35 under 35 2025: Third wave of winners revealed

The Accountancy Age 35 under 35 continues to spotlight the young professionals setting a new standard for what it means to work in accountancy today. These are the individuals not only delivering technical excellence but reshaping the profession through leadership, innovation, and impact.

In partnership with AJ Chambers, the initiative recognises talent across all corners of the industry – from practice and fintech to the public sector and in-house finance teams.

This third wave of honourees reflects the changing face of the profession. Whether launching new business lines, advising on complex deals, rethinking internal audit, or advocating for a more inclusive workplace,  these professionals are building the future of accountancy from the ground up.

We’re proud to reveal the next group of rising stars in the 2025 ranking.

Grace Bischoff – Senior Audit & Technical Manager, RPGCC

As Senior Audit and Technical Manager at RPGCC, Grace Bischoff has become the driving force behind the firm’s in-house compliance and technical function, reshaping how regulatory complexity is handled and delivering real-world value to clients and colleagues alike.

In just seven years in the profession, Grace has built a reputation as a go-to technical expert, able to translate even the most intricate regulatory changes into clear, actionable steps. Her leadership of the firm’s compliance team reflects a rare blend of rigour and pragmatism, ensuring that technical standards are not only met but understood and applied in a way that serves clients’ best interests.

But Grace’s impact extends far beyond compliance. She is the architect of RPGCC’s technical services offering, regularly identifying areas to innovate, improve workflows, and strengthen internal capabilities. Her insight has ensured the firm stays aligned with industry best practices, while also raising the bar for what clients can expect.

She also leads on workflow system implementation and optimisation, streamlining internal collaboration, embedding efficiencies across teams, and championing a culture of continuous improvement. In every project, her clarity, technical strength, and supportiveness set the tone.

As a leader, Grace is widely respected for her integrity, intelligence, and generosity with her time. Her colleagues describe her as a mentor and role model, someone who raises standards not by instruction, but by example.

George Thresh – Associate Director, Transaction Services, Buzzacott

Since joining Buzzacott straight from university 11 years ago, George Thresh has grown into a standout leader in the firm’s Transaction Services and Corporate Finance team—playing a central role in expanding both its revenue and reputation.

George was only the second person to join the Transaction Services team, which now numbers nine. That growth has been shaped by his ambition, expertise, and ability to deliver real value to clients. In the past year alone, George generated around £700,000—representing half of the team’s total revenue, while also acting as the main point of contact for several high-profile clients and strategic partnerships.

One of George’s key achievements has been building a new specialism at the firm, focused on advising lower mid-market Private Equity, Serial Acquirers, and Search Funds. His success in this niche area has not only opened new client relationships but created a model that Buzzacott is now looking to scale across the firm.

George’s technical excellence is matched by his commercial mindset. His client feedback is consistently outstanding, with one CEO remarking: “Super hard-working/responsive, very commercial… both sellers have commented on his thoroughness but also his friendliness at the same time. I have decided to use Buzzacott again based on the quality of work.”

Beyond project delivery, George has also delivered specialist training to law firms, mentored junior team members, and contributed to academic research on Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, an area where he is now seen as a market leader. He’s twice been nominated for South-East Emerging Dealmaker of the Year.

Now fast-tracked for Director, George Thresh continues to redefine what client-focused, collaborative leadership looks like in modern corporate finance.

Michael Hartley – Audit Senior Manager, Kreston Reeves

Michael Hartley has spent his 12-year career challenging expectations, first by entering the profession straight from school, and now by helping a mid-tier firm thrive in the highly regulated world of listed audits.

As Audit Senior Manager at Kreston Reeves, Michael plays a central role in one of the firm’s most ambitious growth areas: providing audit services to Aquis, AIM, and Main Market LSE clients. In a field typically dominated by larger firms, he has helped Kreston Reeves carve out a distinctive position, offering listed clients a rare blend of technical expertise and personal service. He acts as lead audit manager for several of these clients and has directly contributed to winning new business worth over £350,000 annually.

Since 2021, the department has grown by between 16% and 33% year-on-year. But Michael is equally focused on how that growth is achieved. He proactively plans workflows, identifies pinch points early, and ensures recruitment stays ahead of demand. As a result, his team continues to record minimal overtime, a reflection of his commitment to sustainable working practices.

Michael is also driving innovation. He was involved in the rollout of Data Analytics across the firm and in integrating DataSnipper into audit testing. He continues to explore new technologies that can improve both audit quality and team morale.

Thabiso Matsau – Senior Training & Technical Manager, HaysMac 

Thabiso Matsau’s career has been defined by a powerful dual focus: technical excellence and inclusive leadership. Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa with one of the Big Four, he quickly distinguished himself through his work ethic, precision, and people-first approach. After relocating to the UK in 2021, he joined HaysMac and was promoted to Senior Manager within just one year, a reflection of both his talent and his impact.

Now Senior Training & Technical Manager and Co-Chair of the firm’s DEI Committee, Thabiso plays a leading role in shaping the next generation of accountants. He has been instrumental in redesigning HaysMac’s graduate recruitment assessment programme, launching peer-to-peer learning initiatives, and building training plans for both London and Cape Town offices. His approach to development blends rigour with empathy, ensuring future leaders are technically capable, culturally aware, and confident in their identity.

Over the course of his career, Thabiso has supported the development of more than 200 graduates, guiding them from recruitment through qualification. His presence at assessment centres and in retention programmes is grounded in his belief that accountancy should be accessible, diverse, and genuinely inclusive.

Under his influence, HaysMac’s internal culture has evolved in measurable ways. According to the firm’s latest staff survey, 92% of employees say they never feel the need to mask or downplay who they are, and 87% believe everyone can succeed, regardless of background.

Daniel Medlen – Managing Director, Aspreys Accountants

Daniel Medlen’s journey into the profession began with a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Kent, followed by ACA qualification with PwC Gibraltar. At 27, Daniel also secured his ICAEW practicing licence and launched his own firm from scratch.

Today, Daniel is the Managing Director of Aspreys Accountants, now serving more than 500 clients and generates £1.4 million in fee income. Under his leadership, the business has grown both organically and through acquisition, building a team of 16 and developing a strong advisory capability that spans budgeting, cash flow, reporting strategy, and increasingly, exit planning for businesses between £1M–£15M turnover.

What sets Daniel apart is not just entrepreneurial drive but a commitment to shaping the future of the profession. He fosters a strong training culture at Aspreys for both ACA and ACCA students and actively engages with local colleges and universities to promote the profession, offering talks and work experience opportunities to help future accountants get their start.

Daniel is also focused on how accountancy must evolve to stay relevant, particularly through the adoption of AI. He sees technology as a catalyst to deepen client relationships and improve practice operations, and is already building for that future.

Ed Wallis – Director, ZEDRA

Ed Wallis joined ZEDRA as a graduate in 2016. Nine years on, he now leads a 25-person team as Audit and Statutory Director, responsible for the firm’s largest clients and consistent revenue growth of 10–20% year-on-year.

After qualifying as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant in 2019, Ed’s leadership potential was immediately recognised. At just 25, he was promoted to Technical Manager—a newly formed role he shaped from the ground up, while managing a broad portfolio and offering technical reporting advice. He progressed to Senior Manager and achieved Responsible Individual (RI) status in 2023, bringing strategic insight and energy to a growing leadership team.

Now as Director, Ed is helping to shape the future of ZEDRA’s audit function, expanding the client base, mentoring future leaders, and embedding a high-performance culture. His impact is clear in both business and team metrics: 50% of ZEDRA’s audit management team is home-grown talent, supported by Ed’s hands-on mentoring of ICAEW students through exams and qualification.

Ed’s client relationships are equally impressive. He has secured ZEDRA’s largest audit client to date and regularly travels to the US to build and maintain relationships with international clients—contributing to ZEDRA’s strong retention record.

Ed’s advocacy for innovation is matched by his commitment to audit quality and exceptional service delivery. His leadership helped the firm win Innovative Audit Firm of the Year at the International Accounting Bulletin Awards (2018) and secure a finalist spot for Audit Team of the Year at the upcoming Accounting Excellence Awards.

Sam Inkersole – Director, Tax Consultancy, BKL

Sam Inkersole’s journey from audit trainee to tax director says a lot about his drive, expertise, and evolving leadership. Since joining BKL in 2015, Sam has carved out a unique path, transitioning into tax, gaining his CTA qualification with first-time passes, and rapidly becoming one of the firm’s most commercially impactful figures.

He’s not only led complex tax work for multigenerational family businesses but has also helped reshape BKL’s own tax function. His technical specialisms span cryptoassets and family investment companies (FICs), both areas he’s helped expand for the firm. He sits on the CIOT’s Cryptoasset Working Group and continues to build thought leadership through articles in Tax Insider, ICAEW TAXline, Taxation, and Tax Journal, alongside frequent webinars and video content.

Now a key member of BKL’s Tax Ops Board, Sam has played a central role in unifying processes following the merger with Wilson Wright. He also helped create BKL’s dedicated business tax team and recruited the firm’s first business tax semi seniors. That team went on to win Best Business Tax Practice at the 2024 Taxation Awards.

Sam was previously named a 35 under 35 in 2022, and his trajectory since only reinforces his place in this year’s cohort. Whether it’s mentoring younger colleagues or steering tax strategy for the firm, he exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking, people-centred leader.

Alexander Wall – Director, Xeinadin

Alexander Wall has spent the majority of his 10-year career with Xeinadin, progressing rapidly to Director and Responsible Individual (RI), with a confirmed track to partnership. ACA-qualified and holding a practising certificate, he is also an ICAEW training counsellor and certified ATOL Reporting Accountant.

Alexander oversees a portfolio worth between £750,000 and £1 million, spanning audit and non-audit clients across multiple sectors, with a particular specialism in the travel industry.

During the pandemic, Alexander played a critical role in helping his travel sector clients—many of whom lost over 90% of their revenue overnight—navigate crisis response, maintain compliance, and renew their ATOL licences. Supporting these businesses through recovery and witnessing many of them thrive is one of his proudest career moments.

As RI, Alexander has led audits for some of the UK’s largest travel businesses, as well as private equity-backed group structures, which demand precision, complex audit delivery, and clear communication with senior stakeholders. His responsibilities extend to ABTA and ABTOT submissions, adding further regulatory complexity to his remit.

Beyond technical excellence, Alexander is a committed mentor and advocate for team development. He champions training initiatives within the firm, helping to build robust and high-performing audit teams.

Catherine Trant – Senior Tax Manager, Saffery

Catherine Trant is a dual-qualified ACA and CTA professional, currently working as a Senior Tax Manager in Saffery’s International Private Client advisory team. Since joining the firm from EY in 2022, Catherine has rapidly become a trusted adviser to high-net-worth individuals, trustees, and family offices, combining deep technical expertise with clarity, precision, and care.

Her ability to distil complex tax matters into actionable advice has made her the go-to adviser for clients and colleagues alike. She was named an eprivateclient 2024 NextGen Leader, recognising her standout contribution to the profession.

Catherine has been instrumental in helping Saffery and its clients adapt to major UK tax reforms introduced in the Finance Act 2025. She attended technical seminars and conferences off her own initiative to master the new regime, then turned that knowledge into bespoke restructuring advice for affected clients, proactively offering clarity and reassurance amid industry-wide uncertainty.

Beyond her advisory role, Catherine is a passionate mentor and team player. She tutors colleagues preparing for professional exams, supports junior staff, and is widely credited as the ‘glue’ that holds her team together through her generosity, empathy, and reliability.

Her contribution also extends into the wider community. Catherine regularly provides pro bono tax advice, recently hosting a tea and coffee morning on inheritance tax for families with elderly relatives, and organising a dinner for young entrepreneurs navigating start-up tax obligations.