Claire Barnes

Director, Audit

Claire is an ACA-qualified Audit Director who combines strong technical capability with a clear, relationship-led approach to help clients achieve their goals. As the principal contact for her portfolio, she delivers comprehensive audit and accounting services to a diverse range of businesses.

Her expertise spans multiple sectors with a particular focus on financial services, media and creative industries, and technology. She has deep experience in complex group structures, FCA-regulated entities, listed businesses and specialist disclosure requirements. Skilled in both UK GAAP and IFRS, she leads statutory audits that are efficient, well-structured and commercially focused.

Beyond audit, Claire supports clients with advisory engagements including due diligence, forensic investigations and valuations. Her background also includes experience working in industry, giving her a practical understanding of how finance functions operate.

With more than 10 years’ experience, she takes an active role in developing Gravita’s people and culture, delivering technical training, mentoring teams and drawing on her previous career as a qualified teacher.

Services

Sectors

Technology Financial Services Media and Creative

Locations

Gravita charity bulletin – Q1 2026

21st January 2026
 
We’re pleased to introduce the Gravita charity bulletin – a new audit and accounting quarterly update for trustees, finance leaders and senior teams across the charity sector. Charities are operating in an increasingly difficult environment. Regulatory change, public...
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Why the FRS 102 amendments mark a tipping point in the evolution from bookkeeping led finance to fully outsourced finance

21st January 2026
Written by: Tanveer Mahtab-Ahmed
For many UK SMEs, the finance operating model has remained consistent for years. A trusted bookkeeper maintains accurate records, VAT returns are submitted on time, and the accountant steps in at year‑end to prepare statutory...
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How the FCA cryptocurrency gateway will work in practice

19th January 2026
Written by: Daniel Howarth
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published new detail on how its cryptocurrency gateway will operate under the UK’s forthcoming cryptoasset regulatory regime. The FCA has provided important clarity for cryptoasset firms preparing for authorisation...
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How modern outsourced accounting really works

19th January 2026
Written by: Tanveer Mahtab-Ahmed
Outsourced accounting has evolved significantly over the past decade. Cloud platforms, real time data and secure digital access mean finance teams no longer need to sit in the same office to work closely together. Yet...
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What you need to know about registering for payrolling benefits

19th January 2026
Written by: Rebecca Aimey
As we approach the start of a new tax year, it’s a great opportunity to review how employee benefits are managed on your payroll. One option many employers are choosing is payrolling benefits, a government...
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VAT

Packaging, hot food and VAT. What the Morrisons case means for food retailers and takeaway businesses

16th January 2026
Written by: David Gage
HMRC has once again demonstrated its willingness to challenge the VAT treatment of hot takeaway food, as illustrated by the recent Tribunal decision in WM Morrison Supermarkets Ltd v HMRC. For food retailers and takeaway...
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