Clive Aherne is a qualified Chartered Accountant with more than 10 years’ post-qualified experience. Before joining TaxAssist Accountants Ireland, Clive worked as a Senior Manager with PwC and previously trained with a small accountancy practice in Cork.
After considering the opportunity to run his own practice serving SMEs and individuals, Clive joined the TaxAssist Accountants franchise network in December 2009 and opened his Cork City shop in April 2010.
Since launching his practice, Clive has achieved consistent year-on-year growth, building a successful accountancy business with a strong reputation in the local business community.
Building a successful accountancy practice in Cork
Clive attributes much of his success to the proven TaxAssist Accountants franchise model, including the visibility provided by the retail shopfront location and the ongoing support from the Support Centre.
"The growth of my business has been in line with my expectations and business plan. Year-on-year my practice continues to grow and the number and quality of leads being generated is increasing steadily. Part of this I put down to the shop front as it provides a highly visible shopfront in a prominent location.
"Like any new business it takes a while to develop, but mine developed in-line with the expected trend for a franchisee, which is faster than if I set up alone. The first few years are challenging as you develop a client list, take on staff and manage the cash flow of the business. I prepared a realistic business plan and updated this regularly."
Sales and marketing support for franchisees
Like many accountants moving into self-employment, Clive recognised that marketing was not naturally one of his strongest skills. One of the major advantages of joining TaxAssist Accountants was gaining access to proven sales and marketing systems, training and support.
"I have had great support from the Support Centre, who are always on hand to answer any queries I have or to bounce ideas off of, whether these are technical or general practice management queries. The biggest help though has been in the sales and marketing area, as like most other accountants marketing would not previously have been my strong point. Being part of TaxAssist Accountants has given me access to excellent sales and marketing training, tried and tested campaigns and adverts and sales approaches that do work."
Why Clive chose the TaxAssist Accountants franchise
Before joining TaxAssist, Clive researched a number of business opportunities and accountancy franchise models. What stood out most was the combination of independence and support.
"I always wanted to work for myself and was considering setting up a practice with sole focus on the SME sector. I also wanted to operate my business with better price transparency, as historically the SME sector got poor service and were charged high fees.
"Starting a business on your own can be scary and the benefit of being part of TaxAssist is that you have a network of people who have ‘been there and done that’ and you can use this experience, as well as having a sounding board for ideas and issues. Coming from a ‘Big Four’ background, this was also important as I was used to having technical help and guidance on hand when needed."
Franchisee of the Year Award 2014
Clive’s hard work and business growth were recognised when he received the TaxAssist Accountants Ireland ‘Franchisee of the Year’ award.
His achievements include:
- Growing a successful accountancy practice in Cork City
- Building a strong and loyal client base
- Employing and developing a growing team
- Achieving high lead conversion rates
- Delivering consistent year-on-year business growth
What have been the highlights of running a TaxAssist franchise?
- Opening my office on 26th April 2010 in the same month my first child was born... a very productive month!
- Getting to the first 100 clients
- Getting my first wage
- Employing staff – every time I hire someone – there are now five of us
- Winning ‘Franchisee of the Year’ and also running three marathons in the same year!
Advice for anyone considering an accountancy franchise
Clive encourages anyone considering an accountancy franchise to carry out detailed research. Also "speak to as many people as possible before you make a decision as the more information you have the better. Also, meet with the Support Centre team a few times to get to know them and ensure you can work together.
"Prepare a detailed, realistic business plan and review it regularly and be prudent about cash flow. You will be surprised how accurate your projections will eventually get as you gain year on year experience. Most importantly, give it time to develop and use the systems that are available"
Looking to the future
Clive continues to focus on growing his practice, increasing fee income and expanding his team while continuing to deliver excellent service to SMEs and individual clients across Cork.
His journey demonstrates how the TaxAssist Accountants franchise model can help experienced accountants successfully transition into self-employment with the backing of an established brand, proven systems and ongoing support.
