SMYD Accounting / Advisory is run by Jason and Leah Topp.
Jason is a Chartered Accountant and started SMYD because he wanted to share his skills with growing businesses and work with cool people.
He’ll explain your figures in simple terms and will tell you what it means for you and your business. He’s addicted to financial process improvement and gets a massive kick out of being part of helping a business grow.
His official specs are a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Victoria University in Wellington. He’s worked in New Zealand, Canada and London for various accounting firms, as well as in commercial analysis roles for giant corporates like Spark and IAG.
Leah is the marketing and communications superstar of SMYD, who makes sure our branding, content, and client comms are top-notch. She used to think accounting was boring as batsh*t, but surprisingly has gotten into the groove of debits and credits and prides herself on making accounting cool (as much as you can, anyway!). Just don’t ask her any technical questions!
Before joining SMYD full-time, Leah worked in various consumer PR agencies in NZ, Australia, and the UK, and for top NZ companies Icebreaker and Spark. Leah has a Bachelor of Communication Studies in Public Relations from AUT and a Diploma in Events Management. And that means she’s really great at organising a party!
Outside of business, Jason loves mountain biking, motocross, and craft beer. Leah loves hiking, camping, and good coffee. They have three young daughters called Stella, Sylvia and Sadie.
Phoebe
Head Of Operations
Phoebe was raised in Waihi and is part of the Meares whānau (world-famous in Waihi!).
Over the last 11 years, Phoebe has been raising her daughter Ruby, while gaining her Business Diploma, Business and Accounting Bachelor’s degree, and finally her Chartered Accountants qualification.
6 years of hands-on experience working in CA public practice have sharpened her technical tax skills and allowed her to build a wealth of knowledge.
Rach
Practice Manager
Rach is a total weapon when it comes to processes and keeping the wheels turning in the machine that is SMYD. She comes from an operations background in finance covering the UK, North America, and Europe, and also brings extensive skills in events management.
Rach has recently sold her events business to move full-time to the beach.
When she isn’t keeping the SMYD team organised, you’ll find her surfing, travelling, socialising, and spending time with her kids.
Chris
Office Manager / EA
Originally from Hamilton, Chris now calls Waihi Beach home. She brings with her an impressive background of over 25 years’ experience in banking, office management and EA positions.
Chris keeps Jason’s calendar (and the rest of us!) in check, providing high-level executive support, coordinating client and team meetings, and helping ensure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys walking, biking, and baking cheesecakes. She and her husband Steve have two adult children, Brenna and Angus, as well as an elderly pug named Gucci, who keeps life entertaining
Mel
Client Manager
Mel is a born and bred Waihi-an, so she will be a familiar face to our local clients.
Mel previously worked in compliance for a local CA firm for 9 years before becoming a mum to two lovely boys, Beau and Taj.
Mel and her partner also own a local building company at Waihi Beach, so is an experienced business owner too!
Krystle
Client Manager
Krystle joins the SMYD as a Client Manager, bringing over 15 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant and Business Advisor.
She is known for leading high-performing teams and building trusted client relationships that deliver results businesses can clearly see. Her combined experience enables her to provide practical, outcome-focused advice and coaching that business owners can translate immediately into action.
Kristine
Client Manager
Kristine is dedicated to helping business owners navigate their accounting and compliance needs while fostering genuine concern for their success.
A Xero Guru, who helps clients understand how to manage taxes, revenues, and expenses by removing jargon and explaining concepts in simple, clear terms, ensuring clients fully understand and make informed decisions for business success.
Coleen
Accountant
Coleen is one of our awesome Accountants, making sure your annual accounts and tax returns are sorted and sweet-as.
Coleen lives in Pampanga, Philippines, with her family. She loves watching Korean dramas, playing video games, and is an avid reader of teen fiction books. She’s a hugely important part of the SMYD team, learning a lot and being mentored by Kristine.
Coleen studies a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Holy Angel University, Philippines.
Natasha
Project & Tax Administrator
Natasha brings a strong background in administration from roles at ACC, Work and Income, and the Māori Land Court. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Accounting. After a few years as a full-time mum, Natasha is excited to return to the workforce, particularly to help clients and tackle problem-solving challenges.
Natasha supports our compliance team by coordinating tax workflows, sending client reminders, lodging returns, and keeping our systems and processes running smoothly.
Natasha lives at Waihi Beach with her fiancé, Michael and their two children, Eddie (4) and Amelia (3). Outside of work, she enjoys reading, baking, beach time, and family walks.
Romsey
Marketing Assistant
Romsey joins us as a marketing assistant working alongside Leah to ensure our connection with our client community remains on point, valuable, and fun!
Reigning from Northland and growing up in Tauranga, Romsey has returned to the region after living all over our beautiful country, even spending time in Central Otago, where she was the owner and operator of a busy, full-facility gym.
Romsey keeps busy with her 4-year-old son and considers herself to be a true beach bum at heart.
A daily trip over from Whiritoa to our Waihi Beach office suits her just fine!