James Dale - Partner, Anderson Barrowcliff.
What inspired you to become an Accountant, and what path did you take to get here?
I originally studied law, but after spending time living and working in Australia, I was introduced to family tax planning. That experience really sparked my interest, and I returned to the UK to retrain.
I joined Anderson Barrowcliff to begin my professional exams and, along the way, gained a first-class degree in Applied Accountancy. I went on to place top in the North East and 17th worldwide in my financial management exam and was proud to be named New Accountant of the Year at the 2009 North East Accountancy Awards.
I was promoted to Partner at Anderson Barrowcliff in 2016 and now lead our Corporate Finance team. Most recently, I was pleased to be shortlisted as Partner of the Year at the 2025 North East Accountancy Awards, a career milestone that brought things full circle.
What do you enjoy most about being an Accountant, and what keeps you motivated in your profession?
For me, it’s all about the people. I genuinely enjoy supporting clients through both their successes and their setbacks, being part of their journey and making a real impact along the way.
I’ve also been fortunate that my role has taken me around the world, working on transactions in places like San Francisco, the UAE and Toronto. But no matter where the work takes me, I always come back to what matters most: building relationships and doing meaningful work in a profession I truly enjoy. And to be able to do that every day, in a place like Teesside, makes it even more rewarding.
What qualities make a great Accountant, and how do you build strong client relationships?
Communication is everything, being approachable, listening on both a personal and business level, and being available when needed.
It’s also about long-term trust: I focus on building relationships before revenue, often providing my time upfront to demonstrate value. Having strong technical knowledge is important, but it’s just as key to show that you’re invested and willing to go above and beyond to understand the client and their business needs.
How do you handle the pressure of working with tight deadlines and complex financial issues?
It’s definitely something I’ve had to work on, especially as Anderson Barrowcliff has grown significantly in recent years. But I’ve built a strong team around me, both technically and operationally, which has been key to managing that pressure effectively.
For me, it comes down to clear priorities and honest communication. I’m upfront with clients about what’s realistic and always aim to set expectations early. I’ve also learned the value of looking after my mental wellbeing, taking time to reset when needed so I can stay focused and lead effectively.
It’s something I’m passionate about embedding across the firm too. We’ve brought in a dedicated mental health and wellbeing coach to support the wider team, ensuring that as we grow, we do so with a strong, balanced, and healthy culture.
What are the most common financial mistakes individuals and businesses make?
Throughout my years in accounting, the most common mistake I’ve come across is a lack of forecasting and not having a clear exit strategy. These are two critical things that every business owner should have in place, yet they’re often overlooked, especially by smaller businesses or fast-growing companies.
What advice would you give to small business owners looking to improve their financial health?
Bring in a quality accountant early. The relationship you build with them can be critical to your business’s success, not just for compliance, but for strategic decision-making, growth, and long-term planning.
How has technology changed the accounting profession, and what tools do you rely on most?
-Technology has massively transformed the way I work. Tools like Co-Pilot and AI are now essential for reporting, writing, and market research.
Platforms such as MarktoMarket and Deal Suite have also made transactions and financial processes much more efficient than ever before.
What are the biggest financial trends or challenges businesses should prepare for in the coming years?
The rise of AI and automation is reshaping how businesses manage forecasting, reporting, and decision-making. It’s creating big opportunities, but also challenges for those not ready to adapt.
Staying agile, tech-savvy, and well-advised will be crucial in the years ahead, which is exactly what we do at Anderson Barrowcliff.
What’s one piece of financial advice you think everyone should follow?
Make important financial decisions when you’re thinking clearly, not in the heat of the moment. Set clear principles and a long-term strategy while you’re calm, and use those as your guide when challenges arise.
Sticking to well-thought-out plans, rather than reacting emotionally, is one of the most effective ways to avoid costly mistakes and stay on track financially.
www.anderson-barrowcliff.co.uk
