Alex Horton

Partner at Moore Kingston Smith

Greater London, England, United Kingdom

About

I’m a partner in Moore Kingston Smith’s Media & Entertainment team. With over 15 years’ experience in guiding individuals and owner-managed businesses in the entertainment industry, I advise clients across film, TV and theatre regarding technical tax issues such as creative industry tax relief claims and a variety of HMRC tax inquiries. Partnering closely with actors, directors, writers, composers, social media influencers and production companies, I provide tailored advice around tax rules unique to the entertainment industry. I bring extensive expertise in cross-border tax matters, supported by my experience working with Los Angeles-based firms, overseeing US filing obligations and tax planning for UK clients. My career has been entirely dedicated to the sector, having worked my way up to partner at a specialist media and entertainment firm. I know that my clients are busy creatives seeking straightforward, pragmatic advice, and they consider me approachable and above all else trusted.

Experience

  • Partner at Moore Kingston Smith
    Feb 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mos

  • Blinkhorns Accountants (7 yrs 3 mos)
    • Partner
      May 2022 - Dec 2023 · 1 yr 8 mos

    • Senior Manager
      May 2019 - Apr 2022 · 3 yrs

    • Manager
      Oct 2016 - Apr 2019 · 2 yrs 7 mos

  • Financial Accountant at Tibra Capital
    Jul 2015 - Nov 2015 · 5 mos

    Contract role assisting with group annual audit at Tibra Capital, a quantitative research and investment group that utilises its shareholder’s capital across a broad range of investment strategies to facilitate liquidity, price fairness and efficient allocation of capital in financial markets, leading to growth in investor wealth.

  • Financial Accountant at Waverley Council
    Jan 2015 - Jul 2015 · 7 mos

    Contract role reporting to the Finance Manager in areas including: • Council wide project to design a new Chart of Accounts to ensure ongoing compliance with statutory financial reporting requirements (AASB) and enhance existing management reporting facility • 2015/16 budget preparation and quarterly budget review/adjustments • Monthly investment performance reporting to Council • Policy drafting and revisions to new policy proposals for recommendation to Council • Ad hoc support to the finance departmennt including accounts payable and procurement team

  • Blinkhorns Accountants (London, United Kingdom)
    • Manager
      Jan 2013 - Nov 2014 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Working directly with the firm's managing partner and responsible for a small team including overseeing graduate trainee development. Providing a premium and bespoke accountancy service to a portfolio of high profile leading creatives with a strong emphasis on client relationship management. Core responsibilities included: • End to end management of statutory accounts preparation process • Personal and corporate tax advisory, including advising on business restructuring (incorporations, dissolutions, restructuring shareholdings etc) • Taking ownership and supporting partner on HMRC investigations through to conclusion • Practice management duties including budget setting, WIP review and invoicing Consolidating and further developing existing skillset by undertaking more bespoke assignments including; overseeing and advising on the tax implications of Members Voluntary Liquidations (MVL's), liaising with overseas accountants on international tax matters and foreign tax return filings, and auditing of TV/film production budgets as a criteria for securing EU grant funding.

    • Semi Senior Accountant
      Nov 2009 - Dec 2012 · 3 yrs 2 mos

      Chartered training at a boutique medium-sized accountancy firm based in London’s west end specialising in the media and entertainment sector, with an emphasis on theatre and TV/film creatives. Periods of training spent in each of the firm's main service branches delivering experience in financial reporting (UK GAAP and IFRS), statutory audit, tax advisory (principally corporation tax, income tax, VAT & CGT), management accounting, company secretarial, bookkeeping and payroll. Experience working on a diverse client base comprised primarily of high profile and high net worth individuals, small & medium size companies, partnerships, LLP's and trusts.