Elisa Davis

CA, Tax & Compliance Manager, Director

I’m Elisa Davis, and I’m a Director at WHAA, where I oversee all things Tax and Compliance. With over 25 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant, my career has been both diverse and fulfilling.

My Background
I kicked off my professional life in the Royal New Zealand Navy before deciding to switch gears and pursue a career in accounting—a decision I’ve never regretted. My initial accounting stint started in Auckland, but in 2010, I moved back home to Christchurch.

I hold a Master’s in Taxation Studies (MTaxS) and a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom). These qualifications have enabled me to engage deeply with clients, helping them understand their businesses, manage their tax liabilities, and identify ways to improve their operations. Over the years, many of these clients have become good friends, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

Professional Journey
Becoming a Director/Partner at WHAA in May 2024 has been one of my key professional milestones. I love being part of a smaller practice, as it allows me to form meaningful relationships with all our clients. Additionally, I take pride in mentoring new staff as they work towards becoming qualified accountants themselves.

What I Enjoy About My Role

  • Meeting People: I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and understanding their unique business challenges.
  • Client Relationships: Many of my clients have turned into long-term friends.
  • Training Staff: Helping to guide and train new accountants gives me immense satisfaction.

Networking and Continuous Learning
I’m also an active member of a weekly business networking group. This involvement keeps me updated on trends and developments in various industries, which I find incredibly useful.

Life Outside of Work
When I’m not crunching numbers or meeting clients, I like to stay active with Zumba and dancing. You might also find me at a pub quiz, testing my general knowledge. And speaking of hobbies, I have an extensive wine collection with over 300 bottles and a shoe collection that’s just as impressive—over 200 pairs!

Whether it’s guiding businesses through complex tax requirements or mentoring the next generation of accountants, my passion lies in making a positive impact. If you’re looking for actionable advice or simply want to discuss the latest tax regulations over a glass of wine, feel free to reach out!

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better. Here’s to good business, great wine, and even better shoes!

Got questions?

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