially saves both money and problems

Understanding the Services Auckland Accountants Provide

Our view is simple - modern Auckland accounting firms function more like financial partners, developing specialised knowledge in specific industries and client situations.
This shift from compliance to advisory means the right accountant can genuinely transform your financial position rather than just reporting on it.

Today's best accountants don't just process paperwork - they actively identify opportunities and solve problems before they become expensive mistakes. Their value comes from understanding exactly which strategies work for Auckland businesses and property investors, turning that knowledge into real savings and better financial outcomes for their clients.

Typical services include:

1) Core Accounting Services
  • Every reputable Auckland firm provides fundamental services, including annual tax returns, financial statement preparation, GST returns and compliance, provisional tax calculations, and IRD correspondence management.
  • These baseline services form the foundation, but the real value lies in specialised expertise.

2) Property Investment Accounting
  • With Auckland's property market complexity, specialist property accountants help investors navigate interest deductibility rules, what's deductible (and what's not), depreciation and chattels valuations, and structuring advice for LTCs and trusts.
  • We believe that the right property accountant often identifies deductions worth 2-5 times their annual fee.

3) Self-Employed and Contractor Services
  • There is a demand for accountants who understand the needs of contractors. They provide maximisation of home office deductions, optimisation of vehicle expenses, income smoothing strategies, management of ACC levies, and transition planning from PAYE to self-employment.
  • Many offer quarterly check-ins to prevent year-end tax surprises and manage provisional tax.

4) Small Business Accounting
  • Beyond compliance, quality business accountants deliver cash flow forecasting and management, break-even analysis, pricing strategy support, expansion planning, and succession planning.
  • The best firms act as virtual CFOs, providing strategic insight alongside number-crunching.

Accountant Costs in Auckland

​Our research suggests the following costs:

Hourly Rates by Experience Level
  • Intermediate accountants (1-5 years): $150-$250 per hour
  • Senior accountants (5-10 years): $250-$350 per hour
  • Partners/Directors: $350-$500 per hour

Note: Many firms blend rates, so your actual cost averages across team members

Fixed-Fee Packages (Typical Annual Costs)

Individual Tax Returns
  • Simple PAYE only: $350-$500
  • With rental property: $800-$1,500
  • Multiple properties: $1,500-$3,000
  • Complex investments: $2,000-$4,000

Self-Employed/Contractors
  • Basic sole trader: $1,500-$2,500
  • With GST registration: $2,000-$3,500
  • Multiple income streams: $3,000-$5,000

Small Business
  • Company + 2 shareholders: $3,000-$5,000
  • Plus monthly reporting: $5,000-$8,000
  • Full-service CFO support: $8,000-$15,000

There Are Different Types of Accounting Firms - What Do I Need to Know?

​Auckland accounting firms come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own focus areas and pricing models. Understanding these differences helps you match your needs to the right type of firm:
  • Property-focused firms - Specialise exclusively in rental properties, understanding every deduction and structure available. They charge more but often pay for themselves through tax savings. Best suited for those who own multiple properties or require complex structuring advice.
  • Cloud accounting specialists - Run everything online through Xero, MYOB or similar platforms. Usually charge 15-20% less than traditional firms, and it's perfect if you want real-time access to your numbers from anywhere.
  • Traditional mid-sized firms - Established players with 10-50 staff members who've been around for decades. They offer every service under one roof, catering to businesses seeking stability and long-term relationships.
  • Contractor and freelancer specialists - These firms understand the unique needs of IT contractors, tradies, and consultants. They know every legitimate deduction in your industry and help manage irregular income flows.

How to Choose the Right Accountant

​Many people waste money hiring accountants for the wrong reasons. If you just need someone to file a basic tax return, any qualified accountant will do. But if you're juggling rental properties, running a business, or trying to structure your finances properly, you need someone who deals with your exact situation every day.
We suggest writing down your main pain points and what you want to solve - this makes things easier when you start approaching accountants.

Three questions we suggest asking:
  1. "How many clients exactly like me do you have?" - You want specifics. If they're vague or say "lots", move on. The best accountants will name a number and explain what makes those clients successful.
  2. "Who is doing the actual work?" - It's often the case that junior staff do the work - there's nothing wrong with that if seniors check everything, but you deserve to know who's handling your finances.
  3. "How fast do you work?" - Standard tax returns should take 5-10 business days max. If they're talking weeks, they're either swamped or inefficient.

What to Expect From Your Accountant

We outline the typical process below:

​Step 1: Initial Consultation (Usually Free, 30-45 minutes)
  • A quality accountant will review your current situation without judgment, identify immediate tax savings opportunities, explain their service approach and fees clearly, and provide a written engagement letter with transparent pricing. They should ask about your goals, not just your tax history.

Step 2: Onboarding Process
  • Depending on your needs and the services you require, you may need to provide 2-3 years of previous tax returns, bank statements for all accounts, investment documentation, and business records, if applicable.
  • Good firms have secure portals for document transfer and clear checklists of requirements. The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Step 3: Throughout the Year
  • Your accountant should provide proactive tax planning advice, deadline reminders well in advance, provisional tax advice, responses to queries within 48 hours, and quarterly or semi-annual check-ins for business clients.
  • The best firms educate clients rather than creating dependency.

Warning: If you experience pressure to use aggressive tax strategies, an unwillingness to provide information and explanations to simple questions, a vague fee structure (and/or the risk of unexpected charges), poor communication, or weeks-long response times to questions, we suggest reconsidering moving ahead with this accountant.

MoneyHub's Top Auckland Accountants

Our list below covers Central, East, West, North and South Auckland. We have selected these based on their established presence within Auckland's business community, specialisation areas, and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, professional directories, client testimonials, industry forums, and other sources.

Beyond standard tax returns, the accountants below all have experience with property investment portfolios, self-employed professionals, small to medium businesses, and complex tax situations. This includes rental property structures, contractor arrangements, trust management, and GST-registered businesses.

​Know this: You're not obligated to stay with your current accountant if they're not delivering value. More importantly, you don't have to use the accountant your real estate agent, mortgage broker, or business associate recommends - even if they insist it would be "easier." Shop around, ask the hard questions we've outlined in this guide, and choose based on expertise and fit, not convenience or pressure.

Lighthouse Financial

​Auckland CBD-based accounting firm specialising in property tax and fixed-fee services. Part of the integrated Lighthouse Financial Services group offering mortgages, wealth management and accounting under one roof. Our review of Lighthouse Accounting explains more.

Services include:
  • Property accounting
  • Business accounting for sole traders to large companies
  • Trust setup and management
  • LTC structures and tax planning
  • Xero integration and bookkeeping support

What makes them different: Transparent pricing on all services, property tax specialists with particular expertise in rental deductions, depreciation strategies, and interest deductibility rules. Lighthouse also run the popular Cheques and Balances podcast covering tax topics in detail.

Contact

Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants

​Ponsonby-based independent firm operating for over 20 years, with clients from Kaitaia to Invercargill plus international businesses.

Services include:
  • Business advisory and forecasting
  • Specialist tax services (local and international)
  • Annual compliance and reporting
  • Trust and investment tax planning
  • Trans-Tasman compliance

What makes them different: Partners are directly involved in client work. Offices in Auckland (and Gisborne), one hour free initial consultation.

Contact

Duncan Accounting

Chartered accounting firm serving Central Auckland, Waiheke Island, and the North Shore, with remote services nationwide. Run by Theo Duncan, a Chartered Accountant with a BCom from the University of Auckland and previous experience as a Qualified Builder.

Services:
  • Tax returns and financial statements for all entities
  • Business advisory, including cashflow forecasting and company setup
  • Rental property support and brightline advice
  • Xero and MYOB setup, training and conversion
  • Bookkeeping services (hourly or fixed pricing)

What makes them different: Fixed pricing agreed upfront for most standard engagements. The owner's background as a qualified builder provides a unique understanding of trade businesses. Strong focus on property and rental expertise. Remote service capability for clients anywhere in New Zealand.

Contact

A&A Accounting

​Auckland-based firm specialising in small business accounting and advisory services, focused on modern, tech-enabled accounting solutions.

Services include:
  • Startup accounting and company formation
  • Charity and not-for-profit accounting
  • Bookkeeping and payroll services
  • Financial and business advisory
  • Year-end financial statements and GST returns

What makes them different: Monthly package model with set costs. Strong focus on the startup ecosystem with a deep understanding of new business needs. AA Accounting also acts as a single point of contact with IRD.

Contact

Baker Accounting

​Ponsonby-based firm focusing on business growth and advisory services beyond traditional compliance.

Services include:
  • Business structuring and setup
  • Xero setup and training
  • Virtual CFO services
  • Business valuations and succession planning
  • Super Yacht tax advice
  • Financial due diligence

What makes them different: Strong focus on business coaching and growth strategies. Technology-focused approach for efficiency. Specialises in merger and acquisition support and exit strategies.

Contact

Elite Accounting

Elite Accounting is a St Johns-based chartered accountants specialising in small to medium businesses and complex tax situations and a focus on personalised service.

Services include:
  • Small business accounting and virtual CFO services
  • Tax review and IRD audit support
  • Financial supervisor services for bankruptcies
  • Industry specialisation (trades, hospitality, architects, crypto/NFT)
  • Custom packages for startups to established businesses

What makes them different: Handles complex situations, including IRD tax audits and debt management. Offers Financial Supervisor services for those needing to operate businesses while bankrupt. Experience with cryptocurrency, NFTs, shares, and forex taxation.

Contact:

Allan Chartered Accounting

Torbay-based chartered accountants serving North Shore and greater Auckland. A team with over 20 years of combined experience, also servicing clients nationwide, including as far as Invercargill.

Services include:
  • Cloud accounting implementation and management
  • Business improvement and advisory
  • Financial awareness and KPI improvement coaching
  • Cash flow management and succession planning
  • Bookkeeping and payroll services

What makes them different: Mobile service - accountants visit clients at their location. Specialises in North Shore businesses (Albany, Takapuna, Browns Bay, Rosedale, Silverdale). Offers comprehensive business coaching beyond standard compliance.

Contact

SBA Small Business Accounting (Multiple Auckland Branches)

​New Zealand's largest accounting franchise with 80+ branches nationwide, including multiple Auckland locations. 25+ years experience serving 27,000+ customers.

Services include:
  • Business accounting with monthly or annual options
  • Rental property accounting and tax
  • Franchise evaluation and accounting
  • Business advisory, including succession planning
  • Fixed monthly fees or annual pricing

What makes them different: Franchise model with standardised processes and pricing. Multiple convenient locations across Auckland. Fixed-fee structure with no hidden costs. Specialises in trades, retail, hospitality, professional services and agriculture.


Contact:

AAT Accounting

Specialist accounting practice exclusively serving the property industry since 2014. Run by Anthony Appleton-Tattersall, an active property investor with holdings throughout New Zealand.

Services include:
  • Residential property investment accounting
  • Real estate agent accounting and bookkeeping
  • Commercial property accounting
  • GST and tax compliance for property
  • Fixed monthly fees with no GST for non-registered clients

What makes them different: They only serve property industry clients, with all systems and templates custom-built for the property sector. The director is an active property investor with a firsthand understanding of the sector. AAT operates fully remotely with competitive fixed fees due to low overheads.

Contact:

nextAdvisory

Auckland-based chartered accountants positioning themselves as growth consultants and business advisors. Founded by Phil Smith and Luke Kemeys, both Chartered Accountants with extensive business experience.

Services include:
  • Business planning and strategy development
  • Ongoing business consultancy with guaranteed fees
  • Start-up, business planning, and recession-busting courses
  • Annual accounts and tax returns
  • Cash flow planning and KPI improvement
  • No surprise bills - all queries included in monthly fee

What makes them different: A focus on proactive business advisory services rather than traditional compliance. Offer online courses for self-paced learning. A monthly retainer model includes tax planning at each instalment, incidental support, and basic queries, all without additional invoicing. Direct calendar booking available for consultations.

Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

When's the best time to switch accountants if I'm unhappy with my current one?

The best time is usually right after March 31st, when your tax year ends. Your old accountant must legally release your files - you'll want to settle any outstanding fees first to keep things smooth. Your new accountant will handle the transfer process, as they do this regularly and are familiar with the necessary documents required from your previous firm.

How do I actually get value from my accountant instead of just paying for basic compliance?

The clients who win are those who treat their accountant as a business advisor, not a compliance expert. We suggest that you arrive at meetings with organised paperwork and genuine questions about your financial situation.

When they suggest strategies, actually implement them. Respond to their requests within 24 hours - your delays create rush jobs for them. Most importantly, call them before making big financial decisions, not after you've already committed.

Should I use a big-name firm or a smaller local accountant?

For most Auckland property investors and small businesses, mid-sized or boutique firms offer better value than Big Four (EY, PwC, Deloitte and KPMG). They charge less, you'll deal with senior personnel directly, and they often have deeper expertise in specific areas, such as property or contracting. The key is matching their specialty to your needs.

What's the real difference between a $500 and $2,000 accountant?

Price usually reflects complexity and expertise, not quality.
  • A $500 accountant handles straightforward PAYE returns perfectly well.
  • The $2,000 accountant manages multiple properties, understands every possible deduction, provides tax planning throughout the year, and often saves you more than their fee through strategic advice.
  • If your situation is straightforward, avoid overpaying. If it's complex, the expensive accountant often pays for themselves.​

Can I claim my accounting fees as a tax deduction?

Yes, but only the portion related to earning income. If you're self-employed or own rental properties, your accounting fees are generally fully deductible. For regular employees, you can only claim the cost of preparing the income-earning parts of your return. Your accountant should automatically factor this into your return - if they don't, ask why.

Is it worth paying extra for a property specialist accountant?

If you own more than two rentals or have complex structures, such as LTCs, trusts or companies, then you may find value in paying for an accountant. Property specialists know every legitimate deduction, understand the latest interest deductibility rules, and can structure your portfolio for maximum tax efficiency.

They typically cost 20-30% more than generalists but often identify savings worth several times their fee. One rental property? A general accountant is fine.​

Should I use accounting software or hire an accountant?

They serve different purposes. Software like Xero or MYOB tracks your day-to-day finances but won't provide strategic advice or ensure you're claiming all the benefits you're entitled to.

Most successful businesses use both software for bookkeeping and accountants for compliance and strategy. If your situation is genuinely simple (one job, no investments), software alone might suffice. Add any complexity and you need human expertise.​
Important
  • This guide reflects Auckland's accounting market based on current research and typical pricing.
  • Your specific situation will determine actual costs and requirements.
  • As always, professional advice tailored to your circumstances beats generic guidance (such as that provided by this guide).
  • Prices and services mentioned are indicative only and subject to individual firm policies.
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