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Chartered Accountants That Make A Big Difference to Your Life
Would you agree that there is more to being successful in business and wealth creation than the traditional services offered by a chartered accountant?If you have ever had an accountant, you might have experienced what the accounting industry refers to as the 'expectation gap'. This is the gap between what you expect out of your accountant, and what you actually get as service.
Most people go to their accountants hoping to get advice on a broad range of matters, including taxation planning, business development, marketing, property, personal wealth advancement, as well as the basics in tax and compliance.
Unfortunately, many accounting practices are focused almost solely on tax returns and filing accounts - they just don't have the tax planning skills and expertise in property or business to add a lot of value. The practitioners end up very conservative and defensive as a result, and this flows through to the advice they give you.
Of course there are firms out there that do focus on things other than tax returns and bean counting, and GRA is one of them. We have strong skills in property strategy planning (and portfolio building). We are experts in setting up structures for tax efficiency and asset protection, we are trust experts, and we offer an independent Trustee service. We also have a team who work solely on business building.
All of this is about fostering wealth creation for our clients through business and property. We do this through having separate teams focusing on each area - you chose the services you need, and we deliver making sure your expectations are met. We get it right, and we add a lot of value to our clients.
Meet the Team
Matthew Gilligan CA
Matthew is a chartered accountant, and has been practising since 1992.
He is the Managing Director of Gilligan Rowe and Associates where he works alongside John Rowe, Janet Xuccoa and Salesh Chand, his partners, to assist the practice’s clients.
In particular, Matthew heads GRA's specialist property planning division, helping clients build wealth through property and create optimal tax structures.
Apart from being a leader in the strategic arena, Matthew has deep knowledge of the property market and is an active and seasoned property investor. He has been involved in this area for over 20 years and has invested in property in Australia, United States and New Zealand.
Matthew regularly presents at seminars, including GRA's Property School, and also speaks to various groups such as property investor associations, chambers of commerce, retailers' associations, and builders' associations.
As part of his commitment to education and helping people prosper, Matthew has written two books, Tax Structures 101 and Property 101. He also writes a regular blog to keep readers up to date with a range of topical issues affecting all New Zealanders who have a goal to be financially successful.
You can contact Matthew personally at mg@gra.co.nz or by calling +64 9 522 7955.
John Rowe CA
John is a Director and shareholder at GRA where he leads the Business Services Advisory Team.
In addition to managing the delivery of advisory and accounting services to a large diverse client base, John specialises in providing practical and technical expertise to business owners and professional practices.
But it's John's commitment to providing clients with a high level of service that makes the difference. John's leadership and rare 'stewardship' approach to his team means that their dedication is felt by clients.
John regularly presents to property groups, business owners, trade associations and national business development organisations.
Prior to joining Gilligan Rowe & Associates, John worked in a specialist litigation support and valuation practice, assisting high net worth individuals and publicly listed companies with new business set ups, expansions, profit improvement, compliance, tax advice and internal management.
The knowledge and experience gained from this is available to all clients through the GRA Free Resources section of this site.
John's blog and articles will keep you up to date and informed with a range of issues relating to business accounting.
You can contact John personally at jr@gra.co.nz or by calling +64 9 522 7955.
Salesh Chand CA
Business Advisory Director
Salesh Chand is a Business Advisory Director and chartered accountant. He leads a team of senior chartered accountants that specialises in preparing financials and tax returns.
Salesh's areas of expertise are accounting, business structures, tax planning, and insolvency issues. He believes in providing excellent client service and responds to any issues within 24 hours. His clients find him easy to deal with and enjoy the new ideas he brings to them.Salesh is also a successful property investor. He runs his own property portfolio and is currently expanding it by purchasing more properties in the New Zealand market. He has comprehensive property knowledge and will always give you great hints or ideas as to where to invest.
Salesh focuses on a balance of cash flow and capital growth, and treats properties as a long-term investment venture. He believes that property investment is the best and safest method of creating passive income. Further, he strongly believes in protecting these assets by using the right business structure.
You can contact Salesh personally at saleshc@gra.co.nz or by calling +64 9 522 7955.Anthony Lipscombe BCom LLB
Associate Director
Anthony is the holder of Commerce and Law degrees, has been admitted to the Bar and is a qualified CA. Anthony has been at GRA since 2003 and has over 15 years’ experience advising on all manner of tax and legal issues. Anthony provides asset planning and tax advice to GRA’s clients, covering the following areas amongst others:
- Income tax and GST implications of investing in, dealing in or developing property;
- Tax residency both incoming and outgoing;
- Cross border investment both inbound and outbound;
- Establishment of trusts and companies;
- Review of existing business and investment structures;
- Dealing with IRD disputes and audits;
- Establishment of new business structures, including joint ventures;
- General income tax issues applicable to individuals, companies and trusts;
- Application of the LTC regime;
Anthony’s clients range from “mums and dads” with a home they want to protect for them and their family, to business owners and investors with more sophisticated affairs that require a holistic approach that takes into consideration estate and relationship property issues, residential care subsidy rules, company and insolvency law, gifting as well as asset protection and tax.
You can contact Anthony personally at anthonyl@gra.co.nz or by calling +64 9 522 7955
John Heaslip MCom FIPA
Business Advisory Director
John’s approach is hands-on, offering a true, trusted adviser service, surpassing the expected general tax compliance role.
John works closely with his clients, which include a variety of small to medium enterprises, and can be trusted to provide in-depth knowledge of taxation and GST issues coupled with financial management expertise.
Anthony Strevens CA
Business Advisory Director
Anthony is a Business Advisory Director and a qualified chartered accountant. He heads a team of senior accountants within GRA, providing general compliance and tax services to a large range of clients.
Anthony’s areas of expertise include tax planning, business advice, property taxation and general structuring advice.
Anthony is known to his clients for his top drawer customer service and results-driven focus.
Anthony has worked as an accountant in both rural and urban settings, allowing him to understand the different needs associated with his clients’ environments.
Anthony enjoys working with clients in a range of industries from agriculture to construction to value-added exports, from well-established large businesses to small start-ups.
His experience providing advice across different industries helps his clients to initiate and implement new ideas and achieve their goals.
Anthony has a keen interest in the property market and assists his clients to establish robust property portfolios to maximise their wealth.
You can contact Anthony personally at anthonys@gra.co.nz or by calling +64 9 522 7955.Anna Loginova CA
Client Services Manager
Anna is qualified chartered accountant, with a double major in Finance and Accounting from AUT in Auckland. Being born in the Far East of Russia, she came to New Zealand straight after finishing high school and completed her tertiary qualifications here.
Anna heads a team of senior accountants at GRA, providing accounting, tax and business advisory services. Since 2006 she has been working in public practice with broad range of clients, including high net worth individuals, property investors and property developers, as well as small to well-established businesses. Her attention to detail means her clients are in very safe hands.
Anna is focused on building long-term, trust-based relationships with clients, where they can raise any questions or concerns with her at any time. She is committed to supporting her clients’ financial goals with integrity and her in-depth knowledge as a tax adviser.
You can contact Anna personally at anna@gra.co.nz or by calling +64 9 522 7955.