Charlie
Clarke - Hughes

WHO I HELP

Individuals. Self-Employed individuals. High-net-worth individuals. Family-owned trusts.

HOW I HELP

Tax advisory. Tax compliance. Income tax. Inheritance tax returns. Estate compliance. Estate planning.

“Adding a personal touch to personal tax.”

Based in our Belfast office, Charlie Clarke-Hughes is a Private Tax Assistant Manager at AAB, working closely with clients to ensure their tax compliance is accurate, timely and aligned with their wider financial position.

Charlie moved into tax after completing an engineering degree, where the financial side of project management sparked his interest in accountancy. He has been client-facing from the start of his career, progressing through all stages of the tax return process and developing a strong understanding of both straightforward and complex personal tax matters. In his current role, he reviews personal tax returns, prepares inheritance tax submissions, and supports trust, estate and IHT planning work, combining technical accuracy with a calm, people-focused approach.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THAT GO BEYOND THE NUMBERS

“I believe strong client relationships start with taking the time to understand the full picture. Before looking at the numbers, I want to know where a client has come from, what matters to them, and what worries they may already be carrying. That approach has helped me build long-lasting relationships, even in situations that could easily feel transactional.

The most satisfying part of my role is seeing the relief clients feel when a worry has been taken off their shoulders. Helping someone finally understand why they owe what they owe – and often why it’s less than they feared – is incredibly rewarding.”

PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST

“One example that stands out was when I was working with a husband from Northern Ireland and a wife from Canada. Finding common ground – whether through family connections or even my very modest GCSE French – helped break down barriers and build rapport. Those small human moments often make a big difference when discussing complex or sensitive tax matters.”

A DEPTH OF UNDERSTANDING

“Having had experience through all levels of tax returns means I’ve seen the full range of issues that can arise – from simple queries to highly complex estate matters. Not only has this breadth of experience allowed me to anticipate problems early and explain solutions clearly, but it’s also built my strengths in attention to detail.

Before joining the profession, I also worked in schools and teaching. That experience has stayed with me and shapes how I work with clients today. I’m used to breaking down complicated ideas and explaining them in a way that makes sense to the individual in front of me. Tax doesn’t need to feel intimidating, and I see it as part of my role to simplify it.”

PRECISION YOU CAN TRUST

“My key strengths are attention to detail and a depth of knowledge built through hands-on experience. Having worked through every stage of the tax return process, I understand where issues are most likely to arise and how to address them early. This careful, considered approach helps ensure nothing is overlooked and gives clients confidence that their affairs are being handled accurately and thoroughly.”

BUILDING STRENGTH THROUGH EXPERIENCE

“One of the biggest challenges in my career was studying for and passing professional exams during COVID-19. Balancing a rapidly changing day-to-day role with remote learning and constantly evolving guidance required resilience and adaptability.

That period taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure and being flexible when circumstances change – lessons I apply daily when supporting clients through uncertain or stressful situations.”

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS, REAL IMPACT

“A particularly memorable case involved assisting a daughter who had been appointed in a will to manage an estate. It was an emotionally charged situation, but by carefully applying qualifying reliefs, we were able to structure the estate so that no inheritance tax was payable on a significant value.

Moments like that reinforce why I do what I do – combining technical expertise with empathy to deliver the best possible outcome.”

BEING A PART OF AAB

“What I value most about being part of AAB is the breadth of knowledge across the firm. No matter how niche a situation may be, there is always someone with experience who can help. That collaborative culture means clients benefit from the collective expertise of the whole firm, not just one individual.”

BREAKING THE STEREOTYPE

“One misconception I’d love to clear up is that accountants are boring.  At its heart, my role is about people, problem-solving and relationships – the numbers are just the language we use.”

LOOKING AHEAD

“I’m excited about the future of AI and automation for tax purposes – not just to improve efficiency, but to enhance accuracy and client experience. Understanding how to manage and troubleshoot these tools will be an important part of delivering even better outcomes for clients in the future.”