Our Kaupapa – Who We Are

Edward Christian is built on relationships, not just reports. As a local kiwi firm, we’re proud to serve businesses and individuals across New Zealand—helping them shape their financial future with confidence and clarity.

Our journey is one of trusted advice, modern solutions, and meaningful connections. We bring forward-thinking financial tools to the accounting industry, ensuring every service we offer is designed to empower you.

Why Us?

⭐ Local Roots: We understand New Zealand businesses and the unique challenges they face.
⭐ Modern Solutions: innovative financial tools help businesses manage money more efficiently.
⭐ Personal Touch: We believe numbers should tell stories—not just sit in spreadsheets.

At Edward Christian, our goal is simple: to provide financial clarity and confidence for businesses and individuals who want more than just accounting—they want a partner in their success.

Meet the team

Tom

Tom Barker is a **Chartered Accountant** with solid experience in **commercial companies and accounting firms**. He knows his stuff when it comes to **R&D tax credits and scaling businesses**, helping Kiwi start-ups and growth companies make smart financial moves. With a strong background in **tax and compliance**, Tom cuts through the jargon and makes the hard stuff seem easy.
He’s got a knack for **bold ideas and practical solutions**—whether it’s securing funding, sharpening tax strategies, or tackling tricky financial challenges. **Whatever stage your business is at, Tom’s the guy you want backing you.**

Nikola

Nikolai Kyan is a **Senior Chartered Accountant** with over a decade of experience in **New Zealand accounting**, specialising in **property and business finance**.
Originally from Russia, Nikolai spent nearly a decade in **commercial finance**, working his way up to top financial roles. He brings **sharp commercial instincts and deep technical knowledge**.
**Straight-talking and highly efficient**, Nikolai is known for **cutting through the noise** and keeping accounting simple for his clients. A true workhorse, he’s always laser-focused—so much so, **it’s rare to see him look up from his screen**.

Maddy

Maddy Wilson is on her way to becoming a **Chartered Accountant**, currently finishing her degree at **Victoria University** while working with us part-time as an **Assistant Accountant**. With years of **bookkeeping and accounting experience**, she’s already an ace at **Xero, systems, and processes**, making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
She’s hands-on with clients, helping refine the way we work while **building her expertise alongside the team**. As she moves towards qualification, she’s sharpening her skills in real-world accounting—making sure she’s ready to bring fresh insight to the industry.

Eddie

Edward Jansen—or **Eddie,** as everyone knows him—is the **founder and consultant** behind Edward Christian. With a career spanning **restaurants, large accounting firms**, and eventually **starting Edward Christian 15 years ago**, Eddie brings a wealth of real-world experience.
He’s **a walking book of knowledge**, with a broad skill set that ensures **Edward Christian offers a full-service accounting approach**. While he can tackle anything, Eddie’s passion lies in **helping hospitality businesses thrive**, creating memorable experiences for customers. His belief in **personalised service—no matter the size or stage of a business—has shaped the firm’s core values**.
Though he now supports the team **part-time**, Eddie is still fully available to clients whenever they need him.

Cormac

Cormac Denton is the **Managing Director of Edward Christian** and **owner of Playdough**, bringing a bold, forward-thinking approach to accounting and business strategy. With **two decades in finance** and **extensive executive experience**, including CFO roles across **hospitality, technology, telecommunications, and media**, he knows how to scale businesses and support ambitious founders.
Having worked extensively with **start-ups and high-growth companies**, Cormac understands the challenges of securing **capital, managing rapid expansion, and leveraging financial strategy for long-term success**. As former CFO of **one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing hospitality groups**, he helped drive growth to nearly **1,000 staff**, gaining deep insight into what it takes to build and sustain momentum.
Now, he’s focused on **reshaping accounting services** to align with the needs of modern businesses—leveraging **technology, innovation, and a people-first approach** to make financial strategy more accessible and impactful. **Cormac believes empowered Kiwi businesses can help change the world, and he’s here to make sure they’ve got the financial foundation to do it.**

The Playdough Philosophy

"The Playdough of Possibility"—growth is a hands-on, messy process, but it’s where creativity and vision take shape. Businesses, much like playdough, morph, evolve, and change with every new challenge and opportunity.

Start-ups stretch ideas to test what works.
Hospitality businesses roll and shape experiences for their customers.
Property investors mold opportunities into financial security.

Edward Christian operates under the same philosophy—helping businesses sculpt their financial future without limits. Whether you're starting, scaling, or restructuring, we’re here to support your journey of creation, growth, and transformation.