Failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of it. Every business owner experiences setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt. What separates the successful from the rest is how they respond to those moments. As Thomas Watson, former Chairman and CEO of IBM, once said, “Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn’t at all.”
At Long + Cowan, we remind our clients that mistakes often hold valuable lessons. Each failed attempt provides insight that can improve strategy, strengthen decision-making, and build resilience. Learning to analyse and grow from missteps turns challenges into opportunities.
Learning from Experience
No small business reaches its goals without enduring a few eye-opening failures along the way. Handling these experiences constructively shows whether you have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Financial clarity helps in this process. When you understand your numbers, you can see what worked, what didn’t, and what to change next time.
Our role as your local chartered accountants in Wellington is to remove the stress from managing your business finances. We help you focus on progress instead of paperwork, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Why Experience Matters
Since 1940, Long + Cowan Chartered Accountants has been helping individuals, small businesses, and Body Corporates manage accounting, tax, and advisory needs. Our decades of experience allow us to identify issues early and provide practical solutions.
You want an accountant who has seen thousands of business cases, understands complex tax requirements, and knows how to guide clients through audits, restructuring, or cash flow challenges. Experience builds judgment, and judgment saves time and money.
How a Chartered Accountant Adds Value
While many business owners manage their own books, professional accountants see beyond numbers. A chartered accountant brings structure, strategy, and foresight. We look at your business as an integrated system where sales, marketing, finance, and people are connected.
By analysing data across departments, we provide meaningful financial insight and advice. This includes identifying tax efficiencies, improving cash flow, and developing strategies to reduce costs and strengthen operations.
Our services cover:
• Taxation and accounting, including income tax, GST, PAYE, and Fringe Benefit Tax returns.
• Financial statement preparation and management reporting.
• Business formation, structure advice, and annual company returns.
• Rental property tax returns.
• Financial and advisory support for Body Corporates.
• Business consulting and performance analysis.
Preparing for the Financial Year-End
As the year-end approaches, organisation becomes crucial. For businesses with a December balance date, now is the time to finalise accounts and prepare for tax obligations. Acting early helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures compliance.
Our customised accounting services simplify reporting, allowing you to close the year efficiently and start the next one with clear financial insight.
If you would like expert help preparing your accounts before the Christmas period, contact us for more info by filling in an enquiry form or e-mailing or calling us during office hours.
Celebrating the Year Ahead
As the festive season approaches, we thank all our Wellington clients for their continued support. We wish you a prosperous New Year filled with opportunity and success. Our office will close for the holiday period and reopen in late January, ready to assist with your financial goals for the year ahead.
The Formula for Business Success
True success combines persistence, learning, and professional support. Mistakes are inevitable, but with the right systems and advisers in place, they become the foundation for improvement. Partnering with an experienced accounting team gives you the clarity and confidence to grow.
For practical advice or tailored accounting solutions, contact us for more info by filling in an enquiry form or e-mailing or calling us during office hours.
