One thing is certain - we want to be that extra member on your team; to be there when you need business advice and a sounding board for ideas. It's our job to listen, understand and advise.
We're not here to tell you what to do but it is our role to offer the benefit of our professional expertise as part of your team. When the path ahead is sometimes unclear, we deftly cut through the noise and provide clarity and guidance.
Penny Rowden
I like to think of myself as a mixture between Captain Kirk and Miss Marple, boldly going through the wonderful new skyscape of cloud accounting but with a lifetime of experience in solving our clients' accounting issues and making the day to day running of their businesses easier and less time consuming.
Let’s face it, the majority of us hate number crunching and I’m no exception. Despite being an accountant, accountancy stuff per se really isn’t my thing. What I do love is working with our clients to make their lives easier and more profitable by enabling them to focus on what they do best. That’s why I’m passionate about Xero and all the integrated Apps in the cloud. We now have very sophisticated accountancy software easily available at a price small businesses can afford, taking care of all the boring bits. Accountancy really shouldn’t be this much fun!
Director
Email: Penny.rowden@rowdens-ltd.co.uk
Find Penny on: LinkedIn
Jonathan Rowden
I started my accounting career in 1978 with a small local firm in Chichester before moving to London and then Atlanta with what is now KPMG. So I have seen it all from the “dreaded” carrier bag full of bits and pieces (often with a distinct aroma of cigarette smoke or even cow manure!) to working on the affairs of multi-national firms.
Whilst working with large multi-national firms was a great experience, I far prefer working with my current client base: smaller owner managed businesses who face a number of issues where we can really make a difference: from helping to grow their business, dealing with disputes between shareholders and everyone’s favourite; keeping HMRC happy!
I am responsible for the tax planning for our clients but firmly believe that the “tax tail should not wag the dog” (i.e. it needs to be right for the client, simple to understand and any risks fully explained). Lyra, our trainee receptionist (see her biography below) is getting used to this phrase, but definitely looks a little worried when she hears it!
On a personal note, I enjoy playing golf but need to point out that, contrary to the popular belief that accountants spend all their time on the golf course, I am a much better accountant than a golfer. I also enjoy watching rugby at Chichester Rugby Club where I used to play for the Gladiators (very much the social side of the Club, as this was the fifth team), catching up with all the gossip and reliving moments of triumph and disaster!
Director
Email: Jonathan.rowden@rowdens-ltd.co.uk
Find Jonathan on: LinkedIn
Mikayla Holloway
Hi I’m Mikayla. I joined Rowdens as a newly qualified accountant in April 2015 and despite many years' experience in the industry, I still have my sense of humour intact (athough it is sometimes suppressed for those on the ‘naughty client’ list).
I have always been very sociable and so the personable service we offer at Rowdens combined with having such wonderful colleagues are the underlying factors that make my job so enjoyable. (Guys, no cheques accepted - cash only!).
Embarrassingly, I must confess that I do really enjoy number crunching and problem solving which is rather fortunate in my position. My main role is the completion of clients' annual accounts and tax returns. I also assist clients with day to day bookkeeping issues and reviewing the current business position.
I look forward to meeting you soon...if I am not on holiday, AGAIN!
Client Relationship Manager
Jonathan Horn
I started in accountancy in 2008 and qualified ACCA in 2014 and CTA in 2017.
I joined Rowdens in March 2019 and am one of the managers.
My primary role is the preparation of accounts and tax returns. I also enjoy training and supporting other team members and dealing with day to day client queries.
Outside of the rock and roll world of accountancy I am a keen football fan, a Newcastle fan with a Pompey season ticket (work that out). I am also the proud owner of Max, Portchester’s most famous island dwelling dog (Google it).
Client Relationship Manager
Handre Joubert
Hi I’m Handre – sometimes known as Anton (a bit of a funny story)!
The world of accountancy is changing and I believe we need to change with it. It is all there to make life easier.
Having joined Rowdens in 2018 I have had the opportunity to work with a positive, forward thinking team that embraces the business solutions that are available to use in the wonderful world of cloud accounting. Xero I have found to be a very intuitive and a user friendly system providing management information.
I have a hospitality background with a focus on client care and understanding client needs and expectations. I really enjoy finding solutions to business accounting systems and advising on the options available to make your accounting and reporting easier.
Practice Manager & Systems Specialist
Cassie Finley
Hello, I’m Cassie –the Jill of all trades here at Rowdens!
With six years of dedicated service under my belt, I've not only advanced professionally by achieving my MAAT certification but also embarked on a fulfilling personal journey—welcoming a spirited toddler into my life.
Within the office, I proudly hold the title Head of Payroll whilst seamlessly navigating through Accounts and Administration tasks. Juggling multiple roles has become second nature to me; I often joke that I should invest in a shelf to store the array of hats I wear on a daily basis.
While some may consider me a fixture in the office, I remain steadfast in my commitment to perpetual growth and adaptability. Every day presents an opportunity to acquire fresh knowledge and refine my skills, ensuring that I operate with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Accounts Assistant
Ashley Perry
Hi I’m Ashley – I joined the Rowdens team in March 2020 after qualifying with AAT last year at another accounting practice. I have spent most of my working life in retail before I decided to retrain.
It’s a great set up here with all the systems in place. When I joined Rowdens, I was new to Xero and Dext (formerly Receipt bank) and have been amazed at how much time the software saves us and clients.
My role is the day to day bookkeeping, Vat returns, CIS returns, payroll and accounts preparation. I’m always happy to help out when needed and love helping clients with their queries.
Accounts Assistant
Lyra
My name is Lyra and for those of you who have followed my career, I began work at Rowdens' as office receptionist. I have recently been promoted and my current position is Head of Barketing due to my popularity on social platforms!
I look forward to welcoming you to the office once I am fully trained. I am currently quite wilful and determined to do my own thing; pretty much like some of the clients that come to see us. If they are subject to the same training regime as me, then their accounting and tax affairs will soon be in good order.
In my brief visits to the office I have overheard “the tax tail should not wag the dog”. I am not worried, but I am keeping my eye open for this tax tail, as I do not want it wagging me!
Unlike the directors I am open to bribery in the form of treats and tummy tickles!
Head of Barketing
