Potter Finnegan

Business Details

Your Trusted Chartered Accountants in Ballymena

We are Potter Finnegan, a chartered accountancy firm built on firm foundations and renowned for our local and wider professional reputation. Our approachable and accessible team works closely with clients to deliver timely, tailored advice, ensuring informed decisions for business growth. With decades of collective experience, we combine technical expertise with a personal touch, supporting businesses from planning through growth to maturity. Our commitment extends beyond transactional services, focusing on adding strategic value and fostering long-term relationships. We pride ourselves on understanding clients' needs, providing clarity on accounting, taxation, and compliance matters.

Whether advising startups, established businesses, or family enterprises, we aim to be a trusted partner, adapting to evolving financial landscapes while maintaining accountability and transparency. Our services span annual accounts, audits, tax planning, VAT, payroll, and business advisory, delivered through digital solutions and personalized support. Recognising that each client's journey is unique, we prioritise proactive guidance to help navigate challenges and capitalise on opportunities. This dedication to service excellence and client investment has sustained our practice for generations.

Services

Annual Accounts Audit Services Tax Returns VAT Compliance Payroll Services Bookkeeping Business Set-up Advice Tax Planning Company Secretarial

Highlights and features

We combine decades of collective experience with a personal, client-focused approach.
Our team provides strategic advice tailored to your business's unique journey.
We prioritise transparency, accountability, and long-term relationship-building.
We offer comprehensive digital accounting solutions alongside traditional expertise.
Recognised for supporting businesses from inception through growth and maturity.

Associations and certifications

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

What people say

Highly professional Personalised advice Prompt responses Deep expertise Trusted partner

Website

Update Listing

Services

Annual Accounts

We prepare detailed annual accounts and management reports tailored to your business needs. Our service includes financial statement analysis and cashflow forecasting to support strategic decision-making. Leveraging digital accounting systems, we ensure accurate, timely submissions while providing insights to optimise your financial performance.

Audit Services

We conduct comprehensive external audits for businesses and charities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Our audits focus on transparency, risk assessment, and improving financial controls. With expertise in statutory and voluntary audits, we deliver actionable recommendations to enhance governance and stakeholder confidence.

Tax Planning

Our tax planning service minimises liabilities through strategic inheritance tax, trust, and business tax solutions. We provide compliance support for personal and corporate taxes, aligning with long-term business goals. Utilising Making Tax Digital frameworks, we ensure efficient, future-proof tax management.

VAT Compliance

We handle VAT return preparation and submission, ensuring adherence to HMRC regulations. Our experts advise on VAT schemes, reclaim processes, and cash accounting methods. By integrating VAT strategies with broader financial planning, we reduce compliance risks and administrative burdens.

Payroll Services

Our payroll service manages payroll processing, RTI submissions, and pension auto-enrolment. We ensure compliance with employment and tax laws while offering bespoke reporting tools. Clients benefit from seamless integration with accounting software, saving time and reducing errors.

People

Steven Potter

Director | Chartered Accountant

Steven Potter is a director and chartered accountant with expertise in strategic financial advisory. He supports clients in business growth, taxation, and compliance, leveraging over 20 years of experience to deliver tailored solutions.

John Finnegan

Director | Chartered Accountant

John Finnegan co-founded the firm, specialising in audit and business advisory. With extensive experience in statutory audits and corporate finance, he focuses on building long-term client relationships through practical, results-driven advice.

Emma McNeill

Practice Manager | Chartered Accountant

Emma McNeill manages day-to-day operations as practice manager. Her expertise in compliance and digital accounting systems ensures efficient service delivery, supporting clients with tax planning, business processes, and technology integration.

Gareth Reaney

Senior Accountant

Gareth Reaney is a senior accountant handling audit engagements and financial reporting. He advises clients on regulatory compliance, capital allowances, and business advisory matters, combining technical precision with client-centric service.

Chloe Crooks

Accountant

Chloe Crooks provides bookkeeping and payroll support, ensuring accurate financial records. She assists with Making Tax Digital compliance and cloud accounting system implementations, focusing on cost-effectiveness and data integrity.

Questions

What accounting services do you offer for startups?

We provide business set-up advice, incorporation, and cashflow forecasting tailored for startups, ensuring compliance and strategic financial foundations for growth.

Do you handle audits for charities?

Yes, we conduct charity audits and independent examinations, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards while providing governance recommendations for non-profits.

How can you assist with tax planning?

Our tax planning covers inheritance tax, business structures, and capital allowances, minimising liabilities while aligning with your long-term financial objectives.

What payroll services do you provide?

We offer full payroll bureau services, including RTI submissions, pension compliance, and integration with accounting software to streamline payroll processes.

Can you support business expansion?

We provide growth strategies, IT advice, and succession planning to help businesses scale effectively, drawing on experience with regional and national clients.

How do you use digital accounting systems?

We implement cloud-based solutions like Xero and QuickBooks, offering MTD compliance, real-time financial reporting, and training for seamless digital transitions.