I own and manage my own practice as part of the TaxAssist Accountants network and trade under this branding. With the help of a fantastic team, we operate through two locations in northside Dublin: Raheny and Fairview.
In partnership with my colleague, Chris Mannion, we will be opening a third premises in Galway before the end of 2021.
Being a part of TaxAssist Accountants gives me access to superb marketing and technical support. We effectively have a support team that would normally only be possible within a much larger practice.
A lot of small business will have accumulated large tax debts, and this will be a huge cloud over them when trading is back to normal
We operate through shopfront premises and welcome walk-ins. In normal times we would encourage clients to drop in for a chat any time. We do hope to get back to that!
I completed my final exams in 2006. Becoming an ACCA member has, without any doubt, been absolutely the best career decision I have made. I love being a part of the ACCA community, and all the trainees that I’ve had working with me over the years have all trained and qualified with ACCA as well.
If anyone shows even the tiniest interest in a career in accountancy, I am immediately off on my favourite subject – why ACCA is the only choice!
Our accountancy firm is focused on accountancy and taxation services for small businesses and personal taxpayers. Our main focus is always on making life as easy as possible for our clients, who include doctors, consultants, landscapers, bike shops, nail bars, cafés, builders, tradesmen, acupuncturists and engineers.
We also have a lot of personal tax return clients and do one-off work on capital gains/inheritance tax issues. Tax planning is at the core to everything we do.
During the pandemic we communicated constantly with our clients. We focused on providing the latest information on the support available and how these were to be accessed; in most cases we applied for these on behalf of clients.
A key action that could be taken by government to support businesses recovering would be to extend rates relief and the interest-free time for tax warehousing. I think tax forgiveness will need to be considered for some as well.
A lot of small business will have accumulated large tax debts, and this will be a huge cloud over them when trading is back to normal. Enforced debt repayment could effectively close an otherwise viable business.
Everyone knows how they were affected by the pandemic, but not everyone is aware of how others were affected. A campaign to help acknowledge this would be hugely positive and could be an opportunity for Ireland to raise the bar for the general level of compassion within our society. It could help us all heal and move on.
The most important business lesson I have learned in my career is that one person cannot do much! Hire well, support and look after your team. They will then look after your clients and customers.
