Meet the team

Anne Stephenson

BCA CA, Director

"You can only manage what you measure."

My role is the Chief Strategist at Connected Accountants, both for the business and with clients. My principal role is to understand what makes clients tick, and to make sure that we deliver what we say, when we say we will.

​What makes us different is having spent a long time in big firms, it’s great to be able to directly influence the culture and brand of this company. Having company values that are about great people delivering great work.

The super power I would like to have is being able to transport myself anywhere, in the blink of an eye.

If there was one thing I’d change about me it would be 
being taller, climbing onto stools can be a nuisance after a while.

I get a kick out of seeing the whole team grow and develop as we test out new ideas.

When I was younger I wanted to be 
a research chemist. But my last school year included studying the sciences by correspondence when I learned I much prefer being able to talk over issues, rather than reading about them.

I'm currently learning
 how to grow old(er) disgracefully.

Kevin Summerhays

CA, Director

"Make it simple and easy."

My role is to help people find better ways of doing business. By 'better' I mean both within their businesses and beyond to the impact they have on the community and the environment.  

I’ve worked here since June 2019.

What makes us different is whether it's a particular challenge or ambition to grow, we enjoy being a sounding board, batting around ideas and seeing the satisfaction clients get when their plans come to fruition. 

What I would say to someone thinking of working with us is at Connected Accountants we are committed to investing in our people. We're all about growing our abilities and encouraging a happy work environment.

The super power I would like to have
 is to be fluent in all languages. 

The three things I would take on a desert island
depends on the island! But I would say a massive slab of marble, some sculpting tools and a hammock!

My current favourite saying is “I'm on the e-bike now."

James White

CA, Director

"Business is challenging, we can be your sounding board."

My role is to help business owners channel their entrepreneurial spirit into success by adopting sound financial management practices and making informed financial decisions.

I’ve worked here (officially) since October 2021.

What makes us different is our people and desire to break free from the stereotype of accountants.

What I’d like to say to someone working with us is that we love working with business owners that are passionate about improving their business and that passion is reciprocated.

The superpower I would like to have is to not require sleep (or to create more hours in the day).

My favourite country to visit is Turkey

Five people (dead or alive) I would invite to a dinner party are Michael Jordan, Eddie Vedder, Warren Buffett, Jerry Seinfeld and Amelia Earhart.

If I wasn’t here I’d be walking the Te Aroroa Trail.

My current favourite quote is "Only when the tide goes out do you discover who has been swimming naked." (Warren Buffett)

Louise White

CA, Consultant

"Don’t overcomplicate things."

My role is to manage accounting and financial requirements for clients to create great outcomes and smooth days.

I’ve worked here since October 2021.

What makes us different is our ability to dive deeper into your business to understand issues and find solutions.

What I’d like to say to someone working with us is that we are a great team of people offering a fresh approach to your accounting requirements.

In my free time I like to run through the amazing trails of Wellington.

The one food I couldn’t live without is Whittakers Dark Ghana.

My favourite country to visit is Fiji (with the kids) Europe (without!).

Emma Bergstrom

Practice Manager

"Stay positive!"

My role is Practice Manager. I make sure the business runs smoothly and that the team gets as much support as possible. Team work makes the dream work!

I’ve worked here since May 2019. 

What makes us different is that we are a small, fun team with a 100% client focus.

What I would say to someone thinking of working with us is that we know what we are doing and let us prove it!

Five people (dead or alive) I would invite to a dinner party are Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Cleopatra, Carl von Linne and Britney Spears. I know, very random!

My guilty pleasure is salty liquorice.

The three things I would take on a desert island are a book, a bottle of wine and sunscreen.

If I wasn't here I'd be living somewhere just out of Stockholm in a little cottage.

The actor who would play me in a film about my life is Lisa Kudrow.

Danelle Whaanga

CA, Senior Manager/Associate

"Your passionate advocate.”

My role is Senior Manager/Associate

I’ve worked here since Janurary 2023.

What makes us different is being a small team, we can adapt more easily to our clients needs. While we take our work seriously, we all believe in having fun and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What I would say to someone thinking of working with us is it's the people culture and mission that make
a difference.


The superpower I would like to have is a pause button.

When I was younger I wanted to be a pharmacist.


I get a big kick out of seeing business owners and those around them succeed.


What gets me out of bed in the morning is being able to contribute to others achieving their goals. 

Mikaela Devitt

CA, Senior Manager/Associate

"We make things easy, so you can focus on your passion."

My role is to support a network of clients achieve their goals. I am passionate about focused board reporting, and process implementation – whatever makes your life easier! 
 
I have worked here since Janurary 2023.

What makes us different is if you are looking for a great work environment, Connected Accountants is for you. We are a team that is focused on building relationships as a team and with our clients.

What I would say to someone thinking of working with us is that we are a great team of people offering a fresh approach to your accounting requirements. 

The superpower I would like to have is the ability to teleport.

The one food I couldn't live without is 
Chocolate and Pasta.

If I have time to myself, you will find me at the nearest beach.

Outside of work you will find me cooking, eating and talking about food or searching up new recipes to try.

Jaimi McNeilly

CA, Consultant

"Helping businesses thrive."

My role is Accountant. I look after a group of our clients and love helping businesses owners thrive.

I’ve worked here since December 2017.

What makes us different is the family vibe, where everyone works together to help each other and our clients.  Nothing corporate here!

What I would say to someone thinking of working with us is if you would like to work a company that is continually striving to do things better, this is the place. While you're given responsibility pretty early on, it also comes with being held accountable for your actions. 

When I was younger I wanted to be a hairdresser. 

My guilty pleasure is chocolate — lots of it!

If I wasn’t here I’d be travelling the world,  somewhere hot. 

The three things I'd take on a desert island are coffee, wine and a friend.

Joseph Neil

Consultant

“Always strive and prosper.”

My role is a Graduate Accountant, currently in the process of learning the tricks of the trade.

I’ve worked here since July 2021

What makes us different is the workplace environment. The entire team is extremely collaborative, easy-going and all boast strong interpersonal skills.

What I would say to someone thinking of working with us is that your personal professional development is highly valued and prioritised.

The super power I would like to have is the ability to fly.

When I was younger I wanted to be a rockstar.

I get a big kick out of taking on and completing new and unique challenges.

The three things I would take on a desert island are a bottle of whiskey, a guitar and some sunglasses.

Rachel Dickie

Consultant

"Supporting ambitious small business owners."

My role is Graduate Accountant.
 
I have worked here since March 2020.

What makes us different is being a small team, we all work together to best meet the needs of our clients!

What I would say to someone thinking of working with us is you are in great hands! We are a team that cares about seeing you succeed!

The super power I would like to have is to be able to time travel.

My guilty pleasure is
a good Spotify playlist!

I get a big kick out of pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

The three things I would take on a desert island are a good book, water and sunscreen. 

My favourite saying is
"everything happens for a reason."

Adam Lane

Consultant

“Accounting isn’t just about numbers,
it’s about building relationships.”

My role is Accountant. 

I’ve worked here since September 2022.

What makes us different is being a small team, we can adapt more easily to our clients needs. While we take our work seriously, we all believe in having fun and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What I would say to someone thinking of working with us is our office is a fun and supportive workplace that values you and your professional development.

My favourite countries to visit are Switzerland and Vietnam.

 Growing up I aspired to be a famous drummer.


My favourite music genre is anything metal.


The one food I couldn't live without is lemon meringue pie.