William Buck Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

William Buck has 5 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, operational management, advisory services, and human capital development.

Committed to excellence in accounting and tax services, William Buck delivers comprehensive financial solutions while maintaining a legacy of professional integrity and client-focused innovation across the Australian market.

Leadership Roles at William Buck

  • Chief Financial Officer - Sarah Young
  • Undergraduate, Chief Financial Officer Advisory - Rhett Schlaphoff
  • Partner & Chief Operating Officer - Amanda Anderson
  • Group Chief Operating Officer - Hugh Bastiaan
  • Chief People Officer - Maider Birett
  • Sarah Young - Chief Financial Officer

    Sarah Young, the Chief Financial Officer at William Buck, directs all fiscal strategy and financial reporting requirements. Overseeing the firm's internal accounting controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with national tax regulations while managing capital allocation across diverse service lines. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize profitability and sustain long-term growth for the organization. By implementing robust financial modeling, Sarah Young directly impacts the firm's ability to provide high-value tax services to a broad client base. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to refine budgetary frameworks and mitigate fiscal risks. Through rigorous oversight of financial operations, Young secures the economic stability necessary for continued expansion within the competitive accounting sector. This position requires constant monitoring of regulatory shifts to maintain the firm's reputation for accuracy and reliability in the Australian market.
    Sarah Young

    Rhett Schlaphoff - Undergraduate, Chief Financial Officer Advisory

    Rhett Schlaphoff, the Undergraduate, Chief Financial Officer Advisory at William Buck, supports the delivery of specialized financial consulting and advisory services. Assisting in the development of complex financial strategies, the Undergraduate, Chief Financial Officer Advisory provides analytical support for client-facing engagements involving tax planning and fiscal restructuring. This role involves gathering market data and preparing detailed reports that inform high-level decision-making for corporate clients. By conducting thorough financial analysis, Rhett Schlaphoff directly contributes to the accuracy and depth of the firm's advisory output. The Undergraduate, Chief Financial Officer Advisory collaborates with senior consultants to translate intricate financial data into actionable insights for diverse business entities. Through meticulous research and technical support, Schlaphoff strengthens the firm's capacity to address unique client challenges. This position focuses on building foundational expertise in financial advisory while ensuring the delivery of high-quality service outcomes.

    Amanda Anderson - Partner & Chief Operating Officer

    Amanda Anderson, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer at William Buck, manages internal business processes and service delivery standards. Coordinating cross-departmental workflows, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer drives operational efficiency to support the firm's accounting and tax service offerings. This role involves architecting scalable systems that enhance client engagement and streamline project management across regional teams. By refining internal protocols, Amanda Anderson directly improves the quality of service delivery and operational throughput. The Partner & Chief Operating Officer works closely with other leadership members to align daily activities with the firm's overarching strategic goals. Through the implementation of advanced technology solutions, Anderson optimizes resource allocation and ensures consistent performance across all service engagements. This leadership function remains essential for maintaining the firm's operational excellence and competitive edge in the professional services landscape.

    Hugh Bastiaan - Group Chief Operating Officer

    Hugh Bastiaan, the Group Chief Operating Officer at William Buck, oversees the firm's broad operational infrastructure and organizational scaling. Managing the integration of business units, the Group Chief Operating Officer drives the execution of firm-wide initiatives designed to enhance service delivery in accounting and tax sectors. This role involves standardizing operational procedures across multiple locations to ensure consistent quality and client satisfaction. By optimizing the firm's internal architecture, Hugh Bastiaan directly supports the achievement of long-term growth objectives. The Group Chief Operating Officer coordinates with executive leadership to implement strategic changes that improve productivity and resource utilization. Through the oversight of large-scale operational projects, Bastiaan ensures the firm remains agile and responsive to evolving market demands. This leadership role focuses on maintaining operational cohesion and driving efficiency across the entire organizational footprint to sustain the firm's market position.

    Maider Birett - Chief People Officer

    Maider Birett, the Chief People Officer at William Buck, directs human capital strategy and talent development initiatives. Overseeing recruitment, retention, and professional growth programs, the Chief People Officer ensures the firm attracts and maintains top-tier accounting and tax professionals. This role involves fostering a culture of continuous learning and performance excellence that aligns with the firm's mission. By implementing comprehensive talent management frameworks, Maider Birett directly impacts the firm's ability to deliver high-quality services through a skilled and motivated workforce. The Chief People Officer collaborates with leadership to refine organizational structure and promote employee engagement across all regional offices. Through the development of robust training and mentorship programs, Birett strengthens the firm's internal capabilities and supports long-term career progression for staff. This leadership function remains critical for sustaining the firm's reputation as a premier employer in the professional services industry.
    Maider Birett

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding William Buck Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads William Buck?
    William Buck is led by Sarah Young (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Rhett Schlaphoff (Undergraduate, Chief Financial Officer Advisory) and Amanda Anderson (Partner & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of William Buck’s executive team?
    The executive team of William Buck includes leaders such as Sarah Young (Chief Financial Officer), Rhett Schlaphoff (Undergraduate, Chief Financial Officer Advisory), Amanda Anderson (Partner & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does William Buck have?
    William Buck has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in William Buck’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of William Buck includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Undergraduate, Chief Financial Officer Advisory, Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Group Chief Operating Officer, Chief People Officer.