Our team puts relationships at the heart of everything we do. We love working with people who actively seek a close, collaborative partnership with their accountant.
You deserve a team that genuinely cares, celebrates your successes, and does everything possible to help you build the financial future and lifestyle you desire.
This culture of care extends to our workplace too which is why most of our team have been with us for years. They share these same core values and take real joy in watching you succeed.
Building something that lasts takes more than technical ability. You need people you can trust completely, people who care about the outcome as much as you do.
That's why we've been deliberate about the team we've built around us. Every person here was chosen not just for what they know, but for how they think, how they listen, and how they show up for the people they work with.
Our conversations are honest, our challenge is genuine, and our advice will sometimes push you further than you planned to go.
That's not for everyone. But for the right people, it's exactly what they've been looking for.
Ben Chapman, working with the team since 2021
Joel
"When I went with the other accountants, I felt like we were an inconvenience.
With MRT, they genuinely want to ask the questions.
You can tell when people are genuinely interested in you."
Jane McAra - McAra
Find out more about James
James is a co-founder of MRT Accountants.
An FCCA-qualified accountant, James began his career with RSM, qualifying in 1997 and progressing to Partner, Office Managing Partner and Regional Audit Managing Partner before establishing his own firm in 2014.
James works closely with SME owners, particularly in the construction sector, helping them build stronger businesses that provide greater freedom, income and fulfilment. An audit specialist, his role combines business leadership with practical advisory support to help clients achieve their goals.
He is passionate about making a real difference to clients and values MRT’s talented, friendly team.
Outside work, James enjoys golf, occasional coarse fishing with his son, and travelling in the UK, Europe and further afield.
Find out more about Dave
David joined the firm in September 2016, bringing a wealth of Corporate Tax experience from both mid-tier and Big Four firms. He began his career at Baker Tilly (now RSM UK) in audit and tax before joining KPMG in 2013, where he specialised in R&D, innovations, and international tax.
Throughout his career, David has worked with a diverse spectrum of clients, ranging from small owner-managed businesses to major multinational corporations. He holds particular expertise in R&D incentives, Capital Allowances, corporate reorganisations, HMRC share valuations, and employee share schemes.
At the firm, David oversees technically challenging corporate tax matters, non-routine projects, and strategic planning for larger groups. He also serves as the Finance and HR Director for MRT.
David is passionate about logical problem-solving and prides himself on making complex tax issues understandable and relatable for his clients.
Outside of the office, David is a dedicated sports fan, following Football, NFL, Formula 1, and Snooker. He is also a lover of film and has a notably eclectic taste in music.
Find out more about Paul
Paul is our Operations Director and an FCA-qualified accountant with nearly 25 years’ experience in practice and industry.
He joined the firm’s predecessor practice in 2007, progressing from Audit and Accounts Senior to Manager, Partner and now Operations Director.
Paul works closely with SME owners, helping them understand their numbers and make confident business decisions.
His experience covers business advisory, accounts, audit, VAT and corporation tax, alongside leading client relationships, team development and process improvement across the firm.
He enjoys the variety of his role, supporting clients as their businesses grow and working with the people at MRT.
Outside work, Paul enjoys family time, socialising, watching sport, playing pool and darts, and running when he can.
A Day in the Life of the Team
Alice
Matthew
Jasmine
Oliver and Harley
Glastra
Martin
"The accounts team are very easy to work with, very knowledgeable.
They listen, they're responsive, they turn things around promptly.
It's a can-do attitude."
John Dewar - Jamie Oliver Group of companies
Christine and Fleur
"The accounts team are very easy to work with, very knowledgeable.
They listen, they're responsive, they turn things around promptly.
It's a can-do attitude."
John Dewar - Jamie Oliver Group of companies
Christine and Fleur
Alex Hunt
Outsourcing SupervisorJoined the team in 2020
Find out more about Alex
Alex is Xero Professional certified and ACA CFAB qualified.
Alex specialises in helping businesses make the most of digital accounting systems and meeting their Making Tax Digital obligations.
Alex works mainly with owner-managed businesses and small groups, overseeing bookkeeping, VAT compliance, bank reconciliations, management reporting and cash-flow monitoring.
He also supports clients with Xero set-up, migration and optimisation, as well as integrations such as Dext, Hubdoc, Stripe and GoCardless.
Alex enjoys working with a wide range of clients, everything from hobby businesses to multi-million-pound corporate groups.
Whatever stage of business development there is always a need for good bookkeeping.
Outside work, Alex enjoys planning his next garden project.
Alice Bassett
Accounts ManagerJoined the team in 2003
Find out more about Alice
Alice is a FCCA (Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualified accountant who joined the firm in 2003.
Alice began her career in accounts and audit before focusing on accounts and corporation tax.
Alice supports businesses of all sizes with statutory and management accounts, bookkeeping, corporation tax, VAT and general business advice.
Alice's role involves keeping clients and the team on track, resolving queries, and reviewing financial information.
She loves visiting clients and seeing the enthusiasm they have for their businesses.
Outside work, she enjoys family life with her two children and energetic springer spaniel, and likes to escape for a run when she can.
Amy Redwood-Branch
Client Service AdministratorJoined the team in 2026
Find out more about Amy
Amy brings extensive experience in client service, operations and client experience, having previously worked as a Regional Manager in the horticultural sector.
In her previous role, Amy managed service delivery for corporate clients across central London, overseeing teams, contracts, logistics, operational processes and profit and loss.
She is passionate about finding practical ways to improve customer experience, strengthen service quality and help businesses work more efficiently.
At MRT, Amy supports the wider team by helping to reduce administrative workload, allowing client-facing colleagues to focus on building strong relationships and deliver excellent service. She has been particularly impressed by the firm’s vision, positive culture and the care the team shows towards its clients.
Outside work, Amy enjoys pickleball, cooking, reading, hiking, skiing and scuba diving. She also plays the bassoon and clarinet, volunteers with a local animal rescue centre and Canalability, a charity dedicated to providing the facilities for disabled people to enjoy canal boat day trips.
As if that isn't enough, she also enjoys agility training with her dogs.
Christine Ingram
Senior Tax ManagerJoined the team in 2003
Find out more about Christine
Christine has been with the firm and its predecessor practices for around 23 years, having trained in tax with the business and progressed from assistant to senior manager.
CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser) and ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians) qualified, with a Certificate in Probate and Estate Administration, Christine specialises in personal tax, trusts and estates, inheritance tax and IHT planning.
She leads MRT’s tax advisory work, reviews complex returns and advises high-net-worth individuals, owner-managed businesses, trusts and estates.
Christine enjoys building strong client relationships, solving complex tax issues and helping colleagues develop.
Outside work, Christine spends much of her time supporting her two sons’ football teams and enjoys exercise classes as time for herself.
Ciann Dekker
Practice ManagerJoined the team in 2018
Find out more about Ciann
Before moving to the UK, Ciann spent seven years working for a major cruise liner in South Africa, bringing a strong background in operational management and service.
Ciann supports the directors with the day-to-day running of the firm.
Her work is broad and varied, covering everything from improving office processes and overseeing the client support team to coordinating staff training, managing IT, and providing Company Secretarial services.
For Ciann, the best part of the role is making life easier for the team and seeing everyone work together.
Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and heading to the occasional gym class.
Dawn Ferdinandi
Our ReceptionistJoined the team in 2022
Find out more about Dawn
Ellie Templeman
Audit & Accounts Assistant
Joined the team in 2024
Find out more about Ellie
Ellie joined MRT Accountants as an apprentice in 2024 after completing her A-Levels and is currently AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 3 qualified.
As an Audit and Accounts Assistant, Ellie supports a wide range of clients, preparing their financial statements, corporation tax, and audit testing.
Ellie particularly enjoys the variety of her work and the opportunity to visit clients on-site, to see first-hand how different businesses and industries operate.
Ellie values the supportive and approachable team environment at MRT, which provides her with the perfect platform to learn and develop new professional skills.
Outside of work, Ellie enjoys going on walks and spending time with her friends and family.
Fleur Permain
Tax Manager
Joined the team in 2016
Find out more about Fleur
A CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser) and ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians) qualified specialist, Fleur transitioned from a background in sales to pursue a career in tax, progressing from trainee to manager as the department grew.
Fleur oversees tax compliance for individuals, partnerships, and LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships), focusing on identifying tax planning opportunities that provide long-term benefits.
Fleur is passionate about delivering a proactive service, whether through complex advisory work or simple, effective tax-saving suggestions.
Fleur values the deep, long-standing relationships she has built with her clients over the years.
Glastra Holbrook
Client Service Administrator
Joined the team in 2026
Find out more about Glastra
Glastra brings a varied background in office management, administration, retail and the music industry.
Working across all departments, Glastra helps support the wider team and contributes to a smooth, responsive service for clients.
Glastra enjoys being part of a team and values the variety of her role, where no two days are the same.
Outside work, Glastra enjoys spending time with her family, as well as music, concerts, festivals and socialising.
Harley Tritton
Personal Tax AssistantJoined the team in 2024
Find out more about Harley
Harley is currently studying towards his ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians) qualification. This is his first role in accountancy, following previous work as a youth football coach and referee.
Harley prepares Self Assessment tax returns for a portfolio of around 120 clients and also supports with P11Ds, capital gains tax calculations and ATED submissions. He works with a broad range of individuals, including employees, directors, landlords, investors, retirees, sole traders and partners.
He enjoys taking the stress out of tax for clients and giving them reassurance that their affairs are in order.
Outside work, Harley is a devoted West Ham fan and plays football locally on Saturdays and in Norwich on Sundays. He also enjoys films and discovering new music.
Jasmine Payne
Audit & Accounts AssistantJoined the team in 2023
Find out more about Jasmine
Jasmine joined MRT in 2023.
She holds AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Levels 2, 3 and 4 and is currently working towards her ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification.
After ten years as a hairdresser, Jasmine made the move into accountancy, starting in MRT’s Outsourcing team before joining Audit and Accounts in 2025.
She works with a range of clients, particularly limited companies, supporting their audit and accounts work.
Jasmine particularly enjoys audit work and the variety that comes from combining it with accounts.
Joel Leach
Audit and Account ManagerJoined the team in 2019
Find out more about Joel
An ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Fellow, Joel brings extensive experience across audit, accounts, technical accounting and personal tax.
He works with a broad range of owner-managed businesses and larger audit clients, providing practical, commercially focused advice. Joel also has particular expertise in the licensed trade and pub sector, having grown up in a family-run pub and gained first-hand insight into the opportunities and challenges these businesses face.
Joel enjoys building strong client relationships and helping business owners find solutions, identify opportunities and achieve their goals.
Outside work, he enjoys cricket, running, hiking and spending time with his family, including building LEGO with his children.
Kateryna Zakharchuk
Audit and Accounts AssistantJoined the team in 2022
Find out more about Kateryna
Kateryna holds a Master’s degree from Ukraine and brings previous experience in accounting and financial reporting.
Kateryna supports clients with accounts preparation and bookkeeping, working with a broad range of businesses including limited companies, partnerships and sole traders.
She enjoys helping clients while continuing to build her knowledge and skills in accountancy.
She values MRT’s supportive team environment and the opportunities it provides to learn and grow.
Outside work, Kateryna enjoys travelling, spending time with her family and keeping active.
Kerri Lewis
Accounts SupervisorJoined the team in 2017
Find out more about Kerri
Kerri is an Accounts Supervisor at MRT and an FCCA (Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualified accountant with a wealth of experience across both practice and industry.
Kerri qualified in 2000 and spent 15 years as a UK Administration Manager for a major international transport company before "taking the plunge" and returning to practice with MRT in 2017.
Kerri specialises in outsourcing and accounts, primarily working with the firm's smaller business clients.
Her role is highly varied, ranging from supervising and training junior team members to reviewing work and managing deadlines to ensure a smooth, timely service.
She enjoys working with a variety of clients.
Outside of the office, Kerri loves spending as much time as possible at the coast with her family.
Martin Ormondroyd
Senior ManagerJoined the team in 1996
Find out more about Martin
A Senior Manager at MRT and an FCCA (Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualified accountant with almost 30 years’ experience in public practice.
Martin began his career as an audit and accounts trainee in 1996 and has worked with the firm and its predecessor practices since then.
Martin specialises in audit, accountancy, corporate tax and general VAT advice.
He works mainly with owner-managed SME businesses, providing a mix of compliance support and practical advisory services to help clients solve problems and develop their businesses.
He enjoys the variety of his role, where no two days are the same.
Outside work, Martin plays cricket for a local club.
Matthew Brady
Accounts and Audit SupervisorJoined the team in 2022
Find out more about Matthew
After a five-year career as a primary school teacher, Matthew successfully transitioned into accountancy and is AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 3 qualified.
He works primarily with the firm's larger client entities, managing audits and preparing accounts. Matthew describes his work as a "puzzle to solve," finding great satisfaction in navigating complex tasks to deliver clear, gratifying results for his clients. He particularly values the open, collaborative culture at MRT, which allows the team to share ideas and advice freely.
Outside of the office, Matthew is a keen sportsman. Having played cricket for 20 years, he has now traded the bat for clubs and spends his weekends on the golf course.
He also enjoys watching live rugby and cricket, and listening to 2000s indie-rock.
Oliver McManus
Tax AssistantJoined the team in 2023
Find out more about Oliver
Oliver joined MRT through the firm’s apprenticeship scheme. ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians) qualified since January 2026, he is now working towards his CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser) qualification.
Oliver specialises in personal tax, supporting individuals and unincorporated businesses with personal and partnership tax returns, Capital Gains Tax returns, P11Ds and other HMRC filings.
Oliver also assists with tax planning, residency advice, capital disposals and personal tax research.
He loves solving complex tax problems and developing his knowledge through study and real client work.
Oliver values the opportunity to gain experience across a broad range of tax areas.
Shenal Fernando
Accounts Assistant Joined the team in 2026
Find out more about Shenal
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualified, Shenal brings previous experience as an accountant and team leader, managing junior bookkeepers and supporting a portfolio of more than 30 limited companies.
Shenal specialises in financial reporting and tax compliance, supporting clients with VAT returns, statutory accounts preparation, reconciliations and income tax calculations.
Shenal works with a varied client base, including limited companies, pension funds, sole traders and partnerships.
Shenal enjoys using numbers to understand the story behind a business and values MRT’s flexible, open and communicative working culture.
Outside work, he is passionate about music, plays the piano, and leads a church worship group.
Simon Skingley
Outsourcing SupervisorJoined the team in 2021
Find out more about Simon
Simon brings an impressive 28 years of industry experience to our practice.
Simon has spent 20 years in senior roles including Financial Accountant and Finance Manager for a large group of aerospace engineering companies. He also holds a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics & Statistics, providing him with a strong analytical foundation for his work.
Specialising in management accounts, Simon serves as a vital bridge between our team and our clients. His day-to-day role involves supervising our assistants, reviewing their work to ensure the highest standards, and maintaining smooth information flows with various business clients across multiple sectors.
Simon enjoys working with a diverse client base and appreciates the collaborative, positive environment at MRT.
Outside of work, he is a dedicated sports enthusiast. If he’s gone missing, you'll most likely find him out on the golf course.
Thomas Saint
Outsourcing AssistantJoined the team in 2020
Find out more about Thomas
Thomas supports our sole trader and limited company clients with bookkeeping, accounts & AML (Anti Money Laundering) compliance.
Thomas enjoys the detail involved in the work and the variety that comes from supporting different businesses and their individual needs.
He values being part of a supportive team and enjoys working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about doing a good job for clients.
Travis Fleetwood
Audit & Accounts SupervisorJoined the team in 2019
Find out more about Travis
Travis is ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualified accountant who joined MRT from school. He specialises in audit and statutory accounts preparation for SMEs (Small and Medium size Enterprises).
Travis manages a portfolio of owner-managed and growing businesses across a range of sectors.
His role includes reviewing financial statements, supporting audit fieldwork, ensuring compliance, and providing clear, practical advice to clients.
Travis loves building strong client relationships and helping business owners understand their accounts.
Outside work, he enjoys going to the pub.
Phone
Address
Market House,10 Market Walk, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1JZ
Hours
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM