Say hello to...

This month the spotlight is on our Client Relationship Manager, Rica Gonzalez.

1. Can you tell us about your background?

I went to college and university on a two-plus-two degree in Accounting and Finance while I worked part time for a small accountancy firm in Aberdeen. The experience I gained working with real businesses confirmed my desire to work in this field. I've been in practice for around 10 years now and I qualified as a chartered accountant with Acumen in 2023. I'm currently furthering my knowledge by undertaking CTA studies to be a qualified chartered tax adviser specialising in owner managed businesses which I feel is very relevant to the clients I encounter day to day.

2. What do you hope to achieve at Acumen?

I hope to qualify as a Chartered Tax Adviser next year undertaking areas such as owner managed businesses and inheritance tax. With this under my belt, I can provide further support to Acumen in this area which fits perfectly with our client base and their needs.

3. What challenges does Acumen face?

I read an article recently that Accountants were on a list of possible jobs that are at risk from AI or ChatGPT. Hopefully, with the relationships that we have built with our clients, this would never be a realised challenge.

4. What do you enjoy most about your job?

The variety when it comes to the people I interact with and the work itself. It's great to have such a diverse growing client portfolio where I can really get to know the business and the owners. No two businesses are the same, and therefore finding solutions to help is greatly satisfying. Although I deal with numbers daily, every day is different.

5. What are you most asked by clients, and what's your response?

How can I save money on my taxes? The simple answer is through honest communication and regular tax planning. No information is irrelevant or too small. For us to help achieve what our clients want out of their business and manage their tax affairs effectively, we need to understand the overall picture. We don't just plan for now, we help plan for the future.