Case Studies
Why Sorted Out ?
Sorted Out started with a Builder...
In 2016, a successful builder approached me with a heavy heart. Despite his talent and reputation in the industry, he had nothing to show for his relentless efforts. He was in discussion to start another business, but years of financial mismanagement had left him bankrupt twice. He had no bookkeeping, no administration, and no clear overview of his finances.
This builder wasn’t foolish — he worked long, gruelling hours and had built a stellar reputation, becoming a preferred supplier for several large construction companies. However, he lacked understanding of computers, accounting, bookkeeping, and the intricacies of tax obligations with the IRD. What he excelled at was running a building site like clockwork, but outside of that, he felt defeated and overwhelmed.
His financial chaos was palpable: he paid subcontractors with scribbled notes on Friday nights, rounding amounts up or down without accurate records. This lack of structure impacted his health, happiness, and well-being, with mounting IRD demands adding constant pressure.
I stepped in to untangle the mess, beginning with access to his myIR account. I implemented Xero to streamline GST and payroll, setting up proper payroll services where staff hours across different sites were tracked for reporting.
Next, I established dedicated business bank accounts for transactions and savings, linking them to Xero to capture all income and expenses. Invoices were sent directly from Xero, and I recorded all company assets to enable accurate depreciation claims.
I registered the business as a Limited company, separating personal and business finances. I ensured proper communication with the IRD, kept GST and payday filing on track, and delivered regular profit and loss reports by project. Managing cash flow brought immense relief, giving the builder his first taste of financial control.
I extended my support beyond finances — engaging contractors to build a website, assisting with staff contracts and uniforms, handling insurance matters, setting up company emails, and overseeing project reporting. I was called the office manager, maintaining regular communication with the owner and staff to ensure everyone understood and embraced the new systems.
Having a brains trust — a real person with real experience — proved invaluable. The builder felt joy and pride again, knowing he had someone in his corner. He expressed gratitude for the newfound structure and the priceless peace of mind that came with it.
Sometimes, success isn’t just about hard work — it’s about having the right support to turn that hard work into lasting results.
From Sleepless Nights to a Fresh Start: How Sorted Out Transformed a Builder’s Life
A successful builder came to me after not submitting a tax return for five years. He was deeply anxious, convinced he owed the IRD an overwhelming amount of money. The stress was taking a toll — he wasn’t sleeping, his health was suffering, and it was straining his relationship. When we first met, he was on the verge of tears, feeling trapped and hopeless.
I immediately stepped in, gaining access to his myIR account and advocating on his behalf. I tackled the problem methodically, starting with the oldest outstanding return and working my way through each year, carefully piecing together his financial history.
The result was life-changing. His tax debt was far smaller than he had feared, and I arranged a manageable payment plan, breaking the total into realistic installments.
With the weight lifted, he finally slept again. The constant stress and fear melted away, and his relationship flourished. He married his partner, and they welcomed a baby — a beautiful new chapter made possible by facing his fears and getting back on track.
This is why I do what I do: helping people not just with their books, but with reclaiming their peace of mind and their lives.
A successful woman running a successful business but Xero was just a cost...
A successful businesswoman running a well-regarded learning company with a team of staff had a Xero subscription — but it felt like nothing more than an expense. She was only using it to send invoices, while the true power of the platform remained untapped. Without proper bookkeeping, expenses went unclaimed, financial data was unreliable, and the cost of an annual accountant was staggering.
The business owner wasn’t proud of the situation, and I stepped in to help, quietly working behind the scenes to bring order to the chaos.
I started by gaining access to Xero and her personal and business myIR accounts. I guided her through understanding myIR, tax due dates, and her financial obligations. From there:
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Chart of Accounts Optimization: I customized the accounts to fit her business, ensuring transactions were categorized correctly.
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Transaction Reconciliation: I reconciled and recoded all transactions for the year, setting up rules to make future reconciliations seamless.
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Asset Management: I registered all company assets in Xero, making it easy for the accountant to claim depreciation.
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GST Filing Integration: I linked Xero directly to the IRD for easy, accurate GST submissions — reducing accountant workload and costs.
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Payroll Setup: I set up payroll to handle holidays, sick leave, and other entitlements accurately.
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Financial Clarity: I published reports so the owner could see exactly where money was going and stop unnecessary spending.
The impact was enormous. With a solid system in place, the client gained peace of mind, knowing her bookkeeping was accurate and up to date. The business saved money on accounting fees, and the owner had more time and headspace to focus on growth and development.
Best of all, this sparked a long-term, trusting relationship — one where the client knows her financial foundation is Sorted Out.
Building a Family Legacy: How Sorted Out Helped Turn a Small Cleaning Business into a Thriving Company
A hardworking couple had built a strong reputation in the cleaning industry. The wife, a sole trader, had grown a loyal client base, while her husband worked full-time elsewhere. When he was retrenched during Covid, everything changed.
Facing an uncertain future, the husband approached me to handle their tax returns. He had income from multiple sources, and navigating the financial side of things felt overwhelming. But beyond the paperwork, he had a bigger vision: to grow the business into the commercial sector, create wealth for his family, and build a more comfortable life.
Meanwhile, his wife dreamed of stepping back, raising another child, and spending less time working. But with no clear starting point, the husband felt unsure of his earning potential and anxious about whether the dream could become reality.
I stepped in to help turn that vision into a plan.
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Tax & Compliance: I started by completing both their tax returns, bringing immediate clarity and relief.
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Xero Setup & Education: I set up Xero to capture all income and expenses, introduced bank feeds, and educated him on claimable expenses and asset depreciation.
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Business Structure & Growth: Initially, they operated as sole traders, but as the business expanded, I helped transition them to a Limited Company.
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Streamlined Operations: I set up payroll, ensured taxes were paid, and made bookkeeping simple and stress-free.
The results have been remarkable. The business rebranded, launched a website, hired a staff member, and continues to develop an excellent reputation. Work became so abundant they almost had too much!
The wife had another child and now enjoys focusing on family without the pressure of running the business. The husband, once unsure of his future, is now a proud business owner steering a thriving company with confidence and peace of mind.
This is why I love what I do — empowering people to turn uncertainty into opportunity and create the life they’ve dreamed of.
Contact Fiona today