35 under 35 2024: First wave of winners revealed!

The Accountancy Age 35 under 35, in partnership with AJ Chambers, seeks to highlight the rising stars of the accountancy profession, featuring those who have made great professional contributions to the field and their individual firms.

Over the course of the next two weeks we’ll be revealing those who made the list for 2024. Today, we present the first wave of noteworthy professionals who made the Accountancy Age 35 under 35.

The full Accountancy Age 35 under 35 will be unveiled on June 25th, 2024. 

Abbey Ricketts, Partner, Adams Moore Accountants

Abbey joined Adams Moore as a Trainee Accountant in September 2016 through the Accounting Apprenticeship Scheme. She began with basic sole trader accounts and steadily advanced to handling more complex clients, driven by her excellent feedback. In 2021, Abbey was promoted to Manager, overseeing all accountants in the firm, including 12 senior and more experienced colleagues. She has earned the respect of the entire team and fostered a strong team ethic.

While managing her responsibilities, Abbey was also studying for her CIMA exams. Despite her aversion to exams and the challenges of online learning during the pandemic, she persevered and qualified in 2022. Abbey was awarded her professional designation upon qualification.

In 2023, Abbey was promoted to Client Service Partner, becoming one of three partners with comprehensive responsibility for managing the Accounts Function, our largest department, and for winning and managing large clients (300 clients). Her ascent to the top of our business within seven years, marked by hard work and late nights, has been characterized by grace and humility, earning the admiration and respect of everyone in the business.

Over the past three years, our turnover has increased by 40% to £1 million, a growth attributed to Abbey’s efforts in several key areas:

• Redefining our Board Support Accountancy Service for owner-managed businesses with turnovers above £2 million. This service, which emphasizes value-added, proactive, fixed-price accounting, has become our best-selling offering. It not only saves clients on taxes but also contributes to their growth and provides a comprehensive understanding of their cost base.
• Participating in main Partner Board Meetings with a one-third vote in the practice’s operations, where she helps develop our three-year strategy, manages practice finances, drives new business, and leads Corporate Responsibility initiatives.
• Representing Adams Moore at networking groups, enhancing our firm’s visibility.
• Transforming our 23 employees to be more client-focused and to embrace new automation and AI technology. Abbey is responsible for developing staff from apprentices to qualified accountants, resulting in a 50% reduction in staff turnover.
• Introducing initiatives such as promoting from within the company, maintaining regular transparency on company performance, offering interest-free loans for employee emergencies, conducting monthly Partner Question Time sessions, involving staff in Partner Meetings, and implementing an annual, understandable bonus scheme. These initiatives have made Adams Moore an exceptional place to work.

Andrew Douthwaite, Partner, Alliotts

Andrew embarked on a unique path to accountancy. After joining the British Army at 18, he served as a Grenadier Guardsman, guarding the royal palaces and performing state ceremonial duties before deploying to Afghanistan in 2012. Following an injury, Andrew transitioned to consulting before ultimately moving into accountancy.

Andrew trained in general practice at a small boutique firm before joining Alliotts LLP as a Senior Manager in 2021, where he led the Guildford Outsourcing and Accounts team. He was promoted to Associate in 2023 and became a Partner in 2024. In his role, Andrew advises fast-growing start-ups and established businesses, offering his expertise as an outsourced CFO/Finance Director and drawing on his general practice experience to leverage relevant tax subsidies.

Andrew works across various sectors, including gaming, hospitality, space, and professional consulting, assisting businesses seeking or having achieved inward investment. He has advised clients on preparing and pitching for investment and supported due diligence efforts for those looking to acquire businesses.

As part of the Game Changer programme sponsored by Games London, Andrew has mentored gaming start-ups and helped deliver the UK’s largest video games trade mission at Slush in Helsinki. At Alliotts, Andrew continues to challenge norms and drive innovation through the adoption of new technologies in the profession.

Scott Trent, UK CFO, Onore Group

Scott pursued an unconventional route by obtaining his AAT qualification instead of attending university. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with EY in 2014 at the age of 22, passing all exams on his first attempt. Within 12 months of qualifying, he was promoted to the role of Audit Manager.

Scott then joined one of his clients, Refresco, as their Financial Accounting Manager and later advanced to the position of Financial Controller. In 2020, amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he transitioned to Cakesmiths, a then-small business, as their Finance Director. Under his financial leadership, the business experienced rapid growth, with turnovers increasing from approximately £3 million in his first year to around £22 million in just three years, with ambitions for further significant growth.

This period of substantial expansion included two separate sale processes in which Scott played a crucial role. The first was a Management Buyout (MBO) backed by Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) in March 2022, followed by a Secondary Buyout (SBO) with the PE-backed Onore Food Group in January 2024. In March 2024, Scott was promoted to UK CFO of the Onore Group. In addition to overseeing Cakesmiths, he is now responsible for the Finance & IT functions of Proper Cornish, a sister company.

Throughout these years of significant growth, Scott’s role required considerable flexibility, from navigating the early challenges of COVID-19 (managing cash, debt, and stock) to professionalizing the business as it expanded and increased its workforce. His responsibilities have evolved from ensuring the company’s survival to strategically focusing on continuing the significant growth as the board looks to the future.

Sophie Woodburn, Manager, F.W. Smith, Riches & Co.

Sophie is a natural leader who has demonstrated exceptional skill in managing key audit assignments. Leveraging her strong technical proficiency and strategic insight, she delivers cost-effective and practical solutions to any challenges presented. Additionally, Sophie has been a crucial member of the tendering team, contributing to the successful acquisition of substantial audits and the growth of the firm’s client base.

Sophie is passionate about the accountancy profession, particularly in advocating for the strengths of small and medium-sized firms. In September 2023, she was elected to the newly formed Shadow International Committee as the UK & Ireland regional representative of MGI Worldwide, our international accounting network. The Shadow IC includes one elected member from each of the network’s eight regions, incorporating the perspectives of the next generation into global decision-making. Sophie’s valuable contributions include her role as a lead member of MGI’s ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders’ group, engaging young professionals to enhance their personal and professional development. The most recent virtual workshops attracted over 200 delegates globally.

Sophie’s success within MGI led to her being invited to the UK Alternative Accountancy Summit, where she participated in the Future Leaders seminar, discussing future generations’ expectations from employers and the evolution of the accountancy profession. Her performance earned her an invitation to another panel session the following day to discuss the increasing use of AI in the profession.

Within the firm, Sophie has spearheaded several major initiatives, including a highly successful campaign supporting Mental Health Awareness Week. This involved hosting a diverse range of workshops for all employees and raising awareness through the firm’s media channels. Notably, Sophie led our internal ESG project, resulting in the firm receiving the prestigious ESGmark® accreditation. She is currently implementing a new mentoring programme for trainees to support their career development and wellbeing. As one of the firm’s youngest managers, Sophie is a fantastic role model for younger staff.

Sophie recently received the Freedom of the City of London, a prestigious honour granted by the City of London Corporation, which commits her to engaging with the community and supporting charitable endeavours. Additionally, Sophie serves as Treasurer (pro bono) and Trustee of the London Children’s Flower Society, providing young children with opportunities to take an interest in horticulture and raising environmental awareness.

Siobhan Holmes, Director, Haysmacintyre

Everitt Newton, Advisory Manager and ESG Lead, PwC

Sarah Richards, National Head of Tax and Chief Risk Officer, Sedulo

Sarah is the National Head of Tax, leading the corporation, personal, and private client tax teams across all five UK offices (Manchester, London, Leeds, Liverpool, and Birmingham).

She has over 17 years experience, having previously held a number of roles in industry and in practice (EY, Deloitte).

Sarah has achieved significant revenue growth  whilst retaining, training and growing the team. She is also passionate about diversity and inclusion.

Recently appointed as Chief Risk Officer (CRO), Sarah has been focusing on establishing a risk function and fostering a robust culture across the Group. She has developed a risk reporting tool to capture a digital risk register. Sarah was nominated for Tax Mentor of the Year at Tolly’s Taxation Awards and serves as a mentor for underprivileged young individuals in London. Previously, she was the events lead at the Multicultural Network at Deloitte.

Outside of work, Sarah has four children aged 4 to 18 and 10 godchildren. Despite a challenging upbringing and a non-traditional start to her career, Sarah was the first in her family to graduate university and has worked incredibly hard to reach her current position as Tax partner.

Jack Edmonds, Director, Crowe UK

Jack joined Crowe in 2011 as an AAT school leaver and quickly progressed through the ranks to Director at the age of 31. Jack assists his clients with tax and accounting compliance matters, often clients will come to him with problems and he is often quick to find a solution. Whilst the day-to-day compliance is critical to the success of his clients and team, his role has evolved over the last few years and he now spends a lot of his time helping business owners overcome underlying issues within their business, assisting with business plans, profit improvement and succession issues.

Jack has been a huge factor in the growth of the business solutions team in the Midlands region. When joining the team in 2011 there were just 8 members of staff, today the team sits at currently 50 and continuing to grow. Having been a finalist at the firm’s annual awards for the previous two years, Jack won the client service award in 2021 for his outstanding commitment to customer service where he goes above and beyond to help his clients, supported by many testimonials.

As an accredited Mindshop facilitator, Jack leverages his extensive knowledge and coaching skills to benefit his client base. Whether it’s problem-solving, strategic management, or leadership development, Jack is unwavering in his dedication. His candid approach to difficult conversations has garnered admiration from clients, who rely on his sound advice to propel their businesses forward.

Having worked alongside Jack for 8 years now, he is very much part of the leadership team in the region and a trusted business advisor to many.

Rebecca Roberts, Director, UHY Hacker Young

Becki joined UHY in 2018 as an Assistant Manager in the Accounting and Business Services team. She quickly advanced to Senior Manager in 2020 and was promoted to Director in December 2023, demonstrating her ambition, vision, and strong leadership skills. In early 2020, Becki was appointed UHY’s National Head of Cloud Accounting. In this role, she coordinates UHY’s UK cloud accounting initiatives and introduces additional service lines that leverage emerging technologies, resulting in continued client growth.

Becki has been instrumental in driving the momentum of digital accounting across UHY, earning recognition within the industry. She is frequently sought after for commentary by app providers and led UHY to be shortlisted for the National Partner of the Year category at the 2024 Xero Awards. Reflecting on her role, Becki stated, “I chose UHY because I saw an opportunity to lead in innovation and new ways of working across the firm. Becoming the National Head of Cloud was a significant milestone in my career. My role involves promoting UHY values, and I derive great satisfaction from being an active member of the Values Forum and advocating for wellbeing across the Nottingham office.”

In an industry that is rapidly evolving, Becki’s leadership and commitment to strong values make her an invaluable asset to UHY, with a bright future ahead.

Key achievements:

• Grew UHY Nottingham’s Accounting & Business Services team from 7 to 18 members.
• Appointed National Head of Cloud Accounting at 29 and promoted to Director by age 31.
• Led UHY to be shortlisted as National Partner of the Year in the 2024 Xero Awards.
• Recognised voice in digital accounting, with commentary featured in leading industry publications..

Erin Berry, Corporate Finance Director, Saffery

Erin works as a Corporate Finance Director at Saffery, specialising in a range of due diligence services, including vendor due diligence, vendor assist, buy-side due diligence, and associated services. She is AAT and ACCA qualified. Erin began her career in corporate finance at 16 as an apprentice and has since gained experience across various departments, including accounts, audit, tax, and outsourcing, working in firms of all sizes, from small accounting practices to one of the world’s largest firms.

Erin has acted for a diverse range of clients, including entrepreneurial, private equity-backed, and privately-owned businesses. She joined Saffery in Manchester in 2023 as part of a new Corporate Finance Team in the North West. Since then, Erin has been working to expand Saffery’s market presence through various business development activities, including hosting networking events, participating in an internal roadshow, and engaging in a range of external marketing activities. For her clients, Erin provides early-stage bespoke advice, including vendor due diligence and vendor assistance services.

Erin has advised on financial due diligence for many deals, notably for River Capital on their investment in Built for Athletes and for Maven Capital Partners regarding their investment in MyPura.com Limited. Erin won Finance Professional of the Year at the 2022 Manchester Young Talent Awards and co-founded the team that won Young Professional Team of the Year at the 2023 Insider North West Young Professional Awards.

Erin is also a supporter of JCI Manchester, a voluntary organisation driven by young professionals, for young professionals. She has previously served as the JCI Finance Director and is now on the panel of judges for the Manchester Young Talent Awards, often mentoring young professionals on their career journeys. Erin was on the panel at Pro-Manchester’s Corporate Finance Lunch in February 2024, joining high-profile partners from Northedge Capital, Moore & Smalley, and Deloitte, presenting to 500 professionals.

Additionally, Erin is involved with Once Upon A Smile, a charity providing child bereavement services. She is mentoring a graduate aspiring to a career in corporate finance and has organised a team of 13 Saffery staff to participate in the Great Manchester Run to raise funds for the charity. Erin is also working with Girls Out Loud, mentoring high school students.

Accountancy Age’s 35 under 35 2024 winners will be revealed in batches throughout the next two weeks. The full ranking will be available on the morning of June 25th, 2024.