About CommonGround Advisors
We provide specialist accounting for non profit organisations, supporting charities and incorporated societies with financial oversight, reporting and governance-focused advice.
Founded by charity accountant and advisor Maris Holt, the firm was created to provide not-for-profits with access to experienced financial leadership without the cost of maintaining a full in-house finance team.
By combining non profit bookkeeping, financial reporting and senior-level advisory support, CommonGround Advisors helps organisations strengthen financial management, meet compliance requirements and support confident decision making at Board and leadership level.
Based in Mangawhai and supporting charities and not-for-profit organisations across New Zealand, we partner with not-for-profits to build sustainable financial foundations that support their long-term impact.
Experience Behind CommonGround Advisors
CommonGround Advisors is led by Maris Holt, a finance professional with a passion for supporting charities and incorporated societies.
With a strong background in audit, accounting, business advisory and internal controls developed through years of working with not-for-profit organisations, Maris specialises in helping not-for-profit organisations strengthen their financial operations and governance.
Her experience also includes serving on not-for-profit Boards, giving her first-hand insight into the governance responsibilities and financial decisions Trustees face.
Drawing on deep knowledge of XRB reporting requirements and experience working with organisations ranging from small community groups through to some of New Zealand’s largest charities, Maris provides practical, sector-specific support that helps organisations meet compliance standards and operate with confidence.
Based in Mangawhai, she brings a grounded, community-minded approach to every partnership.
Maris works alongside a team of New Zealand-based bookkeepers, allowing CommonGround Advisors to provide reliable non profit bookkeeping, reporting and financial oversight designed specifically for the not-for-profit sector.
Maris also works with leadership teams and budget holders to strengthen financial understanding within organisations, helping managers interpret financial reports and make confident decisions.
What Our Clients Say
“We recently engaged Maris Holt to deliver tailored financial training sessions for our management team and budget holders. The training was extremely well-structured, clearly presented, and highly relevant to our roles. It significantly improved our team's financial literacy, especially in understanding key financial concepts and applying them to our daily responsibilities.
As a result, we've seen a marked improvement in compliance with financial processes, greater confidence in budget management, and more informed decision-making across departments. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, and we would not hesitate to recommend Maris Holt to any organisation looking to strengthen financial capability within their teams.”
— Head of Finance, Museum of Transport & Technology (MOTAT)
“Maris is a highly valued member of my team, playing a vital role in supporting the finance function at Triathlon New Zealand. From producing accurate and timely monthly financial reports across the organisation, to guiding our annual budgeting process and managing the year-end audit, her attention to detail is second to none.
Maris is also an integral part of our Finance Committee, where she consistently provides expert analysis and well-considered advice to both the committee and our Board. She effectively serves as my virtual CFO, enabling me to lead the financial aspects of my role with confidence and clarity.”
— CEO, Triathlon New Zealand
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Maris Holt Consulting in two of my CEO roles within the not-for-profit sector. Maris is an expert in her field, offering a financial service tailored specifically for not-for-profit organisations — something that is incredibly hard to find.With a background in auditing, Maris is diligent and detail-oriented, yet she also has a rare ability to see the big picture and guide strategic financial decisions. She truly understands the nuances of the NFP environment, which often differs significantly from the commercial world. Whether it’s navigating grant funding, providing clear cash flow advice, delivering board finance training, preparing insightful board reports, or supporting risk mitigation, Maris brings a depth of knowledge and professionalism that is second to none.
I would highly recommend Maris and her team to any not-for-profit organisation looking for a financial partner who genuinely understands the sector and delivers services that make both financial and strategic sense.”
— CEO, Asthma New Zealand
Our Approach to Financial Leadership in the Not-for-Profit Sector
Not-for-profit organisations operate in a unique financial environment. Leaders must balance funding uncertainty, governance responsibilities and increasing reporting requirements while continuing to deliver meaningful impact in their communities.
Strong financial oversight plays an important role in supporting that work.
At CommonGround Advisors, our focus is on helping charities and incorporated societies build financial systems and reporting that support clear decision making, good governance and long-term sustainability.
By providing specialist non profit accounting, reporting and financial oversight, we help leaders and Boards spend less time navigating financial complexity and more time focusing on their mission.
Let’s Talk About the Right Financial Support for Your Organisation
If you would like to discuss your organisation, your current finance setup, or the level of support you may need, we would be happy to have a conversation. Book a discovery meeting to explore how CommonGround Advisors can support your organisation.