New Zealand Bookkeepers to join the global stage

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In a move that will put Kiwi bookkeepers on the map, the members of the New Zealand Bookkeepers Association (NZBAI) recently voted to proceed with a joint venture with the Global Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB).

Under the partnership, NZBAI members will enjoy the support of a global bookkeeping group, including access to comprehensive technology and resources.

It’s a telling sign of the global significance of NZBAI. At the association’s inception in 2010, the bookkeeping designation was not a recognised profession in New Zealand, despite being one of the oldest professions in the world.

Commenting on the news, NZBAI President Di Crawford-Errington says they’re excited to be on board.

“The NZBAI Executive are rapt about becoming part of the ICB Global family,” Di says.

“This is a very exciting new phase for our Association which is celebrating its seventh birthday this year. Being a part of the ICB Global family opens doors for our members to the world, to connect and collaborate with bookkeepers globally.”

Matthew Addison, Executive Director at ICB Australia sees great benefits in Kiwi and Aussie bookkeepers working together.

“Australia and New Zealand bookkeeping communities are closely aligned, not only in proximity but also in approach to working with Business,” Matthew explains. “With our countries working with similar influencers, similar software, similar legislation we will benefit immensely with sharing our experience and resources.

“We are very pleased to be joining with NZBAI in continuing the development journey for New Zealand Bookkeepers.”

Starting from scratch

Xero has had a relationship with NZBAI since the beginning. This was when the typical bookkeeper was someone with experience preparing GST returns, producing profit and loss reports and liaising with accountants. Many bookkeepers worked from their kitchen tables with little support, myself included.

Before founding NZBAI, there wasn’t a lot of help or recognition out there for bookkeepers alike. We needed an organisation that could develop standards, educate and support the bookkeeping community, and help offer the growth and assistance that we all so desperately needed.

After hosting an event to gauge the demand for the sort of association I was looking for, a meeting was held where the New Zealand Bookkeepers Association’s Founding Committee formed.

The Committee included myself, Steve Lowry, Pip Langford, Vivien Cowey, Craig Hibbert and Tanya Hulme. It was a very exciting time, starting from scratch we set up the constitution, bank accounts, emails and website all on a shoestring budget. Xero has been a wonderful support in many ways as Founding Sponsor, not just financially.

Today, there is a proud group of Kiwi bookkeepers behind NZBAI, who have opted to maintain independence with New Zealand leadership through the ICB Global partnership.

I am so proud of how far we have come as an association and as a community.

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