Firstmate Sets Sail For SMEs

Press release

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Firstmate Sets Sail For SMEs

Firstmate, a new nationwide online accountancy service combining the software efficiency of Xero with dedicated and expert service, has launched to sole traders, business owners and rental property investors this month.

Taking its name from the reliable officer that ensures their Captain’s orders are carried out, Firstmate is available to businesses located anywhere in New Zealand.

While Xero is already used by New Zealand business, Firstmate’s owners believe their cloud based service is unique from other accounting and book keeping providers.

Firstmate bridges the gap between book keepers and accountants by providing an end-to-end service which includes bookkeeping through to monthly management accounts, annual financial statements and income tax returns. It is a personal service delivered by a dedicated Firstmate accountant, who is a trained Firstmate licensee, with a genuine interest in their client’s business.

Terry Nicholas, Firstmate co-owner, says all financial accounts are reviewed by a chartered accountant to ensure best practice standards are being followed and client tax positions are optimised.

“Firstmate offers four packages to suit the needs of different sized businesses.  The starting package offers a Xero subscription, enabling all bank transactions to be downloaded daily, they are coded and financial statements and tax returns are completed, with tax reminders too.  Our premium package extends to one-on-one meetings, KPI and monthly management reporting.

“Every client’s end of year tax accounts are checked and signed off by our chartered accountants who support the licensees with their client’s bespoke accounting needs. If none of the four packages meets the exact needs of a business, we will customise one to work for them,” says Terry.

A chartered accountant himself, Terry says the new service would be a good option for business owners wanting to start using Xero accounting without the hassle of having to navigate new software on their own, and with the Firstmate service, the subscription is included in the monthly fee.

He says, “Small business owners and investors just want the accounting side of their business to run smoothly so they can get on with their other responsibilities.  Firstmate is designed to let them make business decisions based on timely and accurate information, so they can focus on growing their business or investment.

Base Mate starts at $149 per month.   Good Mate offers additional services and is available at $299 per month, Best Mate includes quarterly reporting at $399 per month, and the premium package, Gold Mate, starts at $499 per month. Customised packages and other consulting services are also available.

Firstmate is also looking for experienced book keepers and accountants throughout New Zealand to join as Firstmate licensees. 

Visit www.firstmate.co.nz

ENDS

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