History
We've been doing business the New Zealand way for more than 70 years. Since the firm's foundation by the late Sir Lewis Ross, we have grown and prospered side by side with our clients. In the process we have widened our range of services beyond the traditional accountancy brief to meet the changing times.
We will never forget that computers cannot replace people. We have, therefore continue to involve young graduates in order to enhance our services while valuing the hard won business perspective of senior partners.
PKF in New Zealand
The PKF firms in New Zealand are Independent members of PKF International, and operate independently of each other in New Zealand.
Whilst the members are independently owned and operated, the network in New Zealand provides its members with the ability to access specialist services and support for themselves and their clients.
PKF Ross Melville services clients throughout greater Auckland (and beyond) from its two offices - one in Auckland CBD, and the other at Takapuna.
Opportunities
Graduates are key members of our teams.
Whilst we typically recruit graduates in March / April each year, we find we often recruit good people all
year round. In any event, feel free to show your interest
via our website.
Our People
Our team members are our greatest asset, and so we invest a considerable amount of resource into their development.
We maintain an active, continuing professional development programme for all team members to ensure everyone achieves and maintains the skills and competencies required to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities. Attendance at courses and training sessions run by PKFRM, NZICA, TEO, independent training providers and in-house sessions are scheduled and planned each year. We also have a formal log in place to monitor hours and type of training received. This information is used to plan the training schedule for the next year.
We review files in such a manner as to provide on-going on-the-job training. Workflow is managed within each team, and support provided to resolve problems encountered. We ensure that all team members have access to the appropriate resources, and typically have Partner involvement on all assignments, not just at the planning and review stages.
We have a structure within our team where everyone has access to a more senior/qualified team member as a supervisor/mentor. We use standardised systems and procedures designed specifically for the industry we are working with.
What our staff have to say about us
Anna Leaning
Audit and Assurance Graduate, City
What would a typical day involve for you, and what are you working on at the moment?
As a part of the Audit and Assurance team, a lot of my time is spent away from the office. Visiting clients each week gives me the opportunity to work with a range of different organisations. It's great to be able to see how different businesses work. At the moment I'm auditing a medium sized logistics company, preparing our audit clearance reporting to the parent company auditors.
What skills enable you to do your job well?
The key skills required in Audit and Assurance is the ability to communicate with clients. This is important to ensure you gather the information you need to complete the assurance assignment. It's also helpful to have an analytical mind and the ability to problem solve in order to adapt to new challenges.
Why did you choose PKF?
I chose PKF because they are an internationally recognised firm with a reputation for providing excellent service to their clients. I wanted to work for a firm that would challenge me and support the growth of my career. An advantage of working for a medium tier firm is that the partners and senior staff maintain an 'open door policy' and everyone is always willing to help and offer plenty of encouragement.
What do you enjoy about working at PKF?
There is an excellent culture at PKF, shaped by the great group of people here. We all get along really well which helps to create an enjoyable and motivating work environment.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being given the opportunity to start putting into practice some of the knowledge gained in four years at university---- and Friday night drinks.
Tell us about the social aspect of PKF...
We have a couple of social sports teams at PKF. Currently I'm involved in our indoor netball and summer soccer teams. We can also rely on our social committee at PKF to organise fun events with both the City and North Harbour offices. There's always a lot of competitive rivalry between the different departments. Audit are still the reigning champions in all of our inter office competitions! Another highlight is Friday night drinks. As many of us are out of the office during the week it's a good opportunity to catch up with everyone at the end of the week.
After a busy day at work, how do you unwind?
I really enjoy playing tennis. Sport usually takes up most of my spare time away from work.
Do you have any advice for someone considering starting a career in Audit and Assurance Services at PKF?
Audit's definitely a great place to start your career. I've been here for nearly two years and already feel like I have gained excellent knowledge and experience. The firm's very friendly and welcoming and we have a great team here in Audit and Assurance. I would definitely recommend starting your career here!
Stephen Metzener
Business Advisory Services/IT, City
What would a typical day involve for you, and what are you working on at the moment?
In my position, there is no typical day! Technology can be very unpredictable which means no two days are ever the same which always keeps me guessing - definitely a big attraction in my eyes. On the other hand my BAS position enables me to apply the skills and theories that I am learning at university. What better way to study!
At the moment I am currently doing some project work analysing our current systems to ensure we are getting the most out of what's available.
What skills enable you to do your job well?
Being an I.T orientated firm that is always looking to improve, the fundamental I.T skills learnt growing up in this technological age and having the knack to apply those in the right context have helped big time, enabling me to expand into my I.T role. Otherwise, as cliché as it might sound, being a keen learner, willingness to try and a great team attitude will get you far.\
Why did you choose PKF?
After seeing the position advertised and getting the first interview I realised PKF had the right vibe and feel I was looking for. Obviously a very important aspect when choosing a place of work. And also, although I did not know initially, the international affiliation PKF has worldwide has become a huge draw card and after seeing several colleagues travel the world on their 'PKF passport' I know it to be true.
What do you enjoy about working at PKF?
One of the benefits of working at PKF is the partner interaction and advice you receive, not only technically but also in building client relationships. Also the regular topical trainings provided allow us to keep up with the ever changing laws and regulations. All this and with the added flexibility granted for university studies makes it the perfect position for me.
You started your career with PKF in an IT role, and are now studying to be an accountant. How is working at PKF helping you achieve this?
When I originally began working at PKF I wasn't studying, rather I was working in more of an I.T/systems capacity. But after a few short months I decided that Accounting was the path for me. Not wanting to lose the opportunity of working here I was given the option of studying and working. This flexibility has helped me gain numerous practical skills as well as some good grades as I can put what I learn in theory to practise in the real world.
Tell us about the social aspect of PKF...
Social scene at PKF is fantastic! The Partners are always advocating team cohesiveness. We have sports teams, Friday night drinks, and social functions, not to mention the unofficial activities... Definitely not a team of stereotypical boring accountant's that we number crunchers have been branded as!
After a busy day at work, how do you unwind?
Exercise and sports are the key for me. After being in the office all day - I need to get out!
Do you have any advice for someone considering starting a career in Business Advisory Services at PKF?
Fresh from university, a lot of people choose or would prefer to choose one of the Big Four accounting firms mainly based on the reputation. But they are not the only ones worth this reputation -I believe that PKF offer's such a wide variety whilst still providing the depth to develop skills in all fields of accounting. Not only that, but the culture within a smaller firm creates an environment that makes working enjoyable. If you have to get a job why not make it fun!
BAS
Our Business Advisory Services team is headed by Partners Russell Toplis, Jugdis Parbhu and Gina Cook, ably supported by managers and long serving chartered accounting professionals.
Services include designing and supporting accounting and management reporting systems, advice on business management, loan raising, remuneration packaging; management reporting including monthly data, year end accounts tax returns, business plans, projections, evaluations, business structures, tax minimisation, asset protection, and trusts.
Audit
Partner, Graeme Lynch, heads our Audit / Assurance team.
Services include statutory audits, systems reviews, corporate investigations, due diligence, shares and business valuations, litigation support, claims for damages / losses, matrimonial valuations.
Tax
Our focused team of tax professionals is lead by Partner, John Dillon.
Services include corporate tax, personal tax, expatriate tax, transfer pricing, cross border tax structuring, GST, due diligence.
Benefits
We offer great career opportunities, and progression- We are a growing firm and looking for our future leaders
- Diverse range of clients and industries
- Family values - work/lifestyle balance
- Choice of two offices (City or North Harbour)
- Significant investment in technology
- Simply...we think we've got that "somethin', somethin'" that makes people want to stay
Values
- Being hands-on Professionals with strong business orientation
- Committed to being practical; accountable; and fair
- We treat others with understanding, dignity and respect
- We value being easy and enjoyable to deal with
- Our team is encouraged and assisted to achieve their full potential
- We value the pursuit of high ethical standards
- We take pride in supporting the achievements and accomplishments of our clients
