Expense Reporting is often considered a ‘back office’ process that shouldn’t consume much of anyone’s time. That may be true… but how a business regulates spending requires a lot of discipline and accountability.

What does it mean to have a strategic finance function? Led by an experienced and skilled Chief Financial Officer (CFO), we consider some of their priorities.

Many businesses are facing increased costs. This is not necessarily a new business challenge… but the COVID-19 pandemic is driving significant and unpredictable "price spikes". Let’s look at what business leaders should be thinking about in this environment?

Some businesses are finding opportunities in the COVID19 environment while others struggle. Common to all businesses is the need for astute cash management. In our article, we look at some best practices to help you best utilise your cash.

Employers and employees must discuss in good faith the implications of COVID-19 on their working arrangements. Where changes to current working arrangements are proposed by an employer, there are specific good faith requirements that must be followed. Any changes made should follow consulting with employees and their representatives, providing time to respond to proposals and considering their comments.

Recent global events are testing the mettle of even the most experienced leaders. What skills are necessary in this time of uncertainty? What leadership traits will help steer a business through the multitude of challenges and threats? Read on for leadership ideas which can be applied in your business.  

As we near the end of the initial four-week lockdown, the Government has released further Tax Measures to assist businesses including more complete information on what Alert Level 3 would mean. Yesterday the Government announced two further tax proposals - Tax Loss Carry Back Scheme and changes to the Tax Loss Continuity Rules.

There are many ways to improve business performance but which initiatives will bring the biggest impact? This article identifies some metrics or ‘drivers’ which grow revenue, profit and business value. Establish how you are performing now and measure the impact of any improvement. Focus on the things that matter! 

Most businesses experience significant events such as acquisition, merger, liquidation, IPO, etc. A Management Buy-out (MBO) can be attractive to buyers and sellers who know each other well before the transaction. There are risks and careful planning is required. Our article explores these issues and why having a competent advisor is important.

Continuing our focus on cybersecurity, we list 10 cyber policies and nine governance questions for business owners.

Managing people is one of the toughest parts of running a business. Team development issues can have a real impact on your business reputation, client retention and profit. Here's how you put a system in place to listen to your team and use their feedback to make real changes to your business.

Alliott Group Worldwide Board Member and Deputy EMEA Chair Maria Zabala explains what motivates her, the best career advice she ever received, and just as importantly, what she does when not working.

Most businesses follow processes, some deliberately and some subconsciously. But what about DESTROYING processes?

Two years ago, Alliotts Director Hugh took his own advice about planning a UK trip with just his wife, Mary. Six weeks alone with his wife and no children - the reviews are in.

Read our short report from the Alliott Group alliance's 2018 Worldwide Conference in Vancouver.

There is nothing more powerful than emphasising the role your team plays in building a great business. If you want to build a successful business, invest your time, energy and resources in building a strong team.

Millennials are ready to take on the world. How do we lead the new breed of employee effectively?

Their parents and teachers told them they can do it - they can. Encourage - don't squash them or contain them.

Letting go and delegating projects to team members can be a daunting task, but it’s the only way to progress. Learn how to go about providing greater responsibilities to your team members to create a more productive, engaged, competent and confident team.

As a business owner, managing your team may be the most impactful and challenging task you face. 

Like all the other aspects of your business, success requires creating a system. So what should that system look like?

Spotlight Reporting is Xero's most popular advanced reporting software add-on, providing another level of insight that all business owners who aspire to success should embrace. 

Here at Alliott NZ, we also exist to help our clients to succeed.