Firm Profile

Bruce Candy commenced practice in Matamata in 1962 with the aim of becoming a leading provider of accounting services to farmers of the Waikato basin and to those industries and retailers which service the farming community.

While our clients undertake a wide range of business activities the same enthusiasm, innovation and spirit still forms the basis of our operation.

Our staff is our biggest asset and we have a combination of a huge depth of experience coupled with an enthusiastic group of recently graduated accountants. Two senior associates Jim Kyle and Keith Rea are in their 40^th year of employment with the firm and a further five staff members have each exceeded 20 years since the date they joined Candy Gillespie Ltd.

We are committed to forming close partnerships with our clients. This way we can understand your unique situation and customise the assistance we provide to suit your needs. We have a team approach to solving issues for our clients and frequently the combined efforts of the Directors and senior staff are used to ensure the best solutions are reached.

We have a no frills approach to reporting with our financial statements and we often receive favourable comments from users such as banks on how easy our financial statements are to understand and analyse.

John Gillespie – Director John joined the firm in 1975 and has been a Director since 1981. He is married to Anne who is also a long standing member of the firm. In his 40 years in accounting, John has acquired a formidable range of expertise and experience. John’s interests include sports administration which has seen him spend time as Director of the sporting franchises of the Chiefs, the Magic and Waikato Golf. He is a keen golfer and can be found most Saturdays at the Matamata Golf Club. You can e-mail John here

Alan Candy – Director Son of founding partner Bruce, Alan joined the firm in 1984. Alan started his professional career Ernst Young in the Palmerston North office. After a few years service for them, Alan returned to Matamata and joined what was then Candy Diprose & Partners. While the firm has now changed names, Alan has continued as a Partner/Director since 1987. Educated at Matamata College and Massey University, Alan graduated with a Bachelor of Business Studies in 1982. Since returning to Matamata, Alan has been very involved in the community as a member of the Matamata Community Board (including Chair), a member of Matamata Public Relations Association, and is currently on the Matamata Futures board. Alan has also been involved in a number of local sports clubs. Alan has significant experience in finance and taxation matters and is involved with a number of clients at board level and holds a number of directorships. Alan is married to Haana and has 2 sons. You can e-mail Alan here

Keith Earl – Director Born and raised in Matamata, Keith attended Hinuera Primary School and Matamata Intermediate and College.  He gained a computer science qualification at Waikato University and later his accounting qualification at Waikato Polytechnic.   Keith joined the Candy Gillespie team in 1995 and became a director in 2000.    Having been born and raised on a local dairy farm, Keith has a passion for farm accounting.  His time spent working on dairy farms, including sharemilking on the family farm, has provided valuable experience for dealing with issues faced by both farming and commercial clients.     Most of Keith's spare time is spent with his two boys; kayaking, boating, hiking, and travelling whenever possible. You can e-mail Keith here

Craig Taylor – Director Taranaki born and bred, Craig returned to Matamata in September 2009, having previously worked for Candy Gillespie from 1997-1999. Craig became a Director in April 2010. Educated at New Plymouth Boys’ High School and a degree from Massey University, Craig has worked for accounting practices in Palmerston North, Matamata and New Plymouth as well as a spell in the commercial sector. Having not been able to find a practice like Candy Gillespie in Taranaki, accepting an invitation to return to Candy Gillespie was a no brainer according to Craig. Craig is married to Sheree and they have two children, Milla and Carter. Craig’s interests outside of work include family, sport, boating and fishing. Previously a keen rugby player, the boots are now well and truly hung up.  You can e-mail Craig here