John Bates

Direct dial: +64 3 963 1460
Mobile: + 64 21 174 6062
E-mail: John.Bates@saunders.co.nz
Assistant: Sue James
Office: CBD

As General Manager of the diverse and dynamic operation at Saunders & Co, John’s role is incredibly broad and interesting.

He joined Saunders & Co in 2000 as a financial controller, but within a handful of years was also leading the firm’s HR, IT, strategic planning and marketing functions, resulting in a rebranding of his role to General Manager.

John has been instrumental in developing the modern, honest, inclusive culture at the firm, which he describes as down-to-earth, with no hierarchy. All staff work in an open-plan environment, where partners are always accessible to junior staff. John enjoys leading the large team at Saunders & Co, which has a complementary mix of different personality types with wide ranging life experience.

His management style is based on fairness, common sense, intuition and respect, and he is dedicated to providing a consistently high level of service and advice in a professional and personable manner.

Although John has since stepped back from the day-to-day financial operations of the firm, he still keeps a close eye on cashflow and financial performance. He acts as a mentor to the firm’s taxation and accounting team on a range of matters, and assists with legal files that require his financial acumen, sometimes working with clients directly.

John makes a point of getting to know the requirements and service experience of clients, and is often involved with client contact, including after service follow up to ensure the experience with Saunders & Co has been a positive one.

He is also responsible for general operations, which could include anything from health and safety signage to managing premise renovations. Strategic responsibilities include a place on the Saunders & Co Board, and facilitating regular planning retreat for partners and associates. Dealing with outside consultants, managing IT, resolving staff and client issues, and keeping an eye on regulatory requirements are other aspects of his work.

John encourages a family atmosphere at Saunders & Co where many staff have young families.

He is a father of four himself, and a keen sportsman outside of work, playing football for Coastal Spirit FC. John is a trustee of the Football Development Trust and also enjoys fishing and mountain biking.