Regional accountancy group PKF Francis Clark has appointed an experienced audit partner to serve its growing client base of owner-managed businesses across Somerset.
Rob Whitehead has relocated from Yorkshire, where he gained more than 30 years’ experience in audit, accounts, business planning and tax, and was most recently a partner in a regional accountancy firm. 
His clients have included businesses in recruitment, engineering, IT, haulage, property and the motor trade.
He is based in PKF Francis Clark’s Bristol and Taunton offices, from where he is advising businesses in a wide range of sectors in Somerset and Bristol.
Rob is a Xero-certified adviser with expertise in cloud accounting, a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and an affiliate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW).
He said: “I’ve always enjoyed the people side of my role and I find it rewarding being a trusted adviser on business ideas, not just accounting matters.
“Clients use me as a first point of contact and facilitator if they are facing challenges or undertaking strategic projects – if I can’t help, I’ll know someone who can.
“PKF Francis Clark’s culture is a great fit with my belief in building long-term relationships with clients and developing a genuine understanding so we can use our expertise to help them succeed.”
Head of PKF Francis Clark’s Bristol office, Paul Bray, added: “Rob is a genuine all-rounder who brings a wealth of experience across many sectors and will be a valuable sounding board for our existing and new clients.
“His proactive approach to advising businesses reflects our ethos of shared ambition, so we’re delighted he has joined our growing team.”
Since opening three years ago, PKF Francis Clark’s Bristol office on Victoria Street has grown rapidly and now has a team of around 50 people advising a wide range of clients.
It is one of the firm’s eight offices across the South West, which between them employ 53 partners and more than 800 members of staff.
Pictured: Rob Whitehead, left, with PKF Francis Clark Bristol partner Paul Bray. Photo by Dave Pratt
