SCC’s Ronan Lappin talks move from PLCs to Accountancy

Just over five years ago, Maghery’s Ronan Lappin joined Armagh-based accountancy firm Sean Cavanagh & Co. Chartered Accountants and then, just last year in 2022, graciously accepted a Directorship with the company.

Despite having graduated from an Accounting Degree with Queen’s University, Ronan initially entered into Online and Marketing related forms of employment. The years in Marketing were well spent – having provided him invaluable insight into company growth and financial expansion – skills which would stand him in good stead in his move to Accountancy.

For now Ronan is enjoying life in his dream job, but if Manchester United were to begin scouting for new talent, he might just have the boots laced and ready under the table!

What is your role in the company and what does a typical day entail?

I am a Director at SCC and the best bit about my job is how most days are quite different. A typical day could include meetings in one of our 5 offices, going out to a client’s premises, heading to Dublin or London for a meeting or simply working from home.

What was your route into the company?

I completed an accounting degree in Queen’s University and following this I joined an Online and Marketing Graduate Programme at Paddy Power, based in Dublin. I worked with Paddy Power for 4 years in different areas of the business which gave me great insight and learning into a large and growing PLC. Following Paddy Power, I then joined Toals Bookmakers in Belfast as Head of Online and Marketing to help them launch and grow their online platform, and I remained there for 2 years. Following this, I joined SCC Chartered Accountants.

How long have you been involved in this type of work?

I have worked as an accountant for over 5 years.

Where did you work before this?

Paddy Power PLC and Toals Bookmakers.

What were your favourite subjects at school and why?

I always enjoyed Maths, probably as I found it easier for me. I was lucky that my school offered accountancy as an A level which give me an insight into this area, which I really enjoyed, leading me to do a degree in this subject.

Did you go on to university or further education and what did you study?

I studied Accounting in Queen’s University, Belfast.

Did you always have this career in mind?

No, even after my degree I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be an accountant. When I joined Paddy Power, I quickly learnt the importance of finance in every area of the business which grew my interest in the role of an accountant. Then, following spending some time with Toals, I decided I wanted to put my degree to better use.

What do you enjoy about it?

I really enjoy meeting new people and helping their business grow. I also enjoy providing advice that you can then see coming to fruition whether that be regarding tax, structure or other aspects of a business. The craic around the offices and nights out with SCC are also very good.

What are the main skills required for it?

With there being so many different aspects to accounting, it is difficult to narrow it down to certain skills. For SCC as a Practice, having a good variance of skills is very important as it means we have people who are suitable to such a wide range of tasks.
 
What would your advice be to anyone thinking of it as a career?

I believe having experience in other businesses helps you when it comes to advising clients on different aspects of their company so I would recommend gaining that throughout university or before entering an accounting degree.

If you could do any job in the world, what would it be?

I suppose I’m meant to say I am in my dream job? Playing for Man United doesn’t sound like a bad job and there has been a few occasions over the last few years you would think they aren’t too fussy on football ability so maybe there is a chance!
 
How do you relax when you’re not working?

I play football and when the weather is decent, I enjoy doing things outdoors.

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