A LEYBURN-BASED accountant has been given a prestigious award by her professional body.

The Association of Accounting Technicians, the professional membership body, overseeing standards and awarding skills-based accountancy and finance qualifications to its members, has recognised the contribution and expertise of Leyburn accountant Dawn Clarkson and honoured her with the Past President’s Award of 2019.

The citation on the certificate recognises “her outstanding contribution to enhance the reputation and prestige of the association”.

It also highlights her exemplary approach in building and running her local practice and setting-up a supporting and one-to-one coaching service. She has also been a willing volunteer for the AAI particularly in its response to Government consultation with the professional body.

Much of this work entails analysing aspects of financial legislation, proposed by the Treasury. She also visits members to support and ensure standards are maintained.

Ms Clarkson has been in business for 20 years, first starting out working from her kitchen table in a cottage at Harmby. Now she oversees a thriving practice offering accountancy and financial services along with coaching and advisory work to clients across the region.

She also runs the sister company of Wills and Co – both are based at Thornborough Hall. Leyburn. and is an active member of the Lower Wensleydale Business Network.

Ms Clarkson said: This award means a great deal to me.It came out of the blue and I am truly humbled.”