Ben Stockbridge leads Long & Cowan with nearly 50 years of accounting and administration expertise spanning New Zealand and international markets. His Chartered Accountant qualification and memberships with CA ANZ and ATAINZ ensure clients receive guidance grounded in current tax law and best practice.
Operating from Lambton Quay in Wellington’s CBD, Long & Cowan serves clients throughout Johnsonville, Island Bay, Thorndon, Miramar, Kelburn, Karori, Crofton Downs, Te Aro, and Wadestown. Beyond Wellington, the firm supports SMEs nationwide, with particular focus on foreign investment funds, body corporate accounting, and property investment structures.
A Wellington accounting firm succeeds by combining technical expertise with clear communication. Staff bring diverse knowledge in accounting, taxation, business management, and customer service. Certifications as a Xero Gold Partner and MYOB Specialist reflect commitment to current technology. Clients benefit from dedicated account managers who explain financial matters in plain language rather than jargon.
Service values established over decades include accuracy, precision, trustworthiness, transparency, and genuine local relationships. Initial consultations carry no cost, and flexible payment options suit different business stages. Complimentary tax and business news updates keep clients informed of regulatory changes and opportunities.
The firm’s diverse team ensures every client receives attention matched to their specific needs. Whether managing annual accounts, navigating tax obligations, or planning business growth, Long & Cowan delivers solutions tailored to individual circumstances rather than generic templates.
Long & Cowan operates as a complete financial solutions provider rather than a specialist in one narrow domain. General and statutory accounting covers annual accounts, financial statements, management accounting, and bookkeeping aligned with New Zealand standards. Tax compliance services address income tax returns, GST registration and filing, PAYE administration, and fringe benefit tax obligations.
Strategic tax planning distinguishes proactive advisory from reactive compliance. The firm works with clients to structure investments, business operations, and property holdings in tax-efficient ways whilst maintaining full IRD compliance. Expertise in business tax helps clients optimise their tax position year-round. Foreign Investment Funds (FIF) taxation receives particular attention, given the complexity of offshore investment compliance and multi-jurisdiction asset management.
Filing company returns and managing statutory obligations with the Companies Office forms another core service. Startups receive guidance on business structure selection—sole trader, partnership, or company—tailored to tax efficiency and liability protection. Support with starting a business ensures new enterprises begin with proper foundations. The firm handles company registration, tax-efficient structure setup, and initial compliance requirements.
Business advisory services extend beyond accounting records into strategic planning. Cash flow forecasting helps business owners understand performance and identify growth opportunities. Budgeting, financial analysis, and benchmarking support informed decision-making. When loan applications arise, Long & Cowan provides financial documentation to strengthen applications.
Payroll processing and leave management ensure PAYE and KiwiSaver compliance whilst freeing business owners from administrative burden. Body corporate accounting—handling monthly invoices, annual financial statements, and board support—serves Wellington’s residential and commercial property communities. Cloud accounting setup through Xero Gold Partnership and MYOB integration ensures businesses adopt technology that scales with growth.
Every business sector presents unique accounting and tax challenges. Long & Cowan serves trades and construction, retail and hospitality, professional services, engineering, property investment, and technology businesses. This breadth of experience means the firm recognises industry-specific deductions, compliance obligations, and strategic opportunities that generalised accountants might overlook.
The target client profile spans property investors, individual tax clients, SMEs scaling operations, body corporate committees, offshore investors with New Zealand tax obligations, and startups navigating initial compliance. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, Long & Cowan tailors solutions to each client’s circumstances, growth stage, and risk profile.
Community involvement reflects long-term commitment to Wellington. The firm maintains membership with the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce and supports Skylight Trust, helping people facing loss, trauma, and grief. This presence demonstrates values beyond profit maximisation.
Choosing a Wellington accounting firm means partnering with professionals who understand your sector, know your community, speak plainly about complex matters, and deliver results aligned with your goals. Long & Cowan combines 75 years of institutional knowledge with current technology and genuine personal service.