Leading independent firm of Chartered Certified Accountants
Smith Hannah is a well established independent firm of Chartered Certified Accountants, specialising in providing a comprehensive range of services to a diverse range of businesses, nationally. We pride ourselves in creating and sustaining supportive relationships and in the process we have built up an enviable portfolio of clients and contacts.
About Smith Hannah
Smith Hannah Limited is a leading independent firm of Chartered Certified Accountants based in Leicester, United Kingdom, established for over 15 years.The mission of Smith Hannah is to provide clients with a quality service that focuses on meeting the needs of each client at a competitive price, providing real value for money.
We address business problems and provide solutions with exacting standards of care, attention and expertise. We pride ourselves on our impressive client base and our experience of working with some of the most successful businesses in the region.
Our website gives information about the services we offer and how we can assist you, regardless of the size, complexity and location of your business. No matter who you are, we will have your interests at heart.
Why choose Smith Hannah ?
As a respected firm of Chartered Certified Accountants, we offer a wide range of business advice and accountancy services tailored to meet your requirements. When you engage us, you can be confident that the work will be carried out by dedicated professionals. We view individual client relationships as our most valuable asset and this philosophy extends to everything that we do.
Established
A firm that is well established and respected
Personal
A firm that provides personal and proactive advice
Professionals
A firm that has dedicated professionals serving a diverse range of clients
Network
A professional network providing one-stop support for even the most complex issues.
Your Growth Partners
With specialist industry knowledge, a passion for innovation and a relentless work ethic, our experienced and high-calibre teams help you capitalise on opportunities, plan better and grow faster.
Imtiaz Umar FCCA | Managing Director
Imtiaz is a Chartered Certified Accountant and Fellow member of ACCA, with extensive experience advising ambitious entrepreneurs and owner managed businesses. Imtiaz has a wealth of expertise in navigating the complexities of UK tax law, particularly for shareholders, with a strong focus on exit and succession planning throughout the business lifecycle. Having trained with a Big 4 firm, Imtiaz’s specialisation also lies in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and post-deal restructuring, helping clients manage their tax matters during critical transitions. In addition to his professional work, Imtiaz serves as a Non-Executive Director on several boards, is a Trustee of the Sir Thomas White Charity, and Chairman of The Leicestershire Golf Club. Outside of work, Imtiaz is passionate about golf and enjoys travelling.
Ashraf Valera BSc ACA | Practice Manager
Ashraf trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with a top international firm of accountants. He heads the firm’s assurance and advisory services department and has a wide portfolio of corporate clients in a range of industry sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, and the service and professional sectors. He specialises in a number of regulated areas including those relating to charities, professional practices and company audits. He has significant experience in other areas, including preparation of business plans, plans for profit, due diligence, tax investigations, R&D Tax credits, work on acquisitions and business valuations. Outside of work, Ashraf has a passion for classic cars and regularly attends classic car shows and enjoys life, whether it brings pleasure or pressure!
Abdul R Bachu FCCA | Head of Audit and Assurance
Abdul started his career in professional practice and has considerable experience in industry, having worked for a number of successful businesses in Leicestershire. Abdul qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant with Smith Hannah. He is a Senior Manager and part of our assurance and advisory team. He enjoys collaborating closely with owner-managed businesses in meeting both their compliance requirements and their day-to-day needs. He also services our larger audit clients from various industry sectors. Outside of work Abdul likes to spend time with family.
Shiraz Patel ACA | Head of Audit and Assurance
Shiraz is a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years’ experience in servicing SME’s across the UK with particular specialism in property and tech start-ups. Shiraz manages client relationships from start to end with a particular focus on business advisory. He is also the firm’s Xero champion and assists clients in automating their financial processes. He is a frequent Linked-in user sharing useful tax saving and accounting advice. Shiraz is focussed and proactive in his approach and is actively involved in high level project work, including due diligence, tax investigations, tax planning, and other ad-hoc work. He also undertakes in house training and acts a focal point for any technical queries. Outside of work Shiraz is a keen gym goer, enjoys travelling and is a Manchester United fan.
Salman Anwar | Head of Tax Dispute Resolution
Before joining our team, Salman served as an HMRC Tax Inspector, working within HMRC’s Large Business and Fraud Investigation Services Directorates. He also held senior roles at two of the country’s largest accountancy firms. Salman specialises in delivering cost-effective, commercially driven resolutions to tax disputes, drawing on his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the Tax Administration Framework, having worked on both sides of the table. Salman's key strengths are making the complex disputes easier to understand and handle for our clients and creating an effective buffer between clients and HMRC. Outside of work, Salman enjoys spending time with his family, having 3 young children keeps him very busy. Salman is also a keen DIY enthusiast and takes on all manner of projects in and around the house.
Paul Johnson | Senior Accounts and Audit Associate
Paul joined Smith Hannah in June 2019 as a Senior Accounts Associate. With years of experience in private practice and industry, he brings a variety of skills learnt over the years including how to engage with clients accounting needs and a wealth of accountancy experience in dealing with a wide range of businesses, including manufacturing companies, care homes, farming enterprises, retail outlets, solicitors, lotteries, employment agencies, restaurants and public houses, amongst others. He is very much a people’s person with the ability to get on with people and always has a smile on his face. Single and ready to mingle.
Mohammed Umar AAT | Senior Accounts and Audit Associate
Mohammed started his career with Smith Hannah in 2016 and is AAT qualified and is currently studying for his Chartered Certified Accountancy qualification. He looks after a diverse range of clients drawn from various industry sectors, including the manufacturing sector, property investments, professional services and group companies. Mohammed regularly advises on key areas including accounting, business growth and tax efficiency. Outside of work Mohammed attends Gym and is an excellent golfer and has a keen interest in cars and watches.
David Dewbery ACCA | Senior Accounts and Audit Associate
David started his professional career and qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant with Smith Hannah. David is a diligent member of staff who has a keen eye for detail. During his time, he has built up an enviable reputation for providing hands-on quality advice and building long-standing relationships with clients in various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, property investment, hospitality and the motor trade. David provides support and advice in all areas of audit, accountancy, corporate and personal taxation, and VAT. He regularly provides technical and software support. Outside of work, David is an excellent golfer and has a keen interest in fast cars.
Mohmed Hassim Daya (Mo) AAT | Senior Accounts and Audit Associate
Mohmed (Mo) started his professional career with Smith Hannah in 1997 and has over 30 years of experience in accountancy, business services and advisory work. He has extensive knowledge in payroll and advises on all aspects relating to accountancy matters. Mo has built up an enviable reputation for providing a first class, accurate and timely service to a broad range of clients. Mo also heads up the firm’s IT department and is regularly called upon to advise on any issues arising and keeps abreast of software developments to ensure that the firm is proactive and up to date with technical developments in this field. Outside work, Mo enjoys exploring new destinations, reading and testing new gadgets.
Sabina Lakha AAT | Tax Manager
Sabina started her professional career with Smith Hannah as a Tax Associate in 2014 and is AAT qualified and part ACCA qualified. Sabina has progressed rapidly to the role of Tax Manager and advises clients across all areas of tax, including personal tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax and deals with tax investigations. She prides herself on finding tax efficient solutions and planning, tailored to client’s needs. She has a friendly personality and a hands-on approach, making her approachable to clients and the team alike and has. Sabina is an avid traveler and enjoys experiencing new places and cultures.
Rabia Begum | Tax Associate
Rabia has a wealth of experience in accountancy and business advisory and is responsible for undertaking personal tax compliance work. In this role, she manages a large portfolio of clients drawn from a wide range of sectors. Additionally, Rabia assists the accounts team as required on advisory and compliance aspects. Her outgoing personality enables her to maintain a good relationship with staff and clients resolving any issues that may arise. Rabia has a young family with whom she enjoys travelling and is also a keen gardener.
Janki Patel | Payroll Manager
Janki joined Smith Hannah in 2017. She heads our large payroll department. Janki has built up an enviable reputation to providing a proactive, accurate and timely payroll service to our clients. She has a very good knowledge of payroll matters and advises our clients on all payroll aspects. In the course of her work, Janki has built up a good relationship with several key contacts. She regularly attends courses and actively keeps abreast of developments and issues as they arise, such that our clients receive the most up to date advice. Outside her work, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Dawn Lee | Office Administrator
Dawn heads our HR and administrative department. She also undertakes all company secretarial matters. Dawn is a long-standing member of the team and plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our clients receive a service that exceeds their expectations and acts as sounding board for any issues that arise in the office, ensuring that they are dealt with promptly and efficiently. Outside her work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Manoj Suchak | Senior Accounts Associate
Manoj, a long-standing member of our team, specialises in servicing the needs of clients in advisory and accountancy matters. During his career, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of matters pertaining to all industry sectors and has advised extensively on all aspects of bookkeeping, VAT and accountancy matters. Manoj is proactive and hands on in delivering solutions at key stages. Outside work, Manoj enjoys watching football and travelling.
Our Values
- Client Focus
Our clients benefit from an integrated approach based on understanding the key issues facing their businesses.
- Integrity
As an established independent firm, we pride ourselves in creating and sustaining supportive relationships . Integrity is a core aspect in everything we partake in.
- Innovation
We aim to tailor our services to meet our clients’ specific needs. We offer innovative solutions to our client’s complex issues.
We Are Committed to Maintaining Exceptional Standards of Service and Getting the Job Done Right!
Our Approach: We do all the work for you
Our clients benefit from an integrated approach based on understanding the key issues facing their businesses.
This enables us to meet their needs at each stage of development and allows them to focus on building the value of their business. We have strong skills and resources in the region and our clients’ results prove that.