At DNA Accountants, we’re more than just number crunchers – we’re a close-knit team that truly cares about our clients, their goals, and their stories. We believe business is personal, and we love getting to know the people behind the businesses we support. So, we thought it was about time we introduced you to the dream team that makes DNA what it is – full of personality, passion, and a whole lot of heart.
The DNA team
Our history
DNA isn’t your typical accountancy firm – and that’s exactly how we like it.
We’re a family-run practice, taken over back in 2002 by husband-and-wife duo Gillian and Ian French, who had a clear vision: to bring more warmth, personality, and genuine human connection into an industry often seen as, well… a bit stuffy and grey.
We’ve grown from that vision into the vibrant, people-first team you see today, where relationships matter just as much as results, and where we truly get to know the faces behind the businesses we support.
You’ll find our team HQ at The Forge in Headley – a beautiful Grade II listed building, built in the late 18th century. We absolutely love it here, and we’re always happy to show visitors around. There are still original features throughout the office, and stepping through the door really does feel like stepping back in time, with a much friendlier welcome, of course!
Our values
We’re in the business of real people. It’s not about nature or nurture here – nurture is in our nature.
We gravitate towards business owners who share our energy and outlook, and we live by these guiding values every day:
🎨 Live colourfully
We believe life is better in full colour. We don’t do grey and detached, and we refuse to dim the light. We want to hear your stories, celebrate your wins, and support you through any setbacks. Whether it’s success, failure, or something in between, every part of the journey adds to the vibrancy.
💪 Persevere with determination
We’re like a dog with a bone when it comes to solving problems for our clients. We don’t shy away from challenges – we meet them head-on, think outside the box, and adapt quickly to find smart, workable solutions. We’re not afraid to take chances, even when it seems bonkers. (Sometimes that’s when the best ideas appear!)
🏡 Have an open door for people
We’re a chatty bunch, and we believe everything gets better with good conversation and genuine curiosity. We want to know you as a person, not just a business owner. Our office is a warm, happy place where you’re always welcome – and where you can be your full self, cats and all.
Gillian French – Director
As the founder and heart of DNA, Gillian has been living her dream job since 2002. She knew she wanted to be an accountant at 14, and has followed that passion all the way to building a firm that feels more like a family than a business. With credentials from ICAEW, CIOT, and FCCA – plus Xero Advisor Certification – she’s the go-to for solving even the trickiest business puzzles.
Gillian’s superpower? Knowing her clients so well, they start conversations talking about kids, pets, or holiday plans before they even get to the numbers. When she’s not busy at DNA, she’s probably enjoying a meal out with friends, crocheting something beautiful, or spending quality time with her two adult children, granddaughter Clementine or her mum.
Ian French – Director
With a shared vision to help local businesses thrive, Ian and Gillian launched DNA together in 2002. As a qualified ICAEW accountant (and a member of the International Association of Press Photographers – how’s that for variety?), Ian combines his financial expertise with a big-picture mindset. He’s also Xero Advisor Certified.
He loves helping clients achieve calm and clarity in their finances and is a big fan of the banter-filled, hardworking DNA team. Off the clock, he’s usually hanging out with family or vibing to music – and in another life, he’d be rocking a guitar on stage as a full-on rock star.
Kasia Rachwal – Bookkeeper
Kasia joined DNA in 2022 with a passion for precision and a love of bookkeeping. Xero Advisor Certified and full of quiet confidence, she’s all about helping clients tidy up their workflows and understand the real story behind their finances.
While she’s the quieter one in the office, her work speaks volumes – and she brings a calm, thoughtful energy to the team. Outside of work, you’ll catch her baking something sweet, dreaming of her next travel destination, or relaxing with her family.
Samantha Green – Senior client services manager
Samantha (aka Sam – that’s me!) is the one-stop shop for everything your accounts need. I joined DNA in 2022 with AAT qualifications and Xero Advisor Certification. I thrive on variety: learning about our clients’ businesses, becoming their go-to for all things accounts, and building long-lasting relationships.
I was drawn to DNA’s family feel and flexibility, and it’s a bonus that the team is a fab bunch to work with! When I’m not in accountant mode, I’m usually enjoying a swim, heading out for a walk to clear my head, or relaxing at home with my two cats, Salem and Kiara (they’re the real bosses, let’s be honest).
Angela Nicholson – Payroll manager
Angela joined DNA in 2018 and quickly became the payroll guru we all rely on. She loves working in small businesses for their people-first values – and that’s exactly what she found at DNA.
Problem-solving and attention to detail are her bread and butter, and she thrives on the uniqueness (and sense of humour!) of our clients. Family means the world to Angela, and outside the office, she’s usually surrounded by loved ones… or catching up on some well-deserved sleep!
Sharon Nichols – Practice manager
Sharon made the leap to DNA in 2015 for a career change – and found a workplace full of laughs, flexibility, and fulfilment. She’s passionate about helping clients understand cloud-based systems (because tech never stops changing!), and she brings warmth and clarity to every interaction.
Her motto? Work to live, not live to work. Whether she’s at Zumba, circuit training, sipping prosecco with friends, or watching Judge Judy, Sharon brings joy and sparkle to everything she does.
Josh French – Accountant
Josh took an unconventional route into accountancy – originally training as a chiropractor! When he and his wife were expecting their daughter, Clementine, he decided to retrain, smashing 13 exams in 9 months (yes, really!) to join the family business in 2025.
With his MAAT qualification, Xero certification, and a problem-solving mindset, Josh brings a fresh perspective to the team. Outside of work, he’s lifting weights, firing up the BBQ, or golfing with his dad (aka Ian).
Why we do what we do
Every member of the DNA team shares the same goal: to support brilliant business owners with heart, humour, and heaps of expertise. We’re proud to be a team that laughs together, works hard, and builds real relationships with the people we serve.
Got a question? Want to get to know us more? We’re just a message away!