Adapting to changes of modern world
Reporter meets the people behind one of the oldest accounting firms in the country as part of our
series.
Embracing changes is how an established Morrinsville accountancy firm makes the difference.
Director Gavin Haddon is excited about the company’s future as its business and client base continues to grow.
Into its second millenium, Cooper Aitken grew from small beginnings in 1914 to become a one-stop business centre for its clients.
‘‘Gone is the traditional model of accountants as we move more towards being a business hub,’’ he said.
‘‘Our team now boasts business specialist ranging from accountancy, HR, IT, mentors, funding and recently added legal services.’’
Technology plays a huge part in the business today offering many more services.
Not everyone has embraced technology and Haddon still gets clients arriving with a box of paperwork to sort through.
‘‘In a changing world account- ancy firms have to respond to the fresh ideas of a younger tech savvy generation with fresh ideas who are coming to us for assistance with their business,’’ said Haddon.
They are the ones who are working smarter and able to use software programmes and apps like Xero and MYOB which gives them more freedom to work on their business.
‘‘It’s important we match the right person from our team to handle and relate to a clients needs,’’ he said.
‘‘Because I own a dairy farm, I can relate to rural clients immedi- ately.
‘‘Whatever the dairy payout is there’s immediate empathy because we are both going through tough or good times together,’’ he said
And other staff are involved in the local community through farming, service and sports clubs, Do you have a business worth a story? Email reporter Mike Bain, mike.bain@fairfaxmedia.co.nz have children at local schools.
Chief executive officer Maree Munro is adamant, despite technological advances ‘‘the client is what matters most’’.
Trying to remain relevant and abreast of technology can be frustrating without the availability in Morrinsville of Ultra Fast Broadband forcing the company to take a backward step to keep its records on a central server instead of using cloud-based storage.
Acknowledging its relationship within the community, the firm’s preference is to keep its assistance in the background.
‘‘Providing seed funding for the Herd of Cows project is an example of our community involvement but happy to assist smaller initiatives that make a difference within our community,’’ said Munro.