Since 1948
Jack Ross Chartered Accountants has advised barristers on their tax and accounting affairs since 1948. Based in Manchester city centre, we currently act for over 200 members of the Bar across England and Wales – from pupils navigating their first self-assessment returns to King’s Counsel with complex tax planning needs. Our barristers’ practice is one of the largest specialist accountancy services for the Bar outside London.
Why Barristers Choose Jack Ross
- Specialist knowledge of the Bar’s unique tax rules – chambers VAT apportionment, the cash basis for barristers’ earnings, pupillage award taxation, and allowable expenses specific to self-employed practice
- Making Tax Digital ready – we are actively helping barristers prepare for the April 2026 quarterly filing obligations under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, including software selection and digital record-keeping
- Fixed, transparent fees – no hourly billing surprises. We agree fees upfront so you know exactly what you are paying. Get in touch to discuss your requirements
- A named accountant who understands your practice – every barrister client has a dedicated accountant familiar with the profession, available year-round and not only at self-assessment deadline
Meet the Team
Umar Memon BSc FCA
Managing Partner
Umar oversees the firm’s barristers’ practice and brings over 20 years’ experience in strategic tax planning, financial due diligence, and complex self-employment structures. A Leeds University graduate, he trained at BDO Binder Hamlyn before joining Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC) as an IT Auditor working with international companies. He joined Jack Ross in 1999, became Audit Partner in 2002, and founded the Jack Ross Leadership Academy in 2013. His combination of Big Four rigour and deep knowledge of the self-employed Bar makes him a trusted adviser to barristers at every stage of their careers.
Peter Black FCA
Senior Partner
Peter has been with Jack Ross since qualifying as a chartered accountant in 1979, becoming a partner in 1981 – giving him over four decades of institutional knowledge of the firm and its barrister clients. A Fellow of the ICAEW and Member of the Society of Expert Witnesses, he brings deep expertise in business valuation, succession planning, and audit. As engagement partner, he provides senior-level access and continuity that barristers value, particularly those managing the transition from employed pupillage to established self-employed practice.
Adam Backler FCCA ATT
Head of Private Client
Adam is the hands-on specialist who manages the day-to-day tax affairs of our barrister clients. His dual qualifications – Fellow of the ACCA and Member of the Association of Taxation Technicians – reflect a deep technical grounding in personal tax, capital gains tax, and indirect tax. He has particular expertise in the specific taxation rules that apply to the self-employed Bar, including allowable deductions, chambers expenditure, and the cash basis. For most barristers, Adam is the primary point of contact for tax returns, year-end accounts, and ongoing advisory work.
Talha Raja BSc ACA
Audit Director
Talha read Actuarial Sciences at the University of Manchester before training at Jack Ross and spending two years at PwC, where he gained Big Four experience across audit and assurance. Now returned to the firm as Audit Director, he handles sole trader accounts, limited company work, partnerships, corporation tax, and VAT – all directly relevant to barristers’ varied practice structures. His quantitative background and PwC training bring analytical rigour to every engagement.
Faisal Mustafa FCCA
Head of Outsourcing
Faisal combines traditional accounting expertise with hands-on experience in cloud-based digital solutions, serving as Head of Outsourcing and leading JacRox, the firm’s Xero cloud accounting division. For barristers preparing for Making Tax Digital’s April 2026 quarterly filing requirements, Faisal is the go-to adviser on digital record-keeping, software setup, and the transition from paper-based systems to MTD-compliant workflows. He provides responsive, practical client management throughout the year.
Jack Ross is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and is a Xero Gold Partner.
Have questions about how we work or what to expect? See our frequently asked questions page.
200+ barristers · 75 years · Manchester to London
