Ann thrives on challenge. Having grown up on a South Otago sheep farm, she has a pragmatic and down-to-earth approach to life. Despite being profoundly deaf, she graduated from Otago University and began her career with an Auckland international chartered accounting firm. Ten years later, she started her own chartered accounting business StreetSMART and went from strength to strength.
It was Stephen Covey’s book, “The “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” that ultimately inspired Ann to create the Q2 brand in 2017, a chartered accountancy business designed to focus SME business owners on the important but not urgent tasks that drive success.
Ann knows that there’s more to accounting than just preparing accurate financial statements and tax returns. While these factors must be taken care of, they won’t help a business succeed.
Like many of her clients, Ann is familiar with the challenge of limited resources and effective time management. With two sons and a cochlear implant, she worked hard to balance life and work.
She designed Q2 Ltd to go well beyond traditional accounting and tax services. And it does.
Ann’s point of difference is a providing financial literacy combined with a focus on strategy. By teaching clients how to examine their reports, she helps them to understand their overall financial position. She then uses that understanding to guide business owners through making proactive decisions about growth.
Outside of the office, Ann is a board member of Northern Cochlear Implant Trust. She previously chaired Penrose Business Association, was honorary treasurer of the Auckland Property Investors Association, honorary auditor of Alberg Ski Club, treasurer for Altrusa Manukau Area, and (back in the mists of time) Auckland Computer Society.
Ann sets herself regular challenges – both business and personal. She rides a Harley Davidson motorcycle, has run a marathon, loves to snow ski, and recently purchased kayaks as well as a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard), and is well into a bach project.
