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, motorcross, and craft beer. Leah loves hiking, camping, and good coffee. They have three young daughters called Stella, Sylvia and Sadie.

Rachael

Practice Manager

Rach is a total weapon when it comes to processes and keeping the wheels turning behind the scenes. She ensures the seamless operation of our office while expertly managing bookings, onboarding new clients and just generally being your “Go-To-Gal”. Rachael comes from an operations background in finance and recently sold her events business to move full-time to the beach.

Phoebe

Head Of Finance

Phoebe was raised in Waihi and is part of the Meares whānau (world-famous in Waihi!). Over the last 10 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 has sharpened her technical tax skills and allowed her to build a wealth of knowledge.

Mel

Client Manager

Mel is a born and bred Waihi-an, so 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!

Jen

Client Manager

Jen has spent the last 9 years working as a content specialist for The GAP, New Zealand’s premium business advisory platform for accountants. Jen has worked alongside inspiring industry leaders and now works with us at the beach as a client manager.

Born in Scotland and raised in Tauranga, Jen’s zest for life knows no bounds! When she’s not at work you might find her vibing to the rhythm of live music, cheering on her favorite rugby team, hitting the gym before sunrise, or (as if that’s not enough!) keeping extra busy with a teenage son and a ball-loving border collie.

With a background rich in diverse experiences and a passion for building meaningful connections, Jen brings a unique perspective to her role here at SMYD.

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.

Kristine

Client Manager

Kristine is a Xero whizz! She helps to prepare your annual accounts and tax returns and can deal with any of your Xero queries or training requirements.

Kristine and her hubby live in Wellsford with their little guy Harvey. She loves experimenting in the kitchen, getting to the beach as much as possible, and exploring New Zealand!

Kristine has a Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, and holds further qualifications in Bookkeeping and Business.

Inge

Client Manager

Currently, on Maternity Leave.

Inge comes from an Audit background, so has a keen eye for detail.  She’ll be working closely with Kristine to ensure your tax returns and annual accounts are accurate and in tip-top shape.

Inge grew up in Amsterdam but has been living across the ditch in Australia for the past 10 odd years. She recently moved to NZ with partner Euan, and two girls, Ayla and Suus, and they’ve settled in Waihi, which is a big win for us!

Inge and her family love the outdoors and get away tramping whenever they can.

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 3 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!