Mark
Dearden

WHO I HELP

SMEs. Family-owned businesses.

HOW I HELP

Audit & assurance.

“AUDITS MADE SIMPLE, CLEAR AND STRESS-FREE”

Based in our Bolton office, Mark Dearden is an Audit Assistant Manager at AAB, bringing a sharp analytical mind and approachable personality to every client engagement. His journey into audit began with a strong love of mathematics, leading him to explore accountancy over other career options. What started as a week-long work experience turned into a summer internship, and eventually, a full-time career in audit after university.

Mark thrives on helping clients solve complex accounting issues, guiding them through intricate transactions, and demystifying the audit process to make it more accessible and stress-free.

THE PERSONAL TOUCH

“For me, building relationships with clients is just like building relationships with colleagues. If we understand each other and know what we both want from the start, everything runs much more smoothly. My non-negotiable? Being personable. Whether it’s a chat about the weekend’s football match or catching up on family news, adding that human touch makes the audit process far easier and more efficient.”

RELATIONSHIPS THAT MATTER

“A great example of a strong client relationship I built was when we took on a new group audit. The client had moved from a previous auditor due to a poor experience. By listening carefully and adapting my approach to their needs, I was able to build trust quickly. When challenges arose with complex transactions or tight deadlines, we worked through them together efficiently. The client’s feedback was clear – they wanted the same team for the next audit, which, for me, was the best compliment I could get.

What I enjoy most about working with clients is the variety. Each business is unique, with its own challenges, and there’s nothing more satisfying than solving problems that really make a difference for them.”

MAXIMISING RESULTS

My strengths come from combining analytical thinking with a people-focused approach. My background in pure mathematics gives me a natural problem-solving mindset, which I use to tackle complex audit challenges and find practical solutions for clients. Equally, I focus on mentoring and developing my team. By taking the time to understand how each person learns and works, I can tailor my guidance in a way that accelerates their growth. This upfront investment pays off in stronger, more efficient teams – which ultimately benefits the clients we support.”

TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITY

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was balancing work with caring for a close family member. By discussing flexible arrangements with my team, I was able to support my family while still meeting work deadlines. This experience taught me that clear communication and practical solutions are key, whether at work or with clients. I bring this mindset to every engagement – there’s always a way to overcome obstacles with collaboration and flexibility.”

BEING PART OF AAB

“Being part of AAB allows me to offer clients more than just audit services. The community and collaborative spirit in our Bolton office make delivering results efficient and enjoyable. And when a client needs additional support – whether tax advice, advisory services, or something else – I can connect them to the right experts. This ensures that clients get the full package of services they need in one place, making life simpler for them.”

ALWAYS LEARNING, ALWAYS IMPROVING

“While my main focus is audit, I also support our corporation tax team. This allows me to maintain and expand my knowledge of tax, from company-level transactions to group structures. I enjoy identifying tax implications and opportunities that can save clients money – combining my love of numbers with practical solutions that make a tangible difference to the business. I’m always keen to learn more about new trends and technologies that can improve the client experience.”

AUDIT WITH CONFIDENCE

“A common misconception is that audits are scary or stressful. I work hard to show that with a structured, friendly approach, audits can be straightforward. My goal is to break that expectation and make clients feel comfortable throughout the process.

The best compliment I can receive from a client is when they feel comfortable and relaxed during their audit. It’s a sign that my team and I have successfully broken the expectation that auditors are intimidating, providing a friendly, approachable, and supportive service.”

LOOKING AHEAD

“Ultimately, what drives me is helping clients feel confident in their financial position while solving complex challenges. I combine technical expertise, a personable approach, and a commitment to learning and development to deliver clarity, support, and practical solutions. Every client engagement is an opportunity to make a real, positive difference – and that’s what I love most about my role.”