About Us

Our Story & Mission

5 Star Admin has been operating since 2015 as a specialized, multi-award-winning company delivering bespoke administration, accounting, and app advisory services to clients throughout New Zealand.

Our passion is all about saving you time and increasing profitability. We achieve this by automating systems, utilizing software efficiently, and focusing on environmental sustainability. We love becoming part of your team to see the impact these improvements can make and truly help your business shine.

We proudly operate as a 100% cloud-based and paperless office and specialize in supporting other businesses to become the same. Our focus is on the reduction of double handling work, digitisation, sustainability, streamlining processes, increasing revenue, and decreasing expenditure.

The Director: Tara McGowan

The practice is led by Tara McGowan, an award-winning owner and operator who brings deep expertise in financial management and software implementation. Tara’s background is extensive:

Experience: Tara has used Xero for the last 16+ years. In addition to leading 5 Star Admin, she has current experience as a Lead Financial Accountant overseeing financial management for a multi-entity groups across retail, wholesale, and manufacturing in NZ and Australia.

Expertise: Tara is a Certified Bookkeeper, a Software & Technology Specialist, a Business Process Analyst, and a Xero e-Commerce, Retail and Trade / Construction Specialist. She is a Xero Silver Champion Partner and a Xero Certified Advisor.

Community Involvement: Tara is a current member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers NZ (ICNZB) and the NZ Payroll Practitioners Association (NZPPA). She has previously served a two-year term as an Executive Board Member of the ICNZB.

Awards and Recognition: Tara’s commitment to excellence and community contribution has earned significant recognition:

  • 2024 - NZ Sustainable Business of the Year Award, ICNZB - Winner

  • 2024 - Top Professional Bookkeeper of the Year Award, VA Network of NZ - Winner

  • 2024 - International Top 50 Woman in Accounting - Nominee

  • 2024 - NZ Bookkeeper Trainer of the Year Award, ICNZB - Finalist

  • 2023 - NZ Bookkeeper of the Year Award, ICNZB - Winner

  • 2021 - NZ Sustainable Business of the Year Award, ICNZB - Winner

  • 2018 - NZ Community Contributor of the Year Award - Winner