Meet the Women Behind the Numbers

🌿 Jean Ashby

Streamline | Supportive | Specialist

I have over 45 years of hands-on experience in finance and bookkeeping — a milestone I take great pride in! Over the years, I’ve built a wealth of practical knowledge in accounts receivable and payable, as well as delivering excellence in client service.

My career has given me the opportunity to diversify my expertise across a broad range of portfolios, including IT, Banking, Legal, Aerospace, and Education. This diverse experience has shaped a versatile, solutions-oriented approach to financial operations.

I excel at bringing clarity to complexity, streamlining processes, and supporting teams in achieving both operational efficiency and long-term goals.

Fun fact: Nothing thrills me more than a perfectly reconciled statement. I find it more satisfying than finishing a puzzle (and I really love puzzles)

🌿 Sara-Anne Neumann

Founder | Visionary | Financial Alchemist

I have been involved in the accounting profession for more than 15 years and have predominantly specializing in professional financial accounting services for the fast moving consumer good and property leasing industry.

I laid the first stone of what would become SA Mann Lifestyle Accountants in early 2020 , shortly after the liftment of the international and national covid restrictions - a time that called for resilience, reinvention, and renewed vision. By my guided mind, moulded with the foundations of engineering and, a soul devoted to entrepreneurial freedom. I started building this firm to reflect more than just balance sheets — but the full picture of business and lifestyle alignment.

My approach is both technical and intuitive, blending precision with vision. Whether I'm dissecting data or inspiring strategic direction, I lead with bold curiosity and a quiet strength that sets the tone for everything we do.

I am registered as a Business Accountant (BA SA), a designation recognised by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants, and continue to evolve through professional learning, mentorship, and innovation in the field.

Fun fact: I am equally comfortable with a spreadsheet or a soldering iron, a rare blend of creative logic.

🌸 Sami Jane Peparai

With over 12 years of experience in business operations, I have dedicated my career to delivering professional financial management and accounting services that empower growth and align with real-world goals. My expertise spans accounting and systems implementation, all geared toward building a solid financial foundation for lifestyle-led success.

As the architect behind our expansion, I bring both the fire and the framework. I align systems that bring clarity to complexity, stability to momentum, and structure to vision. Whether it's navigating a high-pressure deadline or mapping out the next phase of growth, I’m the calm in the storm, the thinker in the chaos, and the energy behind every breakthrough.

I am a proud Business Accountant in Practice (BAP SA), recognised by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants, and remain committed to continuous improvement, for myself, our clients, and the future of SAMLA.

Business Partner | Strategic Developer | Energy Driver

Fun fact: I believe in building wealth and well-being, and I swear by colour-coded budget tabs.!

At SA Mann Lifestyle Accountants, compliance is not a checkbox, it’s the foundation of our integrity and the assurance we extend to every client. Our firm is fully aligned with the regulatory standards and professional frameworks governing financial services in locally and if required, internationally.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Compliance

Our UK operations are governed by a robust framework of statutory and regulatory obligations, ensuring our accounting and advisory services meet the legal, ethical, and professional standards expected across the financial services industry. We are:

Supervised under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLR 2017) through the International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB), ensuring full compliance with AML and due diligence requirements.
Aligned with HMRC for the delivery of tax-related services and compliance support.
Operating in accordance with:
- Companies Act 2006
- Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR
- Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017

We uphold the principles of transparency, competence, and ethical responsibility, and where required, collaborate with UK-regulated professionals and firms holding memberships with bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, and ICAEW to deliver specialist services.

We uphold a strong culture of continuous learning and international alignment. In addition to our South African regulatory registrations, our team has held memberships with respected international accounting bodies, reflecting our global perspective and commitment to best practices.

Renewed and active membership with the IAB (UK) – inclusive of AML supervision.
Former affiliations with the International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) and the International Association of Accounting Professionals (IAAP), contributing to our foundational global training.
Active student membership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), demonstrating our ongoing pursuit of internationally recognised qualifications in financial reporting, compliance, and advisory.