Our Team
Brooke and Mike first met back at PWC in 2012, forming a life-long bond over their mutual love for the movie ‘Step Brothers’. Recognising their combined, unique talents could offer clients and businesses the whole compliance/advisory package, Mike and Brooke decided to go it alone and Ascend was born! Since 2019 this dynamic duo have been offering tailored accounting solutions and strategic business advice. They’ve been working hard to help businesses grow and succeed while building a fantastic team to service their growing and diverse client base across New Zealand.
Mike Price - Director
You first notice how approachable Mike is, but don’t let his casual appearance and friendly demeanour fool you. He’s the real deal.
A Chartered Accountant passionate about delivering results for his clients, Mike has a well-known reputation for servicing and managing small business clients and providing valuable accounting and strategic advice. Being an expert using accounting software Xero has enabled Mike to free up his time to work alongside clients and deliver genuine value creation. When it comes to tackling those niggly issues and roadblocks, Mike’s your man, helping you navigate the hurdles that every business owner faces. In addition, Mike works alongside Brooke to design and develop their tailored financial leadership and advisory program for their clients, setting goals and managing client accountability.
Brooke Wielinga - Director
Always ready with a smile and a ‘can do’ attitude, Brooke’s fiercely driven to see her clients succeed, and you know your business is in good hands when you hear her say, “we’ll make it happen”.
Brooke’s extensive career has seen her work alongside struggling businesses locally and abroad. She’s transformed underperforming companies financially and operationally in London, Korea and Canada and deeply understands how to strategically build and grow a business through good processes, structure and planning. A recent Master of Business Administration graduate with first-class honours, no less, Brooke works across all facets of a business. Her extensive knowledge and vast client experience mean there’s no problem too big for Brooke to tackle. So just imagine what she can help you achieve in your business.
Mike Buckley – Accountant
Mike was Brooke and Mike’s first employee, joining the Ascend team in 2020 and has been assisting clients with their queries, GST returns, annual financial statements and tax returns with a cheeky grin ever since.
He’s also the self-voted office DJ, so if you are ever at the Ascend office, bring in your favourite banger request, and he’ll give it a spin. Learning the ropes of accounting under a progressive, tech-focussed firm means Mike has high standards and delivers outstanding client service every time. Adding ‘chartered accountant’ to his commerce degree is on the cards unless his love of darts doesn’t see him touring the pubs of England, competing for the world champ trophy. If you ever want to catch Mike at the weekends, you can always find him at the beach or on a mountain bike track.
Leisha Smith – Accountant
‘Technical queen’ Leisha has years of compliance experience behind her, and when it comes to any niggly, tricky accounting challenges, she’s your (and our) go to.
Her relaxed and easy-going personality means she copes well under pressure and is the perfect person to deal with your business’s financial stresses while balancing the rest of us in the office. As a Xero specialist, Leisha can help with all your accounting technology queries and get your finances in order. We can’t help but think being ex-Navy and a busy mum of three adds to her exceptional organisational skills in getting your business ship shape. Another mountain bike enthusiast, Leisha loves most sports, especially netball and chillin’ at the beach with the fam.
Kourtnee Bolton – Practice Administrator
With 13 years of working within financial organisations, Kourtnee is the glue that holds the office together, organising all the admin and ensuring the practice management function runs like clockwork.
A quintessential team player, Kourtnee often tackles tasks unasked, alleviating the pressure on the whole office. We are also incredibly grateful for the multiple feeds Kourt brings into the fold; the paua pies, lollies, and mint slice biscuits help alleviate any ‘hangry’ type behaviour and keep our puku’s full and happy. A proud mum of two gorgeous girls, Kourtnee loves spending time with family and friends sharing food and a beverage or two.
We make your business our business.
We love helping our clients achieve their goalsand succeed in what they do.