An all-women team that works like a family

Cookson & Associates is led by Karen Ruth Cookson and supported by an all-women team with deep, specialised expertise across the accounting profession. Each area of work is handled by someone who truly knows it:

  • Personal income tax

  • Payroll

  • Bookkeeping

  • SARS registrations and compliance

  • Financial statements

  • Company income tax

  • Management systems

  • Labour systems

But expertise alone does not define our team.

We are family to one another. Most team members have been with the firm for well over a decade - a reflection of a workplace built on trust, care, and mutual respect. High standards exist here, alongside loyalty, warmth, and humanity. That internal stability is reflected directly in our client relationships: continuity, consistency, and trust year after year.

Karen Ruth Cookson

Karen Ruth Cookson leads Cookson & Associates with more than three decades of experience, a deep sense of responsibility, and genuine passion for her profession. Having taken over the firm founded by her father, she continues his legacy with integrity, care, and technical excellence. Karen is known for her rare ability to combine strong financial expertise with real human connection — building long-term client relationships grounded in trust, continuity, and thoughtful guidance. Even after 35 years she says:
“I still get a kick out of reconciling something. When a balance sheet balances, I still get excited.”

Stacey May

Stacey May has been with Cookson & Associates for 13 years and is someone our clients know and trust deeply. She is always available - often even after hours - and builds relationships that go far beyond the usual accountant–client dynamic. If you hear clients speaking to Stacey on the phone, you could easily think they are calling a friend rather than their accounting firm - and that says everything about the way she looks after the people she works with.