Senior Management
David Wright - Audit & Accounts Manager
David joined GSM from university in 1997 as a trainee and worked his way through the ranks to his current position, qualifying with the firm in the process. He values the friendly atmosphere at GSM and the opportunity to gain all-round experience.
David manages a mix of commercial and not-for-profit clients, including several groups. He also oversees a number of technical areas within the practice.
Away from GSM, David is kept busy bringing up his young children. He is also a church elder and enjoys walking and studying wildlife with his family.
Iain McLellan - Tax Manager
Iain joined GSM in February 2024. He has over 25 years’ experience in tax having worked in small and medium sized firms in London and the surrounding counties, including a period in tax software design, and has a wide knowledge of personal taxation. The professional yet friendly atmosphere at GSM convinced him to make the move back into London.
Iain is primarily responsible for tax compliance and advisory work for our individual, trust and estate clients and is committed to maintaining the high standards and good working relationships that GSM clients have to come to expect. Since joining GSM he has also qualified to enable him to assist the firm with probate work.
In his spare time Iain enjoys cooking – he has appeared on TV (after being signed-up by his wife) and is a season ticket holder at Watford FC. In recent years his footballing loyalties more closely lie with Harpenden Colts Girls, for whom his daughter plays, and where he volunteers as a coach.
James Titley - Payroll Manager
James joined GSM in early 1994 as an assistant in the Computer and Reprographics Department after working on several cold building sites! His role at GSM has continued to grow from his beginnings in the photocopying room.
James and the payroll department now run over 120 company payrolls, covering approximately 1,150 individuals. He has a very good relationship with all our payroll clients, recognising that providing a flexible and efficient payroll month by month, (week by week if required), is vital for our clients and their employees – GSM and James deliver on all counts.
In addition, James provides the continuing support, maintenance and development of our IT department and is also involved with office management, facilities and Health & Safety issues.
James’ interests out of work include football and motor sports in particular F1. He has in the past owned and restored a classic Ford Escort MK1 Mexico and is always considering another project.
Jim Brodie - Audit & Accounts Manager
Jim joined the practice in 1986, after training with what was then known as a “top-twenty” firm and spending a short time in industry. Jim found GSM to be professional, friendly and responsive, in respect of both the work it does for its clients and internally. These qualities continue to this day.
Jim has a wide and in-depth knowledge of general audit and accountancy matters and has a particular interest in the charitable and not-for-profit sector. Outside of the office Jim’s interests include current affairs, most sports, especially football and cricket, and travelling to far-flung corners of the globe!
Leila Diabate - HR Manager
Leila joined GSM in February 2024, she has almost 10 years’ experience working in a diverse range of industry sectors which include, removals, aviation, accounting, food and beverage and FinTech. Leila thrives on supporting and developing talent within organisations, ensuring both employees and companies reach their full potential. Balancing this demanding career with being a mother to three wonderful children, Leila brings a nurturing yet strategic approach to her role. Her passion for fostering positive workplace environments and driving organisational success is complemented by her ability to manage the complexities of both work and family life.
Outside of work, Leila enjoys spending time with her children, family and friends. She enjoys socialising, traveling, listening to audiobooks and watching reality tv series.
Usha Thayaparan - Audit & Accounts Manager
Usha has been at Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co since 2011, joining the team as a graduate trainee. Since Usha qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant in 2015 she has been responsible for managing a mixed range of clients, providing compliance services as well as advisory services on matters such as VAT and integrated accounting systems. Usha has a particular interest in the charitable and not-for-profit sector.
Usha is very committed to building good rapport with our clients from day one; making our clients feel welcomed and enjoys supporting them through their business journey. She is keen in helping our clients to maintain improved internal reporting to assist with decision-making and finding suitable solutions to their business problem. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed and over her career, she has earned the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.
Outside the office, she enjoys spending valuable time with her family and friends. She also loves exploring the world of vegetarian food and using her creative skills in photography and pyrography (an art of drawing with “fire” on wood).
Vishal Shah
Vishal joined GSM in 2012 and in his words “instantly warmed to the ‘family feel’ environment”. He believes the firm is an ideal place to develop as a professional because the practice’s values and approach are very much in line with his own - doing things the right way.
Vishal prides himself in building strong working relationships with a wide variety of clients, ranging from farmers to treasurers of not for profit organisations. He also enjoys the fact that he has the opportunity in his role to deal directly with the owners of entities.
He likes to think that he is a safe pair of hands, whether it be teaching clients to use Xero online accounting, mentoring new colleagues or goalkeeping for the firm’s five-a-side team.
Outside of work, Vishal enjoys watching stand-up comedy, playing snooker, and is looking to resume an old hobby of his: Drawing.