Catch up with Sylvia Gallagher | Tax Associate at INSPIRED

1.How did you get started in tax, and what made you choose this field?

I began my studies at Ulster University’s Magee campus, where I initially pursued a degree in Accounting with Marketing. During my time there, I had an incredible lecturer whose enthusiasm for accountancy sparked my interest, and I really enjoyed the tax modules within the course. I then made the switch to the Accounting with Taxation course, and I graduated in 2022

2. What was your first job, and what did you learn from it that has helped you in your current position?

My first job was as an art and design technician at my local grammar school, where I worked while studying at Magee. Although that role was very different from what I do now, I gained valuable skills that I’ve been able to transfer to every job since, whether that’s learning how to communicate with both teachers and students, collaborate within a team, manage fast-paced situations, and work independently.

3. What differences have you noticed transitioning from a big four firm to INSPIRED?

One of the biggest differences for me has been the work-life balance. I have a partner and an 8-year-old daughter, INSPIRED embrace a ‘9-5’ working day as the ‘norm’, while there are projects that might require staying an extra hour or two in busy-season, there’s no pressure to work overtime throughout the year. It’s a great working environment and management set this example—they prioritise having lives outside of work too.

At INSPIRED I’m involved in a variety of projects for some of Northern Ireland’s leading businesses, a few of which were featured in Ulster Business’s Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies list, as well as other large businesses across the UK. In contrast to my experience at a big 4 firm, there’s no rigid structure, one day I could be working on an R&D or Patent Box claim, and the next I’ll be helping with Tax Advisory or Compliance, so no two days are the same. I also enjoy working with different people across the team, we support each other and there’s a great one-team approach.

4. What do you enjoy most about working at INSPIRED?

As I mentioned the work-life balance is a big plus, but beyond that I suppose it’s the experienced people I work with and can learn from. The mentorship culture here is great, it’s rare to have senior-level colleagues who are genuinely available for 1-on-1 guidance, if I’ve any questions on a challenging project, or want their opinion on something, they take the time to have a chat and offer advice, I work closely with our Tax Director Dominic Little, who has a wealth of experience working at large firms.

5. What is the most rewarding aspect of helping clients with their tax needs?

We have a great relationship with our clients, based on clarity and mutual understanding, it’s great when we take the complex and overwhelming details of tax legislation and organise them into something clear and easy to understand for the client. I also find that I can adapt knowledge from one project to another, every tax situation is unique, but many of the principles and strategies are transferable.

6. What do you do for fun?

I would say I’m a bit of a foodie, I love indulging in great food and wine, exploring new coffee shops and restaurants. I’m also a big fan of slow weekends, which sometimes consists of finding a great tv show to get hooked on.