I like the problem-solving that comes with my role. Meeting clients, expanding into new areas and training staff in new processes are among the favourite parts of my job.
I work on audit, accounting and taxation mainly. In our audit work, as well as meeting the statutory compliance obligations, we aim to make the process an informative and value-added experience for our clients. In tax, the goal is to ensure full compliance while using our specialist experience to optimise outcomes and minimise any tax cost to our clients.
Joining Xeinadin has given us better opportunities
Sheil Kinnear is one of the largest and longest established accountancy practices in the south east. We have offices in Wexford and Arklow, employ 40 people in total, and have been part of the Xeinadin group since 2024. Joining the group has given us a more national profile and better opportunities. Given the many specialisations within the group, there are also growing opportunities to take on specialist work.
There are lots of new opportunities arising from AI and cloud computing that will change the role of the accountant going forward. We are seeing some of them already. I believe these will make our job more interesting and help with real-time reporting and analysis.
The mood is generally optimistic on the economy
There is an uptick in M&A activity at the moment. Some clients are exploring opportunities to sell their business while others are looking at succession planning. The mood is generally optimistic on the economy although there is certainly some sense of caution about expansion and spending.
It has been a positive year for me for professional development. I’m involved in the ACCA practitioner panel and our own south-east network. Joining Xeinadin has also opened new opportunities for me and helped expand my professional network within Ireland and in the UK.
Balance is very important in life and in work. It is important for me to separate professional and family life as much as possible – it’s one of the reasons I prefer to go to the office to work. I like the outdoors, and the nearest beaches – in Kilmore and Rosslare – are only 15 minutes away and I can walk there with the dog at the weekends. I do some cycling, and also play golf and am involved with the local GAA club where my sons play.
I’ve always believed in not overcomplicating things. Many years ago, someone told me about the KISS approach (keep it simple, stupid!), and I’ve followed it whenever I can.
