As the holiday season approaches, many Kiwi businesses face the familiar challenge of wrapping up loose ends before the well-deserved summer break. For business owners, it can feel like a race against time to ensure everything is in order before the phones stop ringing and the team heads off to recharge.
But with a bit of preparation, you can step into the new year with confidence and peace of mind. Here are some essential tips from RightWay to get your business ready for the summer shutdown.
1. Sort out leave entitlements for staff
Most of your team will likely take some of their annual leave entitlement over the holiday period. A reliable payroll system should automatically calculate and deduct annual leave, ensuring payslips accurately reflect any leave taken alongside hours worked.
Planning is key here:
- Schedule payroll in advance: Make sure pay runs are organised ahead of time so that staff receive their wages without hiccups, even if the office is closed
- Appoint a backup: Ensure someone in your team has 24/7 access to payroll and banking systems in case any issues arise
- Communicate shutdown details: Under the Holidays Act 2003, businesses can enforce an annual closedown period. Let your staff know how much of their accrued leave will be used during this time, particularly for newer employees who may need to borrow leave in advance
Finally, ensure your team understands how to contact you or your finance team in case of urgent matters like payroll issues. Promptly addressing such concerns can help maintain trust and morale.
2. Prepare for Provisional Tax deadlines
Navigating provisional tax can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially during the busy holiday season. For many businesses, the next provisional tax payment is due on 15 January 2025. Missing this deadline can result in penalties that negatively impact cash flow, so it’s important to have your finances in order ahead of time.
Key tips for managing provisional tax:
- With Christmas often being a challenging time for cash flow, we recommend setting aside funds to cover your provisional tax payment — and don’t forget, October/November GST is also due on 15 January. Planning ahead can make a world of difference
- Confirm your tax obligations with your accountant, or consult the RightWay team for guidance tailored to your business
- If you’re struggling to keep up with tax obligations, consider financial management advice to create better systems for staying on top of these payments in future
If you’re unsure about how to prepare, or if you'd like to explore different payment options, we are here to assist. Whether it’s reviewing your cash flow, adjusting payments, or answering any questions the RightWay team is ready to provide tailored advice. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today — we’re here to ensure you’re prepared and confident heading into 2025.
3. Tackle admin and maintenance before the break
While summer is a time for relaxation, it’s also an excellent opportunity to tick off those nagging to-dos that often get pushed aside during busier months. Use the quieter weeks to:
- Update accounts receivable and payable
- Conduct maintenance on work vehicles or office equipment
- Upgrade computer systems or software
- Handle minor repairs or organisational tasks around the workplace
With much of the country focused on barbecues and beach trips, you’ll have fewer distractions and more space to complete these tasks efficiently.
4. Set a financial New Year’s Resolution
If 2024 was a challenging year for your business, it might be time to rethink your financial strategy. Many businesses in New Zealand have felt the impact of a slow economy, but 2025 brings the promise of new opportunities.
One of the best ways to strengthen your business is by outsourcing financial management to experts like RightWay. From bookkeeping and accounting to strategic advice, professional support can free you up to focus on growing your business.
Whether you choose RightWay or another provider, make 2025 the year you prioritise financial clarity and efficiency. By investing in professional advice and support, you’ll gain valuable insights and create a stronger foundation for success.
5. Keep the team in the loop over the holidays
When the office is shut, having a solid communication plan in place is a lifesaver for handling any unexpected hiccups. While no one wants to be bothered on their summer break, a bit of prep goes a long way to keeping things running smoothly.
Set the ground rules early:
- Let your team know who’s on call for any urgent stuff — whether it’s you, a manager, or someone in finance
- Be clear about what’s actually urgent, so people don’t feel like they need to check in for no reason
Make Tech work for you:
- Pop up an out-of-office reply on your emails and phone system to let clients and partners know when you’ll be back and how to get hold of someone if it’s really important
- If you need to, set up a dedicated email or phone line for emergencies, so it’s easier to manage
Encourage a proper break:
Let your team know it’s okay to completely switch off unless there’s a real emergency. A bit of rest and recharge will set everyone up for a better start to the new year — and you’ll all come back fresher for it.
By being upfront and organised, you can avoid holiday headaches and enjoy the break knowing everything’s under control.
RightWay makes the Summer holidays a breeze for business owners
The summer holidays shouldn’t leave you stressed about unresolved business matters. With proper planning and a proactive approach, you can close out 2024 smoothly and enter the new year prepared for whatever comes your way.
If you’re interested in learning how RightWay might be able to support your business year-round with accounting, business advice and tax obligations, get in touch with us today.
Further Reading
For more information to help you prepare your business for the summer break, check out these resources:
- IRD – Provisional Tax Overview
- Business.govt.nz – Preparing for the Holiday Season
- Employment New Zealand – Annual Leave and Holidays
- ACC – Workplace Safety During Holidays
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not apply to the specific details of your business. For personalised and tailored advice, we recommend reaching out to our professional team. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content on our website, RightWay assumes no responsibility for any business loss or damage that may arise from relying on the information provided.
