Leona
Feeney

Who I help

Sole traders, partnerships, and Limited companies.

How I help

Accounts Compliance. Tax Compliance. Statutory accounts. Management accounts.

“My goal is to meet and exceed my clients expectations.”

Leona Feeney is a Business Advisory Manager based in our Mallusk office. She oversees a diverse portfolio of clients, providing comprehensive support in areas like year-end accounts, management accounts, and tax assignments.

As the primary point of contact for her clients, Leona ensures that all inquiries are addressed promptly, offering expert guidance while working closely with her team to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Her role is built on fostering relationships, maintaining clear communication, and delivering tailored solutions that meet each client’s unique needs.

Building strong client relationships

For me, the ideal client relationship is one built on trust, expertise, and open communication. I aim to create an environment where clients feel confident in our skills and know that we are here to guide them every step of the way. It’s crucial that we maintain regular communication, allowing us to stay aligned with the client’s goals and address any concerns as soon as they arise. Keeping this connection strong ensures that we can provide the best possible advice, leading to more effective decision-making and business outcomes for our clients.

Understanding client expectations

I believe clients expect more than just technical expertise—they want us to understand the intricacies of their business and the industry-specific regulations that impact them. My goal is to meet and exceed these expectations by staying up to date on the latest accounting standards, tax laws, and sector trends. Clients appreciate not only the quality of our work but also the timeliness of our services, from delivering reports to filing necessary documents. I make it a priority to respond promptly to inquiries and ensure that everything is completed on schedule, providing clients with the peace of mind they deserve.

Learning from each client experience

What excites me most about this role is the diversity of clients I get to work with. Each client brings unique challenges, which means I am constantly learning and developing new skills. Whether it’s helping a small business with their tax planning or supporting a larger corporation with their financial reporting, I thrive on the opportunity to problem-solve and find innovative solutions. I’m fortunate to have a strong support network within my team, where we regularly share insights and learn from each other’s experiences. This collaborative environment not only helps me grow but also ensures that our clients benefit from a wide range of expertise.

Balancing Virtual and In-Person Interactions

In today’s world, I find that a mix of virtual and in-person interactions works best. Virtual meetings are incredibly convenient and offer great flexibility, allowing us to connect with clients quickly and efficiently. However, I don’t think virtual meetings can fully replace the value of in-person interactions. Face-to-face meetings help build a deeper connection and allow me to get to know the client on a more personal level. I find that this blend of virtual and hands-on approaches strikes the right balance between efficiency and relationship-building.

Changing Perceptions of Accounting

There’s a common misconception that accounting is purely about crunching numbers, but my experience tells a different story. A large part of what we do involves strategic thinking, problem-solving, and helping businesses navigate complex challenges. Whether we’re advising on tax strategies or helping to optimise financial processes, we play a crucial role in driving growth and supporting business success. I take pride in being part of that journey, showing clients the broader value that a skilled accountant can bring to their business.

A People-First Approach

One of the things I value most about working at AAB Group is our people-first culture. AAB’s belief that “Nothing is more important than our people” resonates with me deeply. Our team is recognised as the company’s greatest asset—our skills, creativity, and commitment are what drive the business forward. The organisation provides plenty of opportunities for career development and training, which is key to staying at the top of our field. There are definitely times when the workload can be demanding, but the flexibility we have helps maintain a healthy work-life balance.