Profit First
The smarter way to manage money for NZ small businesses.
Transform your cashflow. Increase your profit. Finally pay yourself first.
Profit First
Cashflow & Profit System
Profit First is a simple, proven and human-friendly cash management system that helps business owners build sustainable profitability from day one. Instead of confusing spreadsheets, complicated accounting terms, and stressful guessing, with Profit First, you use everyday habits and behaviour to make managing money easier, more predictable, and more empowering.
Michelle Leigh is a Certified Profit First Professional helping Kiwi business owners, solopreneurs and property investors just like you, implement the system properly and practically, to finally gain clarity, confidence, and control over your business finances.
Profit First is a cash management methodology created by Mike Michalowicz, author of Profit First.
It flips traditional accounting on its head.
Traditional formula:
Sales – Expenses = Profit
In reality, this often leaves business owners with little money - or nothing - left over.
Profit First formula:
Sales – Profit = Expenses
Instead of hoping there’s money left at the end of the month, you allocate profit first - intentionally, consistently and immediately - and run your business on what remains.
It’s simple. It’s behavioural. And it works.
What is Profit First?
KISS CASHFLOW STRESS GOODBYE
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KISS CASHFLOW STRESS GOODBYE *
How Profit First Works
(in plain English)
At its core, Profit First uses multiple bank accounts to create clarity and discipline around your cash.
Income is distributed into separate accounts for:
Profit
Owner’s Pay
Tax (including GST)
Operating Expenses
Each dollar has a job.
Just like envelope budgeting - but designed specifically for business.
On a regular allocation rhythm (usually fortnightly or monthly), income is divided into these accounts using carefully determined percentages. This builds structure, prevents overspending, and removes the panic around tax time.
It’s not complicated.
But it does need to be implemented correctly.
That’s where Michelle comes in.
WHY Profit First works
Most business owners look at their bank balance and think:
“If there’s money there, I must be okay.”
But one bank balance doesn’t tell the full story.
Profit First works because it:
Creates visibility - you know exactly what money is available for what purpose
Reduces overspending by limiting what’s available in Operating Expenses
Builds profit into your business as a habit, not a hope
Removes the fear around GST and income tax
Encourages lean, efficient decision-making
Profit isn’t about greed.
It’s about sustainability.
It’s about resilience.
It’s about building a business that supports you - not one that constantly drains you.
Is Profit First right for you?
Do any of these sound familiar?
You could benefit from Profit First if:
You’re profitable on paper but cash always feels tight
There’s never “anything left” for you
Tax time feels stressful or reactive
You want clearer boundaries between business money and personal money
You’re ready to grow - but want to do it sustainably
Cashflow mismanagement is the #1 cause of business failure.
Don’t let it happen to you.
Why work with Michelle?
Profit First is powerful - but only when implemented properly and adapted to your business.
Michelle is a Certified Profit First Professional with decades of experience supporting New Zealand businesses who:
Explains everything in plain English
Understands GST and NZ tax obligations
Works with real numbers - not theory
Tailors allocation percentages to your industry and goals
Supports you through implementation, not just setup
This isn’t a template exercise.
It’s practical financial leadership tailored to small Kiwi businesses.
Ready To Build A Profitable, Financially Healthy Business?
Profit First is not a quick fix.
It’s a system.
And when implemented well, it becomes a powerful foundation for long-term success. Profit First gives you:
Confidence
Control
Clarity
Sustainability
Freedom
Let your business serve you—not the other way around.
If you’d like to explore whether Profit First is right for your business, Michelle would be happy to talk it through with you. Book a Discovery Call now and take the first step toward financial freedom.