Newsflash: It doesn’t matter how well your business is doing, if you don’t have the right systems in place and you’re unable to use the information you have to your advantage, you’re not going to be able to sustain your success long-term.
And that’s exactly why we do what we do.
Management accounts, tax and VAT returns, cash flow forecasts, payroll, auto-enrolment, financial reports and statements…. Phewww! It’s a lot. We actually enjoy taking responsibility for these for you – because the less you have to worry about, the better for you and your business.
Our dedicated, personal approach means that we’re always acting in the best interests of your business. No cookie-cutter, copy-paste advice here. Everything we recommend will always be based on identifying tax savings, undertaking personal, business and corporate tax planning, and instigating taxation health checks specific to your situation.
No more endlessly chasing responses to emails or driving yourself mad listening to the same hold music on repeat. With CGA you can expect fast response times and timely updates on your affairs, changes in legislation, and any new ideas we feel could help you achieve your goals.
Our mission is to ensure your return on investment with us far outweighs our fees. That’s why we offer bespoke, personalised support tailored to you, your budget, and your business needs.
Chelle joined CGA in 1991 and has led the firm through decades of change, growth and reinvention. Under her leadership, CGA has evolved into a modern, tech-driven, advisory-focused practice built around clarity, commercial thinking and straight-talking Yorkshire common sense.
An FCCA and Fellow of the ATT, Chelle specialises in helping business owners make confident, well-structured decisions. Her expertise spans company structuring, succession planning, share reorganisations, property strategy and exit planning. She combines strong technical knowledge with practical commercial insight, ensuring advice is not only compliant, but strategic and forward-looking.
Chelle believes the role of an accountant goes far beyond annual accounts and tax returns. Proper advice should protect wealth, improve profitability and support long-term planning. Clients value her ability to distil complex issues into clear options and, when necessary, to have honest conversations that others might avoid. She believes good advice should be clear, actionable and never unnecessarily sugar-coated.
Outside work, Chelle is heavily involved in Selby Cricket Club, where she seems to hold several roles at once (official and unofficial). A lover of horse racing and rugby, she can often be found at York or Twickenham – preferably followed by good food, good wine and a good thriller. The only physical challenge she voluntarily signs up for involves jumping out of a plane.
Claire joined CGA in 1998, having always been a lover of numbers, and has made herself indispensable ever since. Expert in Xero, Quickbooks and Sage, and with an unofficial title of ‘Head of Compliance’, Claire ensures that our client’s accountancy systems are fit for purpose; providing them with the right information to make informed choices and to help make their accounting year as smooth and effortless as possible.
There isn’t a piece of accountancy/bookkeeping software she cannot master and she’s always keen to learn new systems and work with clients to improve efficiency to free up time so they can continue to do the fun things they set-up their business to do.
Claire was invited to join Chelle as a Partner in 2007 – one of the youngest female Partners in York at the time – and although it was a very daunting prospect, she has never looked back. And, after a gruelling 2 years of studying for CTA in 2018/2019, she passed all exams first time and became a Chartered Tax Advisor whilst working full-time.
When she isn’t crunching numbers, Claire is a qualified Zumba Instructor – which helps balance out the glasses of wine she’s quite partial to. She’s also a huge sports fan, most notably Liverpool FC and horse racing.
Looking for accountants in York who offer straightforward advice, personal support and a proactive approach to your finances? CGA supports businesses in York, North Yorkshire and across the UK with accountancy, tax and advisory services tailored to their needs.
Our office is based near York in Escrick, in beautifully converted farm buildings surrounded by North Yorkshire countryside – a calm, welcoming space for face-to-face meetings, alongside flexible digital working. While we work with clients nationwide, we particularly enjoy supporting businesses in York, Escrick, Selby, Fulford, Naburn, Elvington, Riccall, Pocklington, Tadcaster and the wider North Yorkshire area, building strong, long-term relationships both in person and remotely.
Whether you need support with accounts, tax, VAT, payroll or ongoing business advice, we combine clear, practical guidance with a friendly, down-to-earth approach that makes managing your finances feel a lot less overwhelming.
