Meet the Team

Tony Hobbs FCCA

As managing director of CRM I have an overview of all activities, but have a particular interest in business development. This has evolved through a combination of working closely with clients on the financial management of their business, and background studying and courses that I have undertaken, which has led to the development of our Business Improvement Programme. Certainly for me this is the aspect of CRM that I have found the most rewarding and enjoyable. I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing clients succeed and knowing that CRM have made a positive contribution towards this success. I also enjoy working as a non-executive director for companies, providing strategic as well as financial input and support.

Away from the office I am interested in most sports, particularly Rugby Union, and also walking and climbing. I also have an interest in Martial Arts. I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children whenever possible.

Noel Heaven

After leaving Magdalen College School in 1979 I worked in accountancy practices in Oxford before joining CRM in 1990. I was appointed a partner in 1995 and subsequently became a director.

My particular interest is with the small business sector. I enjoy the interaction with the clients and discussing with them the various ways in which I can help them, and their business, to be successful. It is a very positive and rewarding experience to assist people to achieve their own goals and those of their business. Accountancy is much more than producing year end accounts and tax returns. Away from work I enjoy most sports ( as long as a ball is involved!), in particular football and cricket. I have supported Everton since 1968 so my loyalty to lost causes has never been in question! In the last few years I have started to play golf and my ambition is to hit the fairway on two successive holes. I am also a member of The Salvation Army and have played in the band for many years. If you need someone to blow your trumpet then I’m your man!

Alan Sowden FCCA, CTA

I joined CRM in 1998 as a trainee and after qualifying in 2001 sat my CTA exams to improve my tax expertise, as this was the area I was most interested in. I have been the technical director at CRM since 2004.

Twenty plus years on, this remains my main area of interest, and I particularly enjoy working on innovative solutions to help people achieve their aims and goals in a tax efficient manner. I have also always enjoyed helping colleagues achieve their potential by supporting learning and training within the firm.
My interests outside of work include practising and teaching martial arts, watching Rugby Union, and working on our allotment as well as commitments with charities and most importantly my family!

Jessica Mason FCCA, BSc (Hons)

After starting out in accountancy aged 17, I qualified as an accountant in 2006 and was appointed a Director of CRM in 2021.

I absolutely love my job! I work closely with my clients and strive to build strong relationships, provide them with hands on support and help them to understand their finances and achieve their goals. I particularly enjoy working with clients in the property and building sector.

Outside of the office, I am a voluntary director for a local pre-school. I have two young children who love to keep me on their toes.

Paul Skinner FCCA

I joined CRM in July 2004 at the age of 18 after finishing my A levels. I then went on to complete all 14 exams of ACCA and after sitting the final exam in December 2009 was very relieved to find out in February 2010 that I had passed and could call myself a qualified accountant.

My role at CRM means that as well as undertaking the normal tasks such as accounts preparation and tax work, I also assist in the mentoring and training of staff. I am also responsible for checking and implementing the systems we have. This also seems to involve assisting fellow team members with IT problems!!!

Away from work I enjoy most sports, in particular football and darts which I play and watch as often as I can. I had trials for Oxford United, Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United when I was younger but unfortunately I did not make it as a professional so went for the profession of an accountant instead!!!

I have supported Arsenal since I was 5 and was lucky enough to have played at Highbury before Arsenal moved stadiums. I was then fortunate enough to be offered a season ticket at Arsenal in 2007 and have held this since.

Rebecca Blake ACCA

I joined the team at CRM in 2011, having worked in industry for the previous 6 years. During my time at CRM I have gained my ACCA qualification and taken on various roles within the team.

I enjoy the variety of the role and really like working alongside our clients to help them succeed in business.

Outside of work my children keep me very busy, we love to be outdoors and when I am at home I love to bake.

Katerina Kurgane ACA

I joined CRM in March 2018 after training, qualifying and workings with several Oxfordshire firms. I now have over a decade of experience in accountancy and I enjoy the different aspects and challenges that it has to offer. These include meeting clients, learning about their businesses and finding solutions for clients’ needs.

When I am not at work, I like to spend time with my family and friends. I enjoy art, going to theatres and living an active life – walking, hiking, camping, cycling, playing tennis, surfing and standup paddleboarding (the list keeps growing).

Richard Phillips BA.FCA

I joined CRM in February 2022 and have enjoyed my time with the firm so far.

I am an experienced Chartered Accountant and have prepared accounts for several privately owned companies since joining the company.

Whilst my background was originally in auditing, I have had a lot of experience more recently in dealing with clients’ personal tax affairs. I enjoy handling both compliance work and advising clients as to how best to minimise the tax they have to pay in accordance with the legislation.

Above all, I enjoy meeting clients and hope to be able to benefit them from a tax and cash flow perspective.

In my spare time, I enjoy walks in the country, watching cricket following the fortunes or mostly otherwise at the moment of the England cricket team, reading biographies and detective novels and travelling to foreign countries.

Charlotte Joyce

I joined CRM in August 2014, having previously worked in both practice and industry, which has given me great experience and a platform which I hope will help both my ongoing studies and working responsibilities.

I am really enjoying my time at Chapman, Robinson & Moore, and I hope to grow with the business. I love learning new things and I have already developed my knowledge and understanding of practices and clients. I take pride in my work and hope to be of assistance to both colleagues and clients. It’s great to be part of a fantastic and talented team where everyone plays such a vital role in the business’ success.

Away from work, I have three young children who keep me busy. I love spending time together as a family at the weekend, as well as socialising with friends.

Jake Ormrod ACCA

I joined CRM in May 2018.

I enjoy the day-to-day challenges presented and working to find solutions for clients’ needs.

Outside of work I like to play with my giant abacus and collect stamps.

Hannah Briggs

I joined the CRM team in August 2021 and have recently begun studying for the ACCA qualification. I look forward to completing this and gaining wider knowledge and experience over the next few years. I am enjoying the variety of work and the wide range of clients we have.

Outside of work I enjoy horse riding and had my first lesson over twenty years ago! I have my own horse who keeps me very busy. I also enjoy training at the gym and dog walks with my partner to explore the countryside.

Jess Mendes

I joined CRM last year after having previously worked in industry.

I enjoy the variety of the day-to-day tasks and am currently studying the ACCA qualification.

Outside of work I enjoy yoga and socialising with family and friends.

Alison Weston

I joined CRM in December 2017 to support the administrative side of the business and to be the first point of contact for calls and visitors to the office.

Previously I have worked in the banking industry and also admin support roles.

Outside of work I enjoy swimming and reading and spending time with family and friends.

Jim Moore FCA, CTA, BA (Hons)

As a founder director of the business, my client work involves all aspects of accountancy.

My interests out of the office include golf and travel.

James Partlett

I started at CRM in the summer of 2022. I really enjoy problem-solving and taking a client’s books/records and turning them into a set of accounts.

During my spare time, I enjoy playing sports, dancing and socialising with my friends.

Julie French

I joined CRM as Office Manager in February 2023 after working for 20 years in banking and then 15 years as Office Manager and Bursar at a local primary school.

We have a great team at CRM and I’m enjoying supporting clients and colleagues to help them succeed.

Outside of the office, I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy listening to live music, travelling and tackling new challenges. For example, I have recently completed the 3 Peaks of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.