This budget was almost labeled the ‘Global Parcel Services Budget’ for Wayne Swan’s new mantra ‘we deliver, on time.’ To make good on this promise however, the Australian Government needs to turn a $44bn deficit in 2012 into a $1.5bn surplus in 2013.

New mandatory requirements are being proposed for audit and other assurance of charity financial statements as part of the legislative shake-up that is impacting Not-for-Profit (NFP) entities in New Zealand.

Many schools will have noticed that there has been an increased focus on segregation of duties in our audit findings letter this year. This is because we consider that this point is common across many schools. In fact due to the small average size of many New Zealand organisations, segregation of duties is an issue across all sectors.

As you are all aware the Public Audit Act 2001 requires the Auditor General to appoint auditors to conduct the audits of all state and integrated school on her behalf. The existing appointments expire with the completion of the audit for the 31 December 2011 year-end.

One of my all time favourite songs has to be the iconic “Gambler” by Kenny Rogers. Any self-respecting karaoke party or late night sing along would be incomplete without someone belting out this legendary story, which holds some great advice.

The Charities Commission hosted a forum to specifically explore the appropriateness of the existing definition of "charitable purpose" in New Zealand. This two day event was held in Wellington on 17 and 18 April 2012. Those selected to attend represented a cross section of people involved in the sector; all leaders in their respective areas. Hayes Knight Audit Director Craig Fisher was invited to the forum as a panel presenter. Below is the paper he presented.

A new proposal could see charities effectively losing their current tax advantage of not having to pay Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT).

My peers know how big I am on customer service. Having worked in the professional services sector both here and overseas for over a number of years, to say I am acutely aware of how important customer service would be an understatement. After recently catching up with a colleague from the UK I found myself reflecting on my experience in the B2B market since moving to New Zealand…

Kiwi family business Ethical Agents is a key supplier to the agricultural and veterinary industries - in fact you could say they've become the vanguard of these important New Zealand sectors. So how are they competing with the big multinationals without compromising their ideals?

Hayes Knight feature in the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountant's new digital campaign - Business does better with NZICA. Check out the video!