People: Tax specialist joins accountancy firm; New COO at RebuildingSociety; and more
Thomas Coombs, known as The Yorkshire Accountants, has announced the appointment of an experienced Chartered Tax Adviser to its practice in Leeds.
Richard Wolk joins the firm as Senior Tax Manager with nearly two decades of experience dealing with tax planning and compliance for businesses and individuals in Yorkshire and beyond.
Wolk has previously worked with owner-managed businesses, landlords, consultants, doctors and solicitors on a wide range of complex matters, including company restructurings, property taxation, R&D tax relief and remuneration planning.
With a history stretching back to his days as a revenue officer for the former Inland Revenue, his previous appointment before joining Thomas Coombs saw him acting as a consultant to other accountancy firms, where he offered his specialist expertise to other professionals.
Wolk said: “I am very excited to be joining The Yorkshire Accountants, Thomas Coombs and I hope the firm’s clients will soon benefit from my experience and expertise as a Chartered Tax Adviser.
“The practice already advises hundreds of successful businesses and individuals on their tax affairs, which is why our team has such a good reputation locally for the services it delivers.”
Peter Sawrij, a Partner at Thomas Coombs, added: “Tax is a subject that often gets raised when we speak with clients, which is why we have brought in Richard to strengthen our practice in this area.
“He comes to us with an extensive knowledge of the various rules and reliefs for both companies and individuals, so he is the perfect tax adviser for our firm.”
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Leeds-based peer-to-peer lender rebuildingsociety.com has seen a re-shuffle and new hire to its Board strengthening its strategic position for future growth.
Georgina Mitchell, appointed in February as a Non-Executive director, has joined the executive team to become Chief Operating Officer, whilst Stephen Wallis replaces Mitchell as a NED, bringing with him a wealth of credit risk experience.
Mitchell explained that the move was the next natural step in the growth of the company. She said: “As a NED I had identified a number of steps that needed to be taken in order for the company to achieve its strategic targets, but they required someone with a sound knowledge and understanding of the traditional wealth management and investment sectors to deliver them’.
With 17 years’ experience in investment management, Mitchell fits the bill and has enjoyed stepping back into an executive role. ‘The FinTech industry is growing so fast
, particularly in Leeds, it is exciting to be at the heart of it,” she added.
“As peer-to-peer becomes increasingly accepted as an asset class by wealth managers and institutions, we will be positioned to take full advantage of that growth.”
Replacing Mitchell as a NED is Stephen Wallis. Wallis spent four years with Ferratum Group, a leading provider of mobile financial services, split between Head of Collections for over 20 countries and Chief Risk officer of Ferratum Bank. He commented ‘The credit risk assessment process is at the heart of our ability to deliver suitably risk profiled opportunities for their lenders to be able to invest in. I look forward to using my experience to streamline and strengthen that process.’
Daniel Rajkumar, CEO of rebuildingsociety.com commented ‘I am very pleased that Georgina agreed to take on the COO role as it enables us to accelerate our growth plans. Steve’s contribution will significantly improve our offering and provide for a better outcome for both our borrowers and lenders’.
The introduction of these professionals was facilitated through Fintech North, a not-for-profit organisation that brings together professionals with an interest in Fintech.
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