35 under 35 2025: Final wave of winners revealed

We round off this year’s Accountancy Age 35 under 35 with eight exceptional professionals who represent the future of the industry – one built on innovation, trust, and purpose.

From reshaping corporate finance with data analytics, to scaling national M&A strategies, to building inclusive finance communities from scratch, this final wave brings together the disruptors, mentors, and problem-solvers pushing the profession forward.

In partnership with AJ Chambers, the initiative recognises emerging leaders across the sector – spanning practice, corporate finance, digital-first firms, and founder-led ventures.

This final wave reflects the breadth and depth of today’s talent. Whether launching client-first services, mentoring future leaders, or embedding ESG into firm strategy, they are making a lasting impact on clients, teams, and the industry at large.

We’re proud to reveal the fourth and final group of rising stars in the 2025 ranking:

Ryan Alderson – Head of Cloud Advisory, DJH

Since joining DJH Business Advisers in 2024, Ryan Alderson 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, introducing standardised processes, developing internal capability, and laying the groundwork for future innovation.

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.

He’s also contributed to internal development by delivering Xero and Excel training to DJH’s 2024 apprentice intake, an initiative that’s now embedded in future onboarding.

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 across the business. His involvement in vendor negotiations has also supported cost control and subscription consolidation.

Jordan Elizabeth Groody – Founder and Chartered Accountant, Haus of Finance

Jordan Groody 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. Her emphasis on practical, jargon-free advice has helped her build strong, trust-based relationships, and her business has grown organically as a result.

Jordan is particularly passionate about financial education and accessibility. She’s been actively involved in initiatives supporting women and girls in building financial confidence, recognising that many are held back by a lack of approachable information and support. Her work in this space reflects a broader belief that financial literacy should be inclusive and empowering.

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. The response has already led to speaking opportunities and positive recognition from peers in the industry.

Jordan 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 more than numbers, it’s about communication, clarity, and helping others make informed, confident decisions.

Shiv Shah – Director of M&A, TC Group

Shiv Shah joined TC Group in February 2024 as Director of M&A, bringing with him a breadth of experience across audit, advisory, and corporate development. Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant at Grant Thornton, Shiv’s early career was rooted in audit before transitioning into M&A advisory, followed by an in-house corporate development role. His return to practice in a strategic M&A capacity has brought his professional journey full circle.

Now responsible for delivering one of TC Group’s core growth pillars, Shiv has already made a significant impact. In his first year, he has helped drive the firm’s rapid expansion by successfully merging with 21 practices across the UK. His work also includes supporting TC Group’s existing firms on their own acquisition strategies, contributing to the broader momentum of the business.

Shiv’s approach to M&A is grounded in trust and people-focused thinking. He emphasises integrity and empathy as non-negotiable qualities when navigating transactions, a perspective shaped by his belief that deals are ultimately built around relationships.

At TC Group, Shiv is helping shape a proposition that combines the scale and capability of a national group with the autonomy and entrepreneurial spirit of local firms. This dual model has resonated strongly with vendors in a crowded market and has contributed to the firm’s standing as a Top 20 accountancy practice, now comprising over 1,500 people across 50+ offices.

In addition to his M&A responsibilities, Shiv is also taking on wider strategic growth initiatives, including fee-earning capability expansion and succession planning through lateral hiring, an expansion of remit that reflects the leadership team’s confidence in his impact and vision.

James Davenport – Partner, Moore Kingston Smith

James Davenport, ACA, 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. Rather than charging by the hour, the approach aligns fees with client outcomes, opening the door to deeper partnerships and broader accessibility for smaller businesses. This shift has helped drive sustained value for both clients and the firm.

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, and fosters a culture of learning and innovation.

A colleague shared: “James has transformed our growth and development. By investing time and energy in training us, he instils confidence and purpose among us.”

Outside the office, James contributes to King’s College’s Accelerator Programme and serves as a school governor for his former primary school.

Nicky Dockree – Director, HaysMac LLP

Since joining HaysMac as a graduate trainee in 2016, Nicky Dockree, ACA, 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.

Nicky is known for her responsiveness, insight, and ability to navigate complex hospitality-specific regulation, which has earned her the trust of clients and colleagues alike. She played a pivotal role in securing HaysMac’s largest client in the sector and remains a key member of the team supporting it.

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’s approachable and committed leadership style has been instrumental in helping colleagues navigate key stages of their careers.

Beyond her client work, Nicky is a co-founder of Future Gen, a cross-sector networking programme that has connected over 570 guests through 14 events. She also 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, and in leading HaysMac’s International Women’s Day activities.

Tom Alun-Jones – Partner, Saffery

Tom Alun-Jones, ACA, CTA, 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.

Before becoming Partner, Tom managed one of the firm’s largest client portfolios, advising a broad spectrum of mid-market corporates, professional practices, financial services firms, UK subsidiaries of international groups, and owner-managed businesses. His 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 and reporting expectations.

Internally, Tom has driven quality improvement initiatives as part of the cold file review process and audit resourcing review. Since becoming Partner, he sits on the panel of EQR reviewers, further contributing to quality oversight.

His business development work has included sub-leadership in the Professional Practices and Financial Services marketing group, securing new clients through events, networking—and even through the padel court.

A dedicated mentor, Tom has helped 75% of his counselees achieve promotion.

Pete Fendall – Chief Finance and Operating Officer, Dow Schofield Watts

At 33, Pete Fendall 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 while embedding a forward-thinking, inclusive culture across the network.

In FY25, DSW reported record network revenue of £25.8m — a 61% year-on-year increase — with adjusted EBITDA nearly tripling to £1.76m. Pete’s strategic and financial leadership has been central to this performance. He secured a £3m revolving credit facility that supported the acquisition and integration of DR Solicitors, now performing ahead of plan.

Pete has modernised core systems and processes, introducing AI-powered tools such as SmartSearch and UpSlide to streamline decision-making and reporting, achieving a £16k saving in just three months. He also implemented a network-wide intranet to improve collaboration across 12 offices, alongside advancing DSW’s cybersecurity strategy.

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 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.

Graham Weston – Partner, RSM UK

Graham Weston’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 a manager with a clear vision: to build a data analytics capability that would transform corporate finance in the mid-market.

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. Their work helps clients go beyond basic data visualisation to uncover value, speed up diligence through automation, and make sharper commercial decisions.

In 2022, Graham’s technical capabilities were recognised internationally when he reached the finals of the European Inspire Alteryx Grand Prix. His combination of data fluency and commercial insight has helped position RSM as a leader in data-led corporate finance execution.

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. His remit now spans data analytics, automation, AI and reporting, with a focus on embedding digital thinking across all six of RSM’s Consulting solutions.

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.