Richard Vass

“Technology is changing audit faster than at any point in my career. Used well, it spots risk sooner and gives boards more confidence in their numbers.”

Richard is Head of Audit & Assurance, a Partner at Price Bailey and a member of the Board. With 38 years’ experience and a practice-wide remit, he leads audit and assurance engagements for SMEs, large corporate groups and financial services businesses, with a particular focus on owner-managed, entrepreneurial and growth businesses.

Richard joined Price Bailey in 2007 and has played a key role in the growth of our City of London office. He works with clients across sectors including property and construction, financial services and technology. He is known for high-quality, commercially focused work that gives leadership teams confidence in their numbers.

How I help clients

• Leading audit and assurance engagements for SMEs, large corporate groups and financial services businesses.
• Sharing insight from the audit process that supports better-informed business decisions.
• Using data analytics to strengthen audit quality and focus on the areas of greatest risk, and preparing for AI.
• Overseeing audit strategy and quality management standards across the firm as Head of Audit & Assurance.

Career Highlights

2007 – Joined Price Bailey as a Corporate Partner through the merger with Coombes Wales Quinnell, where he had been a partner for more than ten years

2019 – Joined the Board

2023 – Appointed Head of Audit & Assurance

External roles

Richard serves as a governing member of Chelmsford High School for Girls academy trust, supporting its governance and compliance.

Q&A

What’s the best part of the work you do?

The variety. Every client has different objectives, and I enjoy helping them find the best way to meet them.

Most rewarding moment?

Winning major clients. Those wins mean the firm is trusted with significant work, and they benefit the client and the firm alike.

How has the role of audit and assurance changed in recent years?

Significantly. Audit is more regulated and more compliance-focused than ever. At the same time, technology is changing how we work, and the pace is quick. Data analytics already lets us test whole populations of transactions rather than samples, and AI will take that further.

What do you enjoy outside work?

Aside from relaxing with family and friends, I am a keen follower of cricket and rugby union. Most of all, I like getting outdoors, whether that is cycling, walking or playing golf. I have also spent the last four years learning French, and my Duolingo streak has taken me into the Diamond League.