We pride ourselves on being an accountancy firm that you can get to know, like and trust, and part of that ethos is getting to know our friendly and experienced team. So, have a read of the short bio’s below on each member of staff, and know exactly which member of the team to turn to, to help with your business need. It’s nice to know who you’re chatting to over the phone, or what we look like when you visit our office, so, meet our team below!
-
Les LeavittManaging Director
Through the emphasis of our 3 core principles; know, like and trust, as Managing Director of the firm, I am on hand to offer support and answer queries. I am extremely lucky to work with a fabulous team at LWA. We have great clients and this is due to our philosophy of developing long standing relationships from the outset of your contact with LWA; you should feel your business is valued, you’re being listened to and getting advice that is timely and relevant. This means you’re a happy client and happy clients tell me we are doing a great job!
-
Steve CollingsDirector
I work with many diverse clients producing high quality accountancy, audit and specialist work for which both myself and the firm have been recognised. I know you don’t need to be weighed down with technical jargon and I achieve a huge sense of pride in helping clients overcome technical issues in simple, easy to understand terminology. You need someone that you know, like and above all trust to get it right. It may be an academy conversion, a pension fund deficit or an expert witness report; whatever your needs, we can help – you can be assured you’re in safe hands with LWA!
-
Nickie Antley-SlaterTax Manager
I’ve been with LWA since 2009 handling all aspects of corporate taxation and company secretarial matters for businesses of all sizes, as well as supporting clients with personal tax advice such as Self-Assessment Tax Returns, or Inheritance Tax planning. I will work closely with you at our initial meetings to ensure as a practice we fully understand your needs and how best we can plan to meet them. Making use of the latest digital reference materials and expert consultants, there isn’t much we can’t help you with at LWA.
-
Matthew JonesAudit & Accounts Manager
As Audit & Accounts Manager working with Steve and Amy at LWA, I specialise in client accounts and undertaking audits for academies as well as SRA Accountant's reports for solicitors, preparing year-end accounts and management accounts including forecasting and providing cashflows. It’s highly rewarding working alongside clients, helping with strategic business planning ensuring they’re able to make more informed decisions with live data. In addition, I support Les on the digital and innovation side of the business, and have been responsible for the implementation of Futrli, Xero and Dext.
-
Amy DanielsAccounts Manager
If you have any questions at all when it comes to VAT or your accounts, I am on hand to help, managing both departments, to ensure everything runs smoothly with client accounts being completed and filed promptly and accurately after their year end. Furthermore, for our larger clients, I am involved in the off-site management of their accounts production, another value-added service I am proud to provide as part of LWA’s offering. Seeing many of my clients as an extended family, I aim to offer advice on varied aspects of your organisation, such as our business advisory service.
-
Sara BishopPayroll Manager
Ranging from large limited companies to small business owners, I offer support and advice to ensure you are compliant with HMRC. I manage all aspects of PAYE, CIS and Pension Auto Enrolment, aiming to develop a genuine and strong understanding of each client’s individual needs. This means as a team, we can ensure the smooth running of any payroll we manage, and keep your employees happy and paid on time.
-
Angela KitsonPayroll Manager
I joined the LWA Payroll Services team in 2017 supporting Sara and our growing client base needing support in managing your HMRC PAYE compliance and ensuring your employees are paid the correct salary, on time, every time. I thoroughly enjoy my role working alongside regular clients each month and have developed strong working relationships, whilst also embracing the opportunity to support new clients with Payroll Services.
-
Majid AbubakarSenior Accountant
After achieving a first-class honours degree in Accounting and Finance at Manchester Metropolitan University and gaining three years training experience, I joined LWA as Senior Accountant in November 2017. As well as enjoying my role, I am able to get involved in events outside of work and I was recently chosen to represent the firm to give out an award that we had sponsored.
-
Meg McGreavySenior Accountant
I joined LWA in September 2022 as a Senior Accountant bringing over 10 years of valuable experience at Cheshire firms. I enjoy working with clients and utilising my expertise including completion of management accounts, year-end accounts and VAT returns, and dealing with different types of client queries.
-
Shannon KnightSemi-senior Accountant
I joined LWA in September 2019 and thoroughly enjoy working in the Accounts department. Since starting I’ve had the encouragement and support to gain my level 2 and 3 AAT qualification and now working towards completing my Level 4 AAT. I also love being able to put forward my ideas in team meetings and getting involved In activities outside of the 9 to 5.
-
Bradley Allen-McKennaClient Digital & Accounts Support
I support clients on Xero, Dext, Sage, MileIQ and other accounting software, including how to use them to improve your current systems, and course recommendations. I offer expert understanding on business accounting software and am efficient in conversions or migrations from one software to another – simply ask, and I’ll arrange with you to have a chat over the phone or can work with you and your team at your office.
-
Teigan RisleyTax Assistant
I joined LWA in 2018 as a Trainee Accountant straight from school on an apprenticeship with the firm’s Tax Manager, Nicola Antley-Slater as my mentor. All of the team here have encouraged me to work hard on my qualificationsI’m currently preparing for my final accountancy and tax exams to complete my AAT qualification, after which I will start studying towards becoming a fully qualified Tax Accountant.
-
Daniel FalekuloAccountant
Having graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in Accounting and Finance in 2018, I have worked my way up in accounting roles for firms across the north west and was delighted to join the well-reputed accounts and auditing team at LWA in 2024. I’m thoroughly enjoying working on client accounts and assisting Matt with the technical advancement of the firm as well as contributing to marketing ideas.
-
Vivian ChenAccounts & Audit Assistant
In May 2023, I joined LWA as an Accounts and Audit assistant having achieved a masters degree in Accounting and Finance. With work experience in external audit and knowledge of a wide range of industries, I spend half of my time at LWA helping with accounts production and the other half assisting Matt on audit.
-
Danielle SafhillAccounts and Payroll Support
I joined LWA in November 2021 being fully AAT qualified and with 5 years experience in accounts. My role is varied at LWA and involves doing year-end accounts, supporting Nickie in the tax department and assisting Sara and Angie with payroll. I enjoy being part of the team here and have had the opportunity to take part in fun events to raise money for charity including the Color Rush obstacle course!
-
Lauren HartleyTax Assistant
I was appointed as Tax Assistant working from the Warrington office in June 2024. Under the guidance of Nickie, my role involves assisting clients in tax relations, analysing accounts and corresponding to emails. I love working with LWA on Birchwood Park, it is a lovely area.
-
Sharon ChaffeOffice Administrator
I joined LWA in 2016 as Office Administrator. I get involved with marketing and design including business stationery and branded documents, and I initiate client invoicing and management on a monthly basis for new and existing clients. I am one of the first points of call when clients visit or call the office.
-
Jo DeasAdministrator
I joined as Administrator in 2017 to support the team in answering and directing calls, and helping clients with queries where possible. My role has expanded to assist the accounts and tax departments by liaising with clients for year-end accounts information and I also produce and file all the Confirmation statements for clients.
-
Rina BharathMarketing Consultant
I have been working with LWA since 2010 supporting the firm on all aspects of marketing including social media, blogs, newsletters, and managing the website. My role involves regularly liaising with Les, Steve and individual team members to help spread the word about the amazing work this firm does for clients and the community.