About us

Rachael is a tax specialist and co-founder of Verinder Powell Associates. She is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Accounting Technician. Her specialist areas are dealing with entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and internationally mobile clients and has at times been referred to as a “Tax Ninja”.

When Rachael is not in work she enjoys spending time with her family and taking her miniature schnauzer on nice walks, especially in Exmouth where they have a holiday home. She also enjoys attempting to keep fit and travelling when she gets the chance.

Carl is a tax specialist, SME business consultant and co-founder of Verinder Powell Associates. Carl is a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser and spends most of his time advising corporate clients on a multitude of accounting, tax and business issues. Carl was fortunate to have previously been given the accolade of one of the top 40 tax professionals under the age of 40 by the “Tax Journal”.

Carl spent 18 years as a freelance technical tax writer of taxation and financial guides, articles and reports, which were used and published by hundreds of other accountants across the UK. 

Despite being a self-confessed workaholic, Carl loves to watch his kids play competitive sport and occasionally ‘dusts off his boots’ to help coach football for young children at a regional talent centre.

Lewis joined the team in 2021 and heads up the accounts team. Having achieved his Chartered Certified qualification in 2020, Lewis has over 10 years experience working within the accounting profession, obtaining a wealth of knowledge that allows him to support clients across a range of sectors.  

Outside of work, Lewis has a season ticket for his beloved Bristol Rovers, and regularly travels across the country to support his team.

Joe is one of our General Practice managers and joined VPA in 2023. Following a degree in Accountancy and Finance, he joined the accountancy sector in 2017 and a few years later qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He has great experience guiding and supporting business owners to better understand their financial information and using this to improve the businesses going forward. Joe enjoys working with business owners and helping them to move toward achieving their future financial business ambitions.

Joe has a keen interest in cars and playing golf, even though most of the time he seems to be playing when it is raining!

Giles is an Accounts Supervisor who has worked for VPA since 2021. Before joining VPA, Giles worked in financial roles in the Bristol area, with over 13 years’ experience.

Giles enjoys football, running and spending time with his family.

Ben’s extensive accounting knowledge and dedication to continuous learning make him a highly valued team member at VPA. Ben joined the team in 2022, with 5 years of experience in accounting and finance. Prior to VPA, Ben honed his skills in the accounting profession in a finance position.

When not at work, he maintains an active lifestyle through regular gym sessions and following football.

Ben is an Accounts Assistant who has worked for VPA since 2021 after joining through the Apprenticeship scheme. In 2023, Ben won the City of Bristol College award for Business Professional Apprentice of the Year.

In his spare time, Ben enjoys playing golf, watching Bath Rugby and taking his dog for walks.

Robyn is an Accounts Assistant who joined the Apprenticeship scheme at VPA in 2024. Robyn is working towards her level 2 AAT qualifications and hopes to gain the Chartered Accountant title one day.

In Robyn’s spare time she enjoys being outdoors, in particular taking her dog for sunny walks.

Hannah joined our team of specialist tax advisers in May 2023 having worked for two large regional accountancy practices for the last 10 years. Hannah is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Chartered Accountant, providing high quality advice and compliance services, adding value for our private clients, and supporting Rachael and Carl in advising owner-managed businesses.

Hannah enjoys travelling and hiking but can most often be found with a good book.

Verinder Powell Associates welcomed Éilis in May 2021 after starting her tax career working for Carl at Houghton Stone in 2017. Éilis has since earnt her ATT qualification (Association of Taxation Technicians) and is currently working towards finishing her last Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) exams.

In her spare time, Éilis enjoys walking her dog, entertaining friends, ‘attempting’ DIY projects, and summer evening campfires.

Lea has almost 30 years experience working in personal and expatriate tax, having worked in PwC and Grant Thornton before joining VPA in May 2021.

In her spare time, Lea enjoys singing in a choir, walking with her dogs and is currently working her way around the South West Coastal Path.

Sam is a Tax Assistant who has worked for VPA since 2022, after joining through the Apprenticeship scheme. Before joining VPA, Sam did A-Levels at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, studying Accounting, Maths and Sociology.

Sam is an avid football fan.

Emilia is a Tax Assistant who has joined the apprenticeship scheme with VPA in 2024. Emilia is striving towards her AAT, ATT and CTA qualifications. Before joining VPA, Emilia had experience in a range of accountancy and administrative roles.

In her spare time Emilia enjoys reading, travelling and exploring different cultures.

Jo is our Administrator who has worked for VPA since 2021. Before joining VPA, Jo gained experience in both administrative and financial roles for over 6 years. Jo is organised and always keen to help.

Jo enjoys travelling and baking, the latter sometimes making its way into the office for the team to try, much to their delight!

Stell is our Finance Administrator and Bookkeeper. Stell has a real eye for detail, which makes her the perfect person to help run a smooth and hassle-free back office at VPA.

In Stell’s spare time, she enjoys walking her three dogs, helping look after her daughter’s horse and spending time with her husband and two children, albeit most of her time is spent being a taxi taking her two sporty children to their clubs.