The Accounts Department

12/05/2026

A quick Xero update for our clients.

Xero has been experiencing global platform issues over the past week, which has caused disruption for users here in New Zealand and around the world.

We know this is frustrating, especially when invoices, bills, payroll, reconciliations, and month-end work are waiting.

Please know that we’re monitoring the situation closely.

Where Xero is available, we’re continuing work as normal. Where access is slow or unavailable, we’re prioritising urgent tasks and will catch up as soon as the system allows.

There’s nothing extra you need to do right now. If anything urgent is affected, we’ll contact you directly.

Thank you for your patience, we’ll keep you updated if there are any further developments.

21/04/2026

If you’ve ever wished your accountant and your business coach were in the same room… they are now!

At The Accounts Department, we’ve always been unapologetically who we are - a tight-knit team focused on taking the admin and tax pressure off your plate, so you can get back to doing what you do best.

And after more than a year in the making, I’m excited to share what’s next. We’ve officially joined forces with business strategist and coach Natalie Tolhopf- Sell With Confidence Expert , who is stepping into the business as a Partner.

What Natalie brings to the table:
Natalie is one of New Zealand’s leading mindset and sales coaches, and the author of Become Unstoppable. She works with business owners on the part that numbers alone can’t solve - growth strategy, leadership, and the decisions that actually move your business forward.

What this means for you:

🟧 Strategy + Financials, working together
You’re no longer choosing between a coach or an accountant. You now can have both, aligned and working in the same direction.

🟧 A shift into true advisory
We’re stepping beyond compliance and into proactive business and financial advisory - helping you build profit, not just report on it. (More on this soon!)

🟧 More support, built in
We’re kicking this off by including two business coaching workshops per year for our clients, at no extra cost.

🟧 A clearer path forward
Whether growth has felt reactive, accidental, or you’re ready for your next level - we’re here to help you move forward with intention.

We’re still the same team you know and trust. Just with even more expertise at your fingertips.

— Michelle Leigh

23/02/2026

I LOVE property! I use Nichole as my property mentor. She's down to earth and incredibly knowledgeable and talented in this space - here's a post by her - well worth a read, as is her book!

Being Clear On Your Quadrant Creates Clarity In The Deal. Baked beans on toast for dinner again.

18/08/2025

Some key IRD deadlines to note for the final weeks of August.