Daria Watson
Head of Commercial Finance
Daria is Head of Commercial Finance at Harper James, working closely with the executive team to support strategic decision-making, drive business performance and help deliver the firm’s growth ambitions.
An ICAEW-qualified chartered accountant, Daria combines financial analysis with strong commercial insight to help inform business strategy and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.
Before joining Harper James, Daria worked at a large retail business, where her role focused on strategic investments, acquisitions, disposals and partnerships across a diverse portfolio. Working across finance, commercial teams and senior stakeholders, she helped assess opportunities and shape the future direction of the business.
Daria began her career with a Big Four accounting firm, where she trained as a chartered accountant. That foundation, combined with her subsequent commercial experience, enables her to look beyond the numbers and consider the wider strategic and operational factors behind business decisions.
At Harper James, Daria uses that experience to provide the executive team with clear financial insight, support effective decision-making and help ensure the firm has the financial foundations needed to achieve its long-term plans.
Outside work, Daria is an avid runner and has completed 11 marathons as well as numerous fell races. She is always looking for her next challenge, although life is currently just as busy raising a young child. As a family, they spend as much time outdoors as possible, hiking and running together.
