Irene Guest

Partner

Irene Guest is a Business Advisory Partner based in RSM New Zealand's Auckland office, providing accounting, advisory and strategic planning services to organisations across a diverse range of industries.

With experience spanning transport, professional services, not-for-profit, manufacturing and agriculture, Irene is known for her commitment to delivering high-quality service and building trusted, long-term relationships with her clients. She takes the time to understand each client's business, their people and their goals, enabling her to provide practical advice that creates lasting value.

For Irene, success is measured by the people she helps grow — her clients, her colleagues and her wider community. 

Experience

Irene began her accounting career in 2009 with a provincial Chartered Accountants firm in the Far North, where she developed strong foundations in accounting, tax compliance and business advisory services.

She joined RSM New Zealand in 2013 as an Intermediate Accountant and progressed through the firm as a Senior Accountant, Manager and Principal before being appointed Partner in 2026.

Over the course of her career, Irene has worked closely with businesses and organisations across a range of sectors, helping them navigate challenges, identify opportunities and achieve their long-term objectives. 

Key Capabilities

• Strategic and Business Planning – Helping organisations develop practical strategies for sustainable growth.
• Accounting and Compliance – Supporting businesses with financial reporting and compliance obligations.
• Business Advisory – Providing commercial advice to assist with operational and strategic decision-making.
• Cashflow and Funding Support – Helping businesses improve financial visibility and secure growth funding.
• Asset Protection and Structuring – Advising on business structures that support long-term success.
• Growth Planning – Supporting businesses through periods of expansion and change.
• Succession Planning – Assisting owners with ownership transitions and future planning.
• Exit and Retirement Planning – Helping clients prepare for successful business exits and retirement outcomes. 

Leadership and Community

Irene partners closely with her clients to help them achieve sustainable success and long-term confidence. Whether protecting assets, securing funding, planning for growth or preparing an exit strategy, she focuses on delivering practical solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.

Clients value Irene's approachable nature, commitment to service and ability to build trusted relationships that stand the test of time. She believes that understanding the people behind a business is just as important as understanding the numbers.

Outside of work, Irene enjoys making the most of Aotearoa's outdoors, spending time with family and friends, attending music festivals and heading north to lend a hand on the family farm. This year she has set herself the challenge of learning to play golf. 

Credentials

• Member, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
• Bachelor of Commerce, University of Otago
• Diploma for Graduates, University of Otago