After graduating from Northumbria University in 1994 with a degree in accountancy, Graham qualified as a chartered accountant in 1998 and has over ten years' experience in audit, corporate accounts, not-for-profit organisations and pension schemes. His portfolio includes a wide range of clients including small owner managed businesses, larger companies/groups and a number of sixth form colleges and charities. He is also experienced in corporate finance, providing transaction support in areas such as due diligence and company acquisitions/disposals to the corporate finance team. Graham is currently chairman of the Teesside Society of Chartered Accountants and is due to continue in this role until the summer of 2007.