What was your first job?
I’d like to say ‘potato supply chain manager at the age of 14’, but that would be embellishing the truth as my first job was picking and packaging potatoes for a local farmer. My financial career started while I was still studying at Queen’s University, Belfast. I worked throughout my degree in a small accountancy practice in Co Armagh, starting with accounts preparation and building from there to add tax services. My international tax experience really took off, however with HMRC, being involved in highly complex international tax issues, the large business ‘High Risk Corporate Programme’ and coordinating HMRC’s operational efforts following the state aid decision by the EU.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a BSc in accountancy and BA in professional studies in taxation.
What do you attribute your success to?
My success, I believe is down to two things - hard work and supportive colleagues. I am thankful to come from a family with an incredible work ethic so I have never known anything else but hard work. I have also been fortunate to work with people who have taken the time to invest in my development and guide me in my career.
How would you describe yourself to someone who had never met you?
I would say that I am loyal, determined and a quiet thinker.
Who do you look up to in business?
There is no single person that I look up to. Instead, I have huge admiration for anyone who has built a successful business (large or small) from the ground up and still managed to remain grounded. At Grant Thornton, it’s these very people that we are privileged to work alongside as our clients.
How do you get the best out of the people who work for you?
I don’t believe there is a universal approach to ‘getting the best out of people’. I prefer to treat people as individuals on their own unique career journey and do my best to equip, support and encourage them to unlock their potential. Having joined Grant Thornton earlier this year, I can see how well aligned that philosophy is, with the hunger of all staff to continually grow the firm and themselves.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
I would like to see the corporation tax rate in Northern Ireland match, or at least be competitive with, the rate in the Republic of Ireland. I think this would aid foreign investment into the region, benefitting the local economy as well as providing large multinationals access to a highly skilled, well-educated workforce.
What website or app could you not do without?
In my profession, I rely heavily on the Tolley’s suite of online resources for legislative information and relevant commentary.
What was the last book you read?
For anyone that has a toddler, they’ll not be surprised to hear it was The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson which I love reading to my two-year-old. We’re also embarking on building a new home so for me it was Housebuilder’s Bible by Mark Brinkley. Everything a self-builder needs to know about managing their own building project.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
We are starting our own self-build project. I’m personally loving the process of getting into the detail - researching options, materials, suppliers, etc. but also loving the interest and excitement my three young sons are showing.
