Our Story
Brilliant Accountants Limited was formed by Director, Andrew Makin back in May 2015.
Andrew has previously worked for other accountancy practices and within large in-house commercial finance departments. It’s fair to say ‘humble beginnings’ describes the start of the journey – he had absolutely no clients. The office was home-based and he worked with just one part time tax consultant. He had to operate with a very limited budget, so he knows exactly how someone starting their own business feels.
Andrew drew on his comprehensive track record. He had a clearly defined vision which meant great client experiences and service would be put before progress or profit.
This ethos is largely responsible for where Brilliant Accountants is today. We’re a successful accountancy firm in Milton Keynes with high client retention and controlled expansion. We will never forget those early days or stray from the values of hard work, integrity and transparency.
MEET THE TAX ADVISOR TEAM IN MILTON KEYNES
Andrew Makin
I believe I was always destined to set up my own practice which would be truly proactive and innovative. I wanted to break the stereotypical view of accountants which is, to be honest, a little boring and stuffy. I strive to ensure my team is approachable, that everyone speaks in layman’s terms and understands clients’ needs, inside out.
Outside of work (whatever that means these days), I’m keen on most ball sports, I like music, embarrassingly at least one ABBA song would be in my top 10 favourites. I have a special bond with my 5-year-old grandson and boy does he keep me on my toes!
Personal statement - Don't let anyone talk you out of what you know to be true. Trust your inner voice and allow yourself to be led by your intuition. The more empowered you become, the stronger and happier you become. Avoid going against your better judgment or getting talked into things that don't feel right.
Luisa Franks
I’m a member of The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). This allows me to practice and undertake bookkeeping at the most technical level.
After the birth of my youngest son, I started an accountancy business myself so I could work around my family. Back then it was the best decision I could have made.
I love the diversity of my clients and embrace the different challenges thrown at me.
My clients come from diverse industries including international fashion designers, tradesmen, and engineers to large multi-million pound companies. One of my most enjoyable roles was overseeing the finances of a football club.
I am well versed in most accountancy software systems including SAGE, Quickbooks and Xero.
Outside of work, I love to spend time with my partner, children and dog, Sapphy. We all enjoy the beautiful countryside around where we live. I also regularly visit members of my family who live in Spain.
I love music and was blessed to make my ‘DJ-ing’ debut in Bristol in the summer of 2022. My partner and I also run a music promotion company.
Personal statement - I believe whatever life throws at you, it is for a reason. Always see the positive in a situation and keep true to yourself. Every day is a gift and should be treated as such.
Charlotte Jakes
I am a fully qualified and an AAT licensed accountant. I hope to complete my chartered accountant qualification shortly.
I oversee bookkeeping and year end accounts requirements for clients in quite a diverse range of industries.
I like to be challenged and won’t shy away from getting ‘stuck in’. I’ll always positively embrace any difficult and complex accounting needs for our clients.
On the accounting software side, I specialise in Xero but am equally comfortable with other leading brands such as Quickbooks and Sage.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family, and my dog. My dog is a 10-month-old cocker spaniel and we spend most weekends trying to teach him not to rip apart my dining room chairs.
Personal statement - My dream is to one day move to Italy and live in the mountains. However, before that I think I would need to work on my gardening skills as I couldn’t have a dead garden surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Harrison Louca
I am the accountant for some of our larger clients overseeing a total turnkey accounting process. This includes bookkeeping, management accounts and year end presentations of accounts at AGM level.
It’s crucial in my role to maintain an open line of communication with clients at all times. I’m always ready to think of solutions to business problems.
There are several specialisms that I assist with such as tax advice and planning, process design and implementation, and financial modelling. I also develop management reports to present to external boards of directors.
Outside of work, I am a keen traveller, scuba diver and enjoy regular involvement in martial arts, football and basketball.
Personal statement - I believe that if at first you don’t succeed you should try and try and again. A good work ethic will get you through nine times out of ten.
Helen Potter
My title is now Senior Accountant. I work closely with clients to maintain their daily bookkeeping and help them understand the financial condition of their business. The servicing of our e-commerce clients is also an area of expertise.
I also frequently look after payroll for clients. I prefer to work in a very methodical way but can also respond quickly in our fast-paced practice. That’s all part of the job when clients come first.
Outside of work, I spend time with my husband and two children. For ‘me’ time I also enjoy sewing which I find relaxing and I make clothes for myself and children. We also keep honeybees; my husband tends to the bees and I help with extracting and jarring.
Personal statement - Even if you fail, it doesn't mean you will continue to fail. Be able to say you believed in yourself and kept trying. Everything that is successful begins with you believing in yourself.
Philip Fallon
I’ve also been involved in corporate finance-related projects such as initial public offerings (IPOs) in the US, Australia and Singapore. I’ve provided due diligence services for takeovers and acquisitions and reported on cash flow forecasts.
More recently, I’ve been involved in providing accounting and tax advice services to UK small and medium sized companies.
I believe my strengths include good presentation and communication skills and listening to clients’ needs and wishes. I am also an active learner, responding to rapid changes in technology and new ways of working in the UK business landscape.
Outside of work I enjoy hill walking and trekking and am currently renovating a property.
Personal statement - As an accountant I believe in thoroughly understanding a business before offering any advice. I am also a firm believer in continuing to learn new skills and being open to new ideas.
Our Accounting Software Partners
We partner with the big three ICAEW accredited powerhouses of accounting software; Intuit Quickbooks, Sage and Xero. Unlike many accountants we do not favour or promote any particular brand. That said, our team has the experience and knowledge to boast we know these systems inside out.
If you want to continue using other software such as Free Agent, Pandle or Quickfile, then that’s fine with us. You’ll still receive the same level of high quality technical support.
Work for Brilliant Accountants
Our people are our most valuable asset.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Whilst we don’t currently have any specific vacancies we’re always on the lookout for fresh new talent to join our team.
If you feel you can bring something unique to the table then please feel free to contact us by email only, info@brilliant-accountants.co.uk with a brief work history and summary.
Agents and recruiters – a friendly note; we only recruit directly – thanks.
Pop in and have a chat
We are based at Milton Keynes Business Centre at Linford Wood.
We have meeting rooms available to accommodate up to 10 guests.
There is ample parking and a nice onsite informal eatery.
Get in touch
Rock solid accounting support for your business
Contact us today for all things accountancy & tax in Milton Keynes.