THE PEOPLE BEHIND DNA
Get to know us on a personal level
MEET THE DNA TEAM
GILLIAN FRENCH
DIRECTOR
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) & ACCA Fellowship (FCCA), Xero Advisor Certified
I love being an accountant. It’s something I’ve wanted to do from the age of 14 and it’s truly my dream job. In 2002 I bought DNA Accountants so I could do the detective work I love and help business owners get to the bottom of their issues and challenges. I’m proud to know our clients so well that most conversations begin with recapping what’s going on in our family lives before even getting to business matters. When I’m not doing all things DNA you’ll probably find me dining out somewhere with friends and family or crocheting. I have two gorgeous children who are now adults, and a Mum who is like a best friend. Most of my favourite things involve them!
IAN FRENCH
DIRECTOR
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), International Association of Press Photographers (IAPP), Xero Advisor Certified
Gillian and I established DNA in 2002 because we share a passion for helping small local businesses solve issues outside of their skill set. It’s incredibly rewarding helping people reach their goals and find a sense of calm with their finances. Coming to work every day with a fun, friendly hard working team is the cherry on top of the cake. When I’m not with the team I’m mostly spending time with family or listening to music, and would definitely be a rock star in my sliding doors alternate reality.
KASIA RACHWAL
BOOKKEEPER
Xero Advisor Certified
I started working with DNA in 2022 to develop in a profession I’m passionate about. I love being a bookkeeper because I can help business owners organise their workflows, and analyse a true financial picture. I’d call myself the quiet one in the team, but my job brings me a lot of joy! Much of that is down to the respectful clients and a kind and joyful team. Outside of work I’m into a good baking session and I love to travel, but most of the time you’ll find me spending time with family.
SAMANTHA GREEN
CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER
Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Xero Advisor Certified
If I could describe my role in one sentence it would be: the one stop shop for all things your accounts need. I enjoy the variety my job provides – learning about different businesses and building relationships with clients, while also becoming a knowledge hub for all things accounts. I was drawn to DNA for the personal touch and the family feel in the team. It’s a flexible environment that enables me time for my various hobbies which includes riding my pony Foxy, motorbikes, MTB, or kickboxing. I ride my motorbike in local trials competitions around Surrey at the weekends, however in the evenings you can often find me relaxing with my two cats Salem & Kiara.
ANGELA NICHOLSON
PAYROLL MANAGER
I like to work for small businesses as they usually have a kinder and more caring attitude to their staff, and that’s what I found joining DNA in 2018. As expected, I’m the go-to person for anything to do with payroll for independent business, and I love the attention to detail and problem solving my job requires. My favourite thing about our clients is that they’re all so different, and they’re always up for a good laugh. Much like the DNA team. Family is really important to me, so when I’m not at work you’ll likely find me with close friends or family. Or sleeping!
SHARON NICHOLS
PRACTICE MANAGER
I joined DNA in 2015 looking for a career change. I’ve always believed in working to live rather than living to work and the added bonus at DNA is that we have fun in the workplace and it doesn’t seem like work at all. Some days we are roaring with laughter! When it comes to my role, being able to understand our client needs is a big part of why I do this job. I love being able to help them make sense of the cloud based processes we use now as technology is updating all the time. Outside of work I love Zumba and turn up every week to circuit training without fail. Otherwise you’ll find me sipping prosecco with friends and family or watching Judge Judy!
