Suzanne Layfield

Career History

I started my career as a trainee at North Yorkshire firm Kenneth Easby in 2007, which is where my affinity for audit began. I moved to the Northeast in 2015 and gained valuable experience at both national and independent firms. I continued to focus on audit as my discipline, progressing my way up before joining Clive Owen as Associate Partner in March 2026.

Qualifications

FCA

Experience and expertise

My main area of experience is the audit of owner managed businesses with a special interest in group structures. I have built up extensive experience in a wide range of sectors from hospitality and leisure to manufacturing and construction.

I enjoy building knowledge of a business with my team using a holistic approach, and I use my years of experience to help the audit process run as efficiently as possible which I find improves client satisfaction.

I have also spent time on secondment in FC/FD roles which has given me valuable insight into both sides of the audit experience.

Professional memberships

Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)

Career highlights

At my previous firm I had the opportunity to build my own audit team and develop a portfolio. I successfully grew the team from 2 to 10 in two and a half years, along with trebling the portfolio size. I was extremely proud of the team that I created and am excited by the opportunity to do this again for Clive Owen as we grow the Newcastle team.

Did you always want to be an accountant?

Not at all! As a child I had dreams of being a hairdresser, my first job was as a Saturday girl at my local salon. However, as I went through my studies, I realised I had a real love of numbers and problem solving, which has led me to my career in accountancy.

Hobbies and interests

I haven’t had too much time for my hobbies since welcoming my twin boys in 2025, but before their arrival I would spend a few times a week weight training at the gym. My love of reading and gardening has also taken a back seat, but I’ll usually try to squeeze in an audiobook during nap time!

When I do have a babysitter booked, you’ll find me either with my husband or friends with a glass of wine in hand.