Accounting that gets the trades.
Sparkies, builders, plumbers, plasterers, mechanics, painters. Whatever you swing for a living, we keep the books behind it tidy.
What we get about your trade business Ko ngā mea e mōhiotia ana e mātou
Job costing
Tracking which jobs are actually making money and which are quietly losing it. Set up properly in Xero so you can see job-by-job profitability.
GST on materials
Materials in, GST claimed back. Invoices out, GST on top. Done right at point of entry, not painstakingly rebuilt at year end.
Vehicle & tool deductions
Logbooks, depreciation, mixed-use rules, the home-to-job-site question. We help with the records, depreciation, and apportionment that determine what is claimable.
Apprentices & staff
PAYE, KiwiSaver, holiday pay calcs, payday filing. Either we run it or set you up on Smartly with rules that make sense for trades.
Client testimonial
“Chelsea has been our accountant since we opened our business. Right there from the start, and without her expert guidance I don’t think we would be in such a good position if it wasn’t for her help. Really affordable accounting packages, it’s actually taken all the stress out of managing the business, leaving us with more time to build our business. Recommend Chelsea and her fab team.”East Coast Plastering, Google Review
Common questions from tradies Ngā Pātai mai i ngā kaimahi mahi-ringa
How do you handle GST on retentions?
GST is accounted for when the retention is invoiced and earned, not when the cash physically lands. We make sure your Xero is set up so retentions do not throw off your cashflow picture or your GST returns.
Can I claim my ute and trailer?
If the vehicle is used genuinely for work and you keep the records to prove it, yes. Logbooks, kilometre tracking, and proper apportionment between business and private use are key. We walk you through what you actually need to keep.
What about tools and the workshop at home?
Tools used for work may be deductible, with depreciation rules for higher-value items. A workshop at home can be a partial home-office claim if it is used regularly and exclusively for the business, with proportional treatment of power, rates, and insurance. We can work through the specifics with you.
I am a sole trader sparkie. Should I become a company?
There are different considerations at that stage — liability exposure, tax treatment, hiring, and how you draw income. Worth a 30-minute chat to look at your specific numbers.
How do you handle subbies and labour-only invoicing?
If you pay subbies, we make sure you withhold tax correctly under the schedular payment rules where they apply, and that your contracts and invoicing align with the way IRD expects. Under-withholding can leave the payer liable for the difference, so getting this right matters.
What if work goes quiet for a month?
Trade work is lumpy. We help you smooth out the obligations: provisional tax that reflects actual income, GST timing that does not crucify a slow month, and a clear view of what you can take as drawings.
Fixed monthly. Xero included. No surprise bills.
Trade businesses generally fit Ignition or Growth depending on whether you have staff and how often you file GST.
Ready for an accountant who gets the trade?
30-minute chat, no pressure. We will explain how we work and whether we are a fit.
Or call 07 543 0872