Accounting in the Clouds, Exploring Trusts, Women's Wealth and a bit of Tax for good measure

We are already planning our seminar series for 2011. 

Accounting in the Clouds - check out Xero (pronounced zero), it is being hailed as the world's easiest accounting system.

Trusts - is a trust right for me? This is a repeat of the successful session run in October with a particular focus on medical and other professionals.

Women's Wealth - investing and financial information to assist women to back winners (not the prince charming variety).

Please register online or by phoning our Receptionist Astria on 06 345 8179 if you are interested in attending any of the events listed. 

Accounting in the Clouds 
Wednesday 23 February 2011 5.30 to 7pm

Accounting in the clouds allows you to access your accounting software from anywhere, anytime using the internet. It is secure, paid for monthly, and is regularly upgraded. Backups and storage are managed for you at no extra cost and the system allows for automatic daily bank information, so it is always up to date.

As with most things it is not cure all; however, it is a great system for some businesses. This is a free session with drinks and nibbles afterwards, and the opportunity to discuss the system with Daren, Prue or one of our team. Register to attend the seminar at www.careysmith.co.nz and we can send you a reminder closer to the time, or call Astria on 06 345 8179

Tuesday 15 March 2011 5.30pm - 7pm
Prue Anderson, one of our directors and an expert in the field of trusts, will run an informative seminar on Tuesday 15 March 2011.

Prue will explore why you might consider establishing a trust, how they work, and different types of trusts. There'll be a particular focus on medical and other professionals.

She'll share some examples and scenarios from her experience. There will be an opportunity for questions during the seminar and time to chat with Prue afterwards.

Prue is experienced in the set up and maintenance of local trusts and works with Bryce Smith as part of our Rawlinson & Hunter team of foreign trust specialists. She also offers advice and mentoring for businesses and enjoys working with community groups in a governance and advisory role.

Wednesday 13 April 2011 5.30pm - 7pm
Women are increasingly investing for their financial future and although their objectives are usually similar to mens, their investment needs are often very different.

In general, women live longer, their careers are often interrupted to care for family, and they tend to be more conservative about investing.

Understanding the motivations and emotions that inform your decision-making can help you make better, more profitable investment decisions.

That is why Carey Smith & Co will be delivering seminars twice a year in conjunction with Craigs Investment Partners. We'll aim to identify the different investing needs of women and provide advice and tools, and share ideas specifically tailored to women.

There is no charge for the seminars, which will run from 5.30pm until 7pm. Seating is limited so please register your interest now. Book on-line or phone Astria on 06 345 8179.

Celebrating 40 years of service
It takes a lot of tenacity to reach 40 years of service with one employer, but Karen Edlin, our Senior Accountant and Tax Administration Manager, will have achieved just that on 21 January 2011.

Karen was appointed to a position of junior shorthand typist by Ken Smith, Bryce’s father, in 1971. Since that time she has mentored and supported many of our younger or less experienced staff.

She qualified as an Accounting Technician and gained admission to the NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1996. Karen is active in our local community with involvement in Rotary, Life Education Trust, Restorative Justice Trust, the Cancer Society, and the Beautifying Society.

Karen has seen many changes over the years and it takes a lot to surprise her. She is a fantastic organiser, runs the tax system with diligence and care, appreciates a well kept cashbook and likes to keep things simple.

Karen's favourite quote “to travel is to live”

Loss Attributing Qualifying Companies (LAQCs) cease to exist on 31 March 2011, however we have until September 2011 to make a decision about the status of each company. A decision needs to be made in each case as to whether the LAQC will  transition to a sole trader, partnership, standard company or a 'look through company' (LTC). If you have a LAQC, we will be in touch in the new financial year to discuss the options for your LAQC. If you have any queries in the meantime please call us.

Provisional tax rates have reduced as a result of the Budget, so the next payment of Provisional Tax due for most on 15 January 2011 may be different from the amount that we advised you in your tax letter. Updated tax notices will be sent out to you in December.

Company tax rates change to 28 cents from 1 April 2011.

What would an accounting career be like?
We had standing room only for the inaugural accounting career seminar. The feedback received from students and their families was excellent, and several students said the seminar had helped clarify their study path and career intentions. We hope to eventually see at least some of them bring their new skills and qualifications home to Whanganui. This event will be offered again in 2011.

Lenny the Lion
Anne, Dinky and Alan - owners of The Red Lion, send their mascot Lenny to visit a Whanganui business each week. He came to visit Carey Smith & Co to see what a friendly, professional firm of accountants do with their day. We returned him to The Red after work on Friday and received a platter of food and a bar tab in appreciation for hosting Lenny. We wish Lenny all the best with his travels around Whanganui businesses.
Photo courtesy of Emma Stratford

Mitre 10 Ladies Night
Karen Edlin and Tanya Harnett attended the Mitre 10 Mega ladies night to promote the Women's Wealth Series. Our thanks to Jeff Gilbertson and the team.

GST Reviews
A good number of clients took advantage of our offer to provide free assistance with their GST return during October. If you have any remaining queries regarding the GST transition please call us.

Christmas
The office will close 23 December and will reopen 17 January 2011. The partners are available during this time by cell phone: Murray 027 485 5866, Bryce 027 485 5888, Prue 027 505 5618

 Information, advice and expertise when you need it.