Our Team
Charles O’Connor - Managing Partner
Charles O’Connor, the Managing Partner and Founder of Charles O’Connor & Associates is a Chartered Accountant, a Registered Public Accountant and a Practising Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ). He has over twenty (20) years of direct audit experience, which includes the auditing of private and public sector companies in various industries.
As a testament of the excellence he brings to the industry, Charles and his team are currently engaged in the auditing of major government agencies and major public private sector partnerships (PPP) housing development projects with expenditure in the tens of billions of Jamaican dollars.
Charles has a record of service in both the public and private sectors, including the Ministry of Finance and The Public Service (Debt Management Unit Director, 1998-2001) and Transport Authority (GM Finance and Planning, 2006-2010). He has also served as audit committee member, finance committee member and board member in the public sector.
He presently serves as a member of the Consumer Affairs Commission Dispute Resolution Tribunal and a member of the Tax Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica.
Charles is trained by the Norman Manley Law School (2018) as an Insolvency Practitioner and is now a licensed Insolvency Trustee/Practitioner. He is remarkably familiar with the provisions of the FAA act, PBMA Act and GOJ procurement guidelines, having served in the public sector and central government for approximately sixteen (16) years.
Velée Clunie Pencle - Chartered Accountant
As a Chartered Accountant, Velée leverages her extensive expertise and leadership skills to drive successful client engagements. In her pivotal role with Charles O’Connor and Associates, Velée oversees consulting projects, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and solutions to clients.
With a background in management, accounting, and financial functions, Velée plays a vital role in guiding teams and fostering productive collaboration. Her strong communication skills and ability to motivate staff contribute to achieving maximum productivity and client satisfaction.
Prior to her current role, Velée held positions of increasing responsibility, including Financial Manager at Margaritaville Caribbean Group, Financial Controller at Falmouth Jamaica Land Company Limited, and Head of Financial Planning and Management at Rose Hall (Developments) Limited. Throughout her career, Velée has demonstrated her ability to make critical business decisions, analyze key financial data, and ensure compliance with budgetary controls.
Velée holds a Master of Science degree in Accounting from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and is certified in Forensic Accounting by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ). She is proficient in various accounting software and knowledgeable in government accounting rules and regulations.
As a registered Public Accountant and Chartered Accountant, Velée is committed to excellence in her field and continues to make significant contributions to the financial industry. Her dedication to professional development and passion for delivering quality service are evident in her extensive experience and achievements.
Sheldon Drummond - Chartered Accountant
Sheldon is a well-rounded and experienced accounting and audit professional with over ten (10) years of senior-level experience in the field. His career spans both external audit and private industry where he has gained experience across many business industries. This wide experience coupled with excellent technical knowledge has positioned Sheldon as a valuable asset in the field.
Along with his direct accounting knowledge, Sheldon leverages his expertise in data mining and analytics to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in his processes. This places him amongst the elites in ensuring accuracy and completeness in any financial task. Possessing the unique blend of technical accounting knowledge, strategic mastery, and IT competency has positioned Sheldon to guide your business success.
Sheldon possesses the following qualifications and memberships:
1) Doctor of Business Administration: Strategic Management
2) MSc in Professional Accountancy
3) Management Studies, Accounting
4) Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business
5) Certificate in Forensic Accounting
6) Public Accountancy Board Jamaica (PAB) – Member
7) Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ) – Fellow
8) Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) – Fellow
Priscilla Spence Wisdom - Chartered Accountant
Priscilla Spence-Wisdom is a Chartered and Registered Public Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants Jamaica and Public Accountancy Board respectively. She is also a Certified Fraud Examiner registered with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners in Texas, USA since 2018.
Priscilla has more than ten (10) years accounting and auditing experience serving multi-nationals and small and medium enterprises. Her main industry specializations include manufacturing, insurance, special purpose vehicles, pensions, telecommunications and various service industries. She also serves at Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited (Flow) where she has worked more than five (5) years as the Manager, Sarbanes Oxley and more recently expanded her role to include the Manager, Internal Audit.
Priscilla attended the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, where she attained her BSc. in Management Studies (Accounting).
Priscilla has served on various associations in Jamaica, including VP of Mentorship, Alpha Academy Alumnae Association Jamaica Chapter (2022-2023), Member of the Training Committee, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Jamaica Chapter (ACFE Jamaica) and in various leadership capacities at her local church in youth ministry.
Under her own firm, PSW Assurance and Advisory Services Limited, Priscilla specializes in external and internal audits, accounting and auditing trainings, compilation of financial statements, bookkeeping, fraud investigation and examinations.
Alexia Thomas Mills - Chartered Accountant
Alexia Thomas-Mills is a Registered Public Accountant with a combined 17 years of experience in accountancy and finance, with 8 years at a senior management level and a proven track record leading and managing teams within the audit and financial strategy disciplines. She is an alumnus of KPMG Jamaica, where she spent approximately 13 years up to the Manager level. This included managing the portfolio of several audit engagements, effectively liaising with clients to co-ordinate timely execution of engagements, meeting client’s reporting timelines and facilitating the prompt and timely resolution of client concerns and accounting issues as they arise. Audit portfolio consisted of clients in industries such as financial services in particular Building Societies and Commercial Banks, Telecommunication, Retail, Pensions, Credit unions and Manufacturing. She currently serves in the capacity of Financial Controller at one of the Island’s Transhipment Port.
Alexia is a strong believer in national service and for the past 18 years, with the past 8 years at the leadership level, has volunteered and serves in her Church’s Accounting Unit, which is also a registered charitable organization. She is married and the mother of 1 son.
She holds the following qualifications & memberships:
1) Chartered Accountant- Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA).
2) Registered Public Accountant- Public Accountancy Board, Jamaica and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica.
3) Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting.
Amanda - Chartered Accountant
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Cheryl Wright - Chartered Accountant
Cheryl Wright is a seasoned business professional with over 21 years of senior financial management and advisory experience. She excels in Strategic Business Support, Corporate Finance, Risk Management, Auditing, and Information Systems’ Management, consistently delivering outstanding results.
Currently serving as Audit Manager at Charles O’Connor & Associates, Cheryl led a team that completed a government entity’s 16-year financial audit in just 9 months.
As an Independent Consultant at Your Business Partner & Associates, Cheryl provides invaluable business development consultancy, specializing in risk management, internal audits, and IT systems implementation. She also lectures on finance at the Mona School of Business, University of the West Indies.
During her tenure at Jamaica Producers Group Ltd, Cheryl held key positions, including Director of Risk Management and Director of Finance for the JP Tropical Group. Her achievements include implementing governance frameworks, integrating acquired companies, and transitioning IT infrastructure.
Cheryl holds a Master of Science in Computer-Based Management Information Systems and is a fellow of both the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (UK) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica. She is also certified in Project Management and Risk and Compliance.
Outside of her professional roles, Cheryl is active in community initiatives, serving as a Trustee for the Jamaica Producers Group Pension Scheme, former President of the Jamdammers Running Club, and Chairperson of her local Neighbourhood Watch.
Cheryl Wright’s wealth of experience, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset in finance, business development, and academia.
Paul Hyman - Chartered Accountant
Paul Hyman is a Chartered Accountant and Strategic Professional, who been engaged with Charles O’Connor & Associates since 2020 in various management capacities. He has led teams through various audits, spanning a number of industries including but not exhaustive to Oil and Gas, Financial Services, Sate Corporations, Real Estate, Construction and Not for Profit Organisations, lead the implementation of audit software for the firm, development of training materials scoping key International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and supported the development of methodologies addressing audit documentation, sampling, and risk assessment.
Paul has a combined 8 years of experience in accountancy and finance with 5 years at the senior management level and a proven track record leading and managing teams within the audit and financial strategy disciplines. He is an alumnus of KPMG in Jamaica, where he spent approximately 3 years up to the Senior level, and currently functions as the Financial Planning, Analysis and Internal Control Manager at the Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited since 2019, where he leads on cost control, financial strategy and internal control design, implementation, and continuous improvement.
He is passionate about people development, empowerment, and inclusion. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Neurminds International, a charitable organisation with focus on youth education and opportunity crafting. He is also the Vice Chairman- Audit Committee of the Companies Office of Jamaica which provides strong oversight of the COJ’s Internal Audit Function and a Member of the Membership Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica.
Paul possesses the following qualifications and memberships:
- Chartered Accountant- Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA)
- Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business- Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA)
- Certified Internal Auditor- Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
- Certified Fraud Examiner- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
- Associate- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ)
Associate- Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI)
Sandra Thompson - Chartered Accountant
Sandra is a seasoned financial professional with a distinguished career spanning several decades, marked by notable accomplishments and leadership roles within the industry. As a former General Manager and Chief Accountant at the St. Catherine Cooperative Credit Union Limited, Sandra played a pivotal role in driving the significant growth of the credit union’s assets base and loans portfolio. Her leadership was instrumental in the successful establishment of the SCCU Small Business Centre and the implementation of key financial systems, such as a debit card system and internet banking.
In addition to her impactful contributions in the credit union sector, Sandra has held significant positions at Island Jamaica Limited and Sunshine Jamaica Limited, where she effectively managed accounting departments and supervised financial reporting processes. Her expertise in financial management and strategic planning has earned her recognition, including awards for loans growth and excellence in reporting.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sandra is deeply committed to community and religious activities, where she has held various leadership roles within the Bible Truth Church of God and Bible Truth International Assembly Limited. Her dedication to service and leadership extends beyond her professional endeavors, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact in all aspects of her life.
Sandra holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Finance from Manchester Business School and holds certifications in Advanced Credit Analysis and Jamaican Securities. She is affiliated with esteemed professional bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).
Currently, Sandra is functionally engaged with Charles O’Connor and Associates (COA) firm as the Senior Consulting Manager for Audit and Advisory, leveraging her wealth of experience, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence to drive success in every endeavor.
Lennox Turner - Chartered Accountant
Lennox Turner is a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica and is also the holder of a Master of Business Administration (Finance) Degree from the University of Manchester.
He has over 30 years’ experience in the accounting profession having started his accounting career with PricewaterhouseCoopers and has experience in financial accounting, auditing, risk management, compliance, financial reporting, and internal controls and hands-on approach to finding solutions for achieving organizational growth.
He excels in Financial Statement Preparation and Analysis, Budgeting and Forecasting, Strategic Planning, and Project Management, ensuring precise financial oversight and efficient project execution.
Lennox is currently a Director of The Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation and Creative Productions and Training Centre. He also lectures in the Master of Business Administration programme with the University of Technology, Jamaica.
Michael Allen - Chartered Accountant
Michael Anthony Allen is a distinguished and accomplished Chartered Accountant, with over two decades of proven experience in leading financial management systems (people, process, and technology), with a focus on management portfolios namely: asset, treasury, and investment. His guiding philosophy is “through empowerment and knowledge sharing we will become a better version of ourselves”.
He gained his education from Greenwich Farm Primary, went on to Haile Selassie High School, then Dunoon Technical High School. He later gained his diploma in teacher Education at the University of Technology and whilst working, teaching and raising a family, he is today awarded the prestigious award from our Institution of Chartered Accountant the accomplishment of a lifelong dream.
Allen is also an awardee of the Honour in recognition certificate from Club and Societies African Cultural Renaissance Movement (ACRM). He is the fourth of 5 children and only son to a strong Jamaican woman. Father of two, husband of one and mentor to many.
Michael continues to prove himself to be a true expert, ensuring the viability of portfolios under his management. He has an undisputed track record, guaranteeing the highest standard of financial performance within organisations to which he has been employed. His talent has impacted the following organisations.
- Jamaica Deposit Insurance Corporation (JDIC) 2022 – Present
- Betting Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC) 2016 – 2022
- Jamaica Deposit Insurance Corporation (JDIC) 2005 – 2016
- Morgan’s Group of Companies 2003-2004
- Oliver Lotha & Company 1998 – 2003
He is not only a progressive Accountant, but also an authentic and exemplary leader, who has mentored and coached various teams and professionals to greatness. Michael Allen believes in life-long learning and his passion for educational advancement is infectious and has positively influenced the lives of aspiring professionals towards career advancement.
Always purposeful in his walk through life, Michael has contributed faithfully to community development in St Catherine, and is reach as also extended beyond Jamaica’s borders, having carried out consulting assignments with Powell Consulting International Network for the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Public Sector Reform (Compensation); and on the Antigua Port Authority, Situation Review and Strategic Direction (Cruise Shipping and Yachting).
As a multifaceted individual, his career ambitions, understanding of Information Technology Solutions and commitment to financial service, has led to a keen interest in the use of online and digital solutions to improve effectiveness and efficiency of processes. As such, he is poised to make a significant contribution to Jamaica’s financial services landscape, given the outcomes of the current digital revolution that will change the culture of work globally.
Natasha McLean - Audit Supervisor
Natasha McLean began her journey with Charles O’Connor and Associates (COA) in 2018, quickly proving herself as a valuable asset within the accounting department. Rising from the ranks of a junior accountant to a team lead, she showcased her dedication and expertise in financial matters. Her journey at COA has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, with Natasha’s commitment to professionalism and growth shining through in every role she undertakes.
Currently serving as an Audit Supervisor/Team Lead, Natasha continues to excel in her responsibilities, ensuring the highest standards of quality and integrity in financial auditing practices. Beyond her professional achievements, Natasha’s passion for continuous learning led her to pursue Level Two accreditation with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Outside of work, she finds joy in football, sports, and reading, nurturing her interests since her formative years at Camperdown High. Natasha’s journey at COA is a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence in all endeavors.
Rianna Edwards - Audit Supervisor
Rianna Edwards is a dedicated and detail-oriented, Audit Senior currently working at Charles O’Connor and Associates, where she has been a vital part of the team since May 2018. She started as a Junior Accountant, and made her way up to Team Lead and Staff Auditor, she excels in payroll preparation, financial reporting, and statutory tax filings, utilizing her proficiency with Bizpay, Excel, and QuickBooks. Rianna also serves at BDO Jamaica, further expanding her expertise and experience in the field. She is now a dedicated, meticulous professional who excels in planning audits, reviewing working paper files and preparing audited financials.
Rianna’s career began with roles as an Accounting Clerk at Alliance Payment Services and D.L. MAS Limited, where she developed a strong foundation in accounts receivable, payroll processing, and customer relations. Her adept use of various accounting software has enabled her to manage financial data efficiently and ensure accuracy in reporting.
Educationally, Rianna is pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business, with a focus on Financial Reporting, Corporate Law, Taxation UK, and Audit. She holds an ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business from Richmond Academy. Having garnered 8 years of experience in accounting and auditing, her commitment to professional growth and excellence in the accounting field makes her a valuable asset to any organization.
Alexia Edwards - Human Resource Coordinator, Personal Assistant to the CEO
Alexia Edwards is an industrious professional, currently serving as both the Personal Assistant to the CEO and Human Resource Coordinator, embodying a seamless blend of dedication and resilience. Her journey of excellence commenced at August Town Primary School, where she was honored as the Peace Maker of the Year, and continued through Papine High School, where her strong commitment and community engagement were evident.
Her passion for community service flourished through active participation in various church initiatives, leading to her certification as a medical missionary and assuming diverse roles in religious instruction. Transitioning into the professional realm, Alexia honed her skills as a clerical assistant at both the Jamaica Computer Society and Jamaica Information Technology and Services Alliance.
After her tenure at JCS and JITSA, Alexia embarked on a new chapter at Charles O’Connor Consulting Network (COCN), starting as a Clerical Customer Service Representative and quickly ascending to the role of Personal Assistant to the CEO. Her outstanding administrative abilities earned her the award of Administrative Officer of the Year 2021.
Driven by a thirst for challenges, Alexia took on the role of HR Coordinator at COCN, spearheading initiatives to enhance operations with cutting-edge performance management software. Her significant contributions earned her the award of Most Valuable Employee of the Year 2022.
Looking ahead, Alexia aspires to reach the position of Senior Human Resource Professional, fueled by her unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and excellence. Beyond her professional goals, she harbors ambitions of entrepreneurship, leveraging her diverse skill set and entrepreneurial acumen to establish ventures that leave a tangible impact.
Steve O'Connor - Marketing & Communications Director
Steve believes that marketing is the backbone of any profitable venture. This belief led him to secure a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies with an emphasis in Marketing at the University of the West Indies.
With an eye for commerce since the third grade, Steve has used his appreciation for business along with his training in marketing to launch several ventures in the clothing, food, electronics, professional services and entertainment industries.
In recent years, Steve has focused his efforts on offering marketing consultation and content marketing services to companies globally. With well over 2,000 customers served, Steve has a proven track record of using a company’s uniqueness to communicate brand messages to their existing and potential customers.
Steve serves Charles O’Connor and Associates as Marketing, Sales and Communications Director.
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