Meet the EduFin Team

Our amazing team are at the heart of EduFin’s great reputation. Handpicked for their expertise and friendly approach, they know how to get the job done with a smile!

  • Tracy Dawson - Director


    As the EduFin veteran of the education sector, there isn't much Tracy hasn't comes across! She is passionate about offering the best finance solutions whilst adapting her approach to each unique Trust. You're likely to hear her before you see her but can always count on Tracy to deliver quality service with a sense of humour.

    When Tracy isn’t leading finance teams to success you can normally find her on a lengthy bike ride or complaining about her aches and pains in the aftermath!

  • Carina Cuddington - Director


    Carina began her career at an accountancy practice, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. In 2009 she became a Finance Manager for a Multi Academy Trust. Since co-founding EduFin in 2013, Carina has supported many Trusts, from holding the CFO role, carrying out due diligence and internal scrutiny, to providing strategic support and guidance in all areas of Academy Finance.

    She has significant experience specialising in change management. Carina is bubbly and fun-loving both in and out of work.

  • Ian Gough - Director


    Having worked in charities and the education sector for all his (now quite extensive) working career, Ian has a great understanding of charity and education finance.

    Along with supporting Trusts in a strategic finance role, he runs our popular hosting service and is also the brains behind our Foresight budgeting software.

    When Ian isn’t supporting clients or building nifty excel tools, he enjoys bike-riding, go karting and spending time with his family.

  • David Powell - Director


    David has been in the charity and education sector for most of his working life and has been a Chartered Management Accountant since 2006. His logical and rational approach to things makes him a pro at overseeing EduFin’s popular Helpdesk service. He loves problem solving and getting into the finer details to offer alternative ways to achieve efficiencies in finance.

    Outside of work David is a regular at The Reach climbing centre in Woolwich and loves an early morning walk.

  • Abdul Juned - Associate Director


    Abdul has worked in the education finance sector for the past decade. Now as an Associate Director at EduFin, he juggles both client work and team management with exceptional skill and dedication.

    Abdul covers multiple CFO positions for clients, highlighting his expertise and reliability in the field.

    His enjoyment of helping clients on helpdesk demonstrates his customer-centric approach, while his playful side emerges through winding up colleagues on our Fantasy Football League.

  • Siobhan Young - Operations Manager


    Siobhan is EduFin’s Operations Manager and is the superstar than ensures the smooth running of the company on a day to day basis! With previous experience working in the education sector, Siobhan is aware of the unique level of hard work that goes into working within a busy Trust.

    Her superpower is keeping the team organised, manging her ever-growing to-do list and juggling tasks whilst keeping cool under pressure, this makes her the best at what she does - as long as she is caffeinated!

  • Dawn Brighton - Senior Consultant


    Before joining Edufin, Dawn quickly worked her way up from finance assistant to finance controller, giving her experience at all levels and a full understanding of finance processes from start to finish. With over 13 years’ experience in all education settings, Dawn is able to implement processes to support the Academy / Trusts' needs. She is AAT qualified, working towards her CIMA qualification.

    Dawn describes herself as a militant task master who loves a challenge and is super competitive!

  • Rachael Finan - Senior Consultant


    Rachael is now in her 9th year of supporting schools. She has held two long term CFO roles since joining EduFin, and has assisted with two MAT mergers, along with providing adhoc support and guidance to Trusts.

    Often known for her positive attitude and being the 'calming influence', Rachael loves a challenge and thrives on doing a great job for her clients.

    Outside of work Rachael will most likely be on a City Break somewhere across Europe or in the Kent countryside with her Dachshund Ernie!

  • Lawrence Brooks - Senior Consultant


    Having worked in Education Finance since leaving school, and with EduFin since 2016, Lawrence has a breadth of experience working with lots of different systems and Trust structures. As a Senior Consultant, he now covers CFO roles and specialisies on Healthchecks to advise on efficiences.

    Lawrence gained his AAT qualifiication in 2017 and is now working towards his CIPFA qualification. Outside of work Lawrence enjoys taking walks in the countryside and spending time with his young family.

  • Emma Djemal - Consultant


    Having been at EduFin for over 5 years Emma has gained MAAT status and is now studying the CIPFA/ISBL diploma in school business leadership. During this time Emma has personally supported more than 25 trusts; some for multiple years.

    Passionate about PS Financials and implementing improvements where necessary, Emma always has a handy tip or trick to streamline the duties of your department. When she isn't at work you can find Emma mastering a new hobby such as paddleboarding or ice skating!

  • Sophia Watts - Consultant


    Since joining EduFin in 2020, Sophia has gained extensive expertise in navigating the complex terrain of Academy finance, and delving deeper into the intricacies of SEN Schools. Armed with a BA (Hons) degree in Accounting and the ongoing pursuit for her CIMA certification, Sophia's ambition and competitive streak are all part of what makes her excellent at adapting and thriving in each trust she works with.

    Outside of work, you’ll usually find Sophia on long country walks in the countryside!

  • Angel Pittuck - Consultant

    Having now worked for EduFin for over two years, Angel has gained her AAT qualification and is now working towards a CIPFA qualification to further expand her knowledge.

    Angel will always turn up with a positive attitude and will work hard to come up with helpful solutions to any problems. In her spare time Angel loves to put her brain to work in a good escape room with her friends or she can often be found playing ball with her labrador, Belle, on the beach.

  • Ludmila Kolesnikova - Associate Consultant

    Ludmila joined EduFin in 2021 after having worked in an accountancy practice. Soon to be AAT qualified, Ludmila has helped many clients with the day to day running of their Finance Office. She is happy to apply her problem-solving skills to any situation that might arise to find the best solution for the client, all in a friendly manner!

    In her spare time, you will either find Ludmila curling up with a good book, going for lengthy swims in a pool or planning a new adventure trip!!

  • Mark Cockram - Associate Consultant

    Mark is an outgoing and confident individual who joined the company at 19 as an Apprentice Consultant. Since working for EduFin, he has completed his AAT level 2 and 3 qualifications and is currently studying towards his level 4.

    Mark is becoming extremely well versed on numerous accounting systems as he has had a variety of different clients throughout his career. Outside of work you will be able to find him at his local gym trying to stay in shape or socialising with his friends at football.

  • Jamie Ward - Associate Consultant

    Since joining EduFin in 2021, Jamie has developed strong education finance skills, as well as great relationships with everyone he meets. Following finishing his AAT Level 3, he has made great progress on his Level 4 and is well on his way to becoming AAT qualified.

    Jamie is calm, yet passionate about his work. He is always willing to help both his clients and colleagues with any issues they may face. Outside of work, you’ll probably find Jamie trying a new restaurant or out on the golf course!

  • Isa Brika - Associate Consultant


    Isa, recently promoted to Associate Consultant at Edufin, is a very dedicated and skilled professional. With his AAT Level 4 qualification nearly complete, he ensures that his work will meet the highest standards and satisfy clients' expectations.

    With almost 2 years of experience at Edufin, lsa's thoroughness and commitment are evident in all the work he takes part in. Outside of work, he will enjoy his weekends watching Formula 1 and occasionally playing basketball with his friends.

  • Nathan Watts - Junior Consultant


    Nathan is a hardworking and aspirational character who has recently been promoted to a Junior Consultant at EduFin. Nathan is currently halfway through the AAT level three qualification where he has proven his hard work and dedication.

    Nathan has an advanced knowledge on PS Financials and has received exceptional feedback from colleagues and clients. Outside of work you can find Nathan on a golf course perfecting his swing or enjoying watching his favourite team, Chelsea.

  • Tyler Gower - Junior Consultant


    With almost 2 years in the Education sector, Tyler's commitment to his role is appreciated by all that meet him. As a Junior Consultant and EduFin's first ever Apprentice Ambassader, Tyler provides an exemplary work ethic and a positive attitude to his client work, his studies and in supporting his team members; even with a dash of dry humour.

    He is always on time and supports with a smile! Outside of work, Tyler is either gaming on his PC or spending time with his dog Vinnie

  • Katie Howe - Junior Consultant


    Katie has been with EduFin for over a year and a half and is continuing her studies in AAT level 3, hopefully soon to start her Level 4. She has worked with multiple clients whilst at her time with EduFin and enjoys meeting new people and facing different opportunities using multiple accounting softwares including PS Financials and Sage.

    Outside of EduFin, you can find her enjoying time with friends and family or in the cinema watching the latest films.

  • Charlotte Pearson - Junior Consultant


    Charlotte has been with the EduFin team for nearly two years and is studying towards becoming AAT qualified. She has an enthusiastic, bubbly personality and is always looking for ways to help out. Charlotte is proficient in preparing payment runs and reconciling bank & credit cards, plus currently developing her skills in month-end processes.

    Outside of work, you’ll find Charlotte winding her dog up, pretending she enjoys the gym and watching F1 cars go round in circles.

  • Samuel Vick - Apprentice Consultant


    Sam joined EduFin as an Apprentice Consultant in 2023 straight from School. He is working towards completing his Level 2 AAT and aspiring to be a Junior Consultant in the near future. Currently supporting Trusts within their Purchase to Pay team, Sam’s colleagues would describe him as hard working and dedicated to whatever is thrown his way.

    Outside of work you can find Sam in the gym and the basketball court where he plays regularly each week.

  • Sam Reily - Apprentice Consultant


    Sam joined EduFin as an Apprentice and is working hard towards becoming AAT qualified. He is actively developing his skills, specifically on PS Financials and Access, to be able to support clients and colleagues with any issues thrown his way. Sam is out-going and willing to take on any challenge. He loves to learn something new at any opportunity given.

    Outside of work you’ll usually find Sam out on the golf course practicing to perfect his swing or out and about with friends.

  • Emma Botterell - Apprentice Consultant


    Emma is officially the youngest member of the team and joined us as an Apprentice in 2023. She is working towards becoming AAT qualified, which EduFin supports her with. Emma has always had a flair for numbers and knew she wanted a career in accountancy quite early in life. She is hard working with a positive, can do attitude.

    When Emma is not working at Edufin, you can find her swimming and taking her dog out on long walks. She also enjoys spending time with her family making memories.

  • Charis Hinson - Apprentice Consultant


    Now fully embedded into studying AAT Level 3, Charis is beginning to master the ins and outs of accounting in schools; especially enjoying reconciling statements and streamlining clients' filing systems.

    Pairing this together with her prior knowledge of computer science and can do attitude, she is fully prepared to tackle any problem thrown at her and is eager to expand her knowledge. Outside of work, you'll never find Charis far from her cat, Goose, or her videogames.

  • Liam Rushmer - Technical Consultant

    As Technical Consultant, Liam's focus is on financial software, systems and hosted solutions. With a proactive approach and meticulous attention to detail, he ensures seamless operations and tailored solutions for both EduFin and our clients' diverse technical needs; whether a Connect hosting migration, location build, or budget holder roll-out.

    Outside of work Liam will have his head still stuck in the world of computing, or be on a road trip around the country to various places of interest!