Our Team
Graeme Scarlett
Director, Qualified Auditor - B.Sc, B.Com, CAPP
Having started his career as a computer programmer in the early 1980's before seeing the light and becoming an accountant. Now Graeme is best described as a career auditor who has been a chartered accountant for over 25 years. His career includes external auditing roles with two of the Big Four Chartered Accounting firms, both in New Zealand and overseas, as well as with Audit New Zealand. Graeme also has also held senior internal audit roles in Holcim New Zealand and the National Bank of New Zealand (pre ANZ takeover).
After returning to Nelson in 2007 Graeme has applied his extensive experience and sense of humour to providing a variety of assurance services to small to medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations in the Top of the South.
Graeme is responsible for the day-to-day management of the firm.

In addition to being a CA, Graeme holds qualifications in Information Systems Auditing, Internal Auditing, Banking and Science. While passionate about auditing, once all the client work is done, Graeme hikes extensively and tries to get as far from cell phone coverage as possible !!
You can email Graeme on graeme@auditprofessionals.co.nz
Maree Ade
Audit Manager - CA
Maree joined our team in early 2016, having accumulated extensive accounting and audit experience over a period of 17 years, from her time in a number of local CA firms and Audit New Zealand.
Maree plows through client assignments at the pace of the energizer bunny. This comes in extremely useful when new clients suddenly find they have an unscheduled need for our services, and in an urgent timeframe for funding applications or similar.
You can email Maree on maree@auditprofessionals.co.nz
Suzanne Phibbs
Senior Auditor - ACA, BBS, CA
Suzanne joined the firm in January 2021 and has been a practising accountant since 1985. Initially Suzanne work for KPMG she pursued interests overseas and worked for several large corporates. Upon return to NZ she continued in roles with various large corporates including State Owned Enterprises, Publicly listed and Privately held companies, covering both financial and management accounting roles. Suzanne then moved to Chartered Accounting for 10 years in a Business Services Manager role, before again taking Corporate roles.
Suzanne adds valued experience to the range of capabilities at Independent Auditors, making her a valued resource for clients and colleagues.
You can email Suzanne on suzanne@auditprofessionals.co.nz
Jane Solly
Workflow Manager
Jane joined the team in January 2024 after having spent 10 years in the not-for-profit sector as a bookkeeper/administrator.
Outside of work she enjoys walking her dog, gardening and volunteering for local conservation groups.
You can email Jane on jane@auditprofessionals.co.nz
Kate Scarlett
Administrator - DipBus
Kate's accounting experience started upon leaving high school and working for her father. After a few decades off to raise children, she gained a tertiary qualification and embarked on an accounting career, working for several local CA firms in a range of accounting, MYOB support and administrative roles. In 2014 Kate joined Graeme in an expanding auditing practice and happily takes care of the administrative overhead that even auditors are loath to deal with.
Outside of work Kate exercises her musical talents by singing with a chamber choir and playing the piano.
You can email Kate on kate@auditprofessionals.co.nz