Bravo! Join us in congratulating the 35 professionals who represent today’s best young talent in Accountancy. We highlight those who display innovation to lead the way and transform their respective fields. These stars will influence the sector for the next decade and beyond: the 35 Under 35 winners for 2025. In partnership with Accountancy Age.

William Abell

Partner, Gerald Edelman

Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2017, William has accelerated through the ranks of the UK accountancy profession at remarkable speed. Within eight years, he is now Partner and Head of Transaction Services at Gerald Edelman, one of the firm’s youngest partners.

William joined Gerald Edelman shortly after his time in PwC’s Cardiff audit practice. Under William’s leadership, the team has expanded to ten and now generates approximately £1.5m in fee income, reflecting both commercial impact and sustained growth.

In the last financial year alone, he advised on 29 completed M&A transactions with deal values reaching up to £100m. Alongside client delivery, William has driven consistent business development to support team expansion. His ability to combine strategic vision with hands-on delivery has attracted speaking opportunities at high-profile events like the Serial Acquirers Symposium and on platforms such as the Found and Funded podcast.

David Adderson

Co-Founder, Youtopia

David is the co-founder of Youtopia, a progressive practice built on a clear mission: to offer small businesses not just compliance, but confidence. Over the past decade, David has focused his career on demystifying finance and empowering business owners through integration, automation, and education. Since launching Youtopia six years ago, David has helped grow the business into a recognised local brand, with an eight-person team and an average annual growth rate of 25%.

Innovation sits at the heart of his work. As a founding member of the Early Adopters Hub, David regularly tests accounting software in beta, offering product feedback that shapes the next wave of tools for the profession. In 2024, he took to the stage at the Digital Accountancy Show to speak about launching his podcast, which explores the emotional side of entrepreneurship, from isolation and risk to resilience and growth.

Ryan Alderson

Head of Cloud Advisory, DJH

Since joining DJH Business Advisers in 2024, Ryan has played a key role in shaping the firm’s approach to digital advisory. As the first person to hold the role of Head of Cloud Advisory, he’s made significant progress in a short space of time. Ryan’s early focus was on resolving inconsistencies in software recharge pricing across DJH’s growing group. By introducing automated tracking and clear pricing metrics, he helped deliver a 97% time saving in processing recharges.

Ahead of the upcoming Making Tax Digital changes in April 2026, Ryan has taken the lead on internal preparation. He’s delivered training to over 100 team members, created a support network of ‘MTD Champions’ across offices, and is driving local engagement to ensure clients are well-supported during the transition. To help future-proof DJH’s offering, Ryan has implemented Syft for group-wide management account delivery and introduced a Digital Superuser group to support the adoption of new technology.

Tom Alun-Jones

Partner, Saffery

Tom joined Saffery as a graduate in 2014 and qualified as an accountant in 2017, completing his CTA during the pandemic in 2021. As a home-grown talent, his promotion to Partner in April 2025 marked a significant milestone in a career defined by technical strength, leadership, and a commitment to quality.

Tom’s work spans audit, accountancy, and tax advisory, with specialist expertise in delivering assurance engagements, including AAF 01/20 and CASS reports. As Director, he led some of Saffery’s largest FCA-regulated engagements. Tom also helped shape Saffery’s ESG capabilities, completing the ICAEW Sustainability Certificate and playing a role in the firm’s sustainability service line. He’s actively represented the firm at key ESG events and continues to support clients in adapting to evolving regulatory expectations.

Jennifer Anderson

Director of Internal Audit, Playtech

In a sector where speed, agility and innovation are paramount, Jennifer has redefined the role of internal audit. As Director of Internal Audit at Playtech, she has led the FTSE 250 tech company through a period of rapid transformation, positioning internal audit not as a check-and-balance function, but as a trusted, forward-looking strategic partner.

A qualified ICAS chartered accountant with 13 years in the profession, Jennifer leads a high-performing team that thrives on inclusion, feedback and a shared sense of purpose. She has introduced frameworks that align audit priorities with business goals while also ensuring team members find personal meaning in their work. Through regular reflection sessions, mentoring, and ethical leadership, she’s created a culture that’s not just high-performing, but genuinely empowering. Jennifer is also an active trustee and council member for several charities, where she lends her expertise to strengthen governance and strategy.

Grace Bischoff

Senior Audit & Technical Manager, RPG

Grace has become the driving force behind RPG’s in-house compliance and technical function, reshaping how regulatory complexity is handled and delivering real-world value to clients and colleagues alike.

In just seven years, Grace has built a reputation as a go-to technical expert, able to translate even the most intricate regulatory changes into clear, actionable steps. But Grace’s impact extends far beyond compliance. She is the architect of RPGCC’s technical services offering, regularly identifying areas to innovate, improve workflows, and strengthen internal capabilities.

Grace is widely respected for her integrity, intelligence, and generosity with her time. Her colleagues describe her as a mentor and role model, someone who raises standards not by instruction, but by example.

James Davenport

Partner, MKS

James has dedicated his 12-year career to supporting entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses. Now a Partner at Moore Kingston Smith, James has demonstrated exceptional leadership in redefining how the firm supports growing businesses through innovation, client impact and team mentorship. Recognising the limitations of the traditional time-based billing model, James co-developed MooreMentum, a flat-rate, success-based service designed around what “success” means to clients.

The impact has been clear. James and his team have helped clients grow profits fivefold in just two years, turned around a loss-making business within 12 months, guided generational succession, and supported multimillion-pound exits. Through MooreMentum, James has helped transform client relationships, becoming part of the team, not just a service provider. James also plays a significant role in developing the next generation of accountants. Having trained at the firm himself, he now mentors junior colleagues, supports strategic planning through team-wide development days.

Nicky Dockree

Director, HaysMac

Since joining HaysMac as a graduate trainee in 2016, Nicky has established herself as a highly regarded figure in the hospitality sector. Specialising in hospitality since qualification in 2019, she has built a client portfolio spanning hotels, pubs, and restaurants, contributing around 15% of total sector fees. Her promotion to Hospitality Director, effective July 2025, reflects the depth of her technical expertise and commercial acumen.

A consistent contributor to the firm’s growth, Nicky regularly attends and hosts industry events, spearheads pitches, and chairs hospitality roundtables on pressing topics such as changes in TRONC legislation, National Minimum Wage impacts on EBITDA, and shifting consumer behaviour. Internally, she plays a central role in talent development, acting as a mentor and counselling manager to future leaders. Nicky has co-founded the Female Event Series, championing women in the profession and facilitating dialogue with female CEOs, partners, and founders. This has led to her involvement in Boardwalk, a hospitality-focused mentorship programme.

Julia Edwards

Director, Buckley Watson

Julia has built a reputation as an entrepreneurial leader, an innovator, and a mentor whose impact is felt by clients, colleagues, and the wider profession. At just 26, she took the bold step of starting her own practice in 2021, quickly earning the trust of clients who followed her into this new venture. By late 2022, she joined Buckley Watson as an equity partner, where she continues to shape the firm’s growth and ethos.

Her leadership has been transformative. Julia has consistently challenged traditional ways of working, championing the adoption of cloud-based technology such as Xero and Hubdoc to create real-time visibility for clients. By leading with integrity and empathy, she has fostered a culture where people feel valued and motivated to succeed. In less than a decade in the profession, Julia has already demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical ability, and a commitment to innovation.

Jade Els

Associate Director, S&W

Jade has carved out a reputation as one of the most dynamic talents in indirect tax, not only for her technical expertise, but for her leadership, client impact, and influence beyond the profession. Since joining S&W’s indirect tax team six years ago, she has been instrumental in growing its financial performance, playing a core role in back-to-back 40%+ growth years, while also leading on internal culture, team development, and innovation.

Jade is also proactive about shaping the future of the profession. Off her own initiative, she has introduced the team to practical AI use cases, translating research gathered during her commute into usable insights. Outside of S&W, she’s become a visible figure in the FinTech space. Jade singlehandedly organised a Women in FinTech event that brought together nearly 100 professionals. The event received exceptional feedback and is already being used as a springboard for further collaboration and business development.

Pete Fendall

Chief Finance & Operating Officer, Dow Schofield Watts

At 33, Pete is one of the youngest CFOs on the Alternative Investment Market. Since joining Dow Schofield Watts in 2021, he has helped lead the firm through a period of transformational growth. Pete secured a £3m revolving credit facility that supported the acquisition and integration of DR Solicitors. He has introduced AI-powered tools such as SmartSearch and UpSlide, achieving a £16k saving in just three months. He also implemented a network-wide intranet to improve collaboration across 12 offices.

As Chair of the ESG Committee, Pete has led a 53.4% reduction in Scope 1 emissions and introduced initiatives including unconscious bias training, wellbeing support, and gender equity programming. He spearheaded DSW’s first International Women’s Day event and quarterly D&I newsletters, helping spotlight diverse voices in M&A and advisory. He also co-created and now mentors on the firm’s Future Leaders Programme and helped launch DSW’s first all-network conference in 2023. Beyond DSW, Pete is Council Director at LIPA, sits on the ICAEW Manchester Board, and mentors students at UA92.

Jordan Elizabeth Groody

Founder and Chartered Accountant, Haus of Finance

Jordan launched Haus of Finance with a clear goal: to help clients understand their numbers and create a space where no question feels too small or out of place. Jordan is particularly passionate about financial education and accessibility. She’s been actively involved in initiatives supporting women in building financial confidence.

Giving back is a core part of Haus of Finance. From day one, Jordan has donated a portion of profits to charity, embedding social responsibility into the business. In the past year, she’s also become more active in sharing her experiences publicly, helping demystify financial topics on social media and encouraging more open conversations about money. She has recently applied for the Executive Master of Accountancy programme at the University of Cambridge. Through her work, her values, and her voice, she’s showing that accountancy is about communication, clarity, and helping others make confident decisions.

Michael Hartley

Audit Senior Manager, Kreston Reeves

Michael has spent his 12-year career challenging expectations, first by entering the profession straight from school, and now by helping a mid-tier firm thrive in the highly regulated world of listed audits.

Michael plays a central role in one of the most ambitious growth areas: providing audit services to Aquis, AIM, and Main Market LSE clients. In a field typically dominated by larger firms, he has helped Kreston Reeves carve out a distinctive position. He acts as lead audit manager for several of these clients and has directly contributed to winning new business worth over £350,000 annually.

Since 2021, the department has grown by between 16% and 33% year-on-year. Michael is also driving innovation. He was involved in the rollout of Data Analytics across the firm and in integrating DataSnipper into audit testing. He continues to explore new technologies that can improve both audit quality and team morale.

Charles Hill

Partner, Cottons Group

Since rejoining Cottons, Charles has established himself as one of the firm’s most influential leaders, earning promotion to Equity Partner in June 2024.

Charles returned to Cottons Group in 2022 after five years at a Top 12 firm, where he had built regional management experience. Under his direction, the acquired practice’s GRF rose from £400k to £600k, bolstered by the introduction of R&D, inheritance tax, and advisory services. His personal ledger now stands at around £900k GRF with a 97% recovery rate, making it one of the firm’s most efficient.

Charles is an active member of Cottons’ Growth Group, influencing strategy around lead management and organic expansion. Measured, trusted, and people-focused, he combines technical sharpness with a deep sense of integrity; qualities that make him a defining voice in Cottons’ future.

Sam Inkersole

Director, Tax Consultancy, BKL

Sam’s dual expertise as a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser enables him to support clients via a full range of technical guidance. He responds to complex issues with incisive thinking, clear explanations and practical solutions that draw on his all-round understanding.

Sam has progressed at BKL from ACA trainee in 2015 to Director in Tax in 2025. Now a key member of BKL’s Tax Ops Board, Sam has played a central role in unifying processes following the merger with Wilson Wright. He also helped create BKL’s dedicated business tax team and recruited the firm’s first business tax semi seniors. That team went on to win Best Business Tax Practice at the 2024 Taxation Awards. Sam was previously named a 35 under 35 in 2022, and his trajectory since only reinforces his place in this year’s cohort.

Rebecca Jones

Tax Partner, Dains Accountants

Rebecca has rapidly established herself as a key figure at Dains Accountants, driving growth while shaping a progressive culture within the firm’s tax department. Since joining in June 2024, she has helped expand the team from 11 to 25 professionals, increasing the fee base by more than 30 percent in just one year. Her impact has been felt not only in numbers but in the cultural transformation that led to her promotion to Tax Partner.

Rebecca is passionate about challenging traditional perceptions of career progression in tax. By balancing a thriving professional life with family and personal commitments, she has shown younger colleagues that ambition and work-life balance can co-exist. Within her team, she has fostered a culture that supports flexibility and empowers individuals to succeed on their own terms.

Ben Laing

Partner, Oaklins S&W

In just seven years, Ben has established himself as a standout figure within Oaklins S&W’s Corporate Finance team, earning both client praise and peer respect for his leadership, technical skill, and commitment to excellence.

Now a Partner at 31, one of the youngest in the wider S&W group, Ben’s rise is a clear reflection of his capability and relentless drive. Though not formally managing a team, he’s widely recognised as a leader: providing mentorship, championing development across the firm, and setting a standard that others aspire to.

Ben’s strengths lie in combining the rigour of technical M&A work, such as the creation of robust data packs, with an instinct for relationship-building that helps clients feel supported during critical moments. His ability to balance both sides of the job is part of what sets him apart.

Stephanie Leitch

Associate Director | Operational Lead, PSTAX

With 17 years of experience in public sector finance and tax, Stephanie has built a career marked by technical excellence, client impact, and operational leadership. Starting at Dorset County Council in 2008, Stephanie progressed through a range of finance roles following her involvement in a major finance system implementation. She later specialised in VAT, achieving her AAT qualification and earning recognition as the council’s Young Employee of the Year.

In 2018, she joined PSTAX as an Indirect Taxes Consultant and quickly became a key player in the business. Named Employee of the Year in 2021, she was promoted to Senior VAT Consultant at 32 and Associate Director at 34. Today, she leads the firm’s VAT team and plays a critical role in both client delivery and internal operations. Internally, Stephanie has led improvements to PSTAX’s CRM and billing systems and manages the firm’s national training programme, including its annual VAT residential course.

Alex Lipman

Director, Advance Business Services, Wilson Wright

Alex has dedicated over a decade to Wilson Wright, progressing from Audit & Accounts Manager to Director in under two years. In 2023, when Wilson Wright became part of BKL, he played a central role in restructuring the firm’s operations. He oversaw the transition of the Audit & Accounts team into new pods within Advance Business Services, managing reallocation of staff, redistribution of work, and delivery of training, all while ensuring client service remained seamless.

His technical expertise and client focus are evident in his work with Pipe Technologies, a US fintech expanding into the UK. Alex guided the company from incorporation through to becoming an audit client. Alex also works with high-profile individuals, including Premier League footballers, where discretion, commercial awareness and technical excellence are essential. From structuring sponsorship deals to managing image rights contracts, his guidance helps clients achieve financial security and compliance in complex environments.

Thabiso Matsau

Senior Training and Technical Manager, HaysMac

Thabiso’s career has been defined by a powerful dual focus: technical excellence and inclusive leadership. Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa with one of the Big Four, he quickly distinguished himself through his work ethic, precision, and people-first approach. After relocating to the UK in 2021, he joined HaysMac and was promoted to Senior Manager within just one year, a reflection of both his talent and his impact.

Now Senior Training & Technical Manager and Co-Chair of the firm’s DEI Committee, Thabiso plays a leading role in shaping the next generation of accountants. He has been instrumental in redesigning HaysMac’s graduate recruitment assessment programme. Thabiso has supported the development of more than 200 graduates, guiding them from recruitment through qualification. Under his influence, HaysMac’s internal culture has evolved in measurable ways.

Daniel Medlen

Managing Director, Aspreys

Daniel is a Managing Director of Aspreys, where he leads the firm’s strategic direction and oversees the delivery of tailored accounting, tax, and business advisory services. With extensive experience in financial management and client advisory, Daniel has built a reputation for helping businesses navigate complex challenges while driving sustainable growth.

At Aspreys, Daniel is passionate about fostering strong client relationships and ensuring the firm provides forward-thinking solutions that empower businesses to succeed. His leadership combines technical expertise with a people-focused approach, creating an environment where both clients and teams can thrive. Beyond his role at Aspreys, Daniel is committed to innovation in the accounting sector and supporting entrepreneurs in building resilient, future-ready businesses.

Zeenat Patel

Audit Director, Grant Thornton

Zeenat’s career is a story of resilience, determination, and leadership. As one of the youngest Audit Directors at Grant Thornton UK, she has combined technical excellence with a deep commitment to people and inclusivity.

Coming from a traditional family, Zeenat was the first in her family to attend university. After beginning her training at a Big Four firm, early struggles balancing work and study led to failed exams and a terminated contract. Rather than giving up, Patel took time to reset and joined Grant Thornton in 2015, where she found an environment that enabled her to thrive.

In her client work, Zeenat has introduced innovation to audit processes, notably by collaborating with Grant Thornton’s digital team to develop a data analytics tool that maps transaction flows for a major food retailer. Beyond the firm, Zeenat holds a voluntary governance role at a local school and has been recognised on the Northern Power Women Futures List and as MiMA Finance Professional of the Year.

Fabio Riccio

Director, Advance Business Services, BKL

Fabio plays a key role in BKL’s Advance Business Services team, leading cross-functional integration projects and contributing to strategic decision-making. Following BKL’s merger with Wilson Wright, he was appointed to the ABS Ops Board despite being the youngest and least senior member at the time. His calm authority and collaborative approach have helped ensure a smooth cultural transition, as well as strong cross-office relationships.

With a strong operational focus, Fabio has introduced systems and reporting tools that have enhanced leadership visibility across KPIs, billing and compliance. His work with platforms such as Karbon, Silverfin and Alphatax has driven measurable improvements in efficiency, transparency and cross-team collaboration.

Fabio’s client impact is equally significant. He has become the trusted adviser to a wide range of clients. Since April alone, Fabio has helped bring in around £500k of new work, with £50k referred internationally and nearly £200k in audit referrals.

Suraj Sandhu

Senior Manager, BDO

Suraj has built her career at the intersection of practice, technology, and international business, establishing herself as a trusted adviser to high-growth clients and a role model within BDO. As Senior Manager in the firm’s Business Services and Outsourcing team, she specialises in supporting tech and fintech companies, particularly US businesses expanding into the UK.

As Chair of BDO’s Future Leaders group for Technology, Media, and Telecoms (TMT), Suraj coordinates a 30-strong network of colleagues across service lines, driving sector-focused collaboration and growth. Suraj is equally committed to diversity and inclusion. She played a key role in BDO’s partnership with Black Tech Fest, curating a panel discussion that brought together voices from the firm and the wider technology sector, in collaboration with Colour In Tech. She is also developing a Women in Tech initiative set to launch in mid-2025, underlining her dedication to fostering representation and mentoring future leaders.

Shiv Shah

Head of M&A, TC Group

Shiv is Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at TC Group, where he spearheads the firm’s strategic expansion through M&A. With over six years of experience advising owner-managed businesses, investors, and corporates in the business services arena, Shiv expertly blends deal execution with growth planning.

His role centers on executing “Buy and Build” strategies in close collaboration with the C-suite and private equity partners. Recent successes include the mergers of TC Group with Lang Bennetts and Stokoe Rodger; moves that expanded the firm’s presence across the Southwest and North East of England. Shiv is known for his strategic acumen, commitment to value-aligned partnerships, and ability to drive transformative growth initiatives. Under Shiv’s guidance, TC Group has consistently pursued alliances with like-minded firms. This strategy reflects TC Group’s ambition to expand thoughtfully while offering high-quality, proactive client service and empowering local leadership.

Eddi Taylor

Regional Managing Partner, Azets

At just 33, Eddi was appointed Regional Managing Partner for the South East at Azets, making him one of the youngest professionals to take on this senior leadership role within the firm. Eddi’s career has been defined by his commitment to supporting colleagues at every stage of their journey. Known for his calm and approachable leadership style, he has mentored junior staff as they gain confidence, guided newly qualified accountants into management, and coached emerging leaders preparing to step into senior roles.

Before assuming regional responsibilities, Eddi led Azets’ Canterbury office in a business advisory capacity. Under his leadership, the office achieved strong growth while embedding a culture that prioritised staff engagement and retention. His team became recognised for its high performance and commitment to internal career progression. Eddi plans to further embed mentoring into Azets’ culture, strengthen support for career development, and create new opportunities for staff to progress in ways that reflect their strengths rather than rigid career models.

George Thresh

Associate Director, Transaction Services, Buzzacott

Since joining Buzzacott straight from university 11 years ago, George has grown into a standout leader in the firm’s Transaction Services and Corporate Finance team, playing a central role in expanding both its revenue and reputation. In the past year alone, George generated around £700,000, representing half of the team’s total revenue, while also acting as the main point of contact for several high-profile clients and strategic partnerships. One of George’s key achievements has been building a new specialism at the firm, focused on advising lower mid-market Private Equity, Serial Acquirers, and Search Funds.

Beyond project delivery, George has also delivered specialist training to law firms, mentored junior team members, and contributed to academic research on Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, an area where he is now seen as a market leader. He’s twice been nominated for South-East Emerging Dealmaker of the Year.

James Thurkettle

Corporate Finance Director, Scrutton Bland

James has built a reputation as a trusted dealmaker, technical expert, and values-driven leader, earning widespread respect both within Scrutton Bland and across the clients and sectors he serves. Having joined the firm in 2014 as part of the Audit team, James has since carved out a key leadership role within the Corporate Finance division. His rise has been marked by continuous growth, from qualifying with ACCA and CFQ to becoming a Director.

James’s expertise spans business valuations, disposals, and acquisitions, and his strategic thinking is matched by a strong work ethic and calm command of complex detail. Clients frequently cite his ability to pair technical rigour with practical guidance, resulting in long-term relationships and consistently positive outcomes. “His strategic insights and meticulous attention to detail have been invaluable to our business,” one client shared.

Catherine Trant

Senior Tax Manager, Saffery

Catherine is a Senior Tax Manager in the International Private Client Team in London and joined Saffery in August 2022. Prior to joining, Catherine worked for Ernst & Young in Jersey, Channel Islands, where she provided UK tax advice to high-net-worth individuals with links to the UK on the re-domiciliation, set up and implementation of offshore structures.

She started her career at Evelyn Partners where her core client base consisted of non-UK domiciled individuals and landed estates. Catherine advises a diverse portfolio of clients on their personal UK tax affairs; however, she specialises in providing UK tax advice to high-net-worth international individuals, family offices and trustees. She has completed two charterships and is an ICAEW Chartered Accountant and a CIOT Chartered Tax Advisor.

Akshay Vaghela

EOT Services Director, Doyle Clayton

At just 30, Akshay is leading one of the most progressive areas of corporate structuring in the UK. As EOT Services Director at Doyle Clayton, he heads the firm’s specialist Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) team, playing a pivotal role in helping businesses transition to more inclusive, purpose-driven ownership models.

With a background in Big Four audit and an ATT qualification, Akshay brings a unique blend of financial rigour and strategic insight to the table. Since joining Doyle Clayton, he has advised on over 100 EOT transactions, becoming a nationally recognised expert in this rapidly growing field. Akshay’s impact also extends into team culture and the wider profession. Known for mentoring junior colleagues and advocating for greater diversity, he actively engages with early-career professionals and speaks regularly on the value of inclusive leadership.

Alexander Wall

Director, Xeinadin

Alexander serves as a Director in the Audit & Assurance division at Xeinadin, with a dedicated focus on the travel and tourism sector. Based in the London office, he plays a critical role in delivering tailored audit and financial assurance services to clients across this industry.

Alex has been an integral member of the Xeinadin family since 2017, initially contributing under the firm’s former brand, Elman Wall. Over the years, he has cultivated deep expertise in audit and regulatory frameworks specific to travel and tourism businesses. As Xeinadin, the firm now benefits from expanded resources and national scale while maintaining its niche travel expertise. Alex is part of this evolution, helping ensure continuity of service quality amid growth.

Ed Wallis

Director, Zedra

Ed joined ZEDRA as a graduate in 2016. Nine years on, he now leads a 25-person team as Audit and Statutory Director, responsible for the firm’s largest clients and consistent revenue growth of 10–20% year-on-year. At just 25, he was promoted to Technical Manager, a newly formed role he shaped from the ground up, while managing a broad portfolio and offering technical reporting advice.

Now as Director, Ed is helping to shape the future of ZEDRA’s audit function, expanding the client base, mentoring future leaders, and embedding a high-performance culture. 50% of ZEDRA’s audit management team is home-grown talent, supported by Ed’s hands-on mentoring of ICAEW students through exams and qualification. Ed’s leadership helped the firm win Innovative Audit Firm of the Year at the International Accounting Bulletin Awards (2018) and secure a finalist spot for Audit Team of the Year at the upcoming Accounting Excellence Awards.

Graham Weston

Partner, RSM

Graham’s rise to becoming the youngest partner at RSM UK is rooted in his ambition to reshape how professional services are delivered. After qualifying with ICAS in the financial due diligence analytics team at EY, he joined RSM in 2021 as Manager. He went on to found RSM UK’s Transactions Data Analytics team. Under Graham’s leadership, the team grew to 12 specialists and quickly became integral to several of RSM’s most strategic and high-profile transactions.

In 2022, Graham’s technical capabilities were recognised internationally when he reached the finals of the European Inspire Alteryx Grand Prix. Then, in April 2025, just five years post-qualification, Graham was promoted to partner and appointed to lead the firm’s newly formed Consulting Digital Team. Beyond client delivery, Graham contributes to firmwide innovation strategy, mentors junior talent, and plays a visible role in digital training. He is also a regular speaker at RSM UK’s CFO Forums. His leadership is helping to future-proof the firm and inspire the next generation of digital-first professionals.

Nick Whitehead

Audit Partner, BPM

At just 32, Nick has played a central role in BPM’s expansion into the United Kingdom, becoming one of the founding partners of the firm’s London practice. With early career experience on secondment in Denver and strong personal ties to the US, he has been able to bridge the cultural and regulatory differences that often hinder UK firms in serving American businesses. His insights have proved invaluable for US companies establishing operations in the UK, saving clients time and creating smoother cross-border transitions.

In a previous role, Nick helped navigate his team as they transitioned through the complex process of moving from a partner-owned model to one backed by private equity, choosing open, informal communication with staff to address concerns transparently. Mentorship remains a cornerstone of Nick’s career. Having led graduate recruitment and coaching initiatives, he prioritises character as much as credentials. Former trainee and now BPM manager, Alexa Rossi, credits him with accelerating her career, describing him as both approachable and pivotal to her progression.

James Wright

Programme Leader of Accountancy and Finance, University of Chichester

James is dedicated to shaping the future of accountancy through education and innovation. As Programme Leader for Accountancy and Finance at the University of Chichester, he has played a key role in building a department that was named 2025 PQ Magazine Public Sector Accountancy College of the Year. His commitment to student development also led him to champion the creation of the university’s Business Society, which went on to win PQ’s 2025 Student Body of the Year after organising initiatives such as a landmark visit to the ACCA headquarters in London.

His work has earned him recognition from the Small Business Britain programme, an invitation to the House of Lords, and a shortlisting for Best Small Business Owner at the Chichester & Bognor Regis Business Awards. An ACCA Fellow and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, James holds a Distinction in his MSc in Accountancy, where his research critically examined the financial management of the UK Football Association. His drive for innovation continues through the delivery of CPD resources, webinars, and partnerships with organisations such as QuickBooks, taking his educational content to international audiences.

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