Your Finance Team
About Surrey Hills Accountancy
Our Story
It was March 2020. The world was changing rapidly, and chartered accountant Ben Withinshaw was about to accept a new role in London.
He didn't.
"I was about to sign for a new role in London," Ben recalls. "But just before I committed, I had a moment of clarity. I didn't want to go back to lengthy commutes and missing precious time with my family. I wanted something different – the opportunity to build a business that reflected the way I believed accountancy should be delivered. So, like any sensible accountant during a global pandemic, I launched my own practice!"
That was the beginning of Surrey Hills Accountancy.
Why We Started
After years of working in practice, Ben had seen the same challenges time and again. Business owners often felt disconnected from their accountant, unsure what their numbers were really telling them, or only hearing from their adviser when it was time to submit a tax return.
Surrey Hills Accountancy was created to be different.
From the outset, the aim was to build long-term relationships with clients, providing expert advice in a way that is approachable, straightforward and genuinely useful. We believe good accountancy is about understanding the people behind the business, not just the numbers.
We started with a small team, a handful of clients and a clear vision of the service we wanted to provide.
Today, we're a team of 16, supporting corporate clients, sole traders and individuals across the Surrey Hills and beyond. While the business has grown, our approach remains the same. Every client receives a personal service from people who take the time to understand their business, their goals and the challenges they face.
What Drives Us Today
Our goal is simple: to provide expert, approachable and transparent financial support that gives our clients the clarity to make informed decisions and the confidence to plan for the future.
We're proud to build lasting relationships with our clients, offering practical advice, reliable support and accountancy that helps businesses thrive.
Trusted By Growing Businesses
Meet The Team
Ben Withinshaw FCA
Founder & DirectorBen founded Surrey Hills Accountancy in 2020 with the aim to build the kind of accountancy practice he always felt the SME market was missing: one that genuinely gets under the skin of a business rather than just filing numbers.
As Founder & Director, he works across client advisory, business development and running the business itself. And he thrives on the variety – no two clients or days are the same and he gets to do it all to a standard he genuinely believes in.
Most clients come to Ben when something feels uncertain. Whether it’s a tricky tax position, a business decision requiring sound-boarding or simply the feeling that their previous accountant was not giving them enough, his role is to help clients make sense of what is actually going on in their finances. No waffle. No jargon dressed up as insight.
Ben believes clients should leave conversations feeling clear on what they need to do and confident that the advice they have received has been given with their best interests at heart. His approach is honest, genuine and built around integrity – values that are not just spoken about at SHA but reflected in how the team works every day.
Away from the desk Ben enjoys pretty much all sports, with sailing in Anglesey being a particular favourite! When he is not on the water, he is usually outside in the Surrey Hills in some shape or form, spending time with his family.
Helen Henson FCCA
Practice ManagerHelen plays a central role in the day-to-day running of the practice alongside managing her own client portfolio. Ensuring everything operates efficiently for both the team and clients is a priority.
Helen works closely with clients to coordinate work, answer questions and keep everything moving forward. She is often the first port of call when they need a straight answer, help navigating a process or just someone to make the whole accountancy thing feel a little less daunting. Helen has a knack for taking something complicated and making it feel manageable.
Time and again, Helen sees businesses looking for the same thing – an accountant they can really trust. Someone who takes the time to understand what they're building, someone who shows up throughout the year – not just at deadline time - and feels like a genuine partner. In her eyes, that's exactly where SHA stands apart.
Behind the scenes, Helen is also invested in the team itself, supporting colleagues as they develop their skills, accountancy qualifications and careers. Building something good from the inside out matters.
Away from the desk Helen enjoys spending time with her family as a wife and mum to three children. She loves walking in the Surrey Hills, being by the coast, playing tennis and baking. She also has a passion for music, playing both the piano and clarinet.
Angelina Curylo ACCA CTA
Senior Accounting ManagerAngelina helps clients stay on top of their finances, but her role doesn’t stop at the accounts. As both a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, she works across accounts, tax, reporting and advisory, helping clients understand not only what their numbers say, but what they mean for their business. Whether it’s sharpening up accounting processes, spotting performance trends or identifying where a business could be more tax-efficient, Angelina goes beyond the basics to give clients something genuinely meaningful. The goal? Leaving every client feeling in control of their finances, clear on their tax position and confident about where their business is performing well, and where it can improve.
A common challenge Angelina regularly sees is businesses not having timely or reliable reporting, which makes managing effectively feel like navigating in the dark. It can also mean tax is dealt with reactively, rather than planned for properly throughout the year. Angelina helps resolve this by getting records in order, improving reporting processes and making sure clients have timely, accurate data they can actually use, rather than simply statutory accounts at year-end.
Her style is practical and collaborative. She builds real trust with clients so that whether the conversation is routine, technical or tax-focused, it never feels daunting. No jargon, no smoke and mirrors – just clear, honest advice and a committed interest in helping businesses improve.
Away from the desk If Angelina does not have a book in hand or knitting needles nearby, she is likely off exploring a new country.
Ellie Sheridan ACCA CTA
Senior Accounting ManagerEllie’s day-to-day is anything but one-note. Statutory filings, management accounts, specialist tax advice – Ellie loves the variety and it shows in how across-the-board her expertise is.
As both a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, a big part of Ellie's role is making sure clients are compliant today while setting them up to be more tax-efficient tomorrow. That might mean preparing accounts, advising on corporate or personal tax, or helping clients make the move to smarter systems like Xero. Whatever it looks like, the thread running through it all is the same – giving clients clear visibility over their finances so there are no surprises, just a solid understanding of where they stand and what's coming.
The challenge she sees most often? Businesses with little visibility over their financial performance or future tax liabilities, left trying to plan without the full picture. Ellie fixes that by bringing structure, clarity and forward planning – so clients can make confident, informed decisions rather than educated guesses.
Her goal is simple: every client leaves knowing their numbers, understanding their next steps and feeling completely in control.
Away from the desk Ellie enjoys Pilates, going to the gym, gardening and catching up with friends over cocktails.
Jo Tivey
Senior Accounting ManagerProblem-solving, process improvement, making data actually work for people – that's Jo’s comfort zone and she's a whizz at it.
Whilst managing a team supporting one of SHA's largest clients, a large part of Jo’s role involves helping clients getting to grips with complex data, particularly during software transitions and reporting projects. This means standardising information, digging out insights that matter and turning something unwieldy into a tool people can use with confidence day-to-day.
The challenge she sees most often? Businesses stuck in reporting habits that have simply outlived their usefulness – maintained through familiarity rather than evolving alongside the business. Jo has a talent for cutting through that, reviewing what's genuinely valuable, challenging what isn't and helping clients feel good about embracing a better way of doing things.
The goal is always the same: clients who feel informed, confident and properly equipped to make decisions – rather than drowning in data that doesn't quite add up.
Away from the desk Jo loves running, playing video games and occasionally attempts to bake.
Brett Cartwright ACMA CGMA
Senior Accounting ManagerBrett has a theory: every decision a business makes eventually shows up in the numbers. His job is to read them, join the dots and tell the story they're revealing.
He works with clients on budgeting, forecasting, performance analysis and strategic planning – the kind of work that goes beyond what happened last year and starts asking what happens next. For Brett, that's the best part. Taking a business's financial history, making sense of it and using it as a launchpad for smarter decisions going forward.
A focus of his role is helping clients truly understand their data – the goal is clients who can see past, present and future performance clearly, trust the information in front of them and spend less time buried in spreadsheets and more time running their business.
Away from the desk Brett loves exercise (running is his happy place) and playing snooker. He is also a big music lover and film fan.
Lucy Dolling
Office ManagerLucy helps keep SHA running smoothly, ensuring that everyone feels looked after along the way.
Supporting the Director and Practice Manager with the day-to-day running of SHA, Lucy’s role spans internal workflows, growth initiatives, marketing and recruitment, while also managing prospect enquiries, client onboarding and being at the end of the phone for any client query. It's a varied role and she loves it!
For clients, Lucy is often the first familiar face. She genuinely enjoys getting to know the people behind the businesses SHA works with and understands that no two clients are the same. Whether someone needs help with compliance, a query about their account or just pointing in the right direction, Lucy takes the time to understand what's needed and makes sure it gets resolved – no loose ends and no being passed from pillar to post.
Away from the desk Lucy loves being active and outdoors – open water swimming and hiking are favourites. And now her children are more grown up, she has started to explore the world a little more.
Izzy Kural
Management AccountantIzzy supports a range of clients with their reporting requirements and financial analysis, adding value beyond the numbers. This includes identifying trends, highlighting areas that need attention and giving clients a better understanding of how their business is performing so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
She has a talent for translating complex data into clear, practical insight – and for tailoring how she presents it to each client, because a one-size-fits-all spreadsheet rarely tells the full story. Her approach is collaborative and proactive; she builds the kind of relationships where clients feel comfortable asking anything, while she's already thinking a step ahead.
The challenge she sees most often is businesses without proper financial visibility (particularly around cash flow) which makes planning feel like guesswork. Izzy fixes that with clear, regular reporting and forecasts, and takes the time to walk clients through what it all means so they can get on with running their business with confidence.
Away from the desk Izzy loves travel, fashion, food and long walks in the countryside.
Tarryn Lentz
Finance ManagerTarryn works closely with one of the firm’s key clients as part of their wider finance team. Her role involves spending time in the client’s office and working alongside their staff – a setup that works brilliantly. Being on the ground means stronger relationships, a deeper understanding of how the business actually operates and a more hands-on service than a traditional accountancy arrangement allows.
Day-to-day, Tarryn keeps financial information accurate and up to date, while supporting consistent processes across multiple entities and a large team – no small task. She's the person making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so the business can focus on what it does best.
Clients describe her as approachable and easy to talk to, which matters. When people feel comfortable raising questions or flagging concerns early, problems get solved before they become issues. That's exactly the environment Tarryn creates – one where clients feel informed, supported and in safe hands.
Away from the desk Tarryn enjoys spending time with friends and being outdoors, whether that is walking in the countryside or travelling. She also enjoys padel, both on the court and on the water, and browsing a good garden centre.
Sarah McLoughin
Payroll ManagerSarah manages payroll for our clients, making sure employees are paid accurately and on time, while keeping everything compliant with HMRC and The Pensions Regulator. She looks after the payroll process from start to finish – supporting clients with everything from payroll and pension set-up to pay calculations, employee changes and the queries that crop up along the way. Payroll is often assumed to be simple, but it rarely is – legislation shifts, deadlines are unforgiving and one small error can cause real problems for employees. Sarah takes full ownership of that complexity, so clients never have to.
With a sharp eye for detail and an organised, proactive approach, Sarah keeps clients informed every step of the way and takes the pressure of ever-changing deadlines off their hands entirely – freeing up their time to focus on running their business. The goal is always for clients to feel confident and reassured that their payroll is in safe hands.
Away from the desk Sarah loves spending time with family and friends, reading, solving puzzles and playing board games. She also enjoys getting outdoors, especially walking and cycling and discovering new places.
Rebecca Church
Accounts Assistant & AI LeadBecs brings something most accountants can't – she's been on the other side of the desk. Having previously run her own business, she knows exactly what it feels like to be an SME owner trying to juggle everything at once. She gets that bookkeeping is rarely the part people started a business to do and she's genuinely motivated to take that pressure off – whether through hands-on support, smarter systems or a bit of both.
Day-to-day, Becs supports a diverse portfolio of clients with bookkeeping and financial management, helping them stay on top of their finances, streamline processes and understand what their numbers are telling them. Her approach is collaborative and proactive – she takes the time to get under the skin of each client's business, so she can act as a true extension of their team rather than just a pair of hands processing transactions. The goal is always clients who feel confident, in control and clear on where they stand and what to do next.
And then there's the other side of Becs' role. As SHA's AI Lead, she's at the forefront of integrating smarter tools and more efficient processes into how SHA operates – making sure we stay ahead of the curve and keep delivering sharper, more forward-thinking support to clients.
Away from the desk Becs enjoys spending time with her family, pub lunches with friends and relaxing at home with a good book.
Ann Nalder
BookkeeperAnn supports clients with bookkeeping, payroll, VAT returns, Xero setup and training, as well as statutory accounts preparation. A broad remit that keeps things varied, which is exactly how she likes it. But what she values most isn't the work itself, it's the relationships she builds with clients along the way.
Ann has a sharp eye for detail, particularly when it comes to spotting inconsistencies, catching errors and working through the kind of complex reconciliations that make most people's eyes water. She's methodical without being rigid, and collaborative without being hands-off. Clients (and SHA) know that with Ann, things get done properly.
The challenge she sees most often is a familiar one: business owners so deep in the day-to-day that bookkeeping slips into reaction mode rather than running like clockwork. Ann's role is to change that – taking the financial admin off their plate, keeping records accurate and up to date and making sure no deadline sneaks up on anyone.
Away from the desk Ann enjoys spending time in her garden, walking in the countryside with her dog, baking and catching up with friends and family.
Simone Dill
BookkeeperSimone supports clients with their day-to-day bookkeeping and financial administration – and takes real pride in becoming a familiar, trusted presence within their business. She's a phone call and conversation person; she likes staying in regular contact, keeping clients updated and making sure nothing is left to drift.
The work itself covers everything from keeping financial records accurate and tax-compliant to managing sales invoicing, finance emails and building systems for recurring invoices and reminders. Simone works within each client's own platforms and processes wherever possible, so everything feels joined up and nothing adds unnecessary complexity.
What Simone wants, above all else, is for clients to feel they can hand this part of the business over completely, safe in the knowledge that Simone – and the wider SHA team – have it covered.
Away from the desk Simone loves anything outdoors. When she is not out running or trying a new local coffee shop, she is probably leading a hiking group through the Surrey Hills.
Hana de Jager
Accounts AssistantHana supports the team with month-end processes, payroll and a range of HR and administrative tasks – a varied mix that suits her down to the ground. Hana is the kind of person who genuinely likes having a lot on and has the organisational skills to back it up.
For clients, her work is mostly invisible in the best possible way. Payroll handled accurately, month-end processes completed on time, everything organised and accounted for – so nothing falls through the cracks and no one is left chasing. That quiet reliability is exactly what clients need, and exactly what Hana delivers.
Away from the desk Hana is a super-skilled hockey player. She also loves going to the gym and spending time by the sea whenever she can.
Jacob Grafham
Accounts Assistant & AI SupportWith a strong mathematical background, Jacob has a natural instinct for problem-solving and analysis, approaching financial challenges in a logical, methodical way that gets to the right answer efficiently
Supporting clients with bookkeeping, inventory management and VAT returns, Jacob keeps records accurate, reconciliations on track and queries answered before they become concerns.
What sets Jacob apart is how he handles the moments when clients feel lost in their own numbers. Rather than glossing over complexity, he slows down, breaks things into manageable steps and communicates clearly until everything makes sense. Clients come away feeling supported and in control – not just handed a set of accounts they don't fully understand.
His approach is collaborative and proactive, and he genuinely enjoys building relationships where clients feel comfortable picking up the phone whenever something isn't clear.
Away from the desk Jacob enjoys swimming, fitness and following Formula 1.
- Rennie Chadwick"The team at Surrey Hills Accountancy (Helen and Lucy in particular) did a great job when I set up my own consulting business last year. Their advice was solid and fees very reasonable. If you are looking for some professional help to navigate your way through starting your business and then keeping it running, I can highly recommend them."
- Chris Wilcock"Surrey Hills Accountancy have offered me exceptional service over the past 4 years. The team are a very friendly group of experts that offer a personal service. I was new to running a business when we approached Ben and the team. They were patient, understanding and informative. I would recommend them to any individual or company. 5 stars!"
- Matthew Luxford"I’ve been using Surrey Hills Accountancy for nearly five years now, and I can’t recommend them enough. Ben and his team are incredibly professional, easy to work with and — dare I say it — make tax almost fun! They break everything down in a way that’s easy to understand and are always quick to respond, no matter the time of day. Great communication, top-quality service — would definitely recommend!"
- Roan Heming"I've been working with Ellie at Surrey Hills Accountancy for a while now, and I couldn't be happier with the service she provides. Since taking over both businesses and personal accounts, she's been incredibly efficient, knowledgeable, and proactive, making the entire process stress-free."
- Greg Thorpe"The team at Surrey Hills Accountancy are fantastic. I often need to speak to Ben quite urgently and however busy he is (all the time!) he will get back to me quickly and is always happy to make time. The team have a calm, relaxed approach and always find a solution. If you are looking for a firm that in effect can be an extension of your accounts team, you should give them a call. Even better, they are very competitive on price and I genuinely believe we get great value for money."
- Tom Drew"Surrey Hills Accountancy have been a huge help to me in setting up my new business. By taking many of the areas that I don't have the time or expertise to focus on, it means I can keep the business running smoothly. They are always on hand with advice, timely with completing various tasks and it's definitely worth a visit to their office set in the Surrey Hills (obviously!)"
- Sean Morgan-Jones"SHA has been a breath of fresh air for an SME looking for an SME/owner managed business in need of no nonsense/tax efficient support and advice. Highly recommend."
- Nick Alabaster"We were recommended Surrey Hills after so-so experience elsewhere. And delighted with the change. Recommended."
- Abbi Lampard"I could not recommend Surrey Hills Accountancy highly enough. Ben, Jo and the team have taken the time to understand my business and have made things run smoothly and efficiently since I started working with them. They are extremely knowledgable, personable and have made various recommendations that have saved me time and money! If you are looking for a new accountants, you can honestly not in my opinion find anyone better than Surrey Hills Accountancy Limited."
- Iain Chapple"We use Ben Withinshaw at Surrey Hills Accountancy to handle the accounts for our architectural design business. Ben has been a complete breath of fresh air. He gives us a really friendly and professional service and always goes above and beyond the call of duty. It's great to feel that you have someone looking after your accounts who is both highly competent and on your side."
- Nicky Woodhatch"The SHA team are AMAZING! They look after my Ltd company books and also my husband's self assessment! Surrey Hills Accountancy have been fantastic in taking all the stresses of self employment off my hands, allowing me to concentrate on the work and building my business. Highly professional and reliable, I only wish I had found them sooner."
- Ian Truscott"Switched to Ben and the team last year after a so-so experience with a bigger firm. Lovely people, you feel you are working directly with the experts, very responsive and they take the pain away. I recommend to everyone..."
- "Worked with the team from SHA for a long time. Reliable, detailed, highly professional and genuinely nice people. Really can't ask for more."
- "Friendly, efficient and great to deal with - very highly recommended!"
- "Exceptional levels of service and advice."
- Kelly Mortimer"Excellent, highly recommend!"
- Hayley Malins"Only been with Surrey Hills Accountancy for a few months, but they are extremely helpful and professional. Ellie has been amazing and always happy to help."
We Handle The Numbers. You Run The Business.
We take the pressure off the financial side of your business — giving you clearer numbers, better visibility and support you can rely on. So you can focus on doing what you do best.