Meet The Team

John is a Chartered Certified Accountant and is the major shareholder and founder of the firm. He has extensive experience of accounting and taxation with particular emphasis on charity accounting, VAT and tax planning.

Vanessa is the Practice Director as well as being a shareholder of the firm, she assists John in all aspects of the management of the company. Vanessa has particular responsibility for the oversight of all secretarial and administration functions of the firm as well as the smooth running of the office. Vanessa brings to the firm experience in Human Resources, Employment Law, IT matters and Health and Safety issues and is always pleased to advise clients in these areas.  She enjoys horse riding and taking out their dogs Dolly and Harvey.

Colin joined our team in January 2017 and in 2018 was made a Director of the firm. Colin is a Chartered Accountant and worked for a prestigious local firm of accountants for many years. Colin has extensive experience in the Charity and Church accounting world as well as dealing with small and medium sized businesses.

Gemma joined our team in September 2021 as Charity Accounts & Business Manager and is now an Associate of the firm. Gemma is a Chartered Accountant qualifying in 2013 with a specialism in charities.

Jacob joined us in 2010 as an accounts trainee and in 2018 became qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant. Jacob is now an Associate of the firm and our Audit Manager, as well having an extensive experience within the not-for-profit sector. He also supports Manchester United and has a keen interest in Formula 1.

Liam joined the firm back in 2002 and is now our Payroll and IT Manager. An AAT‑qualified professional, he manages our payroll bureau, supports clients with software queries, and delivers training on a variety of accounting packages. Beyond his technical expertise, Liam is known for his enthusiasm for sport, he’s a loyal Manchester United supporter and plays for local football, stoolball, and snooker teams and is a keen Formula 1 fan.

Antonina joined us in September 2018 as a Tax Senior. She is a qualified ATT with many years of experience in practice. Antonina deals with the personal tax clients and tax research for the business. In her spare time she enjoys travelling back to Bulgaria to spend time with her family.

Daniel joined us in January 2020 and is our Charity & Business Accounts Manager. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2009 and brought with him valuable experience from his time at the National Audit Office. Daniel oversees the accounts of a wide range of charity clients and conducts independent examinations, offering a thoughtful and knowledgeable approach to his work. Outside the workplace, he is actively involved in his local church and enjoys family life.

Sophie joined our team as an Audit and Accounts Senior in September 2024. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in November 2024. In her role, she works alongside Jacob on audits and helps train junior staff members. Additionally, Sophie assists Gemma with charity accounting tasks. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and following Formula 1.

Lydia’s journey with the firm began in 2018 when she joined as a trainee. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2022 and went on to gain valuable experience in other practices before returning to us in September 2025 as an Audit and Accounts Manager. She brings a wealth of knowledge in both charity and company audits and is now expanding her expertise into tax and accounts advisory services, enhancing the breadth of support she offers clients. Outside the office, Lydia enjoys family life and is an enthusiastic crafter, often knitting handmade jumpers for her daughter, nieces, and nephew.

Anastassia joined our team in January 2020 as Accounts Technician and is now one of our senior accountants. She is a Chartered Certified Accountant with experience in the commercial sector. She provides support and experience to our Trainees as well as producing Management accounts and Financial Statements for Limited Companies.

Acacia joined us in November 2024 as a Trainee Accountant and is currently studying for her ACA and CTA qualifications, aiming to qualify in 2027. She supports the audit team alongside Jacob, Sophie and Lydia and undertakes small accounts assignments, and assists Antonia with personal tax compliance. Away from the office, Acacia enjoys the calm of working on her allotment and is musically talented, playing both the piano and guitar.

Rob joined our team in September 2023 as Charity Accounts Senior offering accounts and bookkeeping support for our charity clients. He has vast charity experience and comes to us from Rochester Cathedral.

Emma became part of the team in October 2023 and works as Vanessa’s PA while also supporting the wider admin function. She assists with HR and employment queries, as well as company compliance for our clients. In her spare time, Emma loves taking her dog for walks, spending time with her horse, and exploring new places when travelling.

Sam joined the team in August 2024 taking on the role of Personal Assistant to John. Her arrival has been a welcome addition, streamlining John’s day-to-day tasks and allowing him to focus more effectively on his core responsibilities. She extends her administrative skills to provide assistance to the rest of the team as needed.   Outside of the office, Sam enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She’s also an avid paddleboarder, finding relaxation and enjoyment on the water, and a talented crafter, expressing her creativity through various projects.  

Beata became part of our team in May 2025, bringing with her a deep understanding of QuickBooks, Xero, and day‑to‑day financial operations. She oversees bookkeeping and VAT compliance for a diverse portfolio of commercial and charity clients, delivering reliable support and a meticulous approach. In her spare time, Beata enjoys getting outdoors, walking, and exploring the beautiful local area.

Jason joined the firm in July 2023 as an Accounts Trainee and assists senior colleagues across both charity and commercial client work. He is currently progressing through his ACA qualification and is aiming to qualify within the next year. Away from the office, Jason is an active sports enthusiast, playing for a local tennis club and enjoying skiing whenever he can. He also has a strong interest in the stock market and is a loyal supporter of Brighton FC.

Tina joined the firm in April 2015 as an Accounts Assistant and now plays a key role in preparing company accounts, monthly bookkeeping, and management accounts. She qualified as an AAT member in 2018 and brings valuable experience from her previous position as a manager of a local building society branch. Tina is also a member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. Beyond the office, she enjoys travelling with her family, regularly takes part in marathons, and is an active fundraiser for Footprints Baby Loss, having completed charity climbs up both Mount Snowdon and Ben Nevis.

Eva joined us in March 2026 as an Accounts Trainee and is currently working towards her AAT Level 4, with plans to progress to the ACA qualification. She supports the audit team while also developing her skills in preparing accounts for sole traders and limited companies. Beyond the office, Eva is an enthusiastic member of her local church community and takes part in a range of volunteering activities.

Emma became part of the team in November 2020, taking on an administration role. She works closely with Sam to support John and Colin and helps keep the office running efficiently. Outside of work, Emma loves travelling with her family.

Alina joined the firm in June 2015 as a Payroll Assistant and plays a key role in supporting Liam with our extensive payroll client base. Beyond the office, she enjoys visiting her family in Poland and is a committed member of her church community.