INDUSTRY FOCUS
Incorporated
Societies
Sports clubs, community groups, cultural societies and professional associations often rely on volunteer committees and member support to keep things running. We understand the challenges that come with that, including navigating the requirements of the new Incorporated Societies Act.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Trusted by societies of all shapes and sizes
Sports & Recreation Clubs
From local football clubs to regional sporting bodies. Member funds, grant accountability and transparent reporting to your committee and members.
Professional Associations
Industry bodies and professional associations with membership fee income, event revenue and accountability to a broad membership base.
Cultural & Community Groups
Performing arts societies, cultural associations and community groups that hold funds on behalf of their members and community.
Community & Civic Societies
RSAs, service clubs, community halls and civic organisations that have operated as incorporated societies for decades and now face new obligations under the 2022 Act.
INCORPORATED SOCIETIES ACT 2022
The rules have changed. We're here to help make sense of them.
The new Act replaces legislation that has been in place since 1908, introducing new governance, reporting and compliance requirements for incorporated societies. Here's a straightforward overview of the changes most organisations need to be aware of.
New constitution requirements
Constitutions must now include officer definitions, a disputes resolution process and winding-up provisions. Many existing constitutions don't meet the new requirements.
Officer duties are now codified
Officers (committee members) now have defined duties under the Act — similar to director duties under the Companies Act. It matters for governance.
Financial reporting thresholds
Societies over certain expenses thresholds now have external reporting obligations. If your society has grown, you may now need a review or audit for the first time.
Annual return requirements updated
What you need to file with the Registrar has changed. We can help you understand your new obligations and make sure you're meeting them.
CLARITY BEFORE COMPLIANCE
The right level of assurance
Most incorporated societies don't need a full statutory audit. What they need is a review. An independent set of eyes on the accounts that gives your members confidence without blowing the budget. We'll tell you honestly which one you actually need.
Most incorporated societies are volunteer-run and resource-constrained
A review (not a full audit) is often the right level of assurance for your size and obligations
We write reports that your committee can actually follow
Fixed fees wherever possible. You'll know the cost before we start
A quick guide to your obligations
Operating payments under $50,000 and current assets under $50,000
Minimal financial reporting requirements may apply if both thresholds have been met for the previous two financial years.
Operating payments under $140,000
Simple cash-based reporting requirements. No audit required.
Annual expenses under $5 million
Accrual-based reporting requirements.
Annual expenses between $5 million and $33 million
Reduced Disclosure Regime reporting.
Annual expenses over $33 million or public accountability
Full PBE reporting standards apply. Tier 1 societies must be audited.
Audit trigger
Tier 2 and Tier 3 societies that are not registered charities generally require an audit where operating expenditure has been $3 million or more in each of the previous two financial years.
OUR SERVICES
Assurance services for incorporated societies
Your reporting obligations depend on your annual expenses, your constitution and what your funders require. We can help you work out which engagement is right.
Audit Engagement
Suitable for larger or externally funded societies
Often required by constitutions, grant providers or governing bodies. Provides the highest level of external assurance for members, funders and stakeholders.
Independent Review
A popular option for volunteer-led organisations
Provides a meaningful level of independent assurance without the scope and cost of a full audit. Often suitable for clubs, associations and community groups where a review meets governance and funding requirements.
No surprises, ever
Every finding is discussed verbally with management before it appears in any written report.
CA ANZ members
Subject to mandatory ongoing CPD, ethical conduct standards and professional disciplinary processes.
ISA (NZ) on every engagement
We audit to New Zealand Auditing Standards as issued by the XRB — the same independent standards applied across all registered NZ auditors.
Fixed fees, clear scope
Wherever possible we agree a fixed fee upfront. No surprise invoices as the engagement progresses.
Free initial consultation
We'll discuss your situation before proposing anything — no obligation, no cost.
Let's talk about your organisation
Whether you're planning ahead, reviewing your current arrangements or simply looking for advice, we're here to help you navigate the next steps with confidence.