Technical Team

For all staff below click on the  icon to view their LinkedIn profile.

Catherine Highton FCA

After graduating with a 1st class honours degree, Cath qualified as an accountant over 20 years ago.  She worked in the oil industry and then the small business department of a top ten firm, before taking time out to raise her family.  She then joined the Private Clients department of another top ten firm in 2000 where she specialised in looking after the accounts of high net worth individuals. Cath joined Charnwood Accountants as a Client Manager in 2005, where she enjoys being able to provide a complete service to clients, including accounts preparation, taxation advice, assistance with company secretarial issues and general business advice. Cath is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Outside of work Cath enjoys running, playing the clarinet in a wind band, and learning to play the piano.

Dianne Conway

Dianne has been with Charnwood Accountants since the beginning in 2004. Before joining Charnwood Accountants Dianne was working with another local accountancy firm as a senior accounts manager. Prior to that she held the position of Finance Director / Controller for a number of different companies, gaining a wealth of experience in accountancy in a commercial environment. She currently manages a portfolio of owner managed businesses alongside controlling Charnwood Accountants' internal accounting systems. In her leisure time Dianne enjoys, travelling, cycling, walking and gardening.

Emma Jarram FCCA

After graduating with a 1st Class Honours degree in Accounting and Finance, Emma went on to gain her ACCA qualification 3 years later, whilst working in a small local practice.  To gain a wider experience of all aspects of accounts and taxation, she then went on to work at a local office of a national firm before moving to work within the audit department of a top ten firm. Emma moved to Charnwood Accountants as a Client manager in 2007, where she has had the opportunity to work more closely with the clients within her portfolio, in order to be able to offer them a quality service, whilst meeting all their accounting, audit and taxation needs. Outside of work Emma enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.

Jeff Whyman

Sandie Richer ACCA

Sandie has been with the practice since January 2011, prior to this she had worked within a mid-tier firm for 5 years.  During this time she advised a range of owner managed businesses on accounting and tax issues and specialised in providing corporation tax services to her clients.  At Charnwood Accountants, Sandie manages a wide portfolio of clients across various industry sectors and has expertise in advising sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.  Throughout her career, Sandie has prided herself on providing a good quality, professional and friendly service to all clients in her portfolio.  She enjoys the variety of clients that she works with which range from large audit clients to professional practices and personal clients. In her spare time, Sandie enjoys reading, playing the piano and caring for her pet cats. Sandie is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Tracy Merrill CTA

Tracy joined the practice in July 2006 having gained 16 years experience at both a mid tier firm and a top 4 firm.  Tracy is a Chartered Tax Advisor with expertise in Income Tax, Corporate Tax, Inheritance Tax, Capital Taxes and VAT.  She advises on a wide range of tax planning matters for corporates, partnerships, Trusts and individuals.  Tracy has a professional and friendly approach towards clients, working with them to ensure both their business and personal taxation affairs are dealt with efficiently and cost effectively. Tracy’s personal interests include swimming and walking.  She is also kept busy by her two young daughters.