The people behind Pillar

Experienced accountants who look beyond a single return.

Pillar is a partner-led practice. The profiles below distinguish the founder, the Auckland office and the Christchurch partner presence without implying a second physical office.

Pillar partners in a business discussion

Published experience

Commercial context, professional discipline.

The partners’ published experience spans financial reporting, taxation, audit, treasury, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, business structure and transaction work across New Zealand, Australia and China.

01 Kate Yan, founder and partner at Pillar

Auckland office

Kate Yan

Founder and Partner · MCom, Chartered Accountant

Kate founded Pillar to help business owners develop and implement strategies that support their financial goals.

Her published profile describes more than 16 years of experience across financial reporting, M&A, audit, taxation and treasury in commercial and public-practice firms in Australia, New Zealand and China.

02 Katherine Zhao, Christchurch-based partner at Pillar

Christchurch-based partner

Katherine Zhao

Partner · MCom, Chartered Accountant

Katherine supports clients with business planning, structuring, management and finance while keeping compliance and tax requirements on track.

Her published profile describes more than 15 years of experience across agriculture, construction, hospitality, retail and property development, with a focus on budgeting, forecasting and cash flow.

Start with the decision

Tell Pillar what is changing in your business.

Share the service you need, any relevant deadline and your current accounting setup. A partner can then confirm whether Pillar is the right fit and what should happen next.

Request a consultation