FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got the questions. We’ve got the answers.

Who are Sidekick?

Sidekick is a Christchurch-based chartered accountancy firm dedicated to putting an end to boring tax returns and financial statements. We started out here in Christchurch and after an incredible response to Sidekick we have since opened offices in Tasman, Rangiora, Ashburton, Timaru, Wanaka and Queenstown.

We want to make accounting a bit more exciting and fun, and would love to help get your business on track. We have a huge range of industries and business sizes within our client base, from coffee shops to advertising, one-man bands to fully established businesses with multiple employees and much, much more. What’s more, we use Xero cloud-based software, of which we’re a platinum partner (the first, in fact!). Xero software is incredibly easy and functional, ensuring that you know exactly where you are with your finances.

How easy is it to switch to Sidekick?

Switching from your old accountant to Sidekick is so easy you’ll still be waiting for the kettle to boil once it’s done! We’ve created an area of our website with clear steps to ensure that divorcing your previous accountant is a smooth and simple process:

Changing your accountant

And if you’d still like a bit of help, feel free to get in touch with us, we’d be more than happy to help you out.

What kind of support will I get with my accounting?

Well, the short answer is we’ll always be just a phone call or email away if you need anything. The slightly more detailed answer is ‘how much support would you like?’

We offer a range of packages designed for people who require different levels of support. To see all of our packages and compare them, please visit our pricing page:

Our pricing

How quickly can I be up and running?

Straight away! As soon as you have completed your application and provided us with either your previous accountant’s contact details or your financial files, we’ll be able to set you up with everything you need and provide you with a crash course in how everything is.

What level of accounting expertise does Sidekick have?

We might be a small team, but we pack a punch when it comes to accounting. Our accountants are all fully-qualified with lots of experience under their belt, and are pretty confident that they’ve encountered every weird and wonderful accounting problem out there. To meet our awesome little team, take a look at our team page:

About Us

Is your software easy to use?

Yes – in all honesty, if it wasn’t easy to operate then we wouldn’t bother using it! We use trusty Xero Software, which is incredibly intuitive and straightforward. In the unlikely event that you do encounter a problem, we’re always on hand to help, and will give you a one hour crash tailored around your business needs to get you set up. Xero is also cloud-based, which means that everything is stored in an online database so you can access it wherever and whenever you need to. To find out more about Xero Software, please select the following link:

Xero Software

What is the minimum term or contract Sidekick offer?

There are no minimum contracts or tie-ins, on the whole our clients are a happy bunch and don’t tend to leave, if your circumstances change we are completely understanding and there are no charges to leave.

How can I sign up?

We’d love to have you on board. To sign up, simply visit the following page, select the package you wish to purchase, and click the ‘sign me up now’ link below it.

Our pricing

What are my responsibilities?

Your responsibilities would vary depending on the package you choose, as soon as you come on board we would make sure you were fully comfortable with the on-going process. You would also have a dedicated accountant to accommodate any questions you may have.

Can you help with GST registration?

We can certainly take care of your registration, handle all correspondence with the IRD and take away any stress.

Can I use Sidekick/Xero on my mobile phone?

Absolutely. Xero software is real-time, mobile, and cloud-based. It was designed this was so that it’s always ready and waiting if you need it, regardless of where you are. More information on our beloved Xero software can be found here:

Xero

How secure is your software?

Xero Software is more protected than Rapunzel at the top of her tower, within a fort, surrounded by a moat… you get the idea. Xero can proudly say that their software has never been breached, and they invest heavily in ensuring that things stay that way. From user passwords to firewalls, regular third-party audits and inspections, SSL Certificates and data protection, the list of security measures is almost endless to assure peace of mind for customers.

FAQ