Chris Vaulks

Chris is an Audit Partner based in our Newcastle office, working with businesses in Newcastle and across the wider North region including Leeds and Manchester.

As an experienced audit leader, Chris specialises in providing audit and assurance services to a wide range of businesses including medium and large private companies and AIM quoted organisations. He is focused on delivering high quality, robust audits while providing strategic insights through his breadth of experience.

Experience

Chris has extensive experience having worked in the audit profession for almost 20 years. Prior to joining S&W in 2025, Chris was at a Big 4 firm for 18 years from graduate trainee through to being a senior audit director in the North.

He has experience as the audit engagement leader on FTSE AIM 50 businesses, large and complex groups, and growing medium and large private businesses. While Chris has broad cross-sector experience, he has sector specific expertise in the areas of Technology, Construction and Manufacturing.

Chris has technical expertise in audit and accounts, financial reporting (including IFRS and UK GAAP), internal controls, and in governance issues facing both private and listed companies. He has broader experience as an ESG assurance leader alongside previous senior roles focussing on people, strategy, and technical audit and accounting topics.

He has worked with businesses through various transactions including acquisitions (buy and sell side), fund-raising and listing/delisting. His broad experience ensures Chris has an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing his clients.

Notable client work and achievements

Chris has worked on several large and complex audits including FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 businesses. He has been the audit engagement leader for FTSE AIM 50 companies and large private organisations.

Chris was named Accountant of the Year at the North East Accountancy Awards in 2017.

Professional qualifications/memberships

  • FCA Fellow Chartered Accountant of the ICAEW
  • ACA Associate Chartered Accountant Qualification
  • ICAEW Practicing Certificate
  • ICAEW Audit Qualification
Gettyimages 1366309281

Article

Navigating the new reality of international audits: Clarity, coordination and networks

As businesses scale across borders, their audit requirements scale with them. The past few years have seen a significant, but often understated, shift in how international audits are planned and delivered.

Auditdata Analytics Banner

Article

Unlocking value: How audit and data analytics strengthen business confidence

Harnessing data-driven insight to elevate risk assessment, audit quality and commercial decision‑making.

Contact Chris