One of the South West’s top tax experts has joined accountancy firm PKF Francis Clark as a partner in its growing Bristol-based corporate tax team.
Jonathan Riley, pictured, right, with PKF Francis Clark head of tax John Endacott, was previously head of tax at Grant Thornton UK, where he was a partner for 27 years. 
This included nearly four years in the firm’s Bristol office, leading its tax practice in the South West and Wales and representing 300-plus professionals.
He has also been a trustee of the Chartered Institute of Taxation for nine years, a member of HM Treasury’s Forum of Tax Professionals for nearly 10 years and is a former chair of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group.
His appointment further strengthens the senior leadership team at PKF Francis Clark’s Bristol office, which will mark the fifth anniversary of its opening this summer.
Jonathan said: “PKF Francis Clark is a firm that’s been on an impressive journey and the opportunity to be part of that is very attractive.
“I was already aware of the firm’s strength and history in the South West, but in considering joining the firm, what’s really impressed me is the quality of its people and clients.” 
He said his skillset was ideally suited to the space PKF Francis Clark was operating in, having advised many owner-managed and private equity-backed businesses as well as larger, complex corporate clients.
“I believe in getting out and meeting people, engaging with clients and taking an interest in them and their ambitions, because that’s when you can really add value,” he added.
PKF Francis Clark head of tax John Endacott described Jonathan as one of the premier heavyweight tax partners anywhere in the country.
“As well as bringing huge experience in advising large corporate clients on complex tax issues, Jonathan is a natural leader and will play a key role in helping to build and develop our growing corporate tax team in Bristol. We’re delighted he has joined us,” he said.
Jonathan added that he was looking forward to being involved in the training and development of PKF Francis Clark’s tax team.
“I enjoy working with people at an early stage in their career, setting them off on the right track and seeing them develop,” he said.
“The partners are passionate and ambitious for the business and want to be there for their people. The culture here is very much about empowering people to make a difference.”#
Jonathan’s appointment to Bristol corporate tax team follows hot on the heels of the arrival of senior manager Rhiannon Baynham, manager Robert Waterhouse and assistant manager Joe Martin.
Since opening nearly five years ago, the firm’s Bristol office on Victoria Street has grown rapidly and now has a team of more than 50 people advising a wide range of clients.
It is one of the firm’s eight offices across the South West, which between them employ more than 800 members of staff – making PKF Francis Clark the largest independent chartered accountants in the region.
