meet the team

UPSHOT NZ

meet the team

UPSHOT NZ

Meet Chris & Jill

We started Upshot NZ Ltd in 2014 with the goal of helping small businesses succeed. With over 30 years of industry experience respectively, we're experts at working alongside small business owners to assist with accounts, bookkeeping, payroll, health and safety, and much more.

We like to say, "do what you do best, and we'll do the rest". It's about saving you time, money, and stress, unburdening you of your paperwork, making sure your accounts are in order, and helping your business run smoothly and successfully.

Our team is made up of contractors, meaning they have the experience and know-how when it comes to running a business. They work from the Upshot office as well as from home, with flexible working hours - so they're available when you need them!

We're true-blue Kiwis with a love of the great outdoors that's only matched by our love of our kids and grandkids.

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the upshot team

Jill Fryer

Jill Fryer

Co-Director

Jill launched her own business, A&F Services, in 2011, driven by a genuine passion for helping small and medium businesses stay financially steady and supported. When Chris joined her as Co‑Director in 2014, the business evolved into Upshot NZ Ltd — but Jill’s commitment to practical, down‑to‑earth accounting support has stayed exactly the same.

With experience across an impressive range of industries — manufacturing, forestry, logging, concrete masonry, ready‑mixed concrete, trades, rental, and just about every SME you can think of — Jill brings a deep understanding of how real businesses operate. She’s known for her straight‑talking style, her calm confidence, and her ability to help clients feel in control of their numbers, no matter how complex things get.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Xero Advisor
  • Xero Payroll
  • Diploma in Business Administration
  • Diploma in Business Management
  • Active member of ICBNZ (Institute of Certified Bookers NZ)
  • Active member of ATAINZ (Accountants & Tax Agents Institute NZ)
  • Regional Director of ICBNZ
Chris Fryer

Chris Fryer

Co-Director

Chris joined Jill in 2014 to establish Upshot NZ Ltd, bringing with him a strong background in managing both small and large businesses. His experience stretches across a wide range of industries — concrete masonry, precast concrete, ready‑mix concrete, building materials, IT software, road transport and logistics, and industry training (ITO). That breadth gives him a practical, real‑world understanding of how businesses operate and what they need to run well.

Alongside his management expertise, Chris has hands‑on experience in health and safety, having overseen large‑scale sites and supported many small business owners with their compliance and safety systems. He’s known for his steady approach, his problem‑solving mindset, and his commitment to helping businesses stay safe, efficient, and moving forward.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Diploma in Business Management
  • Trainer – Adult Literacy & Numeracy
  • Health & Safety
  • Xero Advisor
  • Active member of ATAINZ (Accountants & Tax Agents Institute NZ)
  • Active member of NZISM (NZ Institute of Safety Management)
  • Active member of BOP Safety Liaison Group
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Rachel Kilgour

Business Manager / Accounting Technician

Rachel joined Upshot as a contractor in September 2019 and has been a steady, reliable part of the team ever since. She brings a wealth of experience across all levels of bookkeeping and accounting, along with an impressive ability to work confidently in a wide range of accounting software.

With a background that spans manufacturing (horticulture and clothing), retail, wholesale, and service industries, Rachel understands how different businesses tick. She’s known for her calm, friendly approach and her knack for helping clients feel supported and in control of their numbers.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Xero Advisor
  • Xero Payroll
  • Crystal Payroll Certified
  • Essentials Payroll Training Course
  • NZQBA
  • Active member of ICBNZ (Institute of Certified Bookers NZ)
  • Active member of ATAINZ (Accountants & Tax Agents Institute NZ)
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Lois Fryer

Accounting Technician

Lois joined Upshot in April 2021 and quickly became a trusted, steady presence on the team. She brings a wealth of bookkeeping and accounting knowledge, along with a practical, down‑to‑earth approach that clients really appreciate.

Her experience spans the agriculture and transport sectors, giving her a strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by businesses in these industries. Lois is known for her accuracy, her calm manner, and her genuine commitment to helping clients keep their financial world running smoothly.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Xero Advisor
  • NZ Diploma in Business (Small Business Management)
  • Certificate in Teaching Adult Learners
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Nadine Loots

Assistant BM / Accounting Technician

Nadine began contracting to Upshot in June 2021 and has become a highly valued part of the team. Her broad office experience, combined with strong capability across all tax return types — including GST, AIM, and annuals — means she’s able to support clients with confidence and accuracy.

She brings a calm, organised approach to everything she does, something clients and the team appreciate deeply. Nadine is also comfortable working across a variety of accounting software, making her adaptable and efficient no matter the system. Her friendly manner and steady reliability make her a trusted support for both Upshot and the clients she works alongside.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Xero Advisor
  • Xero Payroll
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Anna Were

Administration & Accounting Support

Anna joined Upshot in August 2023 and quickly became the friendly face that greets everyone who walks through our doors. As our Director of First Impressions, she ensures clients feel welcome, supported, and in good hands from the moment they arrive.

Alongside her front‑of‑house role, Anna is our in‑house credit controller and an exceptional organiser, keeping our workflow running smoothly and our systems humming.
She also supports our accounting technicians with bank reconciliations and GST returns, bringing accuracy, efficiency, and a calm, can‑do attitude to everything she does.

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Paige McCoard

Accounting Technician

Paige joined Upshot in December 2025 and has quickly become a reliable, upbeat presence in the team. She brings a strong customer‑service mindset, a can‑do attitude, and a sharp eye for detail across client accounts.

With experience in both hospitality and manufacturing, Paige is adaptable, practical, and confident working in fast‑paced environments. Her blend of people skills and precision makes her a great fit for supporting our clients and keeping things running smoothly.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Xero Advisor
TESTIMONIALS

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

Professional, Experienced, Top Team and XERO
We have used Jill and Upshot Accountancy for over 10 years now. Jill, Chris and the team are very professional to deal with and highly experienced in all aspects of business accountancy.
We have had motels, rentals and farms and they handled them all without any problems   
As we live in the South Island, Upshot using Xero is a great advantage for us to run our businesses remotely. 
Our GST and Tax returns are processed through Xero every two months so you know exactly how your business is performing. 
Upshot always answers emails and calls promptly, so we can make good financial decisions for the day-to-day running of the business
When we are selling or purchasing property or businesses Upshot will produce profit and loss reports and also carry out due diligence so again we can make up-to-date informed decisions
Jill and the team look after a wide range of businesses, so with their knowledge and experience we can highly recommend using  Upshot Accountancy
Give them a call, you won’t be disappointed

Stuart & Denise Swan

I have appreciated your help for so many years now and value all that you have helped me with over that time.
Thanks Jill, I would be bankrupt without your help.

Kathrin

“Chris was primarily responsible for ensuring that we ran a compliant health & safety site that reflected our Australian client’s needs and ensured that everyone had the right to work in a safe environment. This was a project where numbers on site reached in excess of 140 people in a day all needing different requirements.”

Stanley Construction Ltd

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