Leanne Leftley

Career History

I started my audit career in 2013, on the EY graduate programme, after graduating from Durham University. After completing my ACA qualification, I moved to Kavli UK, a manufacturing company where I worked as a Management Accountant and Business Controller. I then moved back into audit at an independent firm progressing to Senior Manager before moving to Clive Owen LLP as a Director in 2024.

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) – Mathematics
ACA

Experience and expertise

Over my career I have worked with a wide range of clients including PLCs, owner-managed businesses and UK subsidiaries of global groups, mainly reporting under FRS (102). I have also worked with a lot of charities in the region, providing advice on their governance and reporting requirements.

Professional memberships

Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)

Career highlights

I had the opportunity to work with a very well-known company in the region, providing specialist advice on the accounting treatment for their recent acquisition by a private equity firm. Since then, I have advised on a number of acquisitions, restructures and demergers, which is always interesting to be involved with.

Did you always want to be an accountant?

I think I wanted to be a doctor when I was growing up but soon realised it wasn’t for me! I decided on accountancy after completing work experience when I was 16, as I liked the variety of working with lots of different businesses. I also enjoyed Maths at school so getting to work with numbers was a bonus for me.

Hobbies and interests

I have a dog (a Cavapoo called George) so spend my weekends taking him for walks on the beach or along to my local Parkrun at Whitley Bay. I’ve recently completed the Great North Run and I’m hoping to do it again next year, along with some other local races!

I’m also a qualified dance teacher, so like to go along to dance classes (or dance around my kitchen) when I get the chance.