About us

James de Frias has been developed into a firm that is recognised as providing a quality service.

The directors and staff are fully committed to the clients and will go that extra mile to ensure that they have a good working relationship, based on quality advice and speedy response.

It is a firm concept that although each client will have a lead director with overall responsibility, the client is very much a client of the firm. No man is an expert in every field. The best person for the job approach works well. That is recognised and the “Team” will look after the client. The “Team” includes the client; we all work together to achieve the goal.

James de Frias has invested heavily in both people, training and computer systems. That has resulted in a high degree of efficiency and competence.

As a firm we will work with you – not for you

Our Team Leaders

Adrian James FCA 

Adrian is the oldest member of the team, and like good wine has improved with age and experience.

Adrian has developed the practice to enable it to meet the needs of modern businesses by putting together a strong and motivated team that has depth of knowledge and expertise.

He is equally at ease in dealing with ordinary accounting matters as with problem solving and planning. Adrian strongly believes that accountants have to identify with clients and help them plan and develop their business. Straight talking is a must if clients are to be properly advised.

He is a great believer in the “Team” and will use the best resources of the practice to give the best possible level of expertise and service.

Adrian does not shy away from confrontation with HM Revenue & Customs or the banks. The client will always come first.

His close involvement with clients has enabled them to develop systems and to grow. It is important to him that clients succeed.

Adrian has one weakness, travelling. He believes that holidays are important, to renew the batteries, and to allow time to think. By helping clients to succeed they too can enjoy relaxed times.

Russell de Frias BSc FCA

Russell came to South Wales in 1987 having trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with a medium sized practice based in London and Surrey.

Particular expertise has been gained over the years with corporate entities and Russell heads up the audit section of the practice.

Whilst travelling around the world is one of Russell’s favourite pastimes he has also spent time abroad on business matters and views this as one of the advantages of being in the profession he is in.

Most people enjoy a drink or two but once again Russell has been lucky in being able to mix this pleasure with work as he has gained considerable experience with clients in the licensed trade whether these being pubs, clubs, hotels or restaurants.

Russell’s philosophy is “never give up on a dream” and this is particularly poignant as he is an avid Cardiff City supporter.

Darren Bowden BSc ACA

Darren joined James de Frias in August 1998, He graduated from the University of Glamorgan with a 2.1 honours in Business Studies and Chemical Engineering and after a sandwich course placement for a local firm of accountants in Devon, Darren decided to pursue accountancy as a career at the end of his degree. In 2001 Darren qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant after completing his training contract with James de Frias.

Darren completed the Pathways Examination to be admitted into the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in June 2008 and was immediately appointed as a Director of the company.

Darren now provides expertise in all areas of accountancy including accounts, tax and audit, he currently heads the tax department and specialises in charities audits, grant claims and loss of business claims.

Darren has over 10 years experience in working in practice, as well as an excellent working knowledge (including installation and set up) of SAGE and IRIS computer accounting and payroll systems.

In 2003, Darren took a 12-month sabbatical to travel to and around Australia and New Zealand. He is also a keen mountain biker, and competes throughout Wales and the west country in off-road endurance and team events.

Stewart Dethridge ACCA

Stewart’s accountancy career teed-off in 2001 when he was employed in the industry sector. He gained 18 months experience in a multinational company in which he achieved his AAT qualification and then made the transition to work in practice in September 2002 when he accepted a training contract with James de Frias.

With the training support received from James de Frias he successfully qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in August 2006 and now looks to further his Continual Professional Development by studying for the Chartered Institute of Taxation examinations.

Stewart is very competent in all aspects of accountancy including preparation of financial statements and taxation, in which he heads the VAT and Payroll departments of the practice.

Stewart would describe himself as a self-motivated person who thrives on any challenges posed to him and performs well in any ad-hoc situations. He is a sports fanatic who enjoys watching and playing football as well as golf in which he takes great pride in beating the boss.