Today is a doubly proud day for us. Two of our senior managers, Alisha O’Donovan and James Dillard, are among this year’s Accountancy Age 35 Under 35 winners!
The 35 Under 35 ‘highlights young UK professionals who are making great contributions to both their firms and fields’. It’s being released in batches, with Alisha and James among the rising stars named today.
About Alisha O’Donovan
Alisha has been with BKL since 2015, when she joined as a trainee. She became a senior manager this year.
A rare specialism in fintech audit & accounting sets Alisha apart from many of her peers, and has helped BKL develop fintech as a key area.
Alisha was one of only nine women shortlisted for a Citywealth Powerwomen 2024 Award in the ‘Woman of the year: Fintech/Crypto’ category. She won Bronze, a tribute to her standing among industry peers and clients alike: while the shortlist was decided via nominations, the winners were determined by public votes.
Alisha has built exceptional technical expertise. Her knowledge of FCA-regulated clients and safeguarding audits is unmatched. Her recent qualification from the International Compliance Association – on Governance, Risk and Compliance – is uncommon among audit professionals and will benefit clients too, particularly those seeking FCA authorisation.
Alisha has presented her expertise publicly by co-starring in Crypto Cuts, BKL’s video guide to crypto accounting & tax.
We know that through her expertise and dedication, Alisha will continue making waves in the growing fintech marketplace.
About James Dillard
In 2022 James joined Wilson Wright, who came together with BKL in April 2024. From starting his working life in sales, James now counts retail among the sectors he advises. His experience also includes property, technology and crypto accounting. Like Alisha, he became a senior manager this year.
James not only gained a highly sought-after place on DFK International’s Emerging Leaders programme earlier this year: his peers on the programme voted him as EMEA Emerging Leader of the Year 2024.
James is respected by clients for his dedication to solving problems and delivering an excellent service; loved by colleagues for his team spirit and mentoring of trainees; and appreciated by all for his cheerfulness and eagerness to learn.
We’re proud that our people have earned a place in every 35 Under 35 list over the past five years: Jon Wedge in 2019, Sam Inkersole in 2022, and now Alisha and James.
Congratulations to Alisha and James from all of us. As technical experts and enthusiastic leaders, they have bright futures and will be integral to BKL’s bright future too.
