Wellington Chartered Accountant Experts

Discover how Long & Cowan, a leading Wellington Chartered Accountant, takes the stress out of body corporate compliance with precision, clarity and personal service.

Keeping the Foundations Strong

In the ever-evolving property market, solid financial management is as critical as the physical structures themselves. For many Wellington property owners, building managers and residents, it is not just the walls around them that need to stand the test of time. It is also the financial clarity, compliance and professional guidance that allow these shared spaces to thrive. That is where Long & Cowan, a trusted Wellington Chartered Accountant, continues to make its mark.

With over 75 years of experience and a reputation for turning financial complexity into actionable clarity, Long & Cowan’s work with body corporates is a quiet but vital part of Wellington’s urban story. Their accounting services offer more than spreadsheets and reports. They deliver peace of mind, ensuring everyone involved, from individual owners to property boards, can rely on accurate numbers and regulatory confidence.

Serving Where It Matters Most

Unlike large national firms, Long & Cowan focuses its expertise directly on Wellington’s central and surrounding suburbs. From Thorndon to Miramar, Island Bay to Wadestown, their team understands not only the numbers but the neighbourhoods. This local insight means they are fluent not only in accounting law but also in Wellington itself.

Clients count on them to prepare timely invoices, keep annual statements clean and compliant, and ensure that the intricacies of body corporate law are respected. Whether it is helping navigate changes in ownership or supporting AGMs with clear documentation, they are known for getting the details right without overwhelming their clients.

Making Complexity Simple

Managing a body corporate involves more than collecting levies or paying for shared services. It includes regulatory filings, tax implications and the often underappreciated art of stakeholder communication. Long & Cowan transforms this complex financial picture into a streamlined experience.

Their service model includes monthly reporting, accurate budgeting and end-of-year compliance checks. But more than ticking boxes, their approach is proactive. They flag potential issues early, guide clients through decisions with clarity and help body corporates plan ahead rather than react late.

Their responsiveness also sets them apart. With a dedicated accounting manager for each client, they are always a phone call away from a straight answer. No jargon. No delays. Just people who care about getting it right.

Precision, Built-In

As specialists in statutory compliance, Long & Cowan bring precision to every aspect of body corporate accounting. Their systems are robust, built on proven workflows and digital integration. As Xero Gold Partners, they implement real-time financial tools that make it easy for clients to stay informed and in control.

Yet while their systems are modern, their values are timeless. They believe in honesty, accuracy and commitment. These qualities are reflected not just in their reports, but in how they show up for their clients. Year after year, board meeting after board meeting, they offer consistent support and trustworthy advice.

Even during property transfers, where financial details can become unexpectedly tangled, they provide the checks and balances that keep everything aligned. Their involvement ensures that no compliance gaps are left unaddressed and no client is left guessing.

Local Accountability, Global Standards

Wellington’s body corporates need a partner who can think locally and act with global-level professionalism. Long & Cowan meets this challenge directly. Their team includes seasoned professionals with decades of experience, industry affiliations and qualifications that reflect the highest standards.

Principal owner Ben Stockbridge’s background includes multiple credentials, ranging from Chartered Accountant to management diplomas. His leadership style is hands-on. Under his direction, the firm prioritises continuous improvement, keeping up with changes in tax law, financial standards and digital platforms.

More importantly, they never lose sight of the human side of finance. Whether working with a small two-unit building or a complex with dozens of owners, they offer the same level of care, clarity and attention to detail.

Community by Numbers

The idea of community is not abstract at Long & Cowan. It is part of their DNA. For over seven decades, they have contributed to Wellington’s growth, not only by supporting its business community but by serving the organisations that shape daily life here.

Their work with body corporates reflects this deeper commitment. It is not just about financial outcomes. It is about fostering trust among neighbours, transparency in decisions and shared ownership of common goals. That is why their clients often stay for the long haul.

By keeping the financial side of shared living stress-free, Long & Cowan helps communities stay focused on what really matters: living well, together.

More Than Just Numbers

It is easy to think of accounting as a numbers game, but in the context of property management, it is far more personal. Long & Cowan treats every client’s body corporate as a partnership. They listen before they act, explain before they invoice and educate before they recommend.

Their philosophy is rooted in plain language, proactive service and a strong sense of responsibility. They do not believe in surprises unless it is how easy they make everything feel.

Clients who have dealt with confusing statements, missed deadlines or silent service providers quickly appreciate the contrast. With Long & Cowan, clarity is not a benefit. It is the baseline.

Staying Future-Ready

While their legacy stretches back to 1940, Long & Cowan never stand still. They invest in new technologies, expand their staff training and update their systems regularly to stay in step with an evolving regulatory landscape.

In body corporate accounting, where legislative changes can affect how funds are handled or reported, this future-ready mindset matters. Their clients trust them not only to handle today’s needs but to prepare for tomorrow’s demands.

That trust is earned by staying ahead. They know which forms are due, which rules have changed and how digital tools can make financial management faster and smarter. As the industry evolves, so does their support.

Trusted by Design

In Wellington’s tight-knit professional circles, reputation matters. Long & Cowan’s track record with property management groups and body corporate boards speaks for itself. Many of their long-term clients came through word-of-mouth referrals, which is the clearest endorsement any firm can earn.

They do not rely on gimmicks or flashy promises. Instead, they focus on building trust through dependable service, transparent reporting and real relationships. It is the kind of trust that takes years to earn and minutes to reinforce.

By anchoring their work in accuracy, responsiveness and clear communication, they continue to strengthen their position as the go-to Wellington Chartered Accountant for body corporates across the region.

One Partner, Many Solutions

What makes Long & Cowan invaluable to property-focused clients is their ability to support multiple financial needs under one roof. Beyond body corporate accounting, they offer taxation, payroll, general accounting and cloud-based reporting, all seamlessly integrated.

This holistic view means clients are never shuffled between providers. Instead, they receive advice that considers every aspect of their financial landscape. For board members juggling several responsibilities, that integration is not a luxury. It is a lifeline.

When building managers need accurate levy tracking, when property owners need support during sales or when committees need help planning for major works, Long & Cowan is already there. Fully briefed. Fully equipped. Fully committed.

A Quiet Force Behind Wellington’s Built Environment

Walk through any of Wellington’s growing suburbs and you will find shared buildings run by committees, trustees or owner collectives. What you may not see is the meticulous financial work happening quietly behind the scenes.

That is the role Long & Cowan plays: essential, invisible when it needs to be and utterly dependable. They make it possible for buildings to operate smoothly, for disputes to be avoided and for financial plans to become action.

As more people choose to live in shared spaces and as regulations continue to evolve, their services will only grow more critical. For Wellington’s body corporates, Long & Cowan is not just an accounting firm. They are part of the architecture of confidence.