Clear financials. Better decisions.
Professional CFO and management accounting for growing Christchurch SMEs. Get senior financial leadership & accountant expertise without the Big Four price tag.
2-in-1
Senior financial leadership from a qualified Lawyer & Accountant.
The Tidy Ledger
The small business accountant Christchurch owners trust for clarity
Practical SME focus
We skip the corporate waffle and focus on fast implementation and clear performance measures. As a dedicated business advisor in Christchurch, our approach is built on senior-level leadership that respects your time—providing the specific data you need to manage your team without the overhead of a full-time CFO.
Dual expertise
Led by Lian Jones, a qualified lawyer and accountant, providing a disciplined yet practical approach to your ledger. This unique combination of legal precision and financial strategy means your business benefits from a higher level of risk management and structural integrity—ensuring your accounts are not just balanced, but legally robust.
Growth-centric
We don't just look at where your money went; we forecast where it’s going. By moving beyond traditional year-end compliance, we provide active cashflow forecasting and business advisory to help you scale, invest, or transition.

Our services
Tailored finance packages for every stage

Essentials
Compliance & Bookkeeping
Tidy, compliant accounts Tidy, compliant accounts and timely filings from an expert Christchurch accountant. We handle your monthly bookkeeping, GST, PAYE, payroll support, and reconciliations.
Best for: Small operators getting organised.
Growth
Management Accounting
Everything in Essentials, plus the regular insight scaling SMEs need to stay ahead. Includes monthly management accounts, cashflow forecasts, and a review call to discuss performance.
Best for: Scaling SMEs needing regular financial insight.
CFO
Fractional CFO & Strategy
Everything in Growth, plus dedicated fractional CFO hours for high-level strategy, budgeting, or fundraising. We deliver a 90-day growth plan and strategic project support.
Best for: Businesses planning significant growth or transition.
Ready for a tidy ledger?
Not ready for a full monthly package? Start with our 30-day paid healthcheck. For a fixed fee of $595, we’ll dive into your current setup and deliver a clear, actionable 30-day plan to get your finances on track.
Meet Lian
Senior financial leadership, made practical
Led by Lian Jones—a qualified lawyer and accountant—The Tidy Ledger provides a level of insight usually reserved for much larger firms. Lian combines legal discipline with financial expertise to help Christchurch business owners move from "running the numbers" to driving the business. Whether you are planning for growth or a transition, you get a steady, reassuring partner in your corner.
Lian Jones
Process
Simple, transparent, and effective
Getting legal counsel should be clear and uncomplicated.
Here’s exactly what to expect when you get started.
{ Step 1 }
With Lila Shevchenko,Client Support & Case Manager
Tell us what you need
Share the basics of your situation. A short call or form is all it takes. Just outline your questions or concerns, and we’ll guide you from there.
{ Step 2 }
Learn what your options are
We’ll walk you through the available legal directions you can take, explain them in plain language, and help you understand what makes the most sense for you.
{ Step 3 }
Move forward with clarity
Once you choose how you’d like to proceed, we handle the details, paperwork, and next steps, keeping you informed and supported at every stage.
Testimonials
Real stories, real results.
“I felt completely overwhelmed before reaching out, but the team explained every step in a way I could actually understand. Their advice was practical, honest, and exactly what I needed to make the right decisions.”
— Elena M.
Resources
Bite-sized updates
How to Prepare Your Business for a Contract Review
A practical guide to understanding what lawyers look for during a contract review — from hidden risks and unclear terms to compliance gaps. Learn how to streamline the process and protect your business before signing.
When Negotiation Fails: What to Expect From the Litigation Process
Litigation can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be unpredictable. This article breaks down the stages of a dispute going to court, your responsibilities, timelines, and how to stay prepared at each step.
How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Situation
From credentials to communication style, choosing a lawyer is more than comparing services. Here’s how to evaluate expertise, understand fee structures, and find a professional who aligns with your needs.
5 Legal Mistakes First-Time Property Buyers Often Overlook
Buying property is exciting—but it’s also filled with legal details that can lead to costly issues if ignored. This article covers the most common pitfalls, from unclear title conditions to hidden liabilities, and how to avoid them with proper legal guidance.
