Devon
Gilmore

Who I help

Owner managed businesses. Individuals. Family Businesses. SME’s.

How I help

External audit compliance. Statutory accounts preparation. Accounting advice.

Sectors/ support

Construction & Property. Retail, Leisure & Hospitality. Agriculture.

“I strive to ensure that I provide the best quality of service to all of my clients”

Devon Gilmore is an Audit Assistant Manager based in our Newry office. She leads and delivers high-quality external audit services for a wide variety of clients including owner-managed businesses, individuals, family businesses and SME’s.

As Assistant Manager Devon also provides support to junior members of the team, helping them to develop their understanding, knowledge and grow within the firm.

More than just ticking a box

“There are times where clients might see an audit as just a tick box exercise- something that is required by law, time consuming and really an extra task that they can often do without. However, that’s not the attitude a client will have when our audit is finished. We provide an efficient and painless service that takes away the stress for clients. Ensuring that we set deadlines and expectations at the start so there’s no surprises and the project can run smoothly. I want to leave a client knowing that the audit we’ve performed has helped with efficiencies at their end because we’ve suggested improvements and added value.

Providing a high-quality service isn’t just an expectation of our clients, it’s an expectation I have of myself also. I aim to be available to my clients when they need advice and support. I always go the extra mile to meet and exceed the clients’ expectations. I believe doing so strengthens the relationship and helps to build trust. That’s how we ensure that we deliver for our clients each and every time.”

Appreciation for our service

“When working with a client, it is very satisfying when a client genuinely thanks you or the time spent helping them/pointing them in the right direction. Their thanks and appreciation make a huge difference and shows that they see the value in not only the service we provide but also in the outcome.”

Supporting the next generation

“When working with colleagues it is very satisfying to see the progress junior staff make when we invest the necessary time in to offer them support and advice. It’s amazing to see them become more confident and competent in their work. I always remember the staff members who took the time to help and train me, that’s something I’ll never take for granted and it’s something that I want to use to give back so I can have the same impact on some of my colleagues starting out in the accountancy world.”

Helping clients no matter where they are

“Advancements in technology have enabled us to provide quality audit services virtually. It is now possible to complete an audit from start to finish without ever meeting the client and this works best for some of my clients who are actually based in America.

However, we still have clients that prefer to have you out at their premises for a few days to give them and ourselves complete focus on the audit.  Attending a client’s business sometimes help to gain a better understanding of processes and I also feel like it can help build the relationship as you are able to put a face to the name.”

Combatting challenges with organisation

“The greatest challenge for me is to ensure that my colleagues and I are constantly working efficiently and ensuring we meet filing deadlines as we understand the potential impact this could have on or clients.

We manage this by continually reviewing the filing requirements per month and prioritise those who require to be filed. Having regular meetings with our manager helps to manage workloads and to ensure that there are sufficient teams available to meet the requirements.”

We’re not the bad guys

“Often when visiting a clients’ premises they consider the auditor to be the bad guy who is there to find problems. We are just normal people with the aim to provide the best service we can and to help your business succeed. We are on the client’s side!”