How it happened:

In 1999 Clive McKegg developed the original version Excel based package. As it became apparent that other auditors could also benefit, he developed the first commercial version in 1999, using Excel as a platform. This was initially marketed by accounting software provider Solution 6 prior to their acquisition by MYOB in 2004. The original version (1.0) answered a need for auditors in NZ to help produce efficient work-papers compliant with the NZ Codified Auditing Standards.

With the advances in cloud software technology and the adoption in NZ of International Auditing Standards (ISAs) it became obvious that it is time for a new approach, incorporating the good ideas from the original version with a much more powerful and flexible technology base. This (2.0) version was launched in March 2009, along with the formation of Audit Assistant Ltd, with Clive and Matt McKegg as directors.

For several years a joint arrangement with Thomson Reuters provided users with a version of their financial reporting checklists within Audit Assistant. We now develop IFRS, PBE and smaller entity NZ financial reporting checklists in-house.

Further features and content have been added as technology and standards change. In addition to services to auditors, we now also offer systems for accounting firms, AML auditors, and custom development based on our platform. Focussing initially on the needs of New Zealand professionals, and becoming the service of choice in the NZ SME assurance sector, we seek to grow to become the preferred provider in the wider Australasia/Pacific area.

In 2022 we realise that to grow into the wider market we must update the platform, so we engage a senior software engineer to lead the version 3 (V3) project. In 2024 significant parts of V3 begin to be released.

In 2025 we hold our first national conference held in Auckland, and prepare to launch into the Australian market as we expand our board and shareholding.