Firm Profile

Who are we?

Although the team at Clive Knauf & Associates is small, it has available the extensive resources and network power of the Principa Alliance.

Being a small business ourselves, we have a very real understanding of the myriad pressures placed on the owners of small and medium sized businesses. But in addition to that, we have available the huge wealth of experience and knowledge of the other members of the network.

What do we do?

We're quite different from most other Chartered Accounting firms because we actively believe in 'beginning with the end in mind'. That is, helping and challenging clients to visualise their goals, then committing to a plan of action to achieve them.

Whether it's systems or growth strategies, usually the result will be an increase in the value of the business for the owner. We call this "creating value". It's what really excites us!

How do we do it?

It's been said that most small businesses "aim at nothing and hit it with surprising accuracy".

All too often they don't have systems in place to know where they are. The owner spends more and more time in the business at the expense of time with family and friends. Sound familiar?

Our focus is on helping to create businesses which work for their owners, rather than the owners having to work for their businesses - that's the philosophy of working "On" not "In" the business. So we work with owners to establish the measurement and monitoring systems (not just financial) they need to take control of their business, and to give them back their lives.

We know too that it's a lonely existence being a business owner. Often you're not sure who to turn to for help. We take pride in developing relationships where we're part of your team working together towards agreed goals. We're always available as someone to "bounce" ideas off.

Who do we do it for?

We choose to work with proactive and successful owners of small and medium sized businesses who recognise and appreciate the value of the contribution we can make as we work with them in their businesses - a contribution which goes way beyond fulfilling statutory accounts filing obligations and tax return preparation.

There's no doubt - People do best the things they enjoy doing. That's why we choose to deal with people and organisations which can contribute positively to our business, and our lives.

What services do we provide?

In addition to our business consulting services we offer the full range of services you'd expect from a Chartered Accountant - and lots more. They include:

• Accounting and Taxation Services
• Management Reporting
• Budgets, Cashflow Forecasts
• Assistance with Procedures & Systems
• Business Appraisals and Valuations
• Company Formations
• Business & Marketing Plans
• Business Growth Strategies
• Computer System Advice and Support
• Team Training
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Business Building Seminars

and if we don't have the skills in-house, we have relationships with specialists who can provide the services required.

How do you know we're any good?

By using in-house the same business development techniques we use with our clients, we enjoy consistent and significant growth. Much of the reason for this is that we've created a difference, a difference which our customers truly appreciate.

You can have confidence that we're up-to-date. We have invested significantly to improve all aspects of our business. This investment includes the excellent office facilities we enjoy, as well as up-to-the-minute computerised systems, and extensive training resources. As members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand we're also subject to their quality control reviews.

We also guarantee our performance, so the pressure's on us to make sure we get it right!

We have built a reputation for professionalism in a relaxed enjoyable environment. This means that our customers actually enjoy dealing with us!

Don't just take our word for it. By all means ask us for the name of someone who can confirm what we say.

What experience do we have in dealing with a business like yours?

We know that every business is unique. One size certainly does not fit all! But we do know a lot about a lot of businesses, and have very extensive experience in a number of industries.

Let's expand on that, because it is important to you.

Clive Knauf & Associates has been in operation in Auckland's, North Shore City, since 1990, more recently in the Albany area. The principal, Clive Knauf, has been a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand since 1973, and holds a Public Practice certificate issued by the Institute. He maintains an interest in the Public Practice, special interest group of the Institute's Auckland branch.

Clive has particular expertise in the manufacturing, construction, retail, wholesale, service, import and export sectors, having worked at a hands-on executive level in each. That means he strives to provide a practical solution which works - not just in theory. And as a bonus, he also talks your language.

In support you'll find a very experienced and helpful team, each one of whom understands fully how important each individual customer is to the firm. That means that they strive to make your every contact with us a pleasant and enjoyable one.

Our customers value the differences we've created and our team enjoy being valued. We have the philosophy that we are only as successful as those we serve, and so constantly strive to improve what we do and how we do it, and to have fun doing it.

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