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

Law Firms

We are industry experts in accounting for Estates.

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 - January 2023

What Our Clients Say

Steve gives advice that is really helpful, answers any questions I have and makes great suggestions. He rocks - highly recommend!

Paula - Architectural Designer

I would suggest Step Ahead Accounting is not your "average" Accountant type dude. He's friendly, outgoing, vivacious and aims to please - and does so with efficiency and an excellent turnaround time. He offers advice for future options to make your life, and his, easier going forward. Can't recommend enough.

Greg - Treasurer of an Incorporated Society

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

Tansy - Digital Media

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