Open Accounting Limited is a Christchurch accounting firm based on Waltham Road in Sydenham, led by directors Paul Russell and Sarah Honeybone. Both honed their expertise at larger accounting firms before starting Open Accounting with a shared vision of offering bespoke business solutions rather than one-size-fits-all service.
The firm structures its help around three stages of business life: Getting It Done, for busy business owners who just need their tax obligations and core financial tasks handled reliably; Business Builders, for established businesses looking to scale and manage growth; and Venture Starters, for people starting or buying a business who need guidance from initial planning through to operational strategy. Open Accounting works with almost all accounting software rather than pushing a single platform, and is a Xero Partner, with fees agreed upon in advance for a transparent, no-surprises arrangement.
Long-standing client relationships back up the firm's approach — one client has worked with Open Accounting since 2010, and another has stayed with the firm for close to a decade, citing responsiveness, attention to detail, and a friendly, approachable style from the team.
Open Accounting Limited is a Christchurch accounting firm on Waltham Road in Sydenham, led by directors Paul Russell and Sarah Honeybone. Both built their expertise at larger accounting firms before setting out on their own with a shared belief that financial advice shouldn't be one-size-fits-all.
Rather than offering a standard package to every client, Open Accounting says it listens to each business's story and tailors its services to fit. That extends to the tools it uses too — the firm works with almost all accounting software rather than insisting clients switch to one platform, while also holding Xero Partner status. Fees are agreed upon in advance, giving clients a transparent, no-surprises arrangement from the start.
Open Accounting organises its services around where a business sits in its journey. Getting It Done is aimed at business owners who are busy running things day-to-day and just need the essentials handled — financial statements, bookkeeping, payroll management, and GST assistance — without extra complexity.
Business Builders is for companies that have already laid their foundation and are looking to scale. This covers tax returns, management reports, GST returns, budgeting, advisory meetings, strategic planning, finance assistance, and cashflow planning — the kind of support a growing business needs to manage increased revenue and expansion without losing control of its finances.
Venture Starters is built for anyone starting or buying a business, whether that's a tradesperson buying their own shop or someone stepping out on their own for the first time. The service covers everything from initial planning through to operational strategy, aiming to help new business owners start with confidence.
Paul and Sarah bring a personal touch to what can otherwise feel like a dry subject. Paul is involved in the community through cricket and soccer, both as a player and coach, while Sarah is known for her attention to detail and outcomes focus, building relationships with clients that go beyond the numbers. Together, the pair describe their aim as being trusted financial allies — professional, but with a bit of fun built in.
Open Accounting's client relationships speak to that approach. Design Energy Ltd has used the firm as its accountant since 2010, citing experience, responsiveness and attention to detail. Rosefern Homes has stayed with the firm for close to a decade, saying nothing ever seems to be a problem and that the team responds quickly with impeccable detail. City Style Co.'s Creative Director specifically credits Sarah's ability to understand business goals beyond just numbers and tax, offering insight and support that helps drive growth.
Open Accounting is based at 153 Waltham Road in Sydenham, Christchurch, and can be reached by phone on +64 27 664 5563, or through the enquiry form on its website. The firm describes itself as always up for a chat, coffee included, for anyone wondering whether their approach is the right fit.