Meet our People:

Steve Furlong says he became an accountant because it was the only thing he could do well… besides drive an articulated truck. It’s a comment typical of his personable style and sense of humour, and if you listen to his clients, there’s some truth in it – he is a very good accountant.

After a short period in manufacturing he joined Luyk & Partners in January 1983 before going on to became a partner of Parker Murray & Co in April 1993. Educated in Auckland, Steve attended Carrington Technical Institute where he gained his qualifications in 1988 and was admitted to the New Zealand Society of Accountants the following year.

“I launched Furlong + Associates on the North Shore because I believe that the North Shore is the place to be – I’ve lived here long enough to know that. It’s one of the fastest developing areas in the country.”

During his time as an accountant Steve has developed a keen interest in computing and has been involved in the development and implementation of systems in many different fields.

Steve has an active interest in most sports, particularly rugby union, league, golf and cricket. He is married with two daughters.

Email: steve@faa.co.nz

It takes energy and knowledge to power a business.

Fraser has extensive business experience in medium to large enterprises and most recently worked as Financial Controller for New Zealand Crane Hire before taking up the role of Operations Manager Northland Stevedoring in 2003 to 2006.

He counts as one of his strengths an extensive, practical knowledge in the use of accounting packages and technology.

“An accountant is as much a business advisor as a number cruncher – our core business is growing businesses.”

A former manager and coach of the Deaf New Zealand Volleyball Squad for the Deaf World Games 1989, recipient of a RNZAF Flying Scholarship and Nominee for coach of the year Northland Sports Awards, Fraser is no stranger to hard work.

In the past he has enjoyed scuba diving, white water rafting, abseiling, mountaineering and flying, to name just a few.

Email: fraser@faa.co.nz

Accounting Assistant Roseanne maintains you can do accounting anywhere or fill the same role in a hundred different businesses, but the people will make the difference between wanting to come to work or to stay at home.

Roseanne first worked for Westpac Bank before joining T.A. Johannink Ltd for seven years in accounts, payroll and administration. She then went on to work as a personnel consultant. She created and operated her own company in this field.

“Coming from a personnel background, I recognise the importance of the human resource side of things. There are so many different businesses out there all doing the same thing. I really wanted an organisation that had a good leader with vision and a certain amount of growth in the company – for me and the company, there had to be professional ethics and a good company culture.

“I love sport and used to play hockey, although now most of my time is spent watching sports and cheering for my kids from the sideline – I also enjoy socialising with family and friends.”

Email: roseanne@faa.co.nz

Systems Manager Lesley Patterson thrives on having people contact and seeing clients go away happy with her work.

“After leaving Lourdes Mount Convent School in London, I trained and qualified as a canine beautician,” says Lesley, referring to the years when her career was about ensuring that her four legged customers left happy with her work.

In 1969 Lesley left London for a working holiday to Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), and stayed for 32 years. It’s also where she met and married her husband of 25 years. During that time Lesley managed the biggest kennels in the country, a hotel and then a building society where she remained for 21 years. This involved overseeing four branches spread over a large farming region and I developed and trained between 15 – 20 staff at any one time.”

In 2000 Lesley left to help her husband manage his business and in May 2002 they moved to New Zealand. She has been working with Steve since then.

In her spare time Lesley enjoys golf, fishing, tennis, drama and watching her three god children play sport.

Email: lesley@faa.co.nz

Practice Manager Claire Bailey moved to the North Shore to take up her role at Furlong + Associates, and found herself living and working in a sunnier environment.

“The atmosphere at Furlong + Associates reflects the North Shore culture, being relaxed but productive, and the people have a good sense of humour – so you don’t get distracted by side issues. We’re left to focus on our work,” says Claire.

“I believe in making the most of my day,” says Claire, who is responsible for administration, mail, banking, answering phones, greeting clients, filing, processing tax returns, tax and accounting inquiries, client payrolls and PAYE.

In her spare time Claire enjoys playing guitar, bass, piano and drums. If she has to play anything that isn’t a musical instrument, she’ll settle for playing pool.

Email: claire@faa.co.nz