Accountancy duo top of the class

Two Devon-based staff members at chartered accountants and business advisers PKF Francis Clark have achieved stunning success in professional exams.

Robin Doddrell and Rob Deare received top honours in the latest Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) rankings.

Plymouth-based audit senior Robin was named top student in the ICAEW Advanced Annual International Order of Merit from 4,000 entrants.

And Rob, audit senior in the Corporate Services Department at PKF Francis Clark in Exeter, was placed joint third in the same rankings.

Robin, 31, who started work at the firm’s Plymouth office as a graduate trainee in 2013 and is also part of the Corporate Services Department team, is no stranger to winning awards, having previously scooped ICAEW prizes.

He said: “I’m overjoyed to have achieved these results as part of my professional qualifications programme and I am very grateful to PFK Francis Clark for giving me this opportunity to succeed.

“I now intend to continue to do my very best for clients, doing both audit and accounts preparation for larger companies, using the wealth of experience I’ve gained doing these advanced exams.”

Rob, 27, a Cardiff University graduate who will celebrate four years with PKF Francis Clark on January 28, said: “This award will go down as my highest academic achievement to date and is something of which I am very proud.

“Training as an accountant after three years away from the world of university and studying was a big decision, but the firm’s backing, hard work and this achievement in these final examinations makes it all worthwhile.”

PKF Francis Clark partner in charge of training Tom Roach said: “We are delighted for both Robin and Rob in achieving such stunning success in these examinations – to feature so highly in the ICAEW international merit list is outstanding.

“This comes on the back of several other international winners in other offices around the region over the last two years and demonstrates our strength in depth. This year we are recruiting 25 graduates and are pleased to be offering so many great opportunities.”

Robin and Rob were both sitting advanced level ICAEW exams in July and November. The awards will be presented in April.

Founded in 1919, PKF Francis Clark has a team of more than 600 staff and 60 partners in eight offices across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire.