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Graham Smith FCCA, CMgr, FCMI
Managing Director – Chartered Certified Accountant & Chartered Manager
My role as Managing Director is combined with that of Client Manager, ensuring that our large portfolio of clients is well looked after, receiving the services they need on a day to day basis.
As well as my accountancy qualifications and registration with the ACCA I am also a qualified Chartered Manager, reflecting my interest in wider business issues alongside the finance and tax functions. That interest is further reflected in my completing the Business Growth Programme at Cranfield School of Management.
More recently I have gained the ACCA authorisation to act in Probate and Estate matters.
I am currently acting as a mentor to other accountants under the ACCA Mentoring scheme.
Outside of work my time is spent with family, keeping fit, cycling and walking.
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Gemma Birch ACCA, FMAAT, AATQB
Senior Manager
I originally joined the firm as a junior and have since completed my exams to become AAT and then ACCA qualified.
As well as overseeing day to day workflow I look after a portfolio of clients providing them with a comprehensive range of accounting, tax and business advice.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my young family and trips away in our caravan. These trips often see us in a field or quarry “off-roading” in our Land Rover, which we also take to various shows and competitions.
I also enjoy swimming with my boys and listening to music and am a member of our School Fundraisers team.
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Tom Ward
Accountant
I originally joined the Cunningtons team as an Apprentice Accounting Technician. Following a spell getting experience elsewhere I re joined the team in my current role which combines accounting, tax and overseeing our payroll department.
My main interests are management accounting and business advice and I am therefore working to develop additional technical skills in these areas whilst continuing my studies.
In my spare time, I enjoy watching and play football (I’m a Leicester City fan), video games, socialising with friends and family and a goal over the years to come is to try and see more of the world.
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Sharifa Patel BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance
Accountant
Before joining Cunningtons I gained an honours degree in Accounting & Finance and then spent some time building up my practical experience.
At Cunningtons I carry out a range of accounting, tax and related work for a diverse portfolio of clients. I also liaise with our remote team, overseeing and reviewing their work.
Outside of work I like to keep fit through various sports including table tennis, badminton and swimming. I enjoy meeting new people and travel, especially the opportunity this brings to learn about new places, people and cultures.
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Edward Phipps
Business Support
I originally came to Cunningtons as part of a work experience programme, before going on to study engineering, specialising in business and accounting.
In my current role I support clients in cloud accounting, VAT, payroll and administration matters. I also act as liaison between our clients and back office team in relation to this work.
Out of the office, I enjoy an active social life with family and friends, going to the gym and playing football which coincides with coaching the Quorn under 16’s football team. I have also been involved in the scouting movement (through which I worked towards my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award) and in voluntary work.
