Services
Every organisation faces unique challenges throughout the business lifecycle. We understand the factors that govern growth and profitability and can tailor our...
We deliver full advisory service capability to navigate the array of opportunities, complex challenges and risks to help dynamic organisations achieve their...
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Business valuations
We offer expert valuation advice in transactions, regulatory and administrative matters, and matters subject to dispute – valuing businesses, shares and intangible assets in a wide range of industries.
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Capital markets
You need corporate finance specialists experienced in international capital markets on your side if you’re buying or selling financial securities.
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Complex and international services
Our experience of multi-jurisdictional insolvencies coupled with our international reputation allows us to deliver the best possible outcome for all stakeholders.
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Corporate insolvency
Our corporate investigation and recovery teams can help you manage insolvency situations and facilitate the best outcome.
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Debt advisory
An optimal funding structure for your organisation presents unprecedented opportunities, but achieving this can be difficult without a trusted advisor.
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Expert witness
Our expert witnesses analyse, interpret, summarise and present complex financial and business-related issues which are understandable and properly supported.
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Financial models
A sound financial model will help you understand the impact of your decisions before you make them. Talk to us about our user-friendly models.
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Forensic and investigation services
We provide investigative accounting and litigation support services for commercial, matrimonial, criminal, business valuation and insurance disputes.
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Independent business review
Is your business viable? Will it remain viable in the future? A thorough independent business review can help your organisation answer these fundamental questions.
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IT forensics
Effective ESI analysis is integral to the success of your business. Our IT forensics experts have the technical expertise to identify, preserve and interrogate electronic data.
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Mergers and acquisitions
Grant Thornton provides strategic and execution support for mergers, acquisitions, sales and fundraising.
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Raising finance
Raising finance - funders value partners who can deliver a robust financial model, a sound business strategy and rigorous planning. We can guide you through the challenges that these transactions can pose and help you build a foundation for long term success once the deal is done.
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Relationship property services
Grant Thornton offers high quality independent advice on the many financial issues associated with relationship property from considering an individual financial issue to all aspects of a complex settlement.
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Restructuring and turnaround
Grant Thornton’s restructuring and turnaround service capabilities include cash flow, liquidity management and forecasting; crisis and interim management; financial advisory services to companies and parties in transition and distress
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Transaction advisory
Our depth of market knowledge will steer you through the transaction process. Grant Thornton’s dynamic teams offer range of financial, commercial and operational expertise.
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Virtual asset advisory
Helping you navigate the world of virtual currencies and decentralised financial systems.
Does your tax bill get the same attention as your cost of sales or salaries and wages? Tax rates might be fixed but the rules and the risks aren't.
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Corporate tax
Grant Thornton can identify tax issues, risks and opportunities in your organisation and implement strategies to improve your bottom line.
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Employment tax
Grant Thornton’s advisers can help you with PAYE (payroll tax), Kiwisaver, fringe benefits tax (FBT), student loans, global mobility services, international tax
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Global mobility services
Our team can help expatriates and their employers deal with tax and employment matters both in New Zealand and overseas. With the correct planning advice, employee allowances and benefits may be structured to avoid double taxation and achieve tax savings.
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GST
GST has the potential to become a minefield and can be expensive when it goes wrong. Our technical knowledge can help you minimise the negative impact of GST
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International tax
International tax rules are undergoing their biggest change in a generation. Tax authorities around the world are increasingly vigilant, especially when it comes to global operations.
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Research and Development
R&D tax incentives are often underused and misunderstood – is your business maximising opportunities for making claims?
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Tax compliance
Our advisers help clients manage the critical issue of compliance across accountancy regulations, corporation law and tax. We also offer business and wealth advisory services, which means we can provide a seamless and tax-effective offering to our clients.
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Tax governance
Mitigate tax risks and implement best practice governance that will stand up to IRD scrutiny and audits.
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Transfer pricing
Tax authorities are demanding transparency in international arrangements. We businesses comply with regulations and use transfer pricing as a strategic planning tool.
Our experts have extensive experience in audit and assurance and produce outstanding work for leading New Zealand organisations in both the public and private...
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Audit methodology
Our five step audit methodology offers a high quality service wherever you are in the world and includes planning, risk assessment, testing internal controls, substantive testing, and concluding and reporting
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Audit technology
We apply our audit methodology with an integrated set of software tools known as the Voyager suite. Our technology has been developed to produce quality audits that are effective and efficient.
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Financial reporting advisory
Our financial reporting advisers have the expertise to help you deal with the constantly evolving regulatory environment.
Consulting is a multi-disciplinary team, delivering a range of expertise including internal audit, risk management, IT advisory, project assurance, and...
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Business architecture
Our business architects help businesses with disruptive conditions, business expansion and competitive challenges; the deployment of your strategy is critical to success.
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Cloud services
Leverage the cloud to keep your data safe, operate more efficiently, reduce costs and create a better experience for your employees and clients.
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Internal audit
Our internal audits deliver independent assurance over key controls within your riskiest processes, proving what works and what doesn’t and recommending improvements.
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IT advisory
Our hands on product experience, extensive functional knowledge and industry insights help clients solve complex IT and technology issues
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IT privacy and security
IT privacy and security should support your business strategy. Our pragmatic approach focuses on reducing cyber security risks specific to your organisation
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Payroll assurance
Our specialist payroll assurance team can conduct a review of your payroll system configuration and processes, and then help you and your team to implement any necessary recalculations.
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PCI DSS
Our information security specialists are approved Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) that have been qualified by the PCI Security Standards Council to independently assess merchants and service providers.
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Process improvement
As your organisation grows in size and complexity, processes that were once enabling often become cumbersome and inefficient. To maintain growth, your business must remain flexible, agile and profitable
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Procurement/supply chain
Procurement and supply chain inputs will often dominate your balance sheet and constantly evolve for organisations to remain competitive and meet changing customer requirements
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Project assurance
Major programmes and projects expose you to significant financial and reputational risk throughout their life cycle. Don’t let these risks become a reality.
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Risk management
We understand that growing companies need to establish robust internal controls, and use information technology to effectively mitigate risk.
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Robotic process automation (RPA)
RPA is emerging as the most sophisticated form of automation used to help businesses become more agile and remain competitive in the face of today’s ongoing digital disruption.
If you're a Chinese investor wanting to explore business opportunities in New Zealand, or a Kiwi business keen to do business in China, our China Services team...
Helping aged care and retirement village operators deliver on their mission and purpose in an increasingly demanding environment.
Our unique offering to the financial services sector may be the catalyst you need to take your business forward, safely and prosperously.
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Our public sector team goes beyond expectations so you can too.
How best to control and mitigate bad debt
17 Dec 2013
Effective credit control is an issue for New Zealand businesses, especially for smaller firms that don’t have the resources or the time to deal with it.
Robyn Jamieson, an associate at Grant Thornton New Zealand, says too few New Zealand businesses set out clear terms and conditions of trade before they begin working with a new client.
Her comments follow Kiwibank’s estimates that New Zealand businesses waste 18 million hours a year chasing payments.
“Smaller businesses may be afraid to be this direct at the start, in case it scares off a new customer. But if a business is not keen to agree to reasonable terms in the first instance, do you really want them as a customer? Agreeing on terms early will result in fewer headaches down the line.”
Jamieson believes New Zealand businesses are also very poor at dealing with late payments, especially if the account is in dispute or heading to the courts.
Clear terms of agreement, set up at the outset, are imperative although payment terms may vary according to industry types.
“For low margin, high turnover industries, such as food and beverage, payment is seven days. Traditionally, payments are due on the 20th of the following month but there is a creeping tendency in some industries for payments to be made 30 days after the month of invoice. This means customers are effectively looking for extra days’ credit.
“Businesses need to remember that credit is not a rite of passage. You do not have to give it. You need to make sure you can match your income flow with your own outgoings. Don’t let your reputation be tarnished because others are slow to pay you.”
Jamieson advises firms to keep a close eye on their trading partners, especially for small companies relying on one or two main customers.
Slow payments, bounced cheques, “the cheque’s in the mail” or “the system is down” are some common excuses, she says.
“It’s also not uncommon to request a further credit check down the track if you have concerns. If you’re worried, get on the phone or visit the business to see how things are going. Don’t rely on emails.”
Tips for good credit control
- Have signed and agreed terms of trade up front. Don’t let this drift.
- Make sure someone is attending to credit control regularly and if customers get behind, give them a call.
- Set the level of credit you are willing to offer and, if a customer goes over this amount, make sure you get payment before you continue any further business.
- Consider having a Retention of Title clause in your contracts. This ensures you retain title until you are actually paid.
- Make it as easy for your customers to pay you by utilising direct debit, credit card payments, internet and smart phone banking.
Further enquiries, please contact:
Robyn Jamieson
Grant Thornton New Zealand Associate, Privately Held Business
T +64(0)3 379 9580
M+64 (0)21 275 0995
E robyn.jamieson@nz.gt.com
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