Our latest Spotlight is on RBK, an accountancy firm based in Ireland that offers a comprehensive range of audit, accounting, taxation, and business advisory services, including corporate finance, corporate compliance, payroll, HR, accounting and software, corporate recovery, and wealth management solutions to both domestic and international clients. Audit & Business Advisory Partner Brendan Mullaly answers our questions.
In your opinion, what is the future for your profession?
The Accounting profession is currently undergoing a lot of consolidation with a number of mergers and acquisitions including the introduction of private equity into the space. This will shape the landscape of our profession in the near future but there will continue to be an appetite and a requirement for strong independent firms who can offer multi services and maintain a healthy competition and a reasonable alternative to the larger firms.
What is your growth strategy?
Our strategy over the last number of years has been a combination of organic growth and mergers. We spend a lot of time researching firms that are a good fit for RBK and therefore we are very selective in choosing a merger partner. Our organic growth has been double digit over the last number of years and as a result that has taken a lot of our focus to manage.
Where do you see your firm 5 years from now?
We have been successful in growing our firm with increased services to match client needs and are recognised as an employer of choice and have achieved a ‘Great Place to Work’ accolade.
What is your biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge is recruiting quality and experienced resources at the appropriate levels.
What percentage of your work is international?
Approximately 15% – 20% of our work is international.
What business advisory services do you offer?
RBK offer the following business advisory services:
Statutory Audit, Internal Audit, Compliance Audit & Support, Risk Management, Corporate Compliance & Governance, Tax Compliance, Tax Consultancy, International Taxation, VAT, Wealth Management, Corporate Finance, Corporate Recovery, Personal Debt Solutions, Forensic Accounting, Value Acceleration & Exit Planning, Accounting Solutions, Business Applications, Payroll Solutions, Business Advisory, HR Consulting, Specialist Financial Recruitment and Technology Solutions.
What was your main driver for being part of BOKS International?
The international tax landscape is increasingly complex, and the complexity shows no signs of abating. Clients’ requirements are global and cross international borders. RBK are delighted to have recently become members of BOKS, and we look forward to working with our colleagues in the alliance to bring value-added solutions to our clients. Our membership of BOKS International gives us access to an extensive global network of professionals who will assist us and our clients to connect and to transact in the global marketplace.
Where do you see BOKS International 5 years from now?
We think BOKS International will have a wider presence worldwide, especially in the US.
How would you describe your typical client?
RBK’s typical client range from SME to mid-corporate and a combination of Irish and subsidiaries of international clients.
How do you target clients who are looking for international services? We run events and webinars on topics of interest to international communities, e.g. Transfer Pricing, International Tax, commercial property, budget updates, global mobility and we produce an annual ‘Doing Business in Ireland’ guide, which outlines the areas for consideration for international business setting up in Ireland. We also regularly meet with IDA Ireland – Ireland Government agency for attracting international business to Ireland.
Do you specialise in a particular sector or service?
We are seen as industry leaders in the Credit Union and Charity & Not-for-Profit sectors.
We are also well known for our expertise in the following sectors: SME, Family Business, Legal and Professional Services, Agribusiness, International Business, Technology, Healthcare and Medical care, Retail, Construction and Real Estate, and Hotel, Leisure, and tourism.
