James
Taylor

WHO I HELP

SMEs. Family-owned businesses. Start-Ups.

HOW I HELP

Bookkeeping. Preparing management reports. Financial planning. Year-end accounts. Accounting compliance.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Manufacturing. Hospitality. Professional services.

“Building clarity, confidence, and lasting client partnerships.”

Based in our Leeds office, James Taylor is a Business Advisory Assistant Manager who combines technical accounting expertise with a people-first approach to client service. What drew James to this career path was not just a love for numbers but the opportunity to create clarity, build trust, and support clients in achieving their goals.

In his day-to-day, James works across a variety of projects – from preparing management reports and advising on financial planning to advising clients on ways to improve their business performance. He also oversees statutory work for his clients, including statutory year-end accounts, VAT returns, and management accounts. Beyond clients, James collaborates with internal teams and assists in managing projects related to process improvements and compliance. Overall, his role is a blend of technical accounting expertise and strategic business advisory, aimed at helping clients achieve sustainable growth.

EARNING TRUST THROUGH ACTIONS

“For me, being reliable and consistent in a relationship is at the heart of everything I do. Trust is easily lost, so I make it a priority to follow through, respond quickly, and communicate openly, even when the subject matter is complex. One example that stands out is a partnership I have with a fast-growing SME that was facing cash flow challenges during expansion. By listening first and tailoring advice to their goals, I was able to support them in implementing realistic forecasting and planning. That relationship became less about numbers and more about building trust, which ultimately made the advisory work far more effective.”

DETAIL MEETS THE BIGGER PICTURE

“One of my greatest strengths is my ability to combine attention to detail with strategic thinking. I ensure accuracy in every financial statement I review, but I also focus on translating those numbers into insights that clients act on. My analytical skills allow me to identify opportunities or risks early on, while my communication skills mean I can explain complex matters in a straightforward way. I’ve been told by clients that what they value most is that I don’t just hand over figures, I help them understand what they mean, and more importantly, what to do next.”

TURNING CHALLENGES INTO GROWTH

“Early in my career as an accountant, I was tasked with leading a project for a client whose industry I had limited prior exposure to. The learning curve was steep, from understanding sector-specific regulations to aligning strategic advice with real-time market shifts.  To overcome this, I committed to a deep dive into the industry, sought mentorship from senior colleagues, and maintained open, transparent communication with the client. The experience taught me that technical knowledge alone isn’t enough;  it’s the ability to listen, learn quickly, and tailor advice to each client’s unique context that truly adds value. Since then, I’ve carried this mindset into every client engagement, helping me stay relevant and effective in an advisory landscape that never stands still.”

FINDING CLARITY IN THE NUMBERS

“A recent example of a challenge that I supported involved a long-standing client experiencing a decline in profitability despite steady revenue. After careful analysis, I uncovered inefficiencies in their cost structure and supply chain. Working with them, we introduced rolling forecasts and scenario analysis to give them greater visibility and control. Within months, margins improved, but the real success was seeing the client regain confidence in their direction. For me, the most rewarding part of my work is knowing I’ve helped a client move from uncertainty to clarity.”

PROUD TO BE PART OF AAB

“What I value most about AAB is the culture of collaboration. Within my immediate team, there’s always a willingness to support and share knowledge, which makes us stronger as a unit. Across the wider firm, there’s a genuine focus on integrity, innovation, and client success. That shared purpose motivates me every day. It’s inspiring to be part of an organisation that not only supports my own development but also consistently drives positive results for our clients.”

STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE

“I’m eager to develop my expertise in data analytics and automation, as these are transforming the way advisory services are delivered. By streamlining routine tasks, these tools allow me to dedicate more time to providing strategic advice. I’m also focused on keeping up with the tools, such as cloud accounting and AI-driven financial tools, so that clients can benefit from the most accurate and efficient solutions. Continuous learning is a personal commitment, and I see it as key to staying relevant and offering the best possible support.”

LOOKING FORWARD

“At the heart of my role is a simple commitment to give clients clarity and confidence. Whether that’s through a detailed piece of analysis, strategic advice or simply being a reliable point of contact, my goal is always the same – to help businesses grow sustainably and succeed long term, I’m excited about what the future holds, both for my clients and for my career, and I look forward to continuing to build meaningful partnerships that make a real difference.”