Management Team
Meet the Directors
Andrew — Whitson Dawson In Mackay, QLD
Andrew Whitson (B. Com, FCPA)
Directors
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, specialising in Taxation. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA). In 2000, he worked with Neil Whitson to expand and prepare the firm for the introduction of the GST, working closely with individual clients from a wide range of industries such as primary production, construction, mining and retail.
Dave — Whitson Dawson In Mackay, QLD
David Whitson (B. Com, FCPA, CTA)
Directors
David completed his Commerce Degree at University of Queensland in 2000. He is a Tax Institute member and Chartered Tax Advisor. David obtained his qualified CPA status in 2004, achieving three distinctions and two high distinctions in Taxation and Strategic Management Accounting. He has set about building his own client base across several different industries including the sugar industry, mining services, grazing, hospitality, tourism, construction and retail.
Meet Our Managers
Vanessa Erasmus
Office Manager
Vanessa is a highly motivated person with extensive experience in Management, Administration, Human Resources, Customer Service and Bookkeeping. She has gained her experience from a variety of business sectors including commercial development, banking, engineering, mining and accounting. Vanessa’s focus is on the strategic development of the business including employee progression. She is a Commissioner for Declarations as well as an accredited Mental Health First Aider.
Trudy Thatcher (B. Bus (Acc), CPA)
Client Manager - Taxation
Trudy completed her Business Degree at Central Queensland University in 2001 and joined Whitson Dawson as a junior accountant. Since then, through the continuous professional development and support offered by Whitson Dawson, she also obtained her CPA. Trudy believes Whitson Dawson’s ability to provide a wide range of services coupled with dedicated teams who understand clients needs sets us apart in the industry. Trudy is experienced in Individual, Partnership, Company and Trust accounting including complex tax structures for entities.
Kacey Peoples (B. Acc, CPA)
Client Manager - Taxation
Kacey joined Whitson Dawson in 2010 and obtained her degree in 2011. While working as a junior accountant, she also obtained her CPA. Over the years her quiet personality has allowed her to build a strong base of knowledge in taxation. She believes the opportunities and challenges in this field has ensured her skills are ever evolving.
James Attard (B.Acc, CPA)
– Client Manager – Taxation and Audits
James earned his Bachelor of Accounting degree from Central Queensland University in Mackay in 2013. He obtained his CPA qualification in 2019 with high distinctions in Taxation, Contemporary Business Issues and Global Strategies and Leadership. Growing up on a cane farm in the Mackay region has provided James with a unique perspective on small business operations. James has a diverse skillset in taxation, audit and superannuation and continues to enhance his technical expertise.
Catherine — Whitson Dawson In Mackay, QLD
Catherine Harris
Client Manger - Superannuation
Catherine completed her Bachelor of Business Degree through CQU Rockhampton in 1994. She worked as a commercial accountant prior to commencing her employment with Whitson Dawson in 2001. Catherine is a qualified CPA specialising in superannuation.
Barbara Volker — Whitson Dawson In Mackay, QLD
Barbara Volker
Client Manager - Bookkeeping
Barb commenced her employment with Whitson Dawson in 2009 and holds a Bachelor of Accounting Degree and is a Commissioner for Declarations. She has a wide range of experience in the financial industry and will take the time to really understand your business and its needs and personalises her expertise to each business’ requirements.
