Northern Accountants launches bookkeeping and finance division with new hire

Leeds-headquartered Northern Accountants has launched a new dedicated bookkeeping and finance division with a new senior hire and further internal realignment, as part of its continued evolution towards a more structured, advisory-led service model.

To lead the new function, the firm has appointed Ben Gilman as bookkeeping manager. Ben’s new role has been created to help centralise processes, improve reporting consistency, and strengthen the foundations for the existing Northern Accountants team to be able to offer higher-value client support.

Ben initially began his career at Crowther Chartered Accountants as an apprentice while completing his AAT qualification, and has since moved into accountancy-based roles within other local practices and is now part-qualified, with only his final ACCA examinations remaining.

Commenting on his new position, Ben Gilman, said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Northern Accountants. The creation of a dedicated bookkeeping and finance division presents a real opportunity to build consistent, efficient processes from the outset and deliver clarity for clients.

“Accurate financial information underpins confident decision-making, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to strengthen reporting and support the firm’s continued growth. I’m also passionate about developing apprentices and colleagues, and helping others progress in the same way I’ve been supported throughout my own career.”

The move forms part of a wider internal realignment across the firm, designed to ensure colleagues are focused on where their technical expertise and skillset add the most value and to further strengthen Northern Accountants’ advisory capability.

Founder and managing director, Phill Ellerby, said: “As we grow, structure matters. By creating a dedicated bookkeeping function under Ben’s leadership, we’re building stronger foundations for both our clients and our team.
“Reliable, timely data is just one part of the equation. By ensuring the right people are in the right roles with the right skills, we can better support our clients and provide the insights and guidance they need to make confident business decisions.”

Established in 2008, Northern Accountants is a £3.3m firm servicing more than 700 clients across Leeds, Hull, and multiple remote locations. With a clear focus on structured growth, enhancing its advisory services, and investment in its people, the practice continues to progress towards its ambition of becoming a top 100 firm by 2030.