Managing Director: Rebekah Haywood (FCCA)
Rebekah joined Dashwoods in June 2013, after working for 8 years in a similar sized accountancy practice. Rebekah has gained a wide range of experience working for both corporate and individual clients. She specialises in personal tax and year end accounting but still enjoys a bit of bookkeeping too. Rebekah qualified in 2014 and came 2nd worldwide in her final 5 ACCA professional exams. In February 2019 Philip passed the firm across to Rebekah, who is now the managing director. Philip continues to work in the firm as a manager. She spends most of her spare time chasing her young 'mini-me' daughter!
Senior Manager: Philip Rackstraw (FCCA)
Philip has over 30 years of experience working for the firm. He succeeded his father as the managing director of the firm in 2006 before passing the firm to Rebekah Haywood. Philip has extensive business experience and can offer general advice on running your business or more technical taxation and VAT matters. Philip enjoys watching football and most other sports such as golf and tennis. Together with his wife, Philip is doing an A to Z of visiting cities in Europe. Philip also assists his church as part of the leadership team.
Senior Tax Manager: Peter Dann
Peter joined Dashwoods in 1990 having previously worked for HMRC and PKF in London. He is extensively experienced in many different areas of tax and heads up the Corporation Tax department for Dashwoods. As a lover of music, Peter enjoys going to live music concerts. He also volunteers to help out with kid’s football coaching and youth events at his church.
Accounts and Payroll Assistant: Paula White
Paula is the head of our payroll services at Dashwoods and has been with us around 18 years. She specialises in VAT and CIS as well as payroll, and is experienced with using Sage software for bookkeeping and CCH accounts production. She also ensures that the office never misses Popmaster in the mornings on Greatest Hits Radio! When she isn't in the office Paula likes going on camping weekends with her friends and spending her time with her puppy, Holsten.
Accounts and Tax Manager: Amanda Hatton (ACCA)
Amanda joined Dashwoods as a trainee in 2017 and has since passed all of her ACCA exams, becoming a member in March 2024. Amanda is involved with accounts production, bookkeeping and tax returns, and has good knowledge of accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero. Now that Amanda has finished her exams, she has more time for helping out at her church during youth events, going to fitness classes and spending time with her family and friends.
Accounts Assistant: Wil Ames
Wil served in The City of London Police and Avon & Somerset Constabulary before returning to a career in finance in 2008. He is an ICB and level 3 AAT bookkeeper, has a good working knowledge of online accounting software, and is one of the few people to believe in the potential of The Government's MTD (Making Tax Digital) policy. He likes motorcycles and old Land Rovers.
Senior tax manager: Clare Jones (FCA)
Clare joined Dashwoods in 2020, having previously worked for Azets and several top ten firms in Edinburgh and London. She has a built a vast experience in tax and has specialised in personal tax since 2000. Outside of work she enjoys travelling, going to the theatre and spending time with family and friends.
Senior Manager: Tim Patterson (FCCA)
Tim joined Dashwoods in 2022 having previously worked in a similar sized practice since 2005. Tim brings a range of experience to the firm having worked with various sizes of businesses and organisations providing numerous different services in relation to accountancy, VAT, taxation and independent examinations. Tim predominately works with year end accounts but has good experience working with specialist areas such as VAT and Research & Development tax credits. Tim has a good understanding of a number of accounting software packages including but not limited to Sage, Xero, QuickBooks and Free-Agent and enjoys the challenge of learning new software. Tim has a young family but still finds time to be actively engaged in voluntary work at Kings Church Amersham.
Accounts Assistant: Esther Williams
Esther started at Dashwoods as a trainee in May 2022, and assists with accounts production, bookkeeping and tax returns. She has a BSc in Sociology and Criminology and has started studying with ACCA to further her knowledge in the field of accounting. When not studying for exams, Esther likes to crochet, cross stitch and do puzzles. She always has a project on the go.
Accounts Assistant: James Oxlade
James joined the Dashwoods team in May 2023, after spending a gap year at his church in Amersham. He was planning to study accountancy at university, but then the opportunity to work and learn at the same time at Dashwoods proved irresistable. James is currently studying for his ACCA exams, and while he primarily does accounts work, he has started to learn more about Bookkeeping, VAT and personal tax. Outside of work James is a very keen golfer, and you can normally guarantee that his weekend plans will find him on the golf course! As well as an active social life with friends, James still volunteers at his church.
Bookkeeper: Leanne Faulkner
Leanne joined the firm in June 2023 as a bookkeeper with experience on different software programmes, such as Xero and QuickBooks. Currently studying AAT, Leanne has hit the ground running, expanding herself into accounts and personal tax. Leanne has previously worked in the finance department of companies, assisting with things such as budget reporting, payroll and account management. In her spare time Leanne enjoys a good brunch or going to craft workshops with friends.