LAY ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Andrew is based in our Rolleston Office and is responsible for preparation of accounts and general client advice. He has a strong focus on the farming sector but is experienced in many facets of business. Andrew has a very sound knowledge of the local district and has farmed in Southbridge for 16 years. This combined with his accountancy experience will ensure an in-depth understanding of your business.
Claire joined the team at Lay Associates in 2018 having spent most of her working life in a chartered accountants office. Prior to this Claire obtained a Bachelor of Commerce at Lincoln University and later worked and operated a campground and commercial accommodation business in Queenstown. Claire has two children, both now studying at university.
Janine started working at Lay Associates in December 2015 after 13 years working at the Selwyn District Council. Janine is our first point of contact being receptionist for the firm and handling a wide variety of administrative duties. She has lived in Leeston for 21 years after living and working overseas for 10 years. Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her husband, catching up with their two adult children and trying to improve her photography skills.
Justine began working for Lay associates in 2005 as a receptionist/administrator. Coming from a strong background in office administration, Justine decided to further her accounting knowledge by studying for a diploma in accounting for which she graduated from in 2012 with an A+ average. She now works solely on the preparation of accounts which has been a seamless transition with her prior client knowledge a handy advantage. Justine is also kept busy following her two children around sport with her husband Tony.
The director of the firm, Michael has over 25 years experience in the accounting industry, with 16 of those years in practice in Leeston. Born and bred on a farm in the Ellesmere area, Michael has a strong knowledge of the agricultural industry. Michael is a graduate of Lincoln University, a Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Director and a member of the New Zealand Primary Institute of Management. Michael is also a Director on Canterbury Rugby Union, and Chairman of both the Selwyn Sports Trust and the Christchurch Girls High School Board of Trustees.
Michelle joined Lay Associates in 2013. Michelle grew up on the West Coast before before attending Canterbury University, gaining a Bachelor of Commerce and later completing a Charter Accounting qualification. Having worked for an accounting firm in Christchurch Michelle joined the Lay Associates team following her move to Leeston with her husband and three children.
Our commitment to rural Canterbury is growing and we are now developing a presence in the Mid Canterbury region. With a growing client base in the region together with our knowledge of the agri-sector we are looking to further increase our resource in the area. We come to you. This helps us better understand your business and develop a long term relationship. We have a strong understanding of business in rural towns and an in-depth appreciation of farming in the Arable, Dairy and Sheep and Beef sectors making Lay Associates an ideal choice for your accounting services.
Pauline handles the monthly accounts, bill payment and overall office management. She is also involved in the preparation of GST returns for clients. Pauline runs her own independent onsite office administration business, with a loyal clientele. Outside of work Pauline also runs around after her three children and keeps her husband in line.
Rhonda joined Andrew in our Rolleston office in 2010, she is responsible for the day to day running of that office and liaising with clients. Rhonda's other duties include: preparation and filing GST, Payroll and PAYE, Taxation, updating the Companies Office, preparation and finalising of Annual Accounts and anything else that may need to be done around the office.
Out of the office Rhonda enjoys the outdoors: walking, camping, fishing , water sports and is also involved in Selwyn netball.
Sandra joined Lay Associates in 2013 and is involved in the preparation of financial accounts, GST and tax returns. Sandra came to Lay Associates having moved to Rolleston from Timaru where she worked a "good number" of years for a chartered accountant.
Sharon commenced employment with the Lay Associates Rolleston office after graduating from Lincoln University in 2012. Her duties include payroll, GST, preparation and finalising of annual accounts. Sharon is currently studying towards her Chartered Accountant qualification.
In her leisure time Sharon enjoys swimming, walking, biking and following her children's various sporting activities.
Steven joined the team part-time in 2006 to assist with the increased work. Steven prepares annual accounts and oversees the GST and Payroll compliance within the office. Steven has completed a degree at Canterbury University and his professional exams and is now a fully qualified Chartered Accountant. Steven also lives locally and has a sound knowledge of the district.
Viv was born and raised on a farm in Oxford, North Canterbury. After leaving school and moving to Christchurch she worked for a Stock and Station company and then moved on to banking before moving to a farm in Rakaia where she spent 17 years. Vivs farming experience includes grain crops, small seeds, vegetable production and dairying giving her an in depth knowledge of the farming industry in Canterbury. She claims she can even drive a header! During her time in business, Viv developed an in depth understanding of business compliance requirements and joined the team in 2017 to prepare wages and GSTs returns for clients.