More Than an Accountant.
Audit-Led Financial
Services for NZ Nonprofits.
Aurora Financials provides specialist accounting and independent audit services for registered charities, charitable trusts, and not-for-profit organisations across New Zealand — FCPA-led, Charities Services compliant, and 100% remote.
What NZ Nonprofits
Get Wrong About
Accounting & Audit
Many registered charities in New Zealand assume they simply need an accountant. In reality, most have mandatory audit obligations they are unaware of — and accounts that are not prepared to the standard an audit requires. Getting this wrong has real consequences.
Your Accounts Are Not Audit-Ready
Most general bookkeepers and volunteer accountants don't prepare financial statements to audit standard. When your Tier obligations require an independent audit, correcting poorly prepared accounts is expensive, time-consuming, and stressful.
You May Need More Than an Accountant
Under the Charities Act 2005, Tier 1 and Tier 2 charities require a full independent audit. Tier 3 charities may require a review engagement. An accountant alone cannot fulfil this obligation — only a registered auditor can.
Most Firms Specialise in One or the Other
General accounting firms rarely have audit expertise. Audit firms rarely offer accounting. Aurora Financials is the specialist option — FCPA-qualified, experienced in both disciplines, and focused exclusively on the NZ nonprofit sector.
Accounting & Audit Services for
Every NFP Entity Type
We provide specialist accounting and independent audit services to registered charities, charitable trusts, incorporated societies, and nonprofits across New Zealand.
Registered Charities
Accounting support and Tier-appropriate audit services for charities registered with Charities Services — fully compliant with the Charities Act 2005 and performance reporting standards.
Enquire About Your Charity →Charitable Trusts
Financial management and independent audit services for charitable trusts with annual reporting obligations to Charities Services or requirements under their trust deed.
Enquire About Your Trust →Incorporated Societies
Accounting and audit services for incorporated societies, clubs, and member organisations operating under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 — including mandatory audit requirements.
Enquire About Your Society →Faith-Based & Community Organisations
Specialist accounting and audit support for churches, faith-based organisations, community groups, and grant-funded NGOs operating across New Zealand.
Enquire About Your Organisation →Audit Expertise.
Accounting Precision.
One Specialist Firm.
We are not a general accounting practice. Aurora Financials is a specialist audit and advisory firm that works with a select number of nonprofit clients who need their accounts prepared to the highest standard.
Audit-Led from Day One
Our accounting work is prepared by auditors — not general bookkeepers. Every set of accounts we touch is prepared to audit standard from the outset, meaning no costly rework when your annual audit is due.
FCPA-Qualified & Deeply Experienced
Aurora Financials is led by Jonathan Maharaj FCPA — a Fellow of CPA Australia and New Zealand qualified statutory auditor with 20+ years of NZ audit and compliance experience. This is not general accounting. This is specialist expertise.
Fixed Fees. No Surprises.
We quote a fixed fee upfront before any work begins. No hourly rates, no scope creep, no unexpected invoices. Nonprofits operating on tight budgets deserve to know exactly what they're paying from day one.
Selective & Focused Engagement
We work with a limited number of accounting clients to ensure every engagement receives our full attention. When you enquire, we'll assess your situation honestly and tell you exactly what you need — even if that means directing you elsewhere.
Four Steps From
First Call to Full Compliance
Whether you need accounting support, an independent audit, or both — our process is designed to give you clarity quickly and deliver without disruption.
Free Discovery Call
Tell us about your organisation. We assess whether you need accounting, audit, or both — and respond with a clear, fixed-fee proposal within one business day.
Records Review & Scoping
We review your existing records and Xero setup. We tell you honestly what's in good shape and what needs attention before any audit or reporting deadline.
Accounting & Audit Work
We handle financial statement preparation, reconciliations, and audit procedures — all conducted remotely using secure digital document sharing. No site visits required.
Compliant & Delivered
You receive audit-ready financial statements and, where required, a signed audit report — ready for Charities Services submission. On time, every time.
Audit Packages —
Fixed Fee, No Hourly Rates
Our primary service is independent audit and assurance. All packages are fixed-fee and include a free pre-engagement consultation. For accounting enquiries, pricing is discussed during your consultation.
Review of Financial Statements
Ideal for charities requiring a review-level assurance engagement. Includes financial statement review, findings commentary, and a signed report ready for Charities Services submission.
Audit of Financial Statements
Full statutory audit for registered charities, charitable trusts, and incorporated societies with mandatory audit requirements under the Charities Act 2005.
Trusted by Charities & Nonprofits
Across New Zealand
"Jonathan was the auditor for Amnesty International NZ. He was efficient and professional, and worked well with our unique circumstances as a Non Profit. He was patient with staff who may not understand accounting and auditing terms as well as he does."
"BACT would recommend Jonathan Maharaj and Aurora Financials to other organisations and individuals. Our long-time volunteer chartered accountant was no longer available, and Aurora Financials stepped in seamlessly."
"Papakura Budgeting Service was on the lookout for a new auditor this year, and we are thrilled to welcome Aurora Financials. From the start, Jonathan and the team have been responsive, friendly, approachable, professional, and genuine."
Charity Accounting & Audit
FAQ
What is the difference between a charity accountant and a charity auditor?
An accountant prepares your financial statements and manages your day-to-day records. An auditor independently reviews those statements and provides assurance that they are accurate and compliant. Under the Charities Act 2005, many registered charities require an independent audit — something an accountant alone cannot provide.
Does my nonprofit need an accountant, an auditor, or both?
Most nonprofits need both at some stage. An accountant keeps your records in order throughout the year. An auditor is required by law for Tier 1 and Tier 2 charities, and may be required for Tier 3. During your free consultation, we will clarify exactly what your obligations are and what services you actually need.
Do you provide accounting services for nonprofits?
Yes, selectively. Our primary service is audit and assurance. We work with a limited number of nonprofit accounting clients whose situation aligns with our audit-first approach. If you enquire, we will assess your needs and tell you honestly whether we are the right fit — or point you toward someone who is.
What audit services do you offer for charities?
We provide review engagements (starting from $1,500 + GST) and full statutory audits (starting from $3,000 + GST) for registered charities, charitable trusts, and incorporated societies. All audit work is conducted by Jonathan Maharaj FCPA — a New Zealand qualified statutory auditor with 20+ years of experience.
Can you handle our Charities Services performance report?
Yes. Preparation of Charities Services-compliant performance reports and financial statements is a core part of our work. We understand the specific requirements for each Tier and ensure your submission is accurate, compliant, and delivered on time.
Can you really do this 100% remotely?
Absolutely. Our entire service is delivered online using secure document sharing and, where applicable, read-only access to your Xero account. We serve clients from Auckland to Invercargill without a single in-person meeting — and our clients consistently tell us it is faster and less disruptive than working with a local firm.
Get A Personal Consultation
Jonathan Maharaj FCPA
Founder & Director · Aurora Financials
