New arrivals see accountancy practice’s headcount approach 150

Regional accountancy firm, Clive Owen LLP has welcomed 15 new colleagues, including three at its York office, to strengthen and diversify its existing team.

It is the largest intake of graduates the firm has appointed in its 40-year history.

Clive Owen LLP, which has offices in York, Darlington, Durham and Middlesbrough, has seen a 16% increase in colleagues over the last year. It now has a 148-strong workforce.

The new cohort will support the established audit and accounts, tax, IT and managed services teams across each of its offices, with this latest recruitment drive supporting the firm’s growth strategy.

One of the three new starters at the York office, Holly Wentworth, is returning full-time after completing a work placement at the Darlington office in the summer of 2023.

Partner Phillipa Symington said: “We pride ourselves on being a people-focussed, collaborative organisation, embodying a progressive and inclusive ethos that consistently attracts talented, motivated recruits each year.

“Our long-established trainee programme has been running for more than two decades now, with many of our senior colleagues starting their careers as trainees and growing along with the business – some of them even becoming partners, highlighting the vast development opportunities available at Clive Owen LLP.

“Our ongoing commitment to supporting graduates and young people in the workplace validates the core values of the firm, and I am excited by the appointment of our newest employees, and to see them flourish and thrive.

“We wish them all the very best for the future as they work hard to achieve their dream of being qualified accountants.”

HR director, Caroline Bowerbank, added: “It is great to see that our teams make the offices a welcoming environment for new starters, a safe place where new colleagues feel like they can provide opinions and learn from senior members of the team.

“It is fantastic that we have individuals returning after carrying out work experience.”