About Us

About Us

Since 1883

Office Door Open — Whitson Dawson In Mackay, QLD

Whitson Dawson is a third-generation, family-run accounting practice providing comprehensive business and financial services to privately-owned companies, family groups, and individuals throughout Mackay. We cater to clients across a wide range of industries, including mining services, primary production, real estate, hospitality, property development, trades, finance, and private sectors.


Whitson Dawson is one of Mackay’s largest and longest-serving accounting practices. We specialise in small to medium-business services, including:

The foundation to our success arises from continually striving to build strong relationships with our clients. Our firm is built on our core values of honesty, accountability, integrity, empathy, and diligence.

Two Man Sitting At The Cafe — Whitson Dawson In Mackay, QLD

Network

CPA
Tax Practitioners Board Registered – Tax Agent 24799002
SMSF Advisers Network

Two Man Sitting At The Cafe — Whitson Dawson In Mackay, QLD

Network & Business Collaborations

The team at Whitson Dawson have worked with countless businesses over the years. Some of our partners include:

Presentation Plan With The Team — Whitson Dawson In Mackay, QLD

Meet The Directors

Andrew and David — Whitson Dawson In Mackay, QLD
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.

Neil — Whitson Dawson In Mackay, QLD

Neil Whitson (B. Com, FCPA)

Directors

Neil purchased the practice from the Estate of Colin Whitson and continued in the practice in his own right under the name “WG Hodges & Co”. In the late 1960s, Neil acquired the practice owned by Henry Macklin, also acquired the practice of Alexander (Alex) Dawson in 1973. The firm then began trading as Whitson Dawson & Co. Over the years, Neil has built up the practice by giving proactive advice to members of the cattle and sugar community.

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 that the opportunities and challenges in this field has ensured that her skills are ever-evolving, providing her with the ability to offer clients a high quality of service.

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, excelling 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.
Call (07) 4957 2985