About us

Sharing the load of business leadership

The supporting character in thousands of business stories

We’ve been supporting business leaders since 1919 – whether you need technical expertise, a fresh perspective or an experienced listening ear.

Today, we’ve over 980 expert colleagues, offices throughout the South and South West of England. We’re part of PKF International, one of the world’s biggest accountancy networks.

But our firm is not the important part. What’s important is your business, and the way we support you.

Talk to a PKF Francis Clark client; they’ll likely mention they feel supported and understood. And to us, that’s the most vital part of your accountancy service. The moment you call, we grasp the situation quickly – asking all the right questions, because we know you so well. 

It’s the reason why so many of our client relationships last not just years, but decades, sometimes generations. 

Generations of business support
Stat Nine

offices

Stat 980+

people

The largest independent chartered accountancy firm in South West England

Global reach as part of PKF International – ranked the 12th largest provider of accountancy services in the UK by Accountancy Age

A deep, mutual relationship with your business – backed by true global expertise

You’d be amazed how many renowned technical specialists you’ll find among our 980+ colleagues – not to mention the global PKF network. But even more important is the relationship you build with a consistent support team. 

It’s the perfect balance. And it gives you everything you need to succeed: 

Absolute confidence in your figures, insights, and advice. Every angle is covered; no detail’s missed – because we know your business and have all the experts under one roof. When you have decisions to make, we’re an honest sounding board and a critical friend. 

Freedom to choose any direction, knowing you’ll always be fully supported. We’re independent, with technical experts covering any choice you can make – and, usually, experience in your sector too. That gives you wider perspectives. More and better ideas. All your options are open. 

A big-picture view of the business behind the numbers. You’re leading a business in the real world, not on a spreadsheet. You have people to inspire. Challenges to fix. Targets to meet. That context isn’t just important; it’s everything.

A great place to work – and that’s official

Find out why PKF Francis Clark is among the UK’s best employers – for seasoned professionals and trainees too.

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Colleagues litter picking on volunteering day

Environmental, governance, and social commitments

We’re doing our best to be a positive influence in business, in our communities and in the world.

Our progress so far

Bringing business confidence since 1919

In November 1919, Somerset-born Francis S Clark founded the first accountancy practice in Newton Abbot, Devon, serving the thriving local quarry and railway industries.

Cafe owners doing book work

The young man’s innovative ideas – learned while training in Africa – proved successful. He grew prominent in the west country business community and led the town’s Chamber of Commerce. His colleagues, and the clients who would become his friends, came to know him as Frank.

Frank retired in 1946. But we think he’d be proud of the practice that still bears his name. 

 

We expanded into Torquay and, to give a better service, we’ve steadily opened more offices – first in Exeter, then Plymouth. Since 2000, we’ve added Taunton, Salisbury, Truro, Poole, and – on the 100th anniversary of Frank’s first practice – Bristol. Our latest office opening was Southampton in 2022.

We’ve grown globally, too, becoming part of PKF International. But more about that later. 

A forward-thinking firm – with time-honoured values

As we’ve grown, we’ve stayed true to the same values that made Frank so successful. These values guide our work and underpin everything we do.

  • The ingenuity to deliver – combining technical excellence with original ideas

  • The compassion to respect everyone – prioritising wellbeing and sustainability

  • The commitment to put the client first -fully understanding your needs and working with integrity and trust

  • The expertise to drive excellence – applying our knowledge to achieve the highest standards

  • The courage to be ambitious – bringing you new opportunities by challenging the status quo

We work hard to be an excellent employer, a positive part of the community, and a great partner for your business. Just like Frank did back in 1919.

We’re part of PKF Global – giving you international reach alongside our local support

PKF Global is a family of 214 independent accountancy practices across 150 countries. So, if your business needs support in international markets, we always have likeminded experts nearby.

Working across borders, you’ll need to account for local laws, tax systems, regulations and customs. Our network means we can give you that support.

It provides all the assurance of working with the world’s 15th biggest accountancy network, while still dealing with the same named accountant who fully understands your business.

PKF Francis Clark Taunton

Find your local PKF Francis Clark team

Each of our nine offices has its own skills and specialisms – let’s help you choose the perfect partner.

Our locations

How we make decisions

Find out how our board, partners and members committee work together to make great decisions and keep everyone up to date.

Our governance structure

But enough about us; let’s talk about you…

Ultimately, it’s your business that matters. Let’s talk about what you need, and how we can help.