Step Ahead Accounting

A Boutique Accounting Firm for Business Owners and Investors Who Stay a Step Ahead

Industry Leader
Clear strategy, technical expertise, and strategic advice

Advice with an ROI
The best accountants pay for themselves, save time, and eliminate stress

State-of-the-Art
An efficient and modern Dunedin accountant servicing all of New Zealand

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Managing Director Stephen Ryan being interviewed by Xero for "The Tune-Up" - November 2021.

Industry Leader

Step Ahead Accounting is one of New Zealand’s most respected and technically advanced accounting firms.

Our team has delivered seminars at national accounting conferences, been featured at international conventions, hosted high-impact webinars, and lectured at Universities. We are trusted not just by clients - but by peers, academics, and regulators.

Most notably, Step Ahead Accounting represented the taxpayer in the landmark case behind Inland Revenue Technical Decision Summary 24/24 (published in the Tax Information Bulletin, February 2025) - a ruling that reshaped the technical interpretation of complex area of tax law.

When businesses and investors need clarity on complex tax matters - they come to us.

Who We Work With

General Public

As a boutique firm, we cannot be all things to all people.

We are duty-bound to provide the high level of care and expertise that you would expect of a Chartered Accounting Firm. We are laser focused on a small section of the market and are continuously striving to deliver the best possible accounting experience for our clients.

We specialise in 3 areas:

Businesses with revenue between $200k - $33m
FIF and Property Investments (excluding developers)
Public Benefit Entities with expenses between $50k - $5m

Accounting Firms

Hiring senior team members with enough experience to be able to review your most technical clients is difficult and costly.

We provide a contracting review service tailored to firms with capacity constraints and technically challenging clients.

We've reviewed R&D Tax Credits, Client DIY'd FIF Portfolios, Consolidations, and many more.

Enquire early because availability fills up fast, especially in December and March.

Law Firms

From an accounting point of view, the vast majority of estates are simple and straightforward.

Beneficiaries want the admin done quickly so they can focus on moving forward with their lives.

We've invested in systems to streamline the processing of both the deceased final tax return and the estate's tax return/s to the point to the point of efficiency where we boast unbeatable turnaround times.

Enquire Now!

Managing Director Stephen Ryan presenting the Accountant's Report at the AGM of Te Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau - January 2023

What Our Clients Say

Stephen is an integral part of our team, we are grateful for all the assistance you render us during the year, especially your unflappability!

Louise and Clare

Law Firm

Brilliant Service. I was totally messed around by a previous accountant and Steve not only fixed up that mess but has been making sure I know when everything is due to happen, advising on the best approach and answering any questions I have. Can’t recommend enough!

Paula

Architect

Stephen is a very knowledgeable accountant, we have found him incredibly proactive with great insights into our businesses.

Tansy

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