Figuration

19/02/2026

As accountants and advisors to small businesses across New Zealand, we see firsthand the challenges and opportunities our clients face. As proud supporters of small businesses, we’re looking forward to hearing Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Small Business, speak at next week’s Atainz Nz Workshop about his 2026 outlook and the Government’s priorities for small business.

As Chair of Atainz Nz, Amie is pleased to help bring this discussion to the sector and share important insights with her clients.

The ATAINZ Workshop & AGM 2026 is fast approaching.

We’re excited to be joined by Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Small Business, who will share his insights on The Small Business Outlook for 2026, including the Government’s priorities and its commitment to creating the conditions for small businesses to thrive in the year ahead.

Not an ATAINZ member yet? Now is the perfect time to join and gain exclusive access to events, insights, and industry advocacy.

Visit www.atainz.co.nz to learn more.

09/02/2026

Calculating the right charge-out rate is a key part of creating a successful business. Choosing what to charge can mean the difference between a profitable business and one that won’t generate the returns you need.

But don’t let that scare you! You don’t need to be a mathematical genius to set your rates. You just need the right formula to follow.

Remember, that you can always ask for help to make sure you get your charge-out rate right. It can be hard to move that rate once your customers are used to paying it so getting your initial rate correct will help you in the long run.

If you would like some help setting your charge-out rate, then we’d love to help you here at Figuration. This will help you to create a rate that is in line with others in your industry, will allow you to pay yourself what you want, cover your costs and still have some left over.

For more information on charge-out rates, head to the blog section on our website and don't hesitate to get in touch with us for help.

E: [email protected]
www.figuration.co.nz

04/02/2026

When choosing an accountant, it’s not just about the numbers. Accountants who are members of recognised professional organisations are held to strict standards around ethics, competency, and ongoing professional development. This gives clients assurance that advice is current and compliant.

Just as importantly, professional bodies have formal complaints and disciplinary processes, providing clients with added protection that not every provider can offer.

Here at Figuration, we are proud members of ATAINZ (Accountants + Tax Agents Institute NZ) and ICNZB (Institute of Certified NZ Bookkeepers). We are a PTBA practice with ATAINZ and hold a Master Bookkeepers certification with ICNZB.

Contact us now to discuss your advisory and accountancy needs.

E: [email protected]
W: www.figuration.co.nz

29/01/2026

As Chair of Atainz Nz, Amie recently had the privilege of acting as MC at the ATAINZ workshop, helping guide conversations focused on professional standards, practical tax insights and raising the bar for the profession. She is now looking forward to being involved in the next workshop in February, where we discuss Accounting & Tax in the digital age.

For Figuration clients, this leadership role means working with an accountant who is actively involved at a national level - staying close to legislative change, best practice, and the real issues facing business owners.

27/01/2026

From 1 April, the default KiwiSaver contribution rate increases from 3% to 3.5%.

For employers, this effectively means a 0.5% increase in wage costs, making now a good time to review your budgets and cash flow before the change kicks in.

For employees, it’s worth understanding how this may impact your take-home pay and whether the default rate still suits your situation.

Changes like this are a timely reminder that small adjustments can add up. Reviewing your budget, payroll settings, and overall financial position now can help you avoid surprises later.

If you’d like support reviewing your numbers, updating your budget, or understanding how these changes affect your business, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with Figuration to have a conversation.

E: [email protected]

21/01/2026

At Figuration, we take care of the numbers so you can focus on running and growing your business. Our bookkeeping services are designed to save you time, improve efficiency and give you clearer financial insight.

Book a complimentary bookkeeping consultation with us and we’ll talk through what’s working, what’s not, and where improvements can be made. We will outline how we can support you, with upfront, fixed pricing.

Get in touch to book your free consultation.

E: [email protected]
www.figuration.co.nz

18/01/2026

Benefits of a Business Planning Session

When you’re busy running a business, it’s easy to stay focused in the business and lose sight of where it’s heading. A Business Planning Session gives you the space to step back, reflect, and focus on the business.

As Small Business Advisors, Figuration works with you to review past performance, get clear on your future direction and turn ideas into an achievable plan. Together, we’ll set realistic goals, define strategies to achieve them, and create a Business Plan that acts as your roadmap for success.

Before the session, we’ll provide pre-work to help you identify key issues and priorities. This allows us to prepare properly and ensure your time is used efficiently.

A Business Planning Session helps you to:

Review and set the direction of your business
Eliminate procrastination and gain momentum
Align director vision and common goals
Identify and prioritise key business goals
Create clear strategies and timeframes
Communicate your goals and vision with your team
Track performance against targets
Build financial forecasts with confidence

Looking for ongoing support? Our Business Success Packages are designed to help you implement best-practice solutions for long-term business and personal growth, including:

• Annual Business Planning
• Forecasting & Reporting
• Business Coaching
• Annual Accounts & Tax

Contact Figuration today to book your Business Planning Session.

www.figuration.co.nz

13/01/2026

One team, one conversation, one clear plan.

Having your accountant, bookkeeper, and business advisor working together in one place means less explaining, faster insights, and more time focused on growing your business.

Enjoy fewer meetings, less back-and-forth, and advice that understands your business as a whole.

Get in touch today by contacting [email protected].

07/01/2026

With the new year now upon us, there's no better time than to plan for your future success and create new business goals.

Many business owners spend so much time in the day-to-day that they rarely step back to focus on the bigger picture. But working on your business is essential if you want sustainable growth and freedom.

Here are 5 key activities that make the difference:

- Prepare a business plan and update it annually (ideally at year-end or the start of the new financial year).

- Create a budget and 12-month forecast alongside your plan—and review it each year.

- Report against your plan and budget monthly.

- Communicate results and direction clearly with your owners and team.

- Hold a monthly 1–2 hour meeting to review performance, structure, risks, and opportunities.

This doesn’t need to take over your week. With:

1 - 2 hours each week

Half a day each month, and

1–2 days annually off-site,

… you can stay on top of your strategy and ensure your business is serving you - not the other way around.

At Figuration, we help business owners put these disciplines into practice, providing independent advice, accountability, and support to keep you focused on what really drives results. Start the year the right way by getting in touch and making a plan for success.

If you’re ready to spend more time working on your business, let’s start the conversation.

16/12/2025

Provisional Tax Reminder: January is upon us.

For many of you, the second provisional tax payment for the 2026 financial year is due on 15 January.

Provisional tax is usually based on past years profits, but every year is different. Your January payment might not reflect how your business is actually performing right now - and we know cash is often tight in January.

Before you pay:

Check what your obligation is based on

Think about whether this year looks different to last year

Get advice early (don’t wait until 14 January!)

There are options if cash is tight, and you don’t need to navigate this alone.

Contact us at Figuration to discuss your tax obligations.

E: [email protected]
W: www.figuration.co.nz

15/12/2025

Your financial reports tell the story of your business. The more you understand that story, the better equipped you are to grow, manage cashflow, and improve profitability.

6 reasons to review these reports every month:

- Gain a clear understanding of how your business is performing.

-Provide accurate, up-to-date information for lending and finance applications.

-Get paid faster and reduce bad debts by staying on top of overdue accounts.

- Strengthen supplier relationships by paying bills on time.

- Improve cashflow management and plan for upcoming needs.

- Make better business decisions with accurate, timely financial insights.

At Figuration, we help business owners cut through the confusion, understand their reports, and use the numbers to make smarter decisions.

If you want clarity and confidence in your financial reports, get in touch—we’ll show you how to make your numbers work for you.

08/12/2025

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time for business owners to pause and take stock of their financial position. Yet for many, this essential task gets pushed aside, either because you’re too busy or because the reports don’t seem to make sense. But regular review of your numbers is essential to truly understanding your business and making confident decisions.

At a minimum, you should be reviewing:

- Profit & Loss (Income Statement): Shows how your business is performing over time - revenue minus expenses.

- Balance Sheet (Statement of Financial Position): Outlines your Assets, Liabilities and Equity.

- Aged Receivables Report: Tells you who owes your business money and how overdue those amounts are.

- Aged Payables Report: Shows who you owe money to and when those payments are due.