London Office
John Leyden, FCA
John qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1989 and spent seven years with KPMG before joining the firm.
He has extensive experience across all areas of the firm’s services, with particular specialisms in business advisory, tax planning and investigations, corporate finance, due diligence, and share option schemes.
John also acts as a part-time Finance Director for several companies backed by venture capital and business angel investment. Throughout his career, he has been involved in around 50 fundraisings, 35 acquisitions, and 20 business disposals, as well as in resolving shareholder disputes and undertaking business valuations.
He has significant experience in dealing with HMRC enquiries, including cases involving tax fraud investigations.
As a highly respected leader within the firm, John is known for his supportive and collaborative approach, guiding his team with integrity and fostering a culture of professional development and excellence.
Beata Zuzel
Beata serves as Carbon Accountancy’s Practice Manager and Compliance Officer, ensuring full compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), anti-money laundering regulations, and the practice assurance frameworks of both the ICAI and ICAEW across the firm. She is also responsible for financial control and company secretarial duties.
With extensive experience in company formations and day-to-day company secretarial matters, Beata is highly skilled at resolving issues with Companies House, particularly where discrepancies arise from incorrect filings or processing errors.
A dedicated member of the Carbon Accountancy team since 2014, Beata is committed to supporting both staff and clients efficiently and effectively. She oversees the delivery of high-quality client services while managing internal processes to ensure operational efficiency. Acting as a vital link between the company director and management team, Beata facilitates clear communication and alignment between strategic objectives and day-to-day operations.
Amit Kamboj, FCCA
Amit is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), having qualified in 2001.
Amit joined Carbon in 2014 and brings extensive experience in managing and delivering audit, accounting, and business advisory services to our corporate clients.
Amit has worked across a broad range of sectors, including property development, manufacturing, hospitality, non-profit organisations, charities, legal practices, and FCA-regulated entities.
Chris Haris
Chris is a member of the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) and has a degree in Mathematics.
Chris joined us in 2014, since when he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the business affairs of our clients. He is therefore well equipped to anticipate the services required and the best way of delivering these.
Chris specialises in providing audit, accounting and business advisory services to our corporate clients. He is also well equipped to ensure that appropriate advice is given on all corporate and personal tax matters.
Nimesh Ghimire
Nimesh is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), having obtained his qualification in 2008.
Nimesh joined Carbon in 2015, where he is responsible for managing audits for small and medium-sized owner-managed businesses, as well as for international groups, charities, and not-for-profit organisations.
Additionally, he offers comprehensive accountancy and taxation services to a diverse portfolio of clients.
Tetyana Bystrova
Tetyana is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), having obtained his qualification in 2008.
She joined Carbon Accountancy in June 2019, following experience in practice.
Tetyana provides comprehensive support to clients, including the preparation of statutory accounts, corporation tax returns, R&D tax credit claims, VAT returns, internal audits, and personal tax returns. She also manages audits for small and medium-sized companies, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Gaurav Shrestha
Gaurav is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), having qualified in 2014, and joined the Carbon Accountancy Team in October 2016.
Gaurav coordinates Carbon’s Personal Income Tax Team, also assisting individuals requiring Self-Assessment Tax Returns. He also has experience in assisting with Statutory Accounts, Corporation Tax Returns, and R&D Tax Credit claims for SMEs.
Ann Stainer
Ann joined the Carbon Accountancy Team in 2011 and specialises in Company Secretarial and Payroll as well as Employment Related Securities and EMI Share Options.
Ann has experience with Company Formations as well as day-to-day company secretarial matters, including resolving problems with Companies House.
In relation to payroll, Ann will ensure that the payroll is produced in a timely manner and that you are kept fully informed of the amount to pay HMRC and when to pay. Ann has considerable experience in dealing with HMRC when issues arise over payroll.
Upkar Karmacharya
Upkar is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and holds an MBA in Business. He joined the Carbon Accountancy team in 2019 and manages a diverse portfolio of owner-managed businesses across various industries.
With strong technical expertise and a proactive approach, Upkar has extensive experience preparing Statutory Accounts, Corporation Tax Returns, Statutory Audits, Management Accounts, and Personal Tax Returns. He is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals by providing clear, practical advice and ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Joel Haris
Joel obtained his MSc in Physics in 2017 and has been with Carbon Accountancy since 2018, having previously spent a year as an intern with us. He completed his studies in early 2024 and is now a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Given his degree, Joel has a passion for science and technology businesses. He has experience producing Statutory Accounts and Corporation Tax Returns for SMEs and assists with Statutory Audits. He has translated his passion for science into assisting numerous clients with R&D Tax Credit reclaims.
Samir Shrestha
Samir has been a valued member of the Carbon Accountancy team since 2018. During this time, he has gained extensive experience working with a diverse portfolio of clients across various sectors. Samir plays a key role in assisting clients with Grant Audits, Statutory Accounts, Audits, Corporation Tax Returns, Personal Tax Returns, and VAT Returns.
Known for his attention to detail and commitment to delivering a high standard of service, Samir ensures that clients meet their compliance requirements efficiently while also helping them understand the financial implications of their business decisions.
Michael Lam
Michael joined Carbon Accountancy in November 2023, having worked in both practice and industry for over ten years.
He is responsible for preparing Company Statutory Accounts, Corporation Tax Returns, VAT Returns, and Management Accounts and assisting with Personal Tax Returns.
Alex Piotrowska
Alex has been a valued member of the Carbon Accountancy team since 2014, bringing extensive bookkeeping experience across a wide range of industries, including the building trade and technology sectors.
Her responsibilities include bookkeeping for clients, preparing and submitting VAT Returns, and managing payroll and pension submissions for a wide range of clients. Alex is proficient in multiple accounting software packages, including Sage Line 50, QuickBooks, Xero, VT+, and Dext (Receipt Bank), as well as payroll systems such as Xero Payroll and Sage 50 Payroll.
With her strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, Alex ensures that clients receive reliable, efficient, and professional financial support tailored to their business needs.
Daiga Lazdina-Racenaja
Daiga is a Bookkeeper and has been a valued member of the Carbon Accountancy team since 2020. She brings over 30 years of extensive experience working in accountancy practices across the EU and the UK, providing a strong foundation in financial management and client service.
Daiga is responsible for managing client bookkeeping and preparing and submitting VAT returns, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting. She is highly proficient in a wide range of accounting software, including Sage Line 50, Xero, QuickBooks, VT+, and Receipt Bank (Dext), which allows her to streamline processes and deliver efficient solutions for clients.
Reetu Gurung
Reetu joined Carbon Accountancy in 2024 and is currently studying towards her ACCA qualification. She provides support to clients with bookkeeping and the preparation of VAT returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards. Reetu is experienced in using a range of accounting software, including Xero, VT+, Sage, Dext, and Hubdoc, enabling her to manage client records and financial data efficiently.
Geraldine Marechal
Geraldine joined the Carbon Accountancy team in 2024 in an administrative capacity, supporting the smooth running of the office and its day-to-day operations. She is responsible for managing Carbon’s reception and postal systems, ensuring that administrative processes run efficiently and professionally.
With her organised approach and strong communication skills, Geraldine plays an important role in maintaining a welcoming and well-coordinated office environment.
Sunetra Shrestha
Sunetra joined the Carbon Accountancy team in 2025 as part of the administrative department. In this role, she assists with company secretarial filings, day-to-day administrative tasks, and provides support to the reception team with all reception duties.
In addition, Sunetra contributes to the delivery of payroll services under the supervision of senior staff, ensuring accuracy and compliance across all client accounts.
With a proactive attitude and a commitment to developing their professional skills, Sunetra plays a valuable role in supporting the smooth and efficient operation of the firm.
Sara Killen
Sara joined the Carbon Accountancy team in 2017 and provides valuable support across several key areas of the business. Her responsibilities include assisting with the preparation of Probate and Lasting Power of Attorney forms, Wills, as well as supporting the firm’s credit control function.
Sara is known for her organised approach, attention to detail, and dedication to ensuring that all administrative and client matters are handled efficiently and professionally.
Reading Office
John Leyden, FCA
John qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1989 and spent seven years with KPMG before joining the firm.
He has extensive experience across all areas of the firm’s services, with particular specialisms in business advisory, tax planning and investigations, corporate finance, due diligence, and share option schemes.
John also acts as a part-time Finance Director for several companies backed by venture capital and business angel investment. Throughout his career, he has been involved in around 50 fundraisings, 35 acquisitions, and 20 business disposals, as well as in resolving shareholder disputes and undertaking business valuations.
He has significant experience in dealing with HMRC enquiries, including cases involving tax fraud investigations.
As a highly respected leader within the firm, John is known for his supportive and collaborative approach, guiding his team with integrity and fostering a culture of professional development and excellence.
Gaurav Shrestha
Gaurav is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), having qualified in 2014, and joined the Carbon Accountancy Team in October 2016.
Gaurav coordinates Carbon’s Personal Income Tax Team, also assisting individuals requiring Self-Assessment Tax Returns. He also has experience in assisting with Statutory Accounts, Corporation Tax Returns, and R&D Tax Credit claims for SMEs.
Rachana Karki
Rachana is an ACCA-qualified accountant (2024) who joined Carbon Accountancy in 2019, bringing with her extensive experience in practice since 2011. She provides a wide range of services to clients, including the preparation of statutory accounts, corporation tax returns, personal tax returns, VAT returns, and bookkeeping.
Rachana also holds an MBA in Business and is committed to delivering high-quality, client-focused support across all areas of her work.
Pranil Shrestha
Pranil joined Carbon Accountancy in September 2025, bringing over three years of experience in accountancy practice
His responsibilities include managing day-to-day bookkeeping, preparing and filing VAT returns, producing statutory company accounts, and handling both corporation and personal tax returns. Pranil holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Roehampton and is currently working towards his AAT qualification.
Clare Lacey
Clare is our Office Manager, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office and ensuring the team remains on track. She also ensures the firm’s compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), anti-money laundering regulations, and the standards of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Clare studied Business, HR, and Marketing and has held a variety of roles across different sectors, gaining expertise in project management, training, and marketing. Her broad business knowledge and organisational skills make her an invaluable member of the Carbon Accountancy team.
Rhonwen Nicholson
Rhonwen is an experienced bookkeeper who has been working with us since 2011. She has more than twenty years’ experience in all aspects of bookkeeping, so has an in-depth understanding of departmental bookkeeping, multi-currency accounting, factoring and research and development.
Rhonwen has forged strong working relationships with a wide range of clients and ensures VAT returns are completed on time, while also preparing reports for year-end accounts.