The Team Behind Merit Accountants — Chartered Tax Advisers, Business Founders & HMRC Insiders
Expert Accountants & Award-Winning Tax Advisers serving businesses and individuals across the UK
That experience is not something you’ll find at most accountancy firms. And it changes everything about the advice you receive.
With offices in Manchester, London and Hertfordshire, and over 3,000 clients across 13+ sectors, Merit Accountants is a UK-wide firm with the credentials to prove it. Our team has collectively saved clients over £9.2 million in tax, not through luck, but through structured, proactive planning that begins the moment you come on board.
Managing Partner
Hussein Bhaiji
Hussein Bhaiji is an award-winning Chartered Tax Adviser with over 20 years of experience in UK taxation, including direct experience working alongside HMRC. 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 Sheard founded The Accountancy People from zero clients and zero staff, scaling it into a thriving multi-million pound practice — which is why when James advises business owners on growth, he speaks from lived experience. 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 Ali brings over a decade of senior financial leadership experience, including serving as Group Financial Controller for CIPL Group, one of the largest organisations of its type. 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 Mahoney partners with entrepreneurial and fast-growth businesses to build strategic financial plans — combining qualified accountancy with hands-on advisory experience for founders looking to scale. 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 Gamage is a qualified ACCA accountant with over 12 years of experience, known for building long-term advisory relationships that go far beyond compliance. 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.
Our Team Members
Kim Coogan
Manchester Practice Manager
David Stanbury
London Office Manager
Beatriz Barter
Client Manager
Jack Ward
Client Manager
CATHERINE MCINNES
Client Manager
ALISON MOLONEY
Client Manager
JUANTELLE VANDYK
Client Manager
TAYLOR HAYES
Client Manager
MARILIE GILFILLAN
Client Manager
NATASHA O'HARE
Client Manager
ANGELIQUE DU RAAN
Client Manager
ELLA REGER
Client Manager
INGRID VAN DER WALt
Client Manager
RUKAIYA KUDRATI
Client Manager
NAOMI ALEXANDER
Client Manager
Munir Ahmed
Senior Accountant
Raheel Muhammed
Senior Accountant
Meriem Outarikt
Client Manager
Jay Dev
Client Manager
Bala Sunderi
Client Manager
What Sets Our Team Apart
Most accountancy firms are staffed by talented professionals who have built their careers entirely within practice. At Merit Accountants, our leadership team brings something different. Our partners have collectively started businesses, secured investment, managed HMRC enquiries from both sides of the table, and helped clients navigate every stage of a business lifecycle, from incorporation through to exit.
This means that when you ask us a question, you get an answer grounded in real-world commercial experience. Not just technical compliance knowledge. Not just what the legislation says. But what actually works, what HMRC actually looks for, and what genuinely saves money.
If you’re looking for accountants who’ll file your returns and send you a bill, there are many firms who do exactly that. If you want accountants who treat your business like their own, Merit is built for you.