Meet the team

Shawn Rowell

Founder / CEO

Shawn Rowell, born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, is a seasoned professional in accounting and taxation, specializing in delivering tax solutions for individuals and small-to-medium-sized businesses. With a career that began at The Accounting Place in 2006, Shawn’s expertise and dedication quickly propelled him through the ranks.

In 2007, Shawn achieved the DFA-Tax Services Specialist designation through the Knowledge Bureau. In 2015, he was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of The Accounting Place, a testament to his leadership and proficiency. His commitment to continuous learning led him to complete a Certificate in Advanced Accounting from McMaster University in 2022, the same year he received the Professional Business Accountant (PBA) designation from the PBA Society of Canada.

Shawn’s excellence in the field has not gone unnoticed. He was voted “Best Accountant” through the Hamilton Readers’ Choice Awards for multiple years, specifically from 2016 to 2018 and 2021 to 2024. This recognition reflects his unwavering dedication to providing top-notch accounting services to his clients.

Following the sale of The Accounting Place in September 2023, Shawn embarked on a new venture by opening his own practice, Sway Accounting in May of 2024. His new firm continues to uphold the highest standards and personalized service his clients have come to expect.

Outside of his professional life, Shawn enjoys playing recreational ice hockey and cherishing time with his wife and two boys.

Ashleigh Gilbert-Lonsdale

Bookkeeping and Operations Specialist

Meet Ashleigh Gilbert-Lonsdale, our dedicated Bookkeeping and Operations Specialist. Bringing a unique combination of technical expertise and strategic thinking, Ashleigh helps our clients maintain impeccable financial records while streamlining their business operations.

With her Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) Technician certification and QuickBooks Online Pro Advisor status, Ashleigh ensures our clients receive top-tier bookkeeping services. Her background in Psychology adds a valuable dimension to her work, allowing her to understand and anticipate client needs while delivering solutions that make their financial processes more efficient.

Her detail-oriented approach and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable resource for our clients who are looking to maintain organized finances while focusing on growing their businesses.

When not supporting our clients, Ashleigh continues to expand her professional expertise through ongoing education and industry certifications, ensuring she stays current with the latest financial management best practices.

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