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Demystifying Tier 3 Reporting: What You Really Need to Know

If you’re a small charity or not-for-profit in New Zealand, chances are you fall under Tier 3 of the Charities Services reporting framework. But what does that actually mean and how do you make sure you’re doing it right?This post breaks down Tier 3 reporting in plain English, so you can feel confident about your annual return, tell your impact story clearly, and stay compliant without the stress....

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Charity Financial Reporting

Financial reporting is a critical part of running a charity; but for many Tier 3 organisations, it can feel like a minefield. With limited resources and volunteer-led teams, mistakes are easy to make and often hard to spot until it’s too late. This post highlights some of the most common financial reporting pitfalls we see in small charities and not-for-profits, and how you can avoid them with a few simple systems and habits....

What If Your Treasurer Leaves? Building Financial Resilience in Your Charity

In many small charities and not-for-profits, the treasurer or finance lead holds a huge amount of institutional knowledge. They know the passwords, the processes, the quirks of your Xero setup and often, they’re the only one who does.But what happens if they leave suddenly? Whether it’s due to illness, relocation, or simply moving on, losing your key finance person can be disruptive or even risky.This post is all about building financial resilience so your charity can keep running smoothly, ...

Stretching Every Dollar: Budgeting Tips for Small Charities

For Tier 3 charities and not-for-profits, budgeting isn’t just about numbers - it’s about survival. With limited funding, volunteer-led teams, and unpredictable income streams, having a clear, flexible budget can make all the difference.This post offers practical budgeting tips tailored to small charities in New Zealand, helping you plan ahead, stay accountable, and make the most of every dollar....

Making Grant Reporting Easy: Using Xero Tracking & Smart Chart of Accounts Setup

Receiving grant funding is a fantastic opportunity for charities and not-for-profit organisations. Often though this funding comes with strings attached - namely, reporting and accountability. Funders want to know how their money is being used, and you want to make sure you're meeting those expectations without drowning in admin.That’s where Xero Tracking and a well-structured Chart of Accounts come in. These tools can turn what feels like a reporting headache into a streamlined, transparent p...

How to Make Your Xero Work for You: Tips for Tier 3 Charities

Managing finances in a small charity or not-for-profit can feel like a juggling act- especially when you're working with limited time, volunteers, and funding. But with the right setup, Xero can help you stay organised, compliant, and confident in your financial reporting.This guide is designed for Tier 3 charities in New Zealand who want to make Xero work for them - without needing a finance background. But let’s be honest these tips can be of benefit to all charities....

Bonus: Wrapping Up the Series – Let’s Keep Your Business Moving Forward

Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared practical tips to help small business owners across New Zealand strengthen their business in challenging times. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, these strategies are designed to help you take control, reduce stress, and build resilience.Here’s a quick recap of what we covered - plus one simple tip you can take action on today:...

What If I got Hit by a Bus (figuratively or literally)?

It’s not the most cheerful thought, but it’s one that every business owner should face head-on:What would happen to my business if I suddenly couldn’t run it?Whether it’s a bus, a heart attack, or any other unexpected event, the reality is that life can throw curveballs. And if you’re the one holding everything together - quotes, invoices, payroll, client relationships - then your business might be more vulnerable than you think....

You’re the Backbone – Why Your Wellbeing Matters

Running a small business takes grit, passion, and a whole lot of energy. But when you’re constantly juggling tasks, solving problems, and trying to stay afloat, it’s easy to forget one crucial thing: you!Your wellbeing isn’t just important – IT’S CRITICAL. If you’re burnt out, stressed, or running on empty, your business will feel it too. Looking after yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a smart business move....

Save Time, Reduce Stress – Streamlining Your Business Operations

Running a small business often means wearing many hats - sales, admin, customer service, marketing, and more. But not every task deserves your time and energy. The more you can streamline your operations, the more time you’ll have to focus on what really matters: growing your business and serving your customers....

Make It Easy to Find You – Boosting Your Online Presence

Whether you run a café, a plumbing business, or a consultancy, having a strong online presence is no longer optional: IT’S ESSENTIAL. Even if most of your customers are local, they’re still searching online with google or on social media to find services, compare options, and check reviews.If your business is hard to find online, you could be missing out on valuable opportunities. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert or spend hours online to make a big impact....

Happy Customers = Healthy Business: How to Keep Them Coming Back

When things get tight, your existing customers can be your biggest asset. They already know you, trust you, and are more likely to come back or recommend you to others. In fact, it’s often cheaper and easier to keep a customer than to find a new one.So how do you keep them coming back? Here are four simple strategies that don’t cost the earth but can make a big difference to your bottom line....

Get Clear on Your Finances: A Simple Guide for Small Business Owners

Running a small business is rewarding but it’s not without its challenges. One of the biggest stressors for business owners is money. When cashflow is tight or unpredictable, it’s hard to make confident decisions.The good news? You don’t need to be a finance expert to take control of your numbers. A few simple steps can make a big difference....

Feeling the Pressure? 5 Areas to Focus on to Strengthen Your Small Business

Do you feel like you’re constantly working just to stay afloat? You’re not alone. Many small businesses across New Zealand are doing it tough right now. According to the latest ANZ Business Confidence Survey, only 48% of businesses expect conditions to improve over the next year.It’s reassuring to know others are facing similar challenges but that doesn’t make it easier to keep your business moving forward, especially when there are so many factors outside your control (like in...

What do you think Joe should do?

The Cost Difference - Varntige versus an employeeToday I've created a fictional business called 'The Plumbing Store', owned by Joe so that I can provide you with an example of the value we often add over employing staff. 'Joe' from 'The Plumbing Store' has an Office Manager working in his office 30 hours a week. Joe's Office Manager has decided to leave, and he has been looking to replace her but is finding it difficult to find the right person. Not just that but Joe doesn't even have the t...

3 Ways to Boost Your Online Presence in 2025

Welcome to the future of content creation and audience engagement! 🚀 In 2025, the digital landscape is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead means embracing new tools, trends, and strategies. From the undeniable power of video to AI-driven content creation and the transformation of email marketing, the opportunities are endless. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just diving into the world of digital marketing, these insights will help you level up your game and connect with your audienc...

How to Spruce Up Your Xero Invoices and Get Paid Faster

Alright, team, let’s get real for a second. Your invoices? They’re not just some boring admin chore—you’re sending out little payment magnets that shout, "Hey, pay me now!" But sloppy invoices? Oh, they’ll slow your cash flow down faster than a snail in molasses. Let’s give your Xero invoices a glow-up, so they not only look slick but also make it super easy for clients to hit that "pay now" button. Here’s how to make them chef’s kiss perfect....

Can the Right Colours Make or Break Your Brand?

When you think about your favourite brands, what pops into your head? Is it their unforgettable logo, their catchy tagline—or maybe, just maybe—their colours? Yep, those seemingly simple hues are doing way more work than you might think. Colour psychology—the study of how colours sway our emotions, choices, and even behaviour—is like a secret weapon for brands. It’s how they tell stories, stir emotions, and build trust without saying a single word.Think colours are just for making thin...

Varntige Client & Partners Evening: Celebrating the Franchise Launch!

Earlier this year, something truly special happened at our Varntige HQ in Te Awamutu. We rolled out the red carpet (okay, maybe it was metaphorical, but the vibe was there!) for an incredible evening to celebrate an amazing milestone: The official launch of Varntige Franchising. It was a night filled with laughter, connection, and a few happy tears as we toasted to our journey and the exciting road ahead....

Recap of the NZQBA Bookkeepers Conference 2024

This year’s NZQBA Bookkeepers Conference in Auckland was nothing short of a revitalizing experience. It was all about stepping up, owning our skills, and taking care of ourselves—without any of the usual guilt that comes from juggling work, life, and everything in between....

Varntige, The VA Firm franchising around NZ with owners Troy Hillard and Chantelle Good

The idea of franchising Varntige was born out of a powerful conversation about two years ago. At the time, Chantelle Good (our founder) met with Troy, a franchise expert introduced to her by Tim Pearson. Troy shared insights about his experiences, and that conversation planted a seed. It sparked a thought: why aren’t Virtual Assistants franchising?For a year, this idea sat on the back burner. But as Varntige continued to grow, it became increasingly clear that our model was perfect for franchi...

Are Monthly Bank Reconciliations a Must for my Business?

...long story short–yes!– so let’s chat about one of the unsung heroes of keeping your books in ship-shape: the monthly bank reconciliation! Don’t let the fancy name scare you off; it’s really just about making sure your bank balance and your accounting software are best friends and in perfect sync.Now, thanks to accounting gems like Xero, managing your business finances has transformed from a messy heap of paper trails to a smooth, streamlined digital process. You can even get your ba...

How to Safeguard Your Business Against Fraudulent Bank Account Changes

In today’s business environment, protecting your finances is more important than ever. Recently, there's been an increase in fraudulent emails where hackers hijack supplier email accounts, send fake invoices, and change bank account details. These emails often appear legitimate—they come from the correct email address and feature the same products and services you would usually receive. The only difference is the bank account number. It's easy to be fooled, it happens to the best of us! Worr...

How to Create Quality Content Online

In today's fast-paced digital world, creating quality content is more important than ever—but it doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you're a business owner, a freelancer, or just starting your online journey, having a strategy in place to craft engaging content is key. And guess what? We’ve got the steps laid out for you, making the whole process smooth, efficient, and totally doable....

Charities Update - Annual Reporting, Changes and Requirements (Part Two)

Along with the reporting changes covered in Part One there are some other changes to be aware of. These come from the changes to the Charities Act 2005 and relate more to operational requirements rather than financial and reporting....