Ever missed a GST deadline before and getting an unwelcome letter from the IRD? Or dealt with a “wee error” in the books that snowballed into lost time, money, and a whole lot of stress?

And don’t even get me started on invoices lost, payroll gone, or a “mate’s rates” bookkeeper who vanished just when you needed them most. 

It’s these stories that made me realise just how crucial bookkeeping is for businesses. So, I enlisted the help of my team and set out to find the best bookkeeping services in Wellington, gathering insights from experts to help you steer clear of the pitfalls.

Here’s what we found—and why they’re worth having in your corner.

1. Simple Accounting Services

We find Simple Accounting Services a great bookkeeping service for small businesses needing help in keeping their books on track. Their 25+ years of experience really shows in how they treat their clients and get things done quickly. 

One of the best things about working with Simple Accounting Services is their dependability. Several small businesses expressed how their fast bookkeeping helped them stick to deadlines without any delay. 

Bruce, one of the main bookkeepers, impressed us during an undercover consultation. One of our had a chance to talk to him and was impressed by how he took the time to answer all of his questions, and with easy explanations too. 

Their fee structure is clear and straightforward. From the very start of the consultation, Bruce was honest about all the costs. 

They are also a platinum Xero partner which is advantageous for many businesses. Many people appreciate how the team not only handles the account but fixes Xero software issues that come up—saving time and stress. 

The only complaint we have is that they are a bit slow when it comes to giving updates on the actual bookkeeping process itself. 

Very competent, no trying to upsell

”Bruce and the team are great! Highly recommend – very competent, no trying to upsell, quick, friendly accountancy service, and at a reasonable price point.”

• Andrew Hemphill, Google Reviews 

They have provided us with excellent advices and good strategic inputs

“I am not sure what the first review is about. Our business has been with simple accounting for several years and we are totally satisfied. They have provided us with excellent advices and good strategic inputs. The team is very efficient and I truly recommend them to any small or medium business looking for a reliable accounting firm. Sylvain Filliol, Managing Director Export Plus Ltd”

• Sylvain Filliol, Google Reviews

2. 5th Consulting | Quality accounting services

5th Consulting has built a good name in Wellington for bookkeeping that helps small business owners reclaim their time. 

Their mobile bookkeepers are experts at using modern cloud tools like Xero, MYOB, and Quickbooks, making maintaining your finances as stress-free as possible. 

We especially appreciate their flexibility—whether you need someone to come by your office or handle things remotely, they adapt to your needs. They handle everything from invoicing and bank reconciliations to GST returns and management accounts. 

One business owner shared how 5th Consulting spotted a recurring supplier overcharge that saved them thousands before tax season. Others praised their easy-to-understand explanations that made understanding cash flow simple and actionable. 

Their customer service is also excellent at handling any questions you throw at them. We like how their helpful advice has helped many businesses make smarter decisions and maintain business growth. 

The one thing a few weren’t too keen on was their high bookkeeping consult fees.

She takes the time to answer my queries

“I would highly recommend 5th Consulting. Vanessa has been a huge help to my small business. She takes the time to answer my queries and really breaks down everything so I can understand fully. Taxes no longer feel scary, thank you Vanessa!”

• Caroline Carpenter, Google Reviews

I have no hesitation in recommending this company

“I have had prompt and professional service from 5th Consulting. Ms Leigh was always available for answers to any queries I had. I have no hesitation in recommending this company.”

• Georgie Aspros, Google Reviews

3. Every Cent Accounts Ltd

Every Cent Accounts Ltd stands out for its dedication to keeping your finances up to date and your business running smoothly. 

What’s great is their flexibility—they can do as much or as little as you need. Whether it’s daily transactions or a quick tidy-up before tax time, they adapt to fit small businesses and sole traders who don’t want to pay for services they won’t use.

Their clients love that Every Cent Accounts takes the stress out of managing finances and breaks down the numbers so they make sense. 

Their services include everything from invoicing and bank reconciliations to managing debtors and creditors. They can even give advice on improving business efficiency. 

We also appreciate that they are Xero Certified Advisors and ICNZB (Institute of Certified New Zealand Bookkeepers) bookkeepers. It gives us confidence that they have the skills and expert knowledge to help set up and review systems. 

However, if your accounts are messy to start with, it might take a bit longer to get everything sorted. But the clear communication and peace of mind make Every Cent Accounts a solid choice for businesses looking for reliable bookkeeping.

Her insights have been both practical and strategic

“Samantha has been great, providing invaluable advice and support as I build my own business. Her insights have been both practical and strategic, helping me navigate financial complexities with confidence. Her professionalism and expertise have made a significant positive impact on my business’s growth and stability.“

• Colin Te Pohe, Google Reviews

Helping us use xero, filing GST and making sure we are reconciling correctly

“Samantha has been amazing with helping us use xero, filing GST and making sure we are reconciling correctly. She also helped us set up our integration with shopify. Samantha knows her stuff! Highly recommend her services!”

• Talmage Lawrence, Google Reviews 

4. 3rd Arm Admin

3rd Arm Admin provides flexible mobile solutions tailored to local business needs; they genuinely help businesses by freeing up time and resources.

What makes 3rd Arm special is their adaptability. Whether you need daily or monthly processing, they fit their services to your business’s pace. They work from your office or remotely—no added costs for housing staff on-site.

Their clients often commend their attention to detail. One business owner said their careful account reconciliation lowered their end-of-year fees. Others appreciate that their credit control made a real difference to their cash flow within just two months.

We also like their monthly reporting. Business owners we talked to found them helpful in seeing their financial situation clearly. 

Their services are pretty comprehensive too. They cover all aspects, from accounts receivable and payable to budgeting and IRD reporting for GST and RWT. 

The only catch? They are hard to get a hold of sometimes on the phone. 

Have been great since the day we started working with them

”3rd Arm Admin have been great since the day we started working with them. They are professional, friendly and efficient to deal with.“

• Richard Edge, Google Reviews

Provides a great service

“Sue and the team provide a great service  – would recommend 3rd arm to all businesses needing to the take the hassle out of their bookkeeping requirements, freeing up time and energy to focus on other things.”

• Raewyn Ng, Google Reviews 

5. HJ Professionals Ltd

HJ Professionals is known for their solid support for small businesses and sole traders. What impressed me right away was their Xero Gold partner status, which shows their know-how, perfect for new businesses needing help. 

They are also experts in payroll, GST returns, and monthly profit and loss reports, which are crucial for keeping businesses on track. 

HJ Professionals also handle financial statements and income tax returns smoothly. Their knack for improving record-keeping systems keeps businesses raving about them for days. 

Several of their clients said they were thankful for the great annual accounts and IR4 completion.

Heidi, the head accountant, also stood out. She’s very professional and can answer all financial questions thrown her way. When we talked to business owners, many expressed appreciation for the personal touch and clear communication she provided.

The only downside is that turnaround times can be a bit longer if you schedule an evening appointment. But for businesses seeking friendly and expert bookkeeping, HJ Professionals is definitely a great pick.

Just what I needed to tidy up our books

“Heidi was super helpful, efficient and reasonably priced when helping me navigate Xero as I took on a treasurer role for an incorporated society. Her guidance and advice was just what I needed to tidy up our books and provide reassurance that we were on the right track. I would highly recommend and will be using her again in future if I need assistance!”

• Emmalee Kotze, Google Reviews

She is responsive and has understood my requirements 

“Heidi provides excellent advice and service. She is responsive and has understood my requirements well. I would highly recommend HJ Professionals.”

• Tasha James, Google Reviews

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