Gary Ellis

Career history

I qualified as a Chartered Accountant with national firm Pannell Kerr Forster in 1987, before moving to a local firm in Darlington which merged with the national practice of Haines Watts in 1989.  I was promoted to Partner in 1991, dealing predominately with owner-managed businesses in the North-East region.

I joined Clive Owen LLP in 1996 and opened the Durham office of the firm in 1997.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance.

Experience and expertise

I have extensive knowledge of owner-managed businesses and I am actively involved in the management of the Durham Office.

My general practice role involves acting for clients across a wide range of industries and acting as Senior Statutory Auditor to a number of audit clients in the area.

I am involved in audit, accounting and taxation issues with a variety of clients, and I ensure that I understand the technical and legislative issues facing clients in today’s environment whilst at the same time striving to offer realistic and practical commercial advice.

Professional memberships/directorships

Membership: ICAEW

Corporate social responsibility

Acted as Honorary Treasurer to St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham for over ten years and is currently Chair and Member of the Corporation of New College Durham, also chairing the Strategy and Resources Committee.

Career highlights

Establishing the Durham office of Clive Owen LLP in 1997 and helping clients to grow their businesses.

Did you always want to be an accountant?

No – I wanted to be an air traffic controller – not sure if I could have coped with the responsibility.

Hobbies and interests

I enjoy cycling, golf and skiing as well as spending time with my family.