Who We Are

Expert Accountants & Award-Winning Tax Advisers serving businesses and individuals across the UK

At Merit Accountants, we believe that great financial advice can transform businesses and lives. As a specialist accounting and tax advisory firm based in London and Manchester, we combine technical expertise with a personalised, responsive, and client-first approach. Whether you’re a growing business, property investor, high net worth individual or a non-resident company, we’re here to help you keep more of what you earn and ensuring you are always tax efficient.

With over 20 years of experience, our team has saved clients over £9.2 million in tax through strategic tax planning, tax efficient structuring, and forward-thinking financial advice. Our firm is led by an award-winning Chartered Tax Adviser and supported by a highly skilled team of finance professionals. We pride ourselves on being proactive, friendly and always accessible, offering fixed-fee, unlimited support tailored to your needs.

Managing Partner

Hussein Bhaiji

Hussein Bhaiji stands out as an award-winning tax advisor, boasting over 20 years of extensive experience in the field. His impressive career includes tenures at HMRC and several prominent accountancy firms, including some of the top 20 in the UK.

As a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and a fully qualified Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), he brings a wealth of knowledge and credibility to his practice. His accolades include the prestigious Chris Jones prize from the Chartered Institute of Taxation, along with multiple awards from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Hussein provides expert advice to a diverse clientele, covering all facets of accountancy and tax issues. His clients range from other accountancy practices to owner-managed businesses, large corporations, and groups. Many businesses rely on his expertise, particularly in navigating complex tax matters and handling various HMRC investigations. His technical proficiency spans numerous sectors, including professional services, investment businesses, IT services, import and export, freight and courier, construction, retail, manufacturing, medical and healthcare services, education, charities, and not-for-profit organisations.

When he’s not working, Hussein cherishes traveling and spending quality time with his family.

Partner

James Sheard

James founded The Accountancy People in 2009 and has seen it grow from no clients and no staff to a thriving accountancy firm merging with the Merit Accountants in 2025. James is a fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales having qualified in 1989. He trained in the City of London with Moore Stephens (now Moore UK) before doing a stint in commerce with a large transport group.

James’s particular interest is in family businesses and the self employed. He has a passion to help people understand their finances so that their money can work for them and not the other way around.
James lives in Saddleworth and is married with grown up children. He is a keen member of Saddleworth Runners who run on the moors, but is also partial to a parkrun; attempts to play golf and keeps bees in his garden.

He enjoys the countryside, where he and dog, Mish spend time.

Partner

Mukkarram Ali

Mukkarram is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in leading audit, accounting, and finance teams, making him an invaluable asset to our firm. He is an FCCA (ACCA) and has refined his expertise at Deloitte, one of the top four accounting firms, as well as other esteemed audit and accounting organisations in London.

Additionally, Mukkarram has held the position of Group Financial Controller at CIPL Group, the largest multi-unit industrial developer and asset manager in the UK.

Mukkarram excels in managing complex group audits and delivering thorough technical audit and accounting services to various businesses. His exceptional ability to cultivate and sustain strong client relationships highlights his professional skill set and unwavering dedication to achieving excellence.

Outside of work, Mukkarram enjoys spending time with his family and indulges in painting. His artwork has been featured in exhibitions throughout the UK, USA, and beyond. This artistic endeavour enriches his professional journey, allowing him to tackle challenges with a unique and dynamic perspective.

Partner

Richard Mahoney

Richard is a dynamic accounting professional and business advisor, having qualified with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in 2012. He founded Clarus Knight Accountants in 2014 and served as Managing Director for 11 years, guiding the firm’s growth and client-focused approach until its merger with Merit Accountants in 2025. Richard excels at building strong, lasting relationships with clients, understanding their unique challenges and ambitions.

Richard partners with entrepreneurial businesses to develop growth strategies and strategic plans, offering tailored business coaching to help achieve long-term objectives. He takes pride in working alongside ambitious founders, providing practical insights on scaling, financial management, and operational efficiency. His collaborative style ensures clients feel supported at every stage, from early-stage ventures to more established enterprises seeking to expand or pivot.

Outside of his accounting and advisory work, Richard is passionate about community engagement and sport. He serves as Chairman of Camden Town Women Football Club, where he applies his leadership skills to support the club’s development on and off the pitch.

Partner

Oshka Gamage

Oshka is a qualified accountant, holding an ACCA certification and boasting over 12 years of experience with prestigious top 20 firms in the UK. She spearheads our accounting and outsourced finance services, expertly managing a varied client portfolio that includes sectors such as property, technology, consultancy, retail, wholesale, transportation, automotive, manufacturing, hospitality, and social media influencers.

Oshka thrives on cultivating enduring relationships with her clients, serving as a reliable advisor throughout the year. Her expertise lies in establishing and overseeing finance functions for clients, ensuring meticulous bookkeeping and accounting practices, and preparing statutory accounts, all while possessing in-depth knowledge of UK accounting standards, tax laws, and various accounting software. Oshka collaborates with finance teams to facilitate compliance and regulatory needs, as well as to support due diligence initiatives, business planning, cash flow management, and trading forecasts

In her leisure time, she loves to spend time with her children and explore new travel destinations.