When Penny Ineson joined TMNZ 10 years ago, she had an ambitious 90-day plan that included starting a Christchurch office. A decade later, that plan has come to life. With a recent promotion to Head of Advisor Relationships – South Island, Penny now leads a team of four, aiming to ‘take the South Island by storm’ in tax payment solutions.
How are you feeling about your new leadership role?
I am so excited! It’s a little nerve-wracking because, while the investment is in the South Island, it’s also an investment in me. But I always feel valued and supported by TMNZ to work hard and do my job well. Throughout my promotions (Business Development Manager, Senior Client Relationship Manager, and Regional Manager), I’ve received ongoing support, great communication and connection with the wider team , and flexible working hours, which have allowed me to manage maternity leave, complete my Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, and most recently, secure office space in Christchurch.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I love interacting with people; my clients are down-to-earth and genuine. I enjoy helping businesses with tax; it’s rewarding to hear how TMNZ supports them to grow or navigate tough times.
What does it mean to you to be a female leader in accounting?
It’s really special. I love networking with other female leaders in the industry. At TMNZ we have held a number of events where we acknowledge female leaders within the accounting and tax industries. I’ve witnessed more and more women rise in the industry, and now that’s me too, so I’m proud.
What does your promotion signal about TMNZ’s growth and success in the South Island?
From 2015 to 2021, I was the primary person managing accounts in the South Island. In 2022, I gained the support of Isabella Prichard (Customer Growth Manager,Auckland) to reach more clients. We work exceptionally well together and wouldn’t be where we are now without her ambition, enthusiasm, and drive.
While we have done well to spread the word about TMNZ’s provisional tax solutions across the South Island, there are still many people and businesses that don’t know how we can help them. Now, we have Harry Macgregor (Customer Success Manager,) and Lexie Weaver (Customer Success Consultant) on board in Christchurch.
TMNZ’s investment shows the faith they have in us and our ability to take the South Island by storm.
What did you take into account when hiring new team members?
It’s so important for our team to be able to relate to and care about people regardless of whether they’re paying $500 or $5,000,000. Tax can be a stressful topic for people, so we need staff who are compassionate as well as qualified.
Lexie, a science graduate from Victoria University, has empathy in spades and great problem-solving skills, and Harry, a Chartered Accountant, can walk into a room and start a conversation with anyone. It’s exciting to have a combination of knowledge and strong interpersonal skills.
How are you going to be supporting South Island businesses?
I have lots of ideas, but first and foremost, we’re going to be visiting the regions, listening to people’s pain points, and figuring out how we can help solve them.
We’ll be planning more events so we can get to know our clients in a more informal setting.
How do you maintain a good work/life balance?
My non-negotiable is a group fitness gym session in the morning. It’s the only time of day when my mind’s not racing; for 45 minutes, I’m just trying to survive the workout! I have amazing support from family and friends to help me maintain self-care amongst the chaos.
Please describe in three words how you’re feeling about the next 90 days.
Primed. Optimistic. Excited.
How can people get in touch?
I’d love to chat to anyone interested in learning how TMNZ can support their business (or their clients businesses) through our smart tax payment solutions. Please contact us here, and ask to speak with Penny.
From left: Penny Ineson—Head of Advisor Relationships South Island, Harry Macgregor—Customer Success Manager, Lexie Weaver—Customer Success Consultant