Long & Cowan Chartered Accountants
Chartered Accountant • Wellington
Accounting Services in Wellington & Close-surrounding Areas
💬 Your Trusted Accountants for over 75 Years
Established roots in Wellington’s business community
Long & Cowan Chartered Accountants has stood firmly in the capital’s financial landscape since 1940. Their longevity alone sets them apart; while many firms have come and gone, they have adapted through shifting economies, regulatory changes, and market expectations. This continuity matters to clients seeking stability in a sometimes volatile business environment.
At the centre of their reputation lies a commitment to serving small and medium-sized enterprises, property investors, and individual taxpayers. Their location in Wellington Central ensures accessibility, while their reach extends into Johnsonville, Island Bay, Thorndon, Miramar, Kelburn, Karori, Crofton Downs, Te Aro, and Wadestown. Such geographical coverage reflects a clear understanding of local economies, something essential for a firm claiming the title of a trusted Wellington Chartered Accountant.
Leadership with longstanding expertise
The practice is led by principal owner Ben Stockbridge, whose credentials demonstrate authority built over nearly five decades. His qualifications span commerce, secretarial practice, corporate management, and New Zealand business law, reinforced by active membership in professional bodies such as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).
Yet, it is not just Ben’s individual expertise that strengthens the firm. Long & Cowan employs a diverse team whose backgrounds cover taxation, administration, financial analysis, and client services. This multidisciplinary structure ensures that every client gains the benefit of collective insight rather than relying on one advisor alone.
A full suite of accounting solutions
The firm’s services cover far more than standard annual returns. They prepare financial statements, assist with bookkeeping, and provide management accounting for businesses that need real-time insights into their performance. Their tax planning strategies are particularly valued; rather than just ensuring compliance, they structure plans that minimise liabilities and leverage available allowances.
In addition, they hold Inland Revenue Department registration as tax agents, managing GST, PAYE, and fringe benefit tax obligations. This formal recognition demonstrates both compliance and credibility. Businesses in Wellington that want certainty in their tax affairs frequently look for this type of reassurance when selecting a Wellington Chartered Accountant.
Embracing technology while staying client-focused
Modern accounting requires more than calculators and spreadsheets. Long & Cowan is a Xero Gold Partner, offering setup, training, and integration of cloud-based systems that give clients real-time financial oversight. They also work with MYOB, ensuring flexibility for businesses that have different technological preferences.
While technology drives efficiency, the firm balances it with an emphasis on personal service. Every client is assigned a dedicated accounting manager, ensuring a consistent point of contact. Their approach to communication avoids jargon, replacing it with clear explanations and practical guidance. This combination of modern systems and human accessibility has kept them relevant through decades of economic change.
Positioning in Wellington’s professional market
In Wellington, competition among accountants is strong, but heritage and breadth of service make Long & Cowan distinct. Their involvement with the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and community initiatives such as the Skylight Trust reflects a firm integrated into the city rather than existing purely as a commercial entity.
Such a balance of professional credibility and community engagement builds trust. When clients choose a Wellington Chartered Accountant, they seek more than technical knowledge; they want advisers who understand the pressures of local business and personal finance. Long & Cowan’s history, credentials, and adaptability demonstrate why they continue to hold a leading place in the region’s accounting profession.
🌐 Website: LongCowan.co.nz
📞 Telephone: 04 915 5966
As a seasoned Wellington Chartered Accountant, Long & Cowan demonstrates how tradition and innovation can merge to guide businesses through every financial stage.
Broad service coverage with tailored support
Long & Cowan’s service model is designed to meet the needs of a wide spectrum of clients. Their accounting solutions cover both statutory obligations and practical advisory support, ensuring compliance while also providing forward-looking strategies. This dual focus distinguishes them from firms that only process annual returns without offering insight into future planning.
For individuals, they manage income tax filings, foreign investment fund reporting, and personal tax planning. Property investors also find value in their expertise, especially when dealing with complex cross-border regulations. By ensuring that every detail of financial reporting is handled accurately, the firm reduces stress for clients who may otherwise struggle with technical obligations.
Businesses rely on them for bookkeeping, payroll, and financial reporting. These services may sound standard, but Long & Cowan takes them further by embedding analysis into every process. Rather than simply producing figures, they interpret them. Clients gain a deeper understanding of cash flow, profitability, and cost management. For any enterprise searching for a Wellington Chartered Accountant capable of more than routine compliance, this approach provides an immediate advantage.
Depth in taxation and compliance expertise
Tax remains one of the most complex areas for both individuals and companies. Legislation changes frequently, and penalties for errors or delays can be significant. Long & Cowan’s position as registered tax agents offers clients direct access to Inland Revenue Department services, simplifying the process of managing GST, PAYE, and fringe benefit tax obligations.
Their planning strategies aim to minimise tax burdens while maintaining full compliance. They do not simply submit returns; they design structures that help clients prepare for future obligations and avoid unnecessary liabilities. This proactive stance is particularly relevant in today’s environment where businesses face pressure on margins and individuals navigate tighter household budgets.
In addition, they specialise in foreign investment fund management. Offshore assets often present challenges in terms of calculation and disclosure, but Long & Cowan has built a clear process for managing these under New Zealand law. This expertise places them ahead of many competitors, reinforcing their standing as a trusted Wellington Chartered Accountant with international knowledge.
Business advisory as a growth engine
Beyond compliance, Long & Cowan plays a central role in helping enterprises grow. Their advisory services include budgeting, forecasting, and business planning. For startups, they provide structural advice, determining whether a company, partnership, or sole trader arrangement is most suitable. For established businesses, they assist with expansion strategies, restructuring, and loan applications.
Benchmarking against industry peers allows clients to evaluate their performance relative to competitors. This evidence-based approach creates clarity in decision-making, whether an owner is considering investment, diversification, or consolidation. Many accounting firms claim to provide business advice, yet Long & Cowan’s integration of financial data with strategic insight gives their guidance more weight.
Payroll and corporate administration services
Managing payroll can be a time-consuming task, especially for businesses with growing staff numbers. Long & Cowan offers end-to-end payroll services that cover processing, leave management, and compliance with employment regulations. They also train businesses to run systems more efficiently, helping reduce administrative errors.
In addition, they provide body corporate accounting and administration, a niche service not always offered by mainstream firms. They prepare invoices, manage statements, and support governance processes for property developments and complexes. This attention to specialised areas demonstrates how a Wellington Chartered Accountant can extend beyond conventional roles to serve wider community needs.
Technology integration in modern accounting
The adoption of cloud-based platforms such as Xero and MYOB marks another strength. Long & Cowan are a Xero Gold Partner, which reflects both expertise and client uptake. Their services include initial setup, system training, and ongoing optimisation, ensuring clients use technology effectively rather than treating it as a superficial add-on.
Automation of routine tasks allows them to focus more on analysis and client communication. Data security is also a key consideration, with systems designed to ensure sensitive financial information remains protected while still being easily accessible. For clients used to traditional methods, Long & Cowan bridges the gap by blending modern systems with personalised guidance.
Professional standing and community engagement
The firm’s credibility is reinforced by memberships in professional bodies such as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and the Accountants and Tax Agents Institute of New Zealand. These affiliations demand adherence to high standards, ongoing professional development, and compliance with current regulations.
Yet their role extends beyond professional obligations. Principal owner Ben Stockbridge’s involvement in charitable initiatives, such as the Skylight Trust, demonstrates a personal commitment to Wellington’s social fabric. This type of engagement signals that Long & Cowan is not only a technical service provider but also an active contributor to the city.
Legacy and evolution in Wellington
Few firms in Wellington carry the same heritage. Originating from the partnership of Hiram Long and Neville Cowan, the firm grew by incorporating another practice under Allen Dale. This history represents more than longevity; it reflects adaptability. Each generation of leadership has refined the firm’s direction while maintaining its values of accuracy, trust, and professionalism.
Today, they continue to invest in technology and training, positioning themselves as forward-looking without losing the reliability that long-standing clients value. The balance of tradition and innovation is a rare combination, and it underpins their identity as a leading Wellington Chartered Accountant.
Why clients choose Long & Cowan
Businesses and individuals often select accountants based on recommendations or proximity, but the reasons for staying are different. Clients remain with Long & Cowan because of consistent service, transparent communication, and results that support financial stability.
Their promise of a dedicated accounting manager ensures accountability, while plain-language communication simplifies complex issues. They provide regular updates on tax and business news, helping clients stay ahead of regulatory changes without having to navigate technical documents themselves. These seemingly small details build lasting trust and reinforce client relationships.
The ongoing role of a trusted advisor
As financial regulations tighten and business challenges evolve, the need for a trusted advisor grows. Long & Cowan demonstrates how an established firm can continue to remain relevant by adapting to new technologies, expanding service areas, and maintaining strong professional and community ties.
For Wellington’s business owners, property investors, and individuals seeking clarity in financial management, the search for a dependable Wellington Chartered Accountant often leads to Long & Cowan. Their reputation, reinforced by decades of service, ensures they remain at the forefront of the capital’s accounting profession.
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📍Service Areas: Wellington, Wellington City, Johnsonville, Island Bay, Thorndon, Miramar, Karori, Kelburn, Te Aro, Wadestown, Crofton Downs and Close-Surrounding Areas
⚙️ Service Categories: Non-Profit Organizations, Body Corporates, Publicly Listed Companies, Corporations, Freelancers, Work-from-Home Businesses, Educational Institutions, Charitable Trusts, Franchises, Consulting Firms, Manufacturing Businesses, Healthcare Providers, Personal Tax Advice, Tradie Tax Advice
💼 Address: Level 2, 276 Lambton Quay, Wellington, 6011