James McElhinney

I was previously a partner at Scrutton Bland, Chartered Accountants based in Colchester and Ipswich. Scrutton Bland has a long relationship with Autism Anglia. The charity’s previous Chairman, John Sparkes had also trained as a Chartered Accountant with Bland Fielden (which later became Scrutton Bland) and Robin Twinn who was also a partner in Scrutton Bland had been Treasurer of the Essex Autistic Society for a number of years.

As I approached retirement in 2012 I was looking for a position as trustee of a charity where I could have some input and John Sparkes was looking for an Accountant to join the board, so it was a perfect fit.

Whilst having no knowledge or experience of autism, I think that my experience as an accountant brings an analytical approach to trustee matters without seeing everything in financial terms, whilst attempting to try and assist helping the Charity ensure its financial future.

I also retain a number of private clients which ensures that I remain up to date with the relevant accounting and legislative matters.  I am also a trustee for Emmaus in Colchester and Acorn Villages in Manningtree.