Armstrong Watson, which has offices in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Kendal and Workington, has launched a Financial Reporting Team and a Fractional FD/CFO Service.
According to the firm, the aim is to provide clients with “deeper technical reporting expertise and flexible access to senior finance leadership”.
The firm says the financial reporting team, led by Anna Pickup, will support clients as they navigate increasingly complex reporting regulations and compliance requirements.
Paul Dickson, chief executive and managing partner at Armstrong Watson, said: “We are constantly looking for ways to enhance our client proposition.
“As financial reporting becomes more intricate, driven by evolving accounting frameworks, many businesses are struggling to keep pace.
“Our Financial Reporting Team supports clients with accounting for acquisitions, group reorganisations, share-based payments, complex financial instruments and where clients are transitioning between different accounting frameworks.
“This team will be of great value as many UK Companies are also addressing significant changes in the areas of revenue recognition and lease accounting.”
Ms Pickup joined Armstrong Watson in September following three years at RSM and 11 years at Ernst and Young, including five years in its financial reporting group.
She leads a team of 13 who prepare financial statements and advise on complex accounting matters for both audit and non-audit clients.
Ms Pickup said: “I’m very excited to have joined Armstrong Watson at a time of considerable growth and to contribute to this with the establishment of a financial reporting compliance and advisory team.
“As a very proud Northerner, I’m thrilled to be part of an independent firm with roots firmly in the North of England and with a growing presence across Scotland.
“The Armstrong Watson team are highly regarded in the market, work with interesting and varied clients across a range of sectors and foster a people-focussed culture, all of which are hugely important to me.”
The second new service, the Fractional FD/CFO Service led by Richard Coram, is designed to offer businesses access to senior finance leadership, whether as interim cover or longer-term support.
Mr Coram said: “Working with SMEs is incredibly rewarding; you see the impact of decisions and can adapt quickly.
“Leading the Fractional FD service at Armstrong Watson gives me the chance to work with a diverse portfolio of businesses and leverage the expertise of a growing team with a fantastic attitude.
“I’m excited to help our clients achieve their ambitions, even when they are left without key finance staff.”
