Our Team

Robyn Watt-Dixon, CPA, CA, CFP

As cofounder of Sutherland Watt, Robyn remains true to the core philosophies of the firm – excellent quality of work and client service in an atmosphere that encourages a strong work-life balance. 

Robyn has been volunteering her accounting expertise and management skills with not-for-profit organizations in Halifax throughout her career, and her experience as a certified Yoga teacher brings an honest and balanced approach to her practice. 

Robyn obtained her Bachelor of Commerce in 1990 and her CA designation, with honors, in 1994. She obtained her CFP Designation in 2001 and continues to be a member in good standing with the Financial Planners Standards Council, as well as the Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia. Robyn has enjoyed a leadership role with Sutherland Watt since 2003.

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Katie Houghton, CPA, CA

Katie joined the Sutherland Watt team in January 2010, and became a Director of the firm in 2018. She enjoys developing relationships with her clients, and believes this is especially important while working with small, owner-managed businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Katie graduated, with honours, from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2003. She obtained her CA designation in the spring of 2006.

Ryan Beck, CPA

Ryan joined the Sutherland Watt team in June 2020. He has a vast experience in providing assurance, accounting and taxation services to a wide variety of clients. Ryan is focused on building and maintaining strong client relationships, while producing high-quality deliverables.

Ryan graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and obtained his CPA designation in the fall of 2020. When he is not working you may spot him with his dogs, at a spin class or enjoying dinner at a restaurant around town!

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Sutherland and Watt - Jessica Rafuse, CPA

Jessica Hebb, CPA

Prior to joining the Sutherland Watt team in July 2021, Jessica graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and obtained her CPA designation in January of 2020.

Working with smaller owner-managed businesses and not-for-profit organizations, Jessica is passionate about understanding each client to adapt to their individual needs.  She is primarily responsible for completing compilation, review and audit engagements, while working with her clients to complete their government reporting requirements whether it be a personal or corporate tax returns, HST, or charity returns.

Jessica has been actively volunteering within Halifax and would likely be found one of the local yoga studios or spending time with Golden Retriever, Lily in her past time.

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Davis Feng

Davis joined the Sutherland Watt team in May 2023. He graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in 2023 and is currently pursuing his CPA designation.

Davis worked with Sutherland Watt as a co-op student prior to his graduation and assisted in compilation, review, and audit engagements, while also preparing corporate and personal tax returns for our clients. Now with a more permanent role with Sutherland Watt as a CPA Student, Davis continues his responsibilities of preparing various assurance engagements and tax returns while working towards his CPA designation.

Davis is an automobile enthusiast and appreciates anything related to them. During his free time, he enjoys working on vehicles in his garage and going for scenic drives around our beautiful Province.

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Zachary De Guerre, B. Comm

Zac joined the Sutherland Watt team in October 2019. He graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Zac has previously worked in a number of accounting and finance roles, over his career. Zac is an Accounting Technician in our office and is responsible for assisting with accounting and tax services for our clients. With two young children, Zac’s time when not at work is filled with enjoying his family. 

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Candace Vieira

Candace joined the Sutherland Watt team in 2009 as the Office Manager responsible for the internal bookkeeping of the firm and for, along with the rest of the team, ensuring the office runs as smoothly as possible.

After also working in the banking and consulting industries for a number of years, she has acquired tremendous experience and knowledge with developing client relationships. She is actively involved in her local community by volunteering her time and organizational skills where needed. She will likely be your first contact within the company and will happily assist you as much as possible.

Ann Sutherland

As co-founder of Sutherland Watt, Ann has brought a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to the team since the inception of the firm in 2003. She continues to contribute to the practice on a part-time consulting basis.

Ann continues to be involved in the local community as a volunteer treasurer for the Halifax Assistance Fund and the Funny Pages Literary Festival.

Ann graduated with an Honours Degree in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario in 1979 and obtained her Chartered Accountant designation in 1981. Ann has also instructed various accounting, auditing, and taxation courses at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.

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Dixie

Dixie joined the Sutherland Watt team in 2018 as a 3 month old Havanese pup.  Dixie is an enthusiastic greeter and always happy to have a pat, and is sure to put a smile on your face with her sweet demeanour and silly antics.  Dixie is hypoallergenic , but please do not hesitate to let us know if you are concerned about allergies or have any concerns about her presence in the office.