Crowe Clark Whitehill has emerged winners in the Auditor of the Year: Large Firms category at the 2013 FDs’ Excellence Awards.
Crowe Clark Whitehill was awarded Auditor of the Year for its outstanding level of client service and meticulous approach to major audits. It is the fourth time the firm has been recognised for audit excellence in the nine years the awards have been running.
The high praise the firm received from the judges is echoed across the 30-strong team based in Victory House, Douglas, including the three most recent arrivals, John Danielson, Richard Challoner and Josh Ridings.
Mr Danielson, a University of London mathematics graduate, joined the firm to take up the newly created role of development manager. Born and educated in the Isle of Man he has extensive audit and advisory experience with leading institutions locally and internationally, counting Land Securities Group plc, Bloomberg LP and the John Lewis Partnership plc among his former clients.
At Crowe Clark Whitehill he is looking to deepen existing client relationships along with developing new opportunities for growth in line with the firm’s vision to be recognised as a unique alternative to the largest players in all its core disciplines. He explained: ‘Before joining I understood the firm to be very much future-focused, distinguished by the calibre of its people, its personal approach and a fair billing policy recognised as one of the least aggressive in the industry, but what surprised me initially was just how broad the client base was. The practice is understandably highly regarded in the Isle of Man and, through its UK and global network, has access to cutting edge expertise highly valued by our international clients.’
Supervisor Richard Challoner, a University of Nottingham economics graduate, brings considerable audit experience to the firm, notably in the areas of food, drink and property. Attracted to the firm by its high standing in the finance community, dedication to professional development and reputation for exceptional client service he said he had benefited from the welcome and support extended by the directors and team. He continued: ‘These early months have been marked by opportunities to learn more about the extraordinarily diverse range of clients and businesses served by Crowe Clark Whitehill. Looking towards the future I hope my interest in and knowledge of renewable energy and associated technology will help move the firm into new directions.’
Josh Ridings’ first six months with the firm have seen the trainee accountant being introduced to clients. He said: ‘It’s been extremely interesting meeting clients from so many different sectors. I’ve always wanted to pursue an accountancy career and am particularly drawn to the audit side of the business. Crowe Clark Whitehill provides the perfect environment for training and to have been able to spend these early months learning about how the firm operates and accountancy in general has been extremely valuable before I begin studying in earnest for my qualifications later this year.’
Managing director Roger Barrs said: ‘We are pleased to welcome John, Richard and Josh to the team in this, our 30th anniversary year. The enthusiasm, motivation and commitment they display are those very same values by which we set our standards for delivering outstanding client service. It is an approach that once again has led to Crowe Clark Whitehill earning widespread industry acclaim and being recognised in the FDs’ Excellence Awards as best of the best.’
Hosted by Real Business in association with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and supported by the CBI and the London Evening Standard the FDs’ Excellence Awards celebrate excellence in financial management. The results are based on findings from a survey of some 1380 decision-makers from across the UK’s finance community.
Photo - Auditor of the Year Crowe Clark Whitehill. Directors Roger Barrs, Phaedra Bird and John Cowan, back row, left to right, are pictured with new recruits John Danielson, back row extreme right and, seated, Richard Challoner, left, and Josh Ridings. Picture Andrew Barton.
