ABOUT P.O’N. CARDEN

On the day Philippe became eligible for a practising certificate, Guy Fawkes’ Day 1977, he set up the practice. A few months later the client list grew from three clients and no actors to five clients and two actors. This development chimed with Philippe’s own interest in the theatre and word of mouth brought new clients – actors, stage managers and theatre technicians of all kinds. One of these became Head of Technical Courses at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (‘LAMDA’) and invited Philippe to give an annual lecture on How To Survive the Tax System. Soon the lecture was also requested for the LAMDA actors. Other drama schools joined the bandwagon and the list now includes not only LAMDA but also Central School of Speech and Drama and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

The client base, while still predominantly from the world of theatre, has broadened to include television, film, opera, dance and stand-up comedy both on stage and backstage, in front of camera and behind it. Away from the performing arts, writers, painters, designers of all kinds have joined the client list.

Philippe’s loyal team has grown gradually over the years to include a Tax Manager and accounts preparation staff. The return of Philippe’s elder daughter, Mondane (ACA 2009), to the practice in 2012 was a welcome modernising influence and she became a partner in 2015. She is shaping the strategy of the practice as we face the challenges generated by the increasing digitalisation of tax and commercial activities and changes in the patterns of work of our clients and our team.

Bespoke offering

We provide a tailored range of services from compliance – accounts, Tax Returns, VAT and payroll to advisory – business growth and tax planning.

Clear tax advice

We offer detailed tax payment timetables and guide you through HMRC’s requirements. We are a Making Tax Digital ready firm.

Friendly service

Our family-run firm offers a personal approach and consistency where clients feel confident that they are in safe hands.

Specialisation in the Arts

Years of experience in the field has given us a wide breadth of knowledge across the whole spectrum of performing arts.

We are proud to be partners with QuickBooks

Accounting software that helps you create custom invoices, manage VAT and see your data in real time.

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MEET THE TEAM

Philippe Carden, MA, FCA

Partner

Philippe began the practice in 1977. Loving the world of theatre, he soon set up the firm’s niche, specialising in the tax affairs of actors, stage managers, technicians, directors, writers, producers as well as comedians, musicians and artists of all kinds.

Mondane Carden, BSc, MAAT, FCA

Partner

Mondane re-joined the practice in 2012 and she deals with the accounts and tax of sole traders and limited companies, advising entertainers and businesses in the creative industries. She splits her time between Derbyshire and the office in Ewell.

Andrew Fairmaner, BSc, MAAT, ACCA

Manager

Andrew started with the firm in 2013. He reviews the accounts and tax returns for sole traders and limited companies. He also submits VAT returns and processes payroll. Andrew qualified with the ACCA in May 2019.

Diane Morgan

VAT Preparation

Diane works on the VAT returns for a number of high-profile clients and has been with the firm for over 30 years.

Nikki Wilkinson

Accounts Preparation

Nikki joined the team in September 2017. She works part-time, preparing accounts for sole traders.

Jessica Lapping

Accounts Preparation

Jess began working at P O’N Carden in June 2018. She prepares accounts and drafts tax returns for sole trader clients.

Kate Thurlow

Administration

Kate often meets the clients and she helps out with the administration part-time. She can also turn her hand to number-crunching.