Dunedin, New Zealand  ·  Serving clients nationwide


Step Ahead Accounting Keeping You a Step Ahead

An online, boutique chartered accounting firm for New Zealand business owners and investors.
Big-firm capability. Small-firm personality. Transparent pricing.

10+

Best Results

Over a decade of accounting expertise and optimised tax planning.

CA

Service Focused

Chartered Accountants delivering big-firm capability with small-firm personality.

$

Value Based

A cost-effective firm that saves time, money, and eliminates stress.

NZ

Nationwide

Dunedin based, our process allows us to serve clients across New Zealand.

Managing Director Stephen Ryan of Step Ahead Accounting interviewed by Xero for The Tune-Up in November 2021

Managing Director Stephen Ryan interviewed by Xero for "The Tune-Up" – November 2021

About Us

An Industry Leader You Can Actually Talk To

Step Ahead Accounting was founded by Stephen Ryan following a senior leadership role at one of the largest accounting firms in the world. He envisioned a firm that blends the high quality and efficient service of a big city firm with the warm and friendly feel of a small local firm.

We have delivered seminars at national accounting conferences, been featured at international conventions, hosted high-impact webinars, and lectured at universities. We are trusted not just by clients, but by peers, academics, and regulators.

But our industry recognition is only part of the story. What matters most is how this expertise translates into real-world results for the people we work with. For example, Step Ahead Accounting saved a client over $27,000 by changing the way Inland Revenue interpret the legislation governing the taxing date of employee share schemes, an incredible achievement that Inland Revenue published in the Technical Decision Summary 24/24, and the Tax Information Bulletin, February 2025.

Xero Certified Partner MYOB Certified Partner Amotai Registered Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand Member

Director Stephen Ryan presenting the Accountant's Report at the AGM of Te Rangitane o Wairau in January 2023

Director Stephen Ryan presenting the Accountant's Report at the AGM of Te Rangitāne o Wairau – January 2023

Who We Work With

Specialists in the Clients We Serve

Whether your accounting and tax needs are simple or complex, Step Ahead Accounting has the specialist expertise to keep you a step ahead.

Business Owners

Whether you are launching your first venture or scaling an established enterprise, we provide the strategic financial support you need to stay a Step Ahead at every stage of your journey.


We partner with New Zealand business owners across three stages of the business lifecycle:


Stage One: New Businesses
Stage one is about getting the fundamentals put in place right the first time. Whether it's talking structuring, setting up Xero, or filing your first GST return, we're here to help see you through the make or break years by advising the best way forward that will set you up for long term success.


Stage Two: Small Businesses
Stage two is about the transition from surviving to thriving. You know your business can support you financially, so this stage is all about defining what success looks like for you and working towards that. Whether you're looking to scale up your operation, free up time to spend with family, or wind-down to prepare for retirement, having the right support around you can be the difference you need to reach your goals.


Stage Three: Medium Businesses
Stage three is about managing an operation at scale. You've got customers, suppliers, staff, banks, business partners, kids, and your spouse all wanting a piece of you, but there's only so much time in the day. The stress and pressure of juggling all the different balls in the air is a heavy weight to carry alone. We ensure that your accounting is a tool for freedom and not another source of stress, giving you back the mental space to be present for your business and your family.

Investors

From residential landlords navigating interest deductibility rules to FIF investors calculating Fair Dividend Rate versus Comparative Value, we handle the technical complexity so you can focus on growing your portfolio.

  • Residential and commercial property investors
  • Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) specialists
  • Cryptocurrency tax compliance
  • Overseas shares, bonds, and precious metals
Public Benefit Entities

Managing a non-profit or community organisation comes with tiered reporting obligations. We specialise in Tier 3 and Tier 4 entities, delivering audit-ready annual reports at a community-conscious price point.

  • Tier 3 and Tier 4 entities
  • Organisations with expenses between $50k and $5m
  • XRB-compliant Performance Reports
  • NFP standard updates and recent changes
Law Firms

We partner with law firms to provide seamless, high-precision accounting for deceased estates and trusts. Our lean, systemised process delivers with unbeatable efficiency so your clients get a faster, more cost-effective experience.

  • Deceased estate accounting
  • Trust financial statements
  • Fast turnaround times
  • Highest professional standards
How It Works

A Simple, Stress-Free Process

Whether you're switching from another accountant or starting fresh, the process is straightforward. An initial consultation is always complimentary.

Switching Accountants
1
Getting to Know You

Email, phone, video call, or face-to-face in Dunedin – all complimentary. We take the time to understand you and your accounting needs before anything else.

2
Onboarding

We send an Engagement Letter and authority to act as your IRD tax agent. We then contact your previous accountant directly to collect your records so you don't need to do anything.

3
Review

We review the information from your previous accountant and your IRD filings to confirm everything aligns with the agreed scope. If anything needs addressing, we discuss it with you now.

4
Preparation, Work & Filing

We compile your statements and returns, work through queries, present a draft for review, obtain electronic signatures, and file with IRD.

New to an Accountant
1
Getting to Know You

Email, phone, video call, or face-to-face in Dunedin – all complimentary. We take the time to understand you and your accounting needs before anything else.

2
Onboarding

We send an Engagement Letter and complete any AML requirements. If you need accounting software, we'll set up Xero or MYOB. We then notify IRD and ACC and you're officially a client.

3
Review

We review your IRD filings to make sure everything aligns with the agreed scope. If there's anything missing or additional, we'll discuss it with you upfront.

4
Preparation, Work & Filing

We compile your statements and returns, work through queries, present a draft for review, obtain electronic signatures, and file with IRD.

Client Stories

What Our Clients Say

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FAQ

Common Questions

Where is Step Ahead Accounting based?

Step Ahead Accounting is based in Dunedin, New Zealand. Our fully online process means we work with business owners and investors across the country, not just locally.

What types of clients does Step Ahead Accounting work with?

We work with business owners (sole traders, companies, partnerships, and trusts), investors (residential, commercial, and FIF), public benefit entities, and law firms requiring estate and trust accounting.

Does Step Ahead Accounting specialise in FIF tax?

Yes. We specialise in the Foreign Investment Fund regime, including calculating the most tax-efficient method between Fair Dividend Rate and Comparative Value, and managing the $50,000 de minimis threshold.

How do I switch from my current accountant?

After an initial complimentary consultation we contact your previous accountant directly to collect your records. You do not need to contact your old accountant yourself at any point if you don't want to.

Does Step Ahead Accounting work with Xero and MYOB?

Yes. Step Ahead Accounting is a certified partner of both Xero and MYOB, New Zealand's two most widely used accounting platforms.

Do you offer transparent, upfront pricing?

Yes. Use our free Instant Estimate Calculator to get an indicative monthly or annual fee before committing to anything. You can pay on a discounted annual rate or monthly for easy budgeting.

Aerial view of Dunedin city from the hills, home of Step Ahead Accounting, serving New Zealand nationwide
Dunedin  ·  New Zealand