Dunedin

Welcome to Sidekick Dunedin – your local team of accounting professionals, combining the latest in Xero cloud technology with a deep understanding of the Otago business landscape. As Xero Platinum Partners, we help Dunedin businesses succeed with proactive, future-focused accounting solutions that go beyond the numbers. 

Whether you’re a tech startup in the city, a hospitality business in the Octagon, or a tradie in Mosgiel, we’re here to support your growth with real-time financial insights, tailored software tools, and expert advice that helps you stay ahead. 

At Sidekick Dunedin, we speak your language, understand your challenges, and work alongside you to make business easier. If you’re looking for a modern, approachable team of Dunedin accountants who genuinely care, let’s chat – and discover the Sidekick you need. 

We invite you to book an appointment, pick up the phone, shoot us an email or drop by for a chat. Or, you can just fill in the form below to send us a message directly.

CONTACT DETAILS

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    Meet the Dunedin Team

    Chartered Accountant

    Tyler Lapham
    CEO

    Ric Thorpe
    helen-sidekick-tasman-xero-accountants
    Project Coordinator

    Helen Pauley
    Contractor

    Anna Cochrane
    Project Coordinator

    Steph Holt
    Chartered Accountant

    Tyler Lapham

    Tyler is a Dunedin local with serious accounting skills and a down-to-earth attitude. He’s joined Sidekick bringing with him a strong background in both public and private sector finance, and a knack for turning numbers into smart business decisions.

    Most recently a Senior Accountant at Target Accounting, Tyler’s journey has included time as a Business Analyst at Health New Zealand | Southern, and several years at Findex working with a wide range of clients and industries. He kicked off his career at KPMG and even had a stint in finance retail at Travel Money NZ—so he’s no stranger to dealing with people and pressure.

    What makes Tyler stand out? He’s all about personalised support. Whether it’s tightening up systems, making sense of tax, or spotting fresh opportunities, Tyler brings a calm, practical approach that clients really value.

    Outside of the office, he’s often on the court—either playing or reffing basketball at the Edgar Centre. He’s a passionate supporter of local businesses and loves being part of the Dunedin community.
    We’re stoked to have someone with Tyler’s energy, experience and community spirit joining the Sidekick crew.

    You can contact Tyler on 027 58 11 444 or tyler.l@skca.co.nz

    :CA, DipGrad, BCom

    CEO

    Ric Thorpe

    Ric Thorpe is one of the owners of Sidekick Chartered Accountancy Group. Ric is one of the leads in the 20-strong Christchurch team, as well as assisting the Sidekick group across the South Island, which now has offices in six locations and over 50 team members (with an additional 15+ overseas). Ric has been instrumental in fostering the incredible family-like team culture at Sidekick and helping grow the business by spreading the word of Fixed-Fee, Modern Accountancy across the country. Ric has also held roles in governance and strategy for not-for-profit organisations, membership organisations such as the Christchurch Business Club, as well as within the Sidekick Group.

    Traditionally, Ric has been at the front end of Sidekick as the sales expert, building referral networks and solution partners across many industries. Since 2020, Ric has been predominantly Christchurch-based (which can largely be attributed to the Covid-19 situation). Now, as CEO, Ric’s role is consulting to small and medium businesses, working with clients to help them grow and driving the growth of Sidekick across the country with new office locations and recruitment!

    A key thing for Ric is culture. If you have the right people and they all have a common purpose along with respect and love for one another, your business should thrive!

    Project Coordinator

    Helen Pauley

    Helen is a Marlburian who has travelled the world and landed back here. Having a varied work life from managing a regional office for a multi-national advertising firm, owning a hospitality business to practice management of a medical practice, Helen brings a bucket load of skills. Communication is her flag ship skill and she enjoys problem solving. Resourceful and fun, pretty much sums her up.

    She is married to Gary, who is a Business Advisor and in their spare time they love to travel to family & friends, experience the great outdoors and discovering new recipes and flavours, accompanied by a glass of fine wine.

    :NZCC, NZIM Cert in Supervision

    Contractor

    Anna Cochrane

    Anna brings a wealth of experience in accounting tech, with a strong focus on FYI and Xero. Having worked closely with firms across New Zealand to implement systems and streamline processes, she’s a go-to expert when it comes to getting the most out of your tech stack.
    Anna is passionate about solving problems, improving workflows, and helping teams work smarter. Now based in Timaru to be closer to family, Anna supports Sidekick on a range of internal projects—bringing her trademark energy, insight, and practical know-how to every challenge.

    Project Coordinator

    Steph Holt

    Steph is the creative mind behind Sidekick’s brand – making sure everything from marketing campaigns to internal events reflects who we are and what we stand for. With over 15 years of experience in design and strategy, she loves finding fresh, meaningful ways to bring the Sidekick story to life. From shaping how our brand looks and feels to creating moments that connect our team and clients, Steph brings a mix of curiosity, energy, and heart to everything she does.

    Outside of work, Steph enjoys spending time with her son Ollie and tending to her ever-growing veggie patch – a creative outlet that balances her busy, design-filled days.