Meet the Team
BEN DUFLOU
Director - CPP, CA, BCA (Hons)
Ben, founder and Director of Accounting For Schools, is a highly skilled Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in the education sector. Passionate about helping schools thrive, he provides strategic leadership, ensuring the company delivers practical, tailored financial guidance that meets each school’s unique needs.
CHRISSY WILLIAMS
Practice Manager
With extensive experience in client services, operations, and relationship management across diverse industries, Chrissy is the glue that keeps our operations running smoothly, ensuring both clients and the team are supported every day. She brings a practical, solutions-focused approach that keeps everything on track.
BEN DUFLOU
Director - CPP, CA, BCA (Hons)
Ben, founder and Director of Accounting For Schools, is a highly skilled Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in the education sector. Passionate about helping schools thrive, he provides strategic leadership, ensuring the company delivers practical, tailored financial guidance that meets each school’s unique needs.
MARGARET KING
Practice Manager
Margaret joined the team in July 2022 and has an extensive background in operations management and HR, with over 12 years of experience working in various industries from Smart Metering to Law.
CHRISSY WILLIAMS
Practice Manager
With extensive experience in client services, operations, and relationship management across diverse industries, Chrissy is the glue that keeps our operations running smoothly, ensuring both clients and the team are supported every day. She brings a practical, solutions-focused approach that keeps everything on track.
MARGARET KING
Practice Manager
Margaret joined the team in July 2022 and has an extensive background in operations management and HR, with over 12 years of experience working in various industries from Smart Metering to Law.
NERISSA HEYRANA
BAS Manager - CPA
Hailing from the Philippines, Nerissa holds a degree in accounting and a graduate diploma from Manukau Institute of Technology. With a decade of experience, she is dedicated to providing schools with personalised financial guidance that aligns with their specific needs.
HARPREET SINGH
Xero & Cloud Systems Manager - AT, BA
With over 14 years in the chartered accounting industry and experience as an IT Administrator and Systems Support Engineer, Harpreet ensures seamless, efficient platforms that support the team in delivering accurate and reliable financial services.
SUNIL HOODA
BAS Accountant - MPA
Sunil thrives on solving financial puzzles, drawing from over six years of diverse accounting and finance experience. He’s passionate about helping schools simplify their financial processes so they can dedicate more time to their core mission.
BEN SARTEN
Business Services Accountant - CA
Ben joined the team in early 2020, following the completion of his Commerce degree at Victoria University. He is now a qualified Chartered Accountant, registered with the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants since March 2024.
HASSAN SALEHUDDIN
BAS Accountant - CA, BCom
With a background in auditing at Audit NZ and KPMG, Chartered Accountant, Hassan brings a sharp analytical mind and a knack for simplifying complicated numbers. He enjoys helping schools navigate their finances and uncover practical solutions for the future.
NIK HAKIM
BAS Accountant - BCom
With a background in auditing at Audit NZ and KPMG, Chartered Accountant, Hassan brings a sharp analytical mind and a knack for simplifying complicated numbers. He enjoys helping schools navigate their finances and uncover practical solutions for the future.
GURPREET MATHARU
BAS Accountant - MSc
With an impressive academic background that includes a Master’s in Mathematics, a Bachelor’s in Economics, Gurpreet leverages her expertise to provide schools with clear, data-driven financial insights that support effective planning and sustainable growth.
BREANNA MCDOWELL
BAS Accountant - BCom, MFinc
Helping clients make sense of complicated financial information is Breanna’s specialty. With a Bachelor of Commerce, a Master’s in Finance, and experience in chartered accounting, she delivers solutions that gives schools greater clarity and control over their finances.
HASSAN SALEHUDDIN
BAS Accountant - BCom, CA
Hassan, a Chartered Accountant holding a BCom, brings valuable experience from Audit NZ and KPMG to provide expert financial guidance. He's passionate about helping businesses thrive with strategic advice and clear financial insights.
SWAPNIL NAIK
BAS Accountant - MPA
Since arriving in New Zealand in 2019, Swapnil has built up a strong track record across audit, finance, and taxation. He brings a practical mindset and a calm, can-do attitude that schools trust when navigating tricky financial terrain.
HAFIDZ NIZAM
BAS Accountant - BCom
Known to the team as AJ, Hafidz brings auditing experience from his time at EY, where he worked with organisations ranging from private companies to NZX-listed firms. He’s passionate about demystifying numbers and helping schools feel confident and in control of their finances.
HASSAN SALEHUDDIN
BAS Accountant - BCom, CA
Hassan, a Chartered Accountant holding a BCom, brings valuable experience from Audit NZ and KPMG to provide expert financial guidance. He's passionate about helping businesses thrive with strategic advice and clear financial insights.
ZACK CAO
BAS Accountant - MPA
Originally trained as an engineer, Zack discovered his true passion lies in numbers and accounting, prompting him to pursue a career in accounting. With a Master of Professional Accounting under his belt, he is now preparing to begin his Chartered Accountant qualification.
BECKY LEVINGS
Marketing & Communications Manager
Becky is the creative engine behind all our marketing and communications at Accounting For Schools. She brings strategy, creativity, and a keen eye for detail to every project, helping the team share their expertise and connect with clients in meaningful, impactful ways.
HASSAN SALEHUDDIN
BAS Accountant - BCom, CA
Hassan, a Chartered Accountant holding a BCom, brings valuable experience from Audit NZ and KPMG to provide expert financial guidance. He's passionate about helping businesses thrive with strategic advice and clear financial insights.
BECKY LEVINGS
Marketing & Communications Manager
As the sole lead for all communications and marketing channels at Accounting For Schools, Becky manages and takes complete ownership of our content, ensuring its seamless development from start to finish.
DOMINIQUE MCCROSTIE
BAS Manager - CA, BCom
Dominique is a Chartered Accountant with hands-on experience in school office management and business operations. Known for her approachable style, she helps schools navigate financial complexities with confidence and clarity.
NERISSA HEYRANA
BAS Manager - CPA
Hailing from the Philippines, Nerissa holds a degree in accounting and a graduate diploma from Manukau Institute of Technology. With a decade of experience, she is dedicated to providing schools with personalised financial guidance that aligns with their specific needs.
HARPREET SINGH
Xero & Cloud Systems Manager - AT, BA
With over 14 years in the chartered accounting industry and experience as an IT Administrator and Systems Support Engineer, Harpreet ensures seamless, efficient platforms that support the team in delivering accurate and reliable financial services.
SUNIL HOODA
BAS Accountant - MPA
Sunil thrives on solving financial puzzles, drawing from over six years of diverse accounting and finance experience. He’s passionate about helping schools simplify their financial processes so they can dedicate more time to their core mission.
HASSAN SALEHUDDIN
BAS Accountant - MPA
With a background in auditing at Audit NZ and KPMG, Chartered Accountant, Hassan brings a sharp analytical mind and a knack for simplifying complicated numbers. He enjoys helping schools navigate their finances and uncover practical solutions for the future.
NIK HAKIM
BAS Accountant - BCom
Nik is a self-confessed numbers geek who turns spreadsheets into stories. With hands-on experience in reporting, tax, and compliance, he's all about turning numbers into meaningful insights that empower schools to make confident, informed decisions.
GURPREET MATHARU
BAS Accountant - MSc
With an impressive academic background that includes a Master’s in Mathematics, a Bachelor’s in Economics, Gurpreet leverages her expertise to provide schools with clear, data-driven financial insights that support effective planning and sustainable growth.
BREANNA MCDOWELL
BAS Accountant - BCom, MFinc
Helping clients make sense of complicated financial information is Breanna’s specialty. With a Bachelor of Commerce, a Master’s in Finance, and experience in chartered accounting, she delivers solutions that gives schools greater clarity and control over their finances.
SWAPNIL NAIK
BAS Accountant - MPA
Since arriving in New Zealand in 2019, Swapnil has built up a strong track record across audit, finance, and taxation. He brings a practical mindset and a calm, can-do attitude that schools trust when navigating tricky financial terrain.
HAFIDZ NIZAM
BAS Accountant - BCom
Known to the team as AJ, Hafidz brings auditing experience from his time at EY, where he worked with organisations ranging from private companies to NZX-listed firms. He’s passionate about demystifying numbers and helping schools feel confident and in control of their finances.
ZACK CAO
BAS Accountant - MPA
Originally trained as an engineer, Zack discovered his true passion lies in numbers and accounting, prompting him to pursue a career in accounting. With a Master of Professional Accounting under his belt, he is now preparing to begin his Chartered Accountant qualification.
BECKY LEVINGS
Marketing & Communications Manager
Becky is the creative engine behind all our marketing and communications at Accounting For Schools. She brings strategy, creativity, and a keen eye for detail to every project, helping the team share their expertise and connect with clients in meaningful, impactful ways.
LISA RUTHVEN
Office Manager / PA
Lisa wears many hats as our Office Manager and PA to Director Ben Duflou. From coordinating schedules to managing communications, she’s the friendly force making sure everything runs without a hitch.
LEO DUFLOU
IT & Compliance Officer
With over 20 years in IT under his belt, Leo is our go-to tech guru. Whether it’s system tweaks, software updates, or hardware upgrades, he keeps everything running smoothly so the team can focus on what they do best.
RACHELLE KIRKBECK
Receptionist
Rachelle is your first point of contact at AFS, as our receptionist. Known for her warm demeanor, attention to detail, and can-do attitude, she's passionate about fostering a supportive environment and is always ready to assist with a smile.
DOMINIQUE MCCROSTIE
BAS Manager - CA, BCom
Dominique is a Chartered Accountant with hands-on experience in school office management and business operations. Known for her approachable style, she helps schools navigate financial complexities with confidence and clarity.
NERISSA HEYRANA
BAS Manager - CPA
Hailing from the Philippines, Nerissa holds a degree in accounting and a graduate diploma from Manukau Institute of Technology. With a decade of experience, she is dedicated to providing schools with personalised financial guidance that aligns with their specific needs.
HARPREET SINGH
Xero & Cloud Systems Manager - AT, BA
With over 14 years in the chartered accounting industry and experience as an IT Administrator and Systems Support Engineer, Harpreet ensures seamless, efficient platforms that support the team in delivering accurate and reliable financial services.
SUNIL HOODA
BAS Accountant - MPA
Sunil thrives on solving financial puzzles, drawing from over six years of diverse accounting and finance experience. He’s passionate about helping schools simplify their financial processes so they can dedicate more time to their core mission.
HASSAN SALEHUDDIN
BAS Accountant - CA, BCom
With a background in auditing at Audit NZ and KPMG, Chartered Accountant, Hassan brings a sharp analytical mind and a knack for simplifying complicated numbers. He enjoys helping schools navigate their finances and uncover practical solutions for the future.
NIK HAKIM
BAS Accountant - BCom
Nik is a self-confessed numbers geek who turns spreadsheets into stories. With hands-on experience in reporting, tax, and compliance, he's all about turning numbers into meaningful insights that empower schools to make confident, informed decisions.
GURPREET MATHARU
BAS Accountant - MSc
With an impressive academic background that includes a Master’s in Mathematics, a Bachelor’s in Economics, Gurpreet leverages her expertise to provide schools with clear, data-driven financial insights that support effective planning and sustainable growth.
BREANNA MCDOWELL
BAS Accountant - BCom, MFinc
Helping clients make sense of complicated financial information is Breanna’s specialty. With a Bachelor of Commerce, a Master’s in Finance, and experience in chartered accounting, she delivers solutions that gives schools greater clarity and control over their finances.
HAFIDZ NIZAM
BAS Accountant - BCom
Known to the team as AJ, Hafidz brings auditing experience from his time at EY, where he worked with organisations ranging from private companies to NZX-listed firms. He’s passionate about demystifying numbers and helping schools feel confident and in control of their finances.
ZACK CAO
BAS Accountant - MPA
Originally trained as an engineer, Zack discovered his true passion lies in numbers and accounting, prompting him to pursue a career in accounting. With a Master of Professional Accounting under his belt, he is now preparing to begin his Chartered Accountant qualification.
BECKY LEVINGS
Marketing & Communications Manager
Becky is the creative engine behind all our marketing and communications at Accounting For Schools. She brings strategy, creativity, and a keen eye for detail to every project, helping the team share their expertise and connect with clients in meaningful, impactful ways.
LISA RUTHVEN
Office Manager / PA
Lisa wears many hats as our Office Manager and PA to Director Ben Duflou. From coordinating schedules to managing communications, she’s the friendly force making sure everything runs without a hitch.
LEO DUFLOU
IT & Compliance Officer
With over 20 years in IT under his belt, Leo is our go-to tech guru. Whether it’s system tweaks, software updates, or hardware upgrades, he keeps everything running smoothly so the team can focus on what they do best.
