Long & Cowan Chartered Accountants Wellington

Long & Cowan Chartered Accountants have built a reputation as a trusted Wellington Chartered Accountant by guiding clients with integrity, clarity, and expert precision.

More than Numbers: A Name Wellington Knows

For over 75 years, Long & Cowan Chartered Accountants have stood as a firm trusted by generations of Wellington businesses and families. Their heritage is woven into the economic fabric of the city. Known as Long + Cowan to many, they have grown from a modest two-partner firm to a widely respected practice in the heart of Wellington. Their success is not simply due to time in the market, but time spent understanding people.

Legacy in Leadership

Spearheading the firm is Ben Stockbridge, a Chartered Accountant with qualifications that span business administration, management, and corporate governance. Ben brings not only decades of technical knowledge but a remarkable sense of continuity. His credentials, ranging from a BCA to memberships in ATAINZ and CA ANZ illustrate a depth of expertise that few can rival. Importantly, he leads a team as diverse as it is capable, united by a shared ethos of professionalism and clarity.

A Firm Rooted in Wellington

Although headquartered in Wellington Central, Long & Cowan’s services stretch across many surrounding suburbs; from Kelburn and Karori to Miramar and Thorndon. Their footprint isn’t limited to geography; they’ve embedded themselves in the city’s economy by supporting small and medium-sized businesses, property investors, and individuals. Their deep knowledge of the Wellington region equips them to offer solutions that align with local opportunities and regulatory demands.

Client Service: Every Step, Every Stage

Throughout each client journey, Long & Cowan offer more than compliance; they offer strategic partnership. They understand that behind every set of numbers is a goal: a growing business, a stable retirement, a first investment. Their accounting services, covering annual accounts, bookkeeping, financial statements, and more are tailored with precision, not just process.

Additionally, they shine in management accounting, where insight and interpretation matter just as much as accuracy. With real-time visibility and meaningful reporting, clients can act with confidence.

Navigating Tax with Expertise

Few areas stir as much uncertainty as tax. Long & Cowan make the complex simple. As registered tax agents with the Inland Revenue Department, they manage everything from GST to Fringe Benefit Tax with proactive guidance. Their strategic tax planning helps clients minimise liabilities and access all available entitlements. By offering reminders, updates, and personal support, they ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Business Advisory that Builds Futures

Long & Cowan do more than account for business; they help shape it. Their advisory services include cash flow forecasting, benchmarking, and business planning for all stages of the entrepreneurial lifecycle. Whether a client is launching a start-up or restructuring a long-standing operation, their advice is built on real-world insight and tailored to sector-specific conditions.

In a competitive market, strategic direction often defines success. Long & Cowan bring that direction to every boardroom conversation, with a calm, professional voice.

Payroll That Works Seamlessly

They know payroll is about more than numbers. It’s about compliance, trust, and the people behind the payslips. Long & Cowan provide full-service payroll processing, leave management, and New Zealand legislative compliance. Their team also helps businesses set up efficient systems, train staff, and avoid costly errors; so the process works just as it should, every time.

Trusted by Wellington’s Body Corporates

Body corporate accounting requires rigour and reliability. Long & Cowan deliver both, preparing monthly invoices, annual statements, and detailed reporting that body corporates can depend on. They also support property transfers and board operations with a seamless administrative hand. Their long-term relationships in this space speak volumes about their consistency and responsiveness.

Cloud Accounting for Today’s Business

Technology is reshaping finance, and Long & Cowan are ahead of the curve. As a Xero Gold Partner, they offer setup, training, and ongoing optimisation of the cloud-based software. Their expertise in MYOB adds even more flexibility for clients with different needs.

By embracing cloud systems, they help clients manage finances in real-time, automate repetitive tasks, and maintain secure, accessible records. It’s all part of a bigger strategy: using innovation to enhance service, not replace it.

Tailored Support for Foreign Investments

New Zealand’s tax regulations around foreign investment funds are intricate. Long & Cowan guide clients through the calculations, reporting, and compliance requirements with clarity and confidence. For individuals with overseas portfolios, their guidance ensures peace of mind and full compliance with Inland Revenue expectations.

Sector-Specific Intelligence

Every industry has its quirks. From trades and retail to professional services and engineering, Long & Cowan tailor their advice to fit each sector. Their approach is never one-size-fits-all. They combine universal accounting principles with industry-specific insight, which means their advice is always relevant, timely, and practical.

Deep Community Connection

Long & Cowan’s commitment goes beyond balance sheets. Principal Ben Stockbridge is personally involved with Skylight, a trust helping people through loss and trauma. This reflects the firm’s broader mission; to be a positive force in Wellington life, both financially and socially.

Their long-standing relationships with local organisations and business networks, including the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce, demonstrate a sustained investment in their community’s prosperity.

Communication That Makes Sense

Financial services can feel intimidating. Long & Cowan replace jargon with understanding. Each client is assigned a dedicated accounting manager, ensuring clear communication and continuity. Their advice is straightforward, their responses prompt, and their manner professional yet personal.

They also provide no-cost initial consultations, helping potential clients explore what’s possible before making a commitment. And for existing clients, they offer ongoing news updates and insights so they’re always one step ahead.

Professional Credentials That Matter

Professional affiliations matter because they ensure standards, development, and trust. Long & Cowan maintain memberships with CA ANZ, ATAINZ, and other respected bodies. These aren’t just logos on a website; they’re active commitments to ethical service and ongoing education.

Through these affiliations, Long & Cowan stay current on regulations, technology, and emerging practices; bringing the benefits directly to their clients.

Adapting for the Future

Long & Cowan are not content to rest on legacy. They actively invest in new technologies, professional development, and evolving client needs. Their systems are modern, their strategies forward-thinking, and their team open to innovation.

This balance of tradition and agility ensures they remain a dependable partner as client needs and business landscapes change.

A Foundation of Trust

Since 1940, the firm has grown with Wellington. What began with founders Hiram Long and Neville Cowan has become a cornerstone of accounting in the region. Their evolution from a single practice to a multi-disciplinary accounting firm speaks to their adaptability, their credibility, and their client focus.

Their longevity is not an accident. It’s the product of consistent excellence, smart decision-making, and a deeply held belief in serving their clients with integrity.

Why They Remain the First Call

Ultimately, Long & Cowan Chartered Accountants continue to be the first call for those seeking a Wellington Chartered Accountant with proven experience, technical accuracy, and personal service. Their wide-ranging capabilities; from statutory accounts to cloud integration; make them a one-stop destination for accounting needs across Wellington and beyond.

At a time when many firms are automating away personal touch, Long & Cowan double down on it. They believe that relationships are the real asset. And for those navigating the complexities of business, investment, and compliance, they remain a steady, trusted hand.

In a city that values loyalty, quality, and accountability, Long & Cowan represent all three with quiet confidence. That’s what makes them more than accountants. That’s what makes them indispensable.