Danielle Shelborn

Position: Accounts and Audit Trainee Telephone: 0113 244 9512 Email: Danielle.Shelborn@thomascoombs.com

Qualifications

Accounting and Finance BA (Hons) Degree, ACCA student

Expertise and Experience

Prior to joining Thomas Coombs Danielle undertook work experience with a number of firms including a year’s placement as a finance assistant at NHS South East Leeds CCG. She is currently undertaking her ACCA training with the firm since her recruitment in June 2019.

Danielle works with a range of clients and sectors including property developers, charities, tax companies and businesses providing agricultural services.

Interests outside of work

Danielle enjoys going to the gym and socialising with her friends.

Categories:

Our People

Ben Thornley

Audit Trainee

Qualifications

AAT apprentice

Expertise and Experience

Ben joined the audit team in August 2019 and he is currently undertaking training with the firm. He is currently involved in the analysis of accounting records and preparation of year end accounts for a wide range of small businesses.

Interests outside of work

Ben plays in a 5-a-side football team weekly and also has a passion for tennis and table tennis. He is an advanced skier also, having skied annually since the age of six.

0113 244 9512 - ben.thornley@thomascoombs.com

Bill Jenkinson FCA

Chairman

Qualifications

Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holder of the FCA.

Expertise and Experience

Bill qualified as a Chartered Accountant with one of the UK’s top four firms of accountants, where he spent nine years before reaching the level of Department Manager.

After deciding to leave the ‘Big Four’, Bill took up a position at Thomas Coombs in 1987.

During his time at the firm, he has built up a large portfolio of personal and business clients covering a wide variety of sectors including property, telecommunications, leisure, solicitors, architects and agriculture. He also deals with a number of family trusts.

Bill still enjoys meeting with existing and prospective clients to learn more about their businesses.

Interests outside of work

When not in the office, Bill can often be found at the waterside, partaking in his passion for angling.

A keen tennis player, Bill has played tennis in the Huddersfield league for more than 25 years and also in the Wakefield District league. Bill has also played cricket for Penguins Cricket Club since the 1970s.

0113 244 9512 - Bill.Jenkinson@thomascoombs.com

Carol Brooksbank

Payroll Assistant

Qualifications

NVQ Administration & Business

Expertise and Experience

Carol has more than 20 years of experience working in accounts and payroll and has an in-depth knowledge of bookkeeping and credit control. She joined Thomas Coombs in March 2017 and assists clients from a variety of sectors.

Interests outside of work

Carol can often be found looking after her three grandchildren and her daughter’s dog. However, she also has a passion for classic VW’s and attends a number of festivals each year.

0113 244 9512 - Carol.Brooksbank@thomascoombs.com

Christopher Darwin FCA

Director

Qualifications

Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holder of the FCA.

Expertise and Experience

Chris joined Thomas Coombs’ graduate apprenticeship programme in 1992 and became a Partner in 2001, having progressed through the ranks.

Showing early promise in his career, Chris was ranked seventh in the country in one of his exams and came out in the top three for West Yorkshire at the intermediate level.

Since then he has gone on to become a specialist in advising family-run businesses and is Head of the Charities and Social Enterprise department, which supports good causes and not-for-profit organisations.

With a family background in farming in South Yorkshire, Chris understands the requirements of owner-managed businesses and has a growing portfolio of clients across the region.

His farming values run deep and he endeavours to make sure his clients make more profit and hold onto as much wealth as possible by minimising their tax liabilities and those of their businesses.

Interests outside of work

When not supporting local businesses, Chris can often be found with his wife, Lisa and his active children, which he says helps keep him young.

He is a supporter of Barnsley FC but also enjoys following the fortunes of the F1 McLaren team.

What clients say about Christopher

“Christopher and the team are there whenever we need them. They keep us updated regularly ……they’re always just a phone call away.” – Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL)

“I would happily recommend Christopher and the team to other charities – particularly if an organisation is looking for a proactive firm that adds value to their audit and accounts.” – Wades Charity

“If I had to choose three words to describe their service I would say they are reliable, trustworthy and professional.” – Synergy Automotive

“Based on our experience, I would certainly recommend them to other organisations who are looking for a firm of accountants with a friendly, personal touch.” – Greendown Trust

0113 244 9512 - Christopher.Darwin@thomascoombs.com

Danielle Shelborn

Accounts and Audit Trainee

Qualifications

Accounting and Finance BA (Hons) Degree, ACCA student

Expertise and Experience

Danielle works with a range of clients and sectors including property developers, charities, tax companies and businesses providing agricultural services.

Interests outside of work

Danielle enjoys going to the gym and socialising with her friends.

0113 244 9512 - Danielle.Shelborn@thomascoombs.com

Frances Lornie

Trainee Accountant

Qualifications

AAT, ACA student

Expertise and Experience

Frances joined Thomas Coombs in September 2018 and is currently undertaking ACA studies. She works with owner-managed business, sole traders and charities assisting with accounts preparation and audit work.

Interests outside of work

Frances enjoys sports, particularly trampolining and swimming.

0113 244 9512 - Frances.Lornie@thomascoombs.com

James Bannister MAAT

Tax and Trust Assistant

Qualifications

Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)

Expertise and Experience

James began his career in accountancy at the age of 17, working as a bookkeeper at another local firm of accountants. He joined Thomas Coombs in February 2018 and works in the Tax and Trust team.

James deals with personal taxation matters for sole traders, company directors, landlords and high net worth individuals, as well corporate tax issues for small companies.

He also plays an important role assisting the firm’s varied portfolio of trust settlements, where he assists with producing accounts and tax returns together with other trust documents, such as R185 forms.

Interests outside of work

James is a keen boxing fan and also supports Arsenal. When not watching sports he can often be found in the gym training.

0113 244 9512 - James.Bannister@thomascoombs.com

John Brooks

Audit and Accounts Supervisor

Expertise and Experience

John joined Thomas Coombs straight out of school in 1974 – making him the longest serving member of staff at the firm.

His experience is mainly in accounts preparation for small companies, partnerships and sole traders, as well as specialist support with working men’s club audits.

Interests outside of work

Outside of work John can often be found spending time with his Wife, Andrea, and the rest of his family. He also follows local Rugby League and is a fan of Newcastle United FC, who he enjoys watching with a real ale.

0113 244 9512 - john.brooks@thomascoombs.com

Jordan Mitchell ACA

Audit and Accounts Senior

Qualifications

Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holder of the ACA.

Expertise and Experience

Jordan has taken on a variety of roles during his time at Thomas Coombs, from leading audits to management account work and the preparation of VAT returns.

He works with a wide range of companies across a number of sectors, with turnovers ranging from under £100,000 to those with a turnover in excess of £10 million.

Jordan, who has been with Thomas Coombs since joining the firm’s graduate training scheme in 2013, enjoys the variety of work offered by assisting the firm’s clients and takes pride in building close relationships with them. In particular, he focuses on understanding how they work first-hand so that he can deliver tailored services.

Interests outside of work

With a passion for football, Jordan is proud to call himself a Leeds United season ticket holder. When not enjoying a match at Elland Road, Jordan can often be found spending time on the golf course or representing Ossett Badminton Club in the Barnsley Badminton League.

0113 244 9512 - Jordan.mitchell@thomascoombs.com

Luke Neville

Audit and Accounts Assistant

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Mathematics, ACA student

Expertise and Experience

Luke has worked on accounts preparation jobs and assisting on Audit work for multiple types of businesses and charities, as well as management accounts and VAT returns for clients.

When leading audits, Luke enjoys analysing deeper into how a business is evolving and what has changed in the year. He enjoys meeting clients and finding out more about their organisation.

Interests outside of work

Luke enjoys watching formula one racing and is a supporter or McLaren. He regularly travels back to Telford to spend time with family and go on walks with their dog.

0113 244 9512 - Luke.Neville@thomascoombs.com

Luke Pickering MAAT ATT

Trust Manager

Qualifications

Member of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).

Expertise and Experience

Luke began his career in accountancy at the age of 18 having completed his A levels. He then spent three years working on business accounts, but slowly began specialising in trust accounts and tax compliance and advisory.

Over the next six years, he developed his expertise in this area while working for several large firms in the Leeds area within their specialist trust departments.

He has since expanded into inheritance tax planning and compliance, thus becoming more rounded in all aspects of the day-to-day administration of trusts.

He has always been interested in assisting people with their later life planning and believes that those who spend their lives creating wealth for their family should be able to preserve that wealth and pass it down to future generations.

Interests outside of work

Luke’s main hobby is rugby league, both as a player and spectator. He is a season ticket holder for Castleford Tigers and has enjoyed the highs and lows of being a fan for more than 30 years. He also enjoys travelling and spending time with his wife and two French Bulldogs.

0113 244 9512 - Luke.Pickering@thomascoombs.com

Nicola Crabtree

Audit and Accounts Assistant

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Mathematics, ACA student

Expertise and Experience

Since joining the firm in August 2018, Nicola has assisted with audit and accounts preparation for a wide variety of clients from different sectors including sole traders, owner managed businesses and charities.

She also prepares VAT returns and management accounts for a range of clients using accounting packages such as sage 50 cloud and Xero. Nicola particularly enjoys the social aspect of the job and meeting clients.

Interests outside of work

When I am not working or revising for professional exams, Nicola enjoys spending time outside helping on my family dairy farm. She also loves socialising and spending time with friends.

0113 244 9512 - Nicola.Crabtree@thomascoombs.com

Olivia Riley

Tax Senior

Qualifications

ATT, CTA student

Expertise and Experience

Olivia was recruited in August 2019, having previously worked for four years at another accountancy firm. She assists with personal and capital gains tax planning, as well as corporate tax planning related to business structures and the extraction of profits from a company.

Olivia works with sole traders, high net worth individuals, landlords and mid-sized business owners. Her duties mainly consist of preparing personal tax returns and dealing with a wide range of client’s queries. However, she is also involved in tax planning and advisory work, alongside dealing with tax enquiries.

Interests outside of work

Olivia enjoys making and decorating cakes for friends and family, cooking and reading.

0113 244 9512 - olivia.riley@thomascoombs.com

Paul Massey

Audit Apprentice

Qualifications

AAT

Expertise and Experience

Paul began his career in May 2018 with a small accountancy firm in Wakefield before joining Thomas Coombs in August 2019. He works on accounts management, bank reconciliation and prepayments. Paul primarily deals with small limited companies.

Interests outside of work

As well as supporting Derby County, Paul regularly takes part in a competitive 5-a-side football league.

0113 244 9512 - Paul.Massey@thomascoombs.com

Peter Sawrij FCCA

Director

Qualifications

Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Expertise and Experience

Peter joined an accountancy firm after completing his A Levels. During his 12 years there he progressed through the ranks from a junior role to audit and accounts manager. During this time, he worked to become an Accounting Technician and went on to qualify as a Certified Accountant.

He has experience in all aspects of accounts and audit, including performing internal audits for a FTSE listed companies. Peter works with clients from a wide range of sectors, including engineering, property, manufacturing, retail and waste management.

Interests outside of work

When not at work, Peter enjoys spending time with his wife Lian and their children Annie and Leo. He is also an avid sports fan with a keen interest in football, rugby, cricket and especially American football. His team of choice being the New England Patriots.

0113 244 9512 - Peter.Sawrij@thomascoombs.com

Richard Wolk CTA ATT

Senior Tax Manager

Qualifications

Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIoT) and the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) and a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA).

Expertise and Experience

Richard joined Thomas Coombs in 2018 following a career in tax planning and compliance with a variety of organisations.

Starting out as a Revenue Officer in the old Inland Revenue, he has since gone on to become a Tax Manager in a large independent firm in Bradford, a partnership Tax Manager in a Top 10 firm and a Tax Consultant in a specialist tax advisory firm.

Working with both businesses and individuals, Richard is able to call on his qualifications as a Chartered Tax Adviser and his years of working with a variety of clients, including owner-managed businesses, landlords, consultants, doctors and solicitors, in order to assist clients.

Interests outside of work

Richard enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

He is a long-time season ticket holder at Bradford City AFC and when not watching his favourite team he can often be found enjoying a spot of gardening.

0113 244 9512 - Richard.Wolk@thomascoombs.com

Sam Parkin

Audit and Accounts Assistant

Qualifications

MSc Chemical Engineering, ACA Student

Expertise and Experience

Sam joined Thomas Coombs in July 2018 having undertaken initial training with a Big Four accountancy firm. He is involved in the preparation of year-end financial statements, accounts and audits.

He also assists with Corporation Tax computations, management accounts and VAT returns. Sam’s clients mainly consist of small to medium sized companies across a vast array market sectors.

Interests outside of work

Sam has a passion for music and plays the drums. He also enjoys going to the gym and watching Rugby League side Leeds Rhinos.

0113 244 9512 - Sam.Parkin@thomascoombs.com

Sandra Hutchinson

Payroll Administrator

Expertise and Experience

Sandra has more than 30 years of experience in the accountancy industry, having dealt with all aspects of accounts, bookkeeping, CIS and payroll. She joined our payroll team in August 2014 and assists with the completion of payroll with accuracy and efficiency from sole traders to large limited companies, while adhering to time critical deadlines.

Sandra helps with all payroll related queries, auto enrolment including setting up clients with pension providers, declaration of compliance and re-enrolment and is also involved in the training of other members of staff.

Interests outside of work

When not at work Sandra spends her time gardening, reading and visiting car boots and antique markets.

0113 244 9512 - Sandra.Hutchinson@thomascoombs.com

Sean Harris

Accounts assistant

Qualifications

AAT

Expertise and Experience

Sean joined Thomas Coombs directly out of school in 2016. He works with a range of clients in various sectors, including limited companies, LLP’s, sole traders and charities. His day-to-day includes statutory accounts preparation, VAT returns, audit work and management accounts. He particularly enjoys learning how different companies operate in relation to the sector they are in and analysing a company’s systems and practices.

Interests outside of work

Sean enjoys playing the piano and especially the music of Ludovico Einaudi. When not at home playing the piano, Sean can be found watching football with friends.

0113 244 9512 - Sean.Harris@thomascoombs.com

Shaun Pullan

Audit and Account Senior

Qualifications

AAT, ACCA student

Expertise and Experience

Shaun’s expertise lies in cloud-based accounting and he is able to train and help clients with any queries they may have in this area.

Since joining the firm in 2014 he has gained experience in preparing year end accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies from a variety of sectors. He also has audit experience of small limited companies and charities.

Interests outside of work

When not in the office Shaun can often be found watching sports, in particular rugby. He also enjoys working out at the gym.

0113 244 9512 - Shaun.Pullan@thomascoombs.com

Stuart Adam FCA

Managing Director

Qualifications

Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holder of the FCA.

Expertise and Experience

Stuart began his career with a top 20 accountancy firm, qualifying in 1986. He progressed to the position of Audit Manager, before leaving to join Thomas Coombs in 1988.

He predominantly works with owner-managed and family-run businesses – assisting with all aspects of their company and personal accounting requirements.

Having previously worked with clients on a number of acquisition and disposals, he has experience of the unique requirements for passing on a company.

Stuart says he is extremely lucky as he has clients from a wide range of sectors, which have given him an appreciation of how a number of sectors are faring.

He enjoys the fact that every day is different at Thomas Coombs and he never knows what the next phone call may bring.

Interests outside of work

A resident of North Yorkshire, Stuart makes full use of the beautiful countryside by walking his dogs and enjoying a refreshing drink at the end.

When not taking in the land around his home on foot, Stuart can often be found driving his vintage tractor.

0113 244 9512 - Stuart.Adam@thomascoombs.com

Stuart Greig

Tax Senior

Qualifications

CTA, ATT

Expertise and Experience

Stuart has worked within the busy tax team at Thomas Coombs since June 2017. Prior to joining the firm, he worked at one of the UK’s top 20 accountancy practices in London, where he gained experience working with clients with complex tax affairs and benefitted from the knowledge of some of the most prominent tax professionals in the field.

Stuart works on personal tax, in particular Capital Gains Tax planning including detailed knowledge of reliefs available for sales of property and businesses. He also works on income tax planning for business owners and how they can extract profits in a tax efficient manner. He also assists with the preparation of annual personal tax returns and the calculation of tax liabilities.

Interests outside of work

Stuart enjoys spending time at home with his family and young son. He is also a keen supporter of Brighton & Hove Albion football team and the England cricket team, as well as Formula 1.

0113 244 9512 - Stuart.Greig@thomascoombs.com

Thomas Bond ACA

Audit and Accounts Senior

Qualifications

ACA

Expertise and Experience

Thomas joined Thomas Coombs in 2015. He is responsible for leading audits, preparing both statutory and management accounts, company tax returns, and the preparation of VAT returns for Making Tax Digital.

He likes to work one on one with clients to understand how every aspect of their business works to ensure he can deliver both first-class services and advice.

Thomas enjoys helping clients with all their requirements, from ever changing accounting standards to complex VAT treatments; all which help to build close business relationships which is key.

Interests outside of work

Outside of work Thomas likes to spend time with his wife and his little boy. He is an avid Manchester United fan, and enjoys watching rugby union and the NFL. He is also a keen runner having run many half marathons and completed the Yorkshire Marathon.

0113 244 9512 - tom.bond@thomascoombs.com

Thomas Coombs

4.3

tom Robbins

10:39 08 Apr 19

Pearce Bottomley Architects have worked happily with Thomas Coombs for many years now. Their accountancy and tax returns have always been prompt and accurate. More recently they have guided our company through the transition from Partnership to Limited Liability Partnership and helped to engineer the succession of the firm.read more

Rachel Gallagher

13:35 03 Apr 19

We have been a client of Thomas Coombs since 2105 and have always received a helpful, friendly and professional service. Our Company affairs have been dealt with efficiently. The team are dedicated and helpful.read more

John Webster

14:16 28 Feb 19

i have been using Thomas Coombs, and in particular Stuart Adam, for over 30 years. They have always been excellent in looking after all aspects of my account, and have a keen and dedicated team to look after your every need.read more

Edward Watson

17:56 23 Apr 18

I have used Thomas Coombs for 20 plus years and couldn't recommend them highly enough. They are professional, knowledgeable, personable and extremely good value for money.read more

Barry Proctor

15:46 22 Feb 18

We have recently acquired the services of Thomas Coombs since October 2017. I have been working closely with Stuart and Peter and I can't praise them highly enough. I have received more help, good professional advice and support in the last 5 months than I have from my other accountants in 15 years. For once you feel that someone has your back. Highly Recommended. B Proctor MD Cutting Technologies Ltdread more

Next Reviews

9 October 2019

Qualifications

Expertise and Experience

Interests outside of work

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