CERTIFIED - TRUST

ACCOUNTANCY FIRMS IN MILTON KEYNES

ABOUT THE TAX ADVISOR, MILTON KEYNES

Our Story

Brilliant Accountants Limited was formed by Director, Andrew Makin back in May 2015.

Andrew has previously worked for other accountancy practices and within large in-house commercial finance departments. It’s fair to say ‘humble beginnings’ describes the start of the journey – he had absolutely no clients. The office was home-based and he worked with just one part time tax consultant. He had to operate with a very limited budget, so he knows exactly how someone starting their own business feels.

Andrew drew on his comprehensive track record. He had a clearly defined vision which meant great client experiences and service would be put before progress or profit.

This ethos is largely responsible for where Brilliant Accountants is today. We’re a successful accountancy firm in Milton Keynes with high client retention and controlled expansion. We will never forget those early days or stray from the values of hard work, integrity and transparency.

MEET THE TAX ADVISOR TEAM IN MILTON KEYNES

Andrew Makin

After gaining over 20 years’ experience in both practice-based and commercial accounting, I founded Brilliant Accountants back in 2015. I am a member of the Independent Certified Practising Accountants (ICPA) professional body. READ MORE

I believe I was always destined to set up my own practice which would be truly proactive and innovative. I wanted to break the stereotypical view of accountants which is, to be honest, a little boring and stuffy. I strive to ensure my team is approachable, that everyone speaks in layman’s terms and understands clients’ needs, inside out.

Outside of work (whatever that means these days), I’m keen on most ball sports, I like music, embarrassingly at least one ABBA song would be in my top 10 favourites. I have a special bond with my 5-year-old grandson and boy does he keep me on my toes!

Personal statement - Don't let anyone talk you out of what you know to be true. Trust your inner voice and allow yourself to be led by your intuition. The more empowered you become, the stronger and happier you become. Avoid going against your better judgment or getting talked into things that don't feel right.

Luisa Franks

I started my career in bookkeeping and accountancy 18 years ago when my first child was born. I completed my AAT Level 2 and soon after worked for an award winning start up recruitment agency. I progressed from accounts assistant through the ranks right up to the senior position of Finance Manager. For over seven years I oversaw bookkeeping, a huge payroll, and preparation and delivery of management accounts. Needless to say, I gained invaluable hands-on experience. READ MORE

I’m a member of The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). This allows me to practice and undertake bookkeeping at the most technical level.

After the birth of my youngest son, I started an accountancy business myself so I could work around my family. Back then it was the best decision I could have made.

I love the diversity of my clients and embrace the different challenges thrown at me.

My clients come from diverse industries including international fashion designers, tradesmen, and engineers to large multi-million pound companies. One of my most enjoyable roles was overseeing the finances of a football club.

I am well versed in most accountancy software systems including SAGE, Quickbooks and Xero.

Outside of work, I love to spend time with my partner, children and dog, Sapphy. We all enjoy the beautiful countryside around where we live. I also regularly visit members of my family who live in Spain.

I love music and was blessed to make my ‘DJ-ing’ debut in Bristol in the summer of 2022. My partner and I also run a music promotion company.

Personal statement - I believe whatever life throws at you, it is for a reason. Always see the positive in a situation and keep true to yourself. Every day is a gift and should be treated as such.

Charlotte Jakes

I left school at 16 years old and started as an accounts apprentice for a small charity. I gained further accountancy experience as a client accountant for an Estate Agent. I have also been a finance manager for a construction company and a waste brokerage. READ MORE

I am a fully qualified and an AAT licensed accountant. I hope to complete my chartered accountant qualification shortly.

I oversee bookkeeping and year end accounts requirements for clients in quite a diverse range of industries.

I like to be challenged and won’t shy away from getting ‘stuck in’. I’ll always positively embrace any difficult and complex accounting needs for our clients.

On the accounting software side, I specialise in Xero but am equally comfortable with other leading brands such as Quickbooks and Sage.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family, and my dog. My dog is a 10-month-old cocker spaniel and we spend most weekends trying to teach him not to rip apart my dining room chairs.

Personal statement - My dream is to one day move to Italy and live in the mountains. However, before that I think I would need to work on my gardening skills as I couldn’t have a dead garden surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Harrison Louca

I am a Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA). Having worked within practice as well as commercial organisations, I understand how most types and levels of business operate. I can support their growth plans and recommend key metrics to enable them to grow sustainably. READ MORE

I am the accountant for some of our larger clients overseeing a total turnkey accounting process. This includes bookkeeping, management accounts and year end presentations of accounts at AGM level.

It’s crucial in my role to maintain an open line of communication with clients at all times. I’m always ready to think of solutions to business problems.

There are several specialisms that I assist with such as tax advice and planning, process design and implementation, and financial modelling. I also develop management reports to present to external boards of directors.

Outside of work, I am a keen traveller, scuba diver and enjoy regular involvement in martial arts, football and basketball.

Personal statement - I believe that if at first you don’t succeed you should try and try and again. A good work ethic will get you through nine times out of ten.

Helen Potter

Having completed my formal training back in 2016 I have since gained full membership of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. I am also accredited as a QuickBooks Pro Advisor at an advanced level. These qualifications have given me the foundation to manage a broad spectrum of clients. This includes sole traders with relatively low turnovers through to mid-size corporations generating over £10million in revenue. READ MORE

My title is now Senior Accountant. I work closely with clients to maintain their daily bookkeeping and help them understand the financial condition of their business. The servicing of our e-commerce clients is also an area of expertise.

I also frequently look after payroll for clients. I prefer to work in a very methodical way but can also respond quickly in our fast-paced practice. That’s all part of the job when clients come first.

Outside of work, I spend time with my husband and two children. For ‘me’ time I also enjoy sewing which I find relaxing and I make clothes for myself and children. We also keep honeybees; my husband tends to the bees and I help with extracting and jarring.

Personal statement - Even if you fail, it doesn't mean you will continue to fail. Be able to say you believed in yourself and kept trying. Everything that is successful begins with you believing in yourself.

Philip Fallon

I qualified as a Chartered Accountant with one of the Big 4 accounting firms in the 1980s. My career in audit and accountancy has included living and working in the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and Kazakhstan. My audit clients ranged from large, listed companies to owner managed businesses. I have worked in sectors such as energy, technology, agriculture, distribution, shipping and manufacturing. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many parts of the world as a result of my work. READ MORE

I’ve also been involved in corporate finance-related projects such as initial public offerings (IPOs) in the US, Australia and Singapore. I’ve provided due diligence services for takeovers and acquisitions and reported on cash flow forecasts.

More recently, I’ve been involved in providing accounting and tax advice services to UK small and medium sized companies.

I believe my strengths include good presentation and communication skills and listening to clients’ needs and wishes. I am also an active learner, responding to rapid changes in technology and new ways of working in the UK business landscape.

Outside of work I enjoy hill walking and trekking and am currently renovating a property.

Personal statement - As an accountant I believe in thoroughly understanding a business before offering any advice. I am also a firm believer in continuing to learn new skills and being open to new ideas.

Our Accounting Software Partners

We partner with the big three ICAEW accredited powerhouses of accounting software; Intuit Quickbooks, Sage and Xero. Unlike many accountants we do not favour or promote any particular brand. That said, our team has the experience and knowledge to boast we know these systems inside out.

If you want to continue using other software such as Free Agent, Pandle or Quickfile, then that’s fine with us. You’ll still receive the same level of high quality technical support.

Work for Brilliant Accountants

Our people are our most valuable asset.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Whilst we don’t currently have any specific vacancies we’re always on the lookout for fresh new talent to join our team.

If you feel you can bring something unique to the table then please feel free to contact us by email only, info@brilliant-accountants.co.uk with a brief work history and summary.

Agents and recruiters – a friendly note; we only recruit directly – thanks.

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Pop in and have a chat

We are based at Milton Keynes Business Centre at Linford Wood.

We have meeting rooms available to accommodate up to 10 guests.

There is ample parking and a nice onsite informal eatery.

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Rock solid accounting support for your business