Phillipa Symington
Partner
Audit & Assurance Partner
Audit & Assurance Partner, leading Clive Owen’s York office and overseeing Audit Quality, Compliance and People & Culture across the firm.
I work with owner-managed businesses, including group companies, helping them navigate audit, financial reporting, governance and business growth challenges. Alongside advising clients, I lead the York office and oversee the firm's Audit Quality & Compliance and People & Culture functions, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional client service while developing and supporting our people.
Clients value my pragmatic approach, technical expertise and ability to translate complex regulatory and financial matters into practical commercial advice that supports confident decision-making.
I advise a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from entrepreneurial and owner-managed businesses to large corporate groups and international organisations. My experience spans statutory audits, financial reporting and governance matters for businesses reporting under FRS 102 and FRS 101, including UK subsidiaries of international groups and complex group audit engagements involving component auditors across multiple jurisdictions.
Within Clive Owen, I lead our firm-wide Audit Quality & Compliance function and oversee People & Culture initiatives, helping to ensure our teams have the training, resources and support needed to deliver exceptional client service. I am passionate about developing future leaders through mentoring, coaching and career development, creating opportunities for individuals to achieve their professional ambitions and reach their full potential.
Key Areas of Expertise
- External audit and assurance
- Financial reporting (FRS 102 and FRS 101)
- Group and international audits
- Governance, risk and internal controls
- Audit quality and regulatory compliance
- Leadership development, mentoring and coaching
I have extensive experience working with businesses and groups, across a broad range of sectors including:
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Food manufacturing
- Project and contract-based businesses
- Construction and property
- Professional services
- Technology and software businesses
- Traffic technology and intelligent transport solution providers
- Service organisations
- Hospitality and leisure
Originally qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa before relocating to the UK, I have more than 20 years of experience advising businesses across a wide range of sectors on audit, financial reporting, governance and business matters.
Highlights include:
- Leading audit engagements for owner-managed businesses, private groups and international groups.
- Supporting boards and management teams through governance, risk and regulatory challenges.
- Advising clients on complex financial reporting matters and group structures.
- Leading firm-wide audit quality and compliance initiatives, including preparation for regulatory inspections.
- Developing future leaders through mentoring, coaching and talent development programmes.
I am an ICAEW Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) and Responsible Individual (RI), a Chartered Accountant (South Africa) (CA(SA)) and member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), and a Chartered Accountant (CA) and member of ICAS.
FAQ’s
When does my business need an audit?
Audit requirements depend on factors such as company size, group structure and regulatory obligations. We can help determine whether an audit is required and whether there are benefits from obtaining one voluntarily.
How can an audit add value beyond compliance?
A high-quality audit provides confidence in financial reporting, strengthens governance and can identify opportunities to improve processes, controls and risk management.
What should business owners focus on when planning succession?
Succession planning should start well before an ownership transition and consider leadership development, tax implications, business value and long-term objectives.
How can we prepare for growth or acquisition opportunities?
Strong financial reporting, effective governance and robust management information are essential foundations for businesses considering growth, investment or acquisition opportunities.
