Meet the team

I set up Merlin Accountancy in 2006. Our name comes from a beloved family pet, not Merlin the wizard. Having said that, we have sometimes been given a shoebox of receipts and asked to work magic. Not something we’d like to encourage, of course.

I grew up locally and was at Exeter School for seven years. Back then I wanted to be a doctor. These days I help our clients with a different kind of headache – showing them how to use their business as a way of achieving their goals.

The best bit about my job is making a difference to someone’s life. There is often truth in numbers, as they tell stories and offer insights. We use these insights to help clients find hidden profits or a better work-life balance.

In my spare time I’m passionate about rugby. At weekends I’m usually up at Sandy Park following the Exeter Chiefs, or in my garden trying to keep the wildflowers under control. I am very keen on improving people’s health through dietary and lifestyle choices, and am a trustee of a charity that focuses on this.

I’m Niki and I joined the Merlin team in early 2023 to start an accountancy apprenticeship. 

I’ve always been driven to do well and better myself, so I’ve pursued professional skills from a young age. I’ve worked in different sectors including hospitality, customer service, and business administration. Having Polish parents but growing up in England means I’m bilingual. Dzień dobry!

Now a year into my apprentice role, my skills are developing in new ways. I feel that my tasks in the team, and with our clients, are helping me on both a professional and personal level.

There are the daily jobs like email management, transaction allocation, and diary planning, as well as regular client visits. As an apprentice, every day is unique for me as there’s always something new to learn. Working with different personalities is what I enjoy best – it’s nice to work with a range of people who have different ideas and aspirations for their businesses. I love supporting our clients on their financial journeys and helping them achieve their goals.

In my personal life, I’d love to travel more and experience different cultures. Closer to home, I enjoy long walks with my friends in the summer – embracing nature and a positive mindset. It really helps me to clear my thoughts and reset for the week ahead.