Sayer Vincent is excited to announce the appointment of two new partners: Jonathan Coyle and Farrah Kitabi. Both have been with the firm for many years, and their passion for the charity sector, wealth of experience and dedication to Sayer Vincent values have shaped their remarkable professional journeys.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at their paths to partnership and what their new roles mean for the future of the firm.
Jonathan’s journey
Jonathan joined the firm in 2007 as a trainee and quickly discovered that Sayer Vincent was a place where he could thrive. “From the very beginning, I was given real responsibility, and there was always support from the team. The variety of work, especially within the charity sector, was what really attracted me,” Jonathan reflects.
His time at Sayer Vincent has been defined by the opportunity to work across a broad range of clients and projects, “the exposure here is incredible. We work with so many different organisations, and no two days are the same.” Jonathan’s diverse experiences with charities have allowed him to grow quickly in his role, something he appreciates about the firm’s culture. “I know people in larger firms whose work is narrow, but here, you’re always learning, meeting new people and always growing. The progression was fast, and there’s always something new to challenge you.”
As Jonathan steps into his role as partner, he remains committed to what has driven his success: building authentic professional relationships and offering clear, practical advice. “For me, it’s about finding the right balance between technical compliance and clear communication. It’s important that we make things accessible, especially for those without a finance background,” he shares. His dedication to clear, actionable communication has always been central to his work with charities, helping them navigate complex financial landscapes.
Reflecting on the firm’s growth, Jonathan emphasises how Sayer Vincent has expanded while staying true to its core values. “When I started, there were five people in my intake, and now we have around 20. We’ve grown in size and capacity, but our mission of supporting charities hasn’t changed.” This organic growth is something Jonathan values, as it ensures that the firm’s strong culture remains intact while allowing it to evolve with the times.
Farrah’s journey
Farrah Kitabi’s career with Sayer Vincent started two decades ago, “I joined the firm just out of university and was looking to complete my ACA training contract,” she recalls. “That summer, I came across an advert for a firm that specialised in charities and not-for-profits, which made me curious. I didn’t think a firm like Sayer Vincent existed, but I thought it was somewhere I would like to work.” After completing her training contract, Farrah spent a few years with NSPCC’s finance team before realising that her skills were better suited to audit, prompting her return to Sayer Vincent ten years ago.
Over the years, Farrah has had the unique opportunity to work with a wide variety of charities, helping them navigate complex financial challenges. “Since coming back to Sayer Vincent, I’ve worked with hundreds of different charities. It’s been such a unique opportunity to try lots of different things. The culture at Sayer Vincent encouraged me to try new things and develop new skills in a supported environment.” Farrah values Sayer Vincent’s open, supportive culture, which has allowed her to develop both professionally and personally.
As a new partner, Farrah is looking forward to continuing to contribute to the firm’s success and mission. “For me, it’s about the investment in the firm and its values. I could be an auditor anywhere, but what makes Sayer Vincent unique is how closely our values align with those of our clients. We’re not just here to provide services, we’re committed to giving back to the sector and supporting our people to grow.” She also highlights the incredible impact Sayer Vincent has had on the charity sector, training professionals who have gone on to make a difference. “One of the best parts of working at Sayer Vincent alongside supporting our clients is training future finance leaders in the sector, whether that’s within or outside of SV.”
Farrah’s experience as a trustee also brings a unique perspective to her role as partner. “One of my strengths is the experience I’ve gained as a trustee, which helps me really understand the challenges our clients face. I also enjoy training clients to better understand finances, that’s something I’m passionate about and keen to develop further.”
Looking to the Future
Both Jonathan and Farrah are passionate about the firm’s mission to support the charity sector and the people who work within it. For Jonathan, becoming a partner is a chance to help shape Sayer Vincent’s future while staying true to its core values. “I’m looking forward to helping Sayer Vincent continue to make an impact, reach more organisations, and support the sector,” he says. He’s also focused on guiding the next generation of leaders. “My goal now is to ensure they are ready to take on the responsibilities of developing the firm and serving our clients.”
Farrah echoes this commitment: “I want to continue the firm’s success and ensure we keep having a positive impact on charities and social purpose organisations.”
As Sayer Vincent evolves, Jonathan and Farrah’s roles will be vital in preserving the firm’s values while helping shape its future. Please join us in congratulating them on this exciting new chapter, and we look forward to the continued positive impact they will have on the firm and the charity sector.
