The opportunity that was too close to home to pass up.

Clear from the start

It didn’t take long for Chloe to feel at home. Within a couple of weeks of starting, something about the office stood out.

“It was clear that the team was so close-knit and everyone was there to help everyone. Everybody was so approachable – it made learning and gaining an understanding of the industry so easy, because no question was too big or small. It was clear that you as a person mattered to ifac.”

From bookkeeping to ACCA – and beyond

Chloe’s role has evolved considerably since she joined. She started on the bookkeeping side of things, moved into accounts preparation – which progressed in complexity over the years – and in 2021 began taking on capital tax and succession planning work.

It wasn’t an area she had expected to be drawn to. “I didn’t think I would have much interest in it initially, but now I really enjoy it. No two cases are ever the same, and it’s very rewarding work helping clients tax plan.”

2021 was also the year she qualified with her ACCA. Studying while working full-time is no small undertaking, and the moment that email arrived confirming she had passed her final exam stands out as the milestone of her time at ifac so far.

“The satisfaction it gave made all the hard work and sacrifices over the years worthwhile. Working full time and studying isn’t easy – but it was so worth it when I got that email to say I was qualified.”

A sense of community that runs through everything

For Chloe, what sets ifac apart is the sense of community and the personal touch – both internally and in how the firm serves its clients.

The Dungarvan team in particular she describes as close-knit, friendly and down to earth. She also points to ifac’s 365 approach – the ability to provide a full range of services to clients across departments – as something that genuinely makes a difference.

“The best thing about working with the ifac team is the sense of community and how friendly everyone is. It is such a nice place to work and you feel extremely valued as a member of staff.”

The relief on a client’s face

Day to day, Chloe’s work spans accounts preparation, tax returns, succession planning and capital tax work. She values the variety – no two clients are the same – and the relationships that come with it.

“I love meeting with clients and establishing a good relationship with them. It adds the personal touch and gives me a better understanding of their needs.”

Succession planning is the work she finds most rewarding. The stakes are high – families wanting to ensure a business passes smoothly to the next generation, without an unexpected tax burden getting in the way – and getting it right matters enormously to the people involved.

“Seeing the relief in clients when you explain a potential plan that would facilitate their wishes without a huge tax bill – that’s lovely reassurance for the client, and it gives me great satisfaction.”

Life in Ballymacarbry

Outside of work, Chloe enjoys walking and going to the gym. She has recently built a house in Ballymacarbry, the village she’s from – something that feels very much in keeping with the local roots that drew her to ifac in the first place.

Her advice? 100% go for it.

For anyone considering a role at ifac, Chloe is straightforward: “100% go for it. The sense of community and the friendly nature of the company is invaluable. It is such a nice place to work and you feel extremely valued as a member of staff.”

The kind of person who thrives here? “A team player who is willing to work with and help others.”