There’s nothing more personal than business. That’s why VGA built the best team of people to help.
Virginia Gomes.
BBS, DipBS (Tax Consultancy) ,CA, CPP
The founder and director of VGA, Virginia started the business 25 years ago. Her role is to lead the firm, provide its vision, and to act as the glue that keeps everything working effectively. For her, the business is a deep and abiding passion.
Widely acknowledged by clients and staff alike as a brilliant accountant, Virginia is hugely experienced yet very easy to deal with. A lot of fun to work with, she is also known for being deeply loyal. She has a passion for knowledge and genuinely enjoys people.
Virginia says, “My job is to help our clients have the healthiest relationship with money they possibly can. There is an expectation that we have a level of expertise, but the most important factors are understanding the client and communicating honestly with them. Our services will always be unique to the client and their needs.”
Why would a client choose VGA? “We take the time to really know them, what they value, and what their life situations are. It effects what we do. The relationship you have with your accountant is one of the most important in business. For us, it’s about a lifetime relationship, not a quick set of accounts. It’s a partnership, where we have to like each other. I still love coming to work every day.”
Alison Bear.
BBS, CA
Alison has a strong work ethic, a commitment to quality, great focus, and is calm under pressure. She has a direct style of communication, and says of herself, “What you see is what you get. My husband says I shouldn’t play poker.”
Alison says the number one thing to get right is communication. “Even during the Covid lockdowns, the businesses that have done well are the ones communicating with their clients and staff, doing a good job of managing expectations.”
Why would a client choose VGA? “We take a lot of pride in getting everything right, and our technical skills are very high. VGA offers the right mix of professionalism as well as the personal touch.”
Khai Truong.
B.Bus (Accounting & Finance), CA
Khai is fluent in English and Vietnamese, and is a patient, understanding, and humble person. Known for a quiet and methodical approach and for being an excellent problem solver, he believes in adding value for clients wherever possible.
“Having a clear communication line with the client is really important. If there is a disconnect, or they have different expectations to what we’re proposing, that’s less than ideal. Our role is to help them with what they’re trying to achieve in their business.”
Why would a client choose VGA? “We have a customer mindset and are totally focussed on their success. There’s no surprises, we’re always here for them, and we offer a great service.”
Darnie
Southgate.
An expert jack-of-all-trades, lover of new challenges and learning new things, Darnie is a country girl at heart and is known at VGA for being honest, loyal, reliable, and easy to work with. She is also a fast learner, a direct and open communicator, and loved by her clients. “I’m also a keen boxer. For fitness.”
Darnie understands its critical to make sure her numbers are right, “As obviously the clients rely on us for accuracy.” She works hard to make herself available, and to help solve any questions or problems as quickly as possible. “It’s important to put yourself in the client’s position.”
Why would a client choose VGA? “Great service and friendly people. I’d like them to think of us first when making decisions or needing help.”
Sileen Liu.
Hard working, quiet, and efficient, Sileen is originally from China, and speaks fluent English and Mandarin. She is passionate about music, with an eclectic taste including classical, Chinese music, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “I’m not a very sporty person. I will walk with my children but that’s about it.”
Sileen says the most important quality in successful client relationships is found in “Always putting them first. You have to patient, detailed, and accurate. You always have to be there and ready to answer any questions.”
Why would a client choose VGA? “We have a lot of senior accountants with wide experience. There is a lot of expert knowledge inside the firm. Speaking two languages is very helpful for our Chinese clients. The key difference is seeing the world from the client’s perspective.”
Luisa Mausio.
Originally from Fiji, Luisa came to New Zealand in 2011, “For the world cup, and stayed.” She is legendary for always coming to work with a smile on her face and is known by staff and clients alike for her warmth, friendliness, and can-do attitude.
Luisa believes consistency and follow through are essential to great client service. “If you have that, along with communication, then everything should run smoothly. It’s about a commitment to quality.”
Why would a client choose VGA? “It’s a very good team of experts here that really care. We make time to help, to make ourselves available. We are always happy to meet and speak with our clients face to face. I think it’s the personal touch that makes the difference.”
Martin Crocker.
BBS, ACA
Martin is highly focused about getting details right, motivated to see his clients succeed, and driven by their success. “Watching a client do well is the greatest pleasure we have.” He drives a Ford Mustang, has his commercial pilot’s license - “I haven’t flown in a while as it’s very expensive to keep up.”
Martin says the most important thing to get right in his role is understanding what’s best for the client, “What their needs are, where they need help, how we help them to succeed.” As well as client focus there is a real need for precision and accuracy.
Why would a client choose VGA? “We’re great people to work with. We have excellent leadership, and a direct style of communication. This firm’s mission is to look after our clients. We believe in the idea of service. That’s why some of them have been with us for so long.”
May Wang.
B.Bus, CA
Originally from China, May speaks fluent English and Mandarin. May is known at VGA for being focused and direct. “I’m a hard worker who takes pride in being a good team player.” Her interests include hiking, listening to music, and indoor plants. “Not all at once.”
May believes the most important thing to getting it right, “Is getting it right. That’s the beginning, and the end. It has to be accurate, and correct. I’m very curious and I look at things closely, and thoroughly. Attention to detail is very important.”
Why would a client choose VGA? “VGA is a great team with very high standards. We’re responsive, and we treat others as we’d like to be treated. We’re also priced very fairly. Compared to firms I’ve worked at before, our rates give our clients exceptional value for money.”
Miranda Meng.
M.PA, CA
Thriving on challenges and research, Miranda is motivated by problem solving, to find the answers to questions. A great lateral thinker she has a passion for math. Originally from China, as well as English she is a native Mandarin speaker. An extremely hard worker, as a young mother she says, “Parenting also keeps me very busy.”
Miranda says accurately assessing a client’s needs and balancing that against what’s possible is critical to successful outcomes. “I’m deeply passionate about my work and my clients. I want what is best for them, always.” Listening, communication, and well considered advice are the keys to being a good accounting partner.
Why would a client choose VGA? “We build close relationships and partnerships with our clients. We always have their best interests in mind. We like to talk as often as possible, and to be accessible. This firm values its clients highly, and that makes a difference.”
Sandra Perillo.
BA in Italian & Anthropology
As VGA’s front of house, “I want everyone who comes through the door to feel like they’re family.” Fluent in English and Italian, Sandra is known for her warmth, deep level of care, and desire to get things right for the firm’s clients.
Sandra says the most important thing to get right in her work is to be personable, a strong listener, and to be proactive about finding solutions where needed. “Growing up with English as my second language I learned how to listen really closely.”
Why would a client choose VGA? “Because they’re damn good at their job. I’m just so impressed with the knowledge here in the firm, and the way they’re able to communicate that. Everything we do here is for the ultimate benefit of the client.”
VGA’s team of accountants and support staff are a super experienced, diligent group of expert accounting thinkers. But more than that - we’re also a team of people who will always go the extra mile to help you succeed.