Dr Sara Closs-Davies
Lecturer in Accounting
E-mail address: s.closs-davies@bangor.ac.uk
Address: Room 104.2, Bangor Business School, Hen Goleg, College Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG
Office telephone number: 01248 388163
Qualifications
- PhD: Neoliberalism and accounting in everyday relational practices: The effects of the UK tax credits system on the financial hardship of claimants
2012–2019 - Masters by Research in Accounting
2011–2012 - Member and qualified tax advisor for Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT)
Chartered Institute of Taxation, 2008–2008 - Member and qualified accountant for The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants, 2003–2003
Overview
I am a Fellow member of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA) and member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT). I am also a Lecturer in Accounting and Taxation for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. I am an active researcher in areas surrounding accounting, taxation and public policy and their implications on individuals, society and social inequality. I am also the Tax Coordinator for UK and international tax papers for the ACCA.
I was appointed as a Welsh-medium Lecturer in Accounting in 2013, fully funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol aims to increase and develop the Welsh-medium provision in Higher Education across all Welsh Universities. Before this, (between 2008 and 2013) I was a lecturer in accounting and taxation, teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate modules through the medium of English. In addition, I was a tutor on the ACCA (Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants) professional course programmes, teaching taxation, advanced taxation and corporate reporting to trainee accountants. Providing and facilitating space to deliver and maintain high quality teaching and learning is very important to me. I record teaching sessions using Panopto so that students have access to this crucial learning resource outside of the lecture room. I have also delivered several sessions on using Information Technology, such as Panopto and SmartBoard, to other lecturers in order to enhance teaching and learning in higher education at Bangor University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
Prior to my academic career, I have several years’ experience of working in the accountancy and taxation industry. I owned and managed an accountancy firm offering accountancy services, taxation advice and planning to businesses, individuals and professionals of other accountancy firms. I managed tax enquiry cases (personal and business) and coordinated and managed a busy tax department at an accountancy firm, where I was also Training Officer and Mentor for accountancy and taxation staff.
I embarked on a career in academia in 2008. My research is multidisciplinary and transcends across several disciplines to include: accounting, public management & administration and taxation. My research focuses on the role of accounting in public administration. In particular, I examine tax administration and welfare programmes and their implications and impact on individuals, society and social inequality. My research also explores the role of accounting technologies and techniques and how they enact power and control between human and non-human actors. My research is interdisciplinary and encompasses the development of conceptual and theoretical frameworks, adopting a critical interpretive approach, developing and applying ethnography, grounded theory and critical discourse analysis. I draw from my background in research and accounting (MRes and PhD in accounting; ACCA and CIOT professional) and real-life experiences stemming from my work in practice since 1997.
In addition to my research, I hold several important roles at Bangor University. In addition to being an undergraduate and postgraduate Lecturer in Accounting and Taxation, I am a Teaching Fellow at Bangor University, PGCertHE Examiner and Fellow Higher Education Academy Reviewer Panel Member.
I also hold key roles outside of Bangor University. I serve as Chair of the British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) Interdisciplinary Perspectives Special Interest Group (IPSIG). I also serve as Auditor for the Conference of Professors of Accounting and Finance (CPAF). I am also a member of the Tax Research Network (TRN) executive committee. I am External Examiner for the BA (Hons) Professional Studies in Taxation degree at Manchester Metropolitan University. I am also an External Associate Member for the Centre on Household Assets and Savings Management (CHASM) at Birmingham University.
My awards include £18,200 grant from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Impact Acceleration Account (IAA); £10,000grant from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Wales Research Grant; £1,500 research bursary from Departments of Accounting and Finance (CDAF); Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) (UK); Bangor University Teaching Fellowship (UK); Nominated twice for Teacher of the Year category, by the Students’ Union and the Student Led Teaching Awards Panel (UK); 5-year Lectureship in Accounting (Welsh Medium) funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (UK); and 5-year Welsh Medium Postgraduate Scholarship in Accounting from Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (UK).
Teaching and Supervision
I teach the following modules at the Business School:
- ADB-1110 Cyfrifeg Ariannol a Rheolaethol
- ASB-2515 Financial Accounting 1
- ADB-2515 Cyfrifeg Ariannol
- ASB-3515 Financial Reporting 1
- ADB-3212 Trethiant
- ASB-3208 Financial Statement Analysis (to 2020)
- ASB-4442 International Taxation:Policy & Practice (postgraduate)
I also contribute towards teaching the following modules/topics:
- ASB-1204 Tutorials in Accounting
- ASB-4932 Foundations of Social Research (postgraduate/PhD level)
Prior teaching includes:
- ACCA (Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants) papers in: Taxation; Advanced Taxation and Corporate Reporting
- ASB-4406 Financial Analysis (postgraduate)
In addition to teaching I also mark postgraduate dissertations in accounting and externally examine postgraduate theses.
Research Interests
I embarked on a career in academia in 2008. My research is multidisciplinary and transcends across several disciplines to include: accounting, public management & administration and taxation. My research focuses on the role of accounting in public administration. In particular, I examine tax administration and welfare programmes and their implications and impact on individuals, society and social inequality. My research also explores the role of accounting technologies and techniques and how they enact power and control between human and non-human actors. My research is interdisciplinary and encompasses the development of conceptual and theoretical frameworks, adopting a critical interpretive approach, developing and applying ethnography, grounded theory and critical discourse analysis. I draw from my background in research, accounting and taxation (MRes and PhD in accounting; ACCA and CIOT professional) and real-life experiences stemming from my work in practice since 1997.
Postgraduate Project Opportunities
I am willing to supervise a PhD
Publications
2020
- Accepted/In pressTax Credits as an accounting technology of government: “Showing my boys they have to work, because that is what happens”
Closs-Davies, S., Merkl-Davies, D. & Bartels, K. P., 26 Nov 2020, (Accepted/In press) In : Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedThe Frog in the Pan: Relational Transformation of Public Values in the UK Tax Authority
Closs-Davies, S., Bartels, K. & Merkl-Davies, D., 30 Oct 2020, In : Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Activities
2019
- Response to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Guidance for firms on the fair treatment of vulnerable customers(GC19/3)
Response to proposed guidance issued by FCA, aimed at providing FCA members and firms clarity in the supply of services and\or products to vulnerable, or potentially vulnerable, customers.
3 Oct 2019
Activity: Consultancy (Consultant) - Member on Panel of Expertise for the Welsh Taxes Conference 2019: 'Welsh Taxes: The Way Forward' Friday 19 July 2019
Dr. Sara Closs-Davies attended the Welsh government’s Welsh taxes event, 'Welsh taxes: the way forward', on Friday, 19th July, in Cardiff as a member on the Expert Panel. The conference and panel explored devolved taxes and their implications on the Welsh economy.
19 Jul 2019
Activity: Consultancy (Consultant) - The impact of Business Rates on business inquiry
Written evidence submitted by Bangor Business School, Bangor University in response to the Treasury Committee, House of Commons (UK) inquiry on the impact of business rates on businesses.
30 Apr 2019
Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups (Contributor) - Co-author of Research Report with Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Wales: Funding Prosperity:Creating a new Tax System in Wales
Two new devolved taxes became operational from April 2018, Land Transaction Tax (LTT) and Landfill Disposal Tax (LDT). Changes to tax policy and administration create challenges for taxpayers and practitioners, in addition to potentially influencing taxpayer behaviour. Therefore, understanding the way new taxes are communicated and implemented, and the way they are administered in practice, is important. This report, which was launched in March 2019, develops our understanding of the way Welsh taxes are communicated and administered during their introductory year and offers early indications as to what to expect in future.
19 Mar 2019
Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Membership of external research organisation (Contributor) - The Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee: Benefits in Wales: Options for Better Delivery
Political Evidence
2019
Links:
Activity: Consultancy (Consultant)
2018
- Academic Advisor
Academic Advisor to Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) Change Portfolio Committee,
Welsh Government, Wales
11 Sep 2018
Links:
Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Membership of external research organisation (Contributor) - Hosting event for the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA)
Hosting event for the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) to deliver a presentation to undergraduate and postgraduate Business School students about the new charter
2 Feb 2018
Links:
Activity: Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor (Contributor) - Academic Advisor
Academic Advisor and member of Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) Change Portfolio Committee, Wales. The WRA is the tax authority which administers devolved tax powers in Wales.
2018 →
Activity: Consultancy (Consultant)
2017
- Employability Fair 2017
Co-organised the Employability Fair with colleagues. Invited key memebrs from the inductry to attend and deliver presentations during the fair. To include: ACCA, CIMA, Local Council, Alumni student who works at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, two local accountancy firms; Hays Recruitment and others.
1 Nov 2017
Activity: Participation in workshop, seminar, course (Speaker) - ACCA Tax Co-Ordinator
Tax Co-Ordinator for UK and International Tax Papers
1 Sep 2017 →
Links:
Activity: Consultancy (Consultant) - Committee member of Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) Low Income Tax Reform Group (LITRG).
The CIOT's Low Income Tax Reform Group (LITRG) aims to improve the tax system and the experiences of people on low-income. Work includes reviewing and responding to government consultation papers and policy and advising citizens. Work relates to the administration of tax, tax credits and other disability and welfare programmes.
1 Apr 2017 →
Links:
Activity: Consultancy (Consultant) - Fixing HMRC's performance management system could benefit vulnerable claimants as well as staff
Published article in Civil Service World (CSW) newsletter based on research. This newsletter has over 20,000 readers who work as senior and non-senior civil servants across the world.
12 Jan 2017
Links:
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)
2016
- Inviting Guest Lecturer to Bangor Business School
Inviting author, lecturer and Professor in Taxation to present a lecture on Comparative International Tax Systems, as part of the International Taxation Postgraduate Degree Module
5 Dec 2016
Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Hosting an academic visitor (Host) - Hosting Master Class sessions on Employability Skills
Engaging with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) (International Business Consultants - part of the 'Big-4') and hosting two Master Class workshop sessions with them for under and post-graduate students at Bangor Business School
16 Nov 2016 – 17 Nov 2016
Links:
Activity: Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor (Host) - Employability Fair
Co-organised the Employability Fair with colleagues. Invited key memebrs from the inductry to attend and deliver presentations during the fair. To include: ACCA, CIMA, Local Council, Alumni student who works at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, two local accountancy firms; Hays Recruitment and others.
14 Oct 2016
Activity: Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor (Contributor) - Hosting and part of delivering Business Game for Year 12 school pupils
Hosting and part of delivering Business Game for Year 12 school pupils. This game included two qualified accountants (members of the ICAEW) to visit and take part as Judges during the competition. six ssecondary schools attended, creating 14 teams of six competing against ecah other.
Oct 2016
Links:
Activity: Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor (Host) - Hosting Business Game for under and post-graduate students at Bangor Business School
Hosting and part of delivering Business Game for under and post-graduate students. This game included two qualified accountants (members of the ICAEW) to visit and take part as Judges during the competition.
Apr 2016
Links:
Activity: Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor (Host) - Hosting Master Skills Webinar with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Hosting Master Skills Webinar with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC). This is an interactive webinar delivered by PwC to under and post-graduate students at Bangor Business School. This workshop aims at developing employability skills, interveiwing and psychometric testing skills. It also informed students of internship and graduate scheme opportunities available at PwC.
Apr 2016
Links:
Activity: Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor (Host) - External Examiner
External Examiner on BA (Hons) Professional Studies in Taxation, Manchester Metropolitan University
2016 – 2019
Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Membership of external research organisation (Examiner)
2015
- Invited Research Presentation and Talk
Invited Research Presentation and Talk as part of CHASM research seminar series, Department of Social Policy and Social Work
2 Dec 2015
Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Invited talk (Visitor) - Invited Research Presentation and Talk
Invited Research Presentation and Talk as part of Tax Administration Research Centre (TARC) Research Seminar Series
13 Nov 2015
Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Invited talk (Visitor) - Auditor
2015 →
Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups (Contributor)
2013
- Nominated for “Teacher of the Year” by the Students’ Union & Student Led Teaching Awards Panel.
Nominated for “Teacher of the Year” by the Students’ Union & Student Led Teaching Awards Panel.
May 2013
Activity: Types of Award - Appointment (Contributor) - 5-year Lectureship in Accounting (Welsh Medium) funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (2013)
5-year Lectureship in Accounting (Welsh Medium) funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (2013)
2013 – 2018
Activity: Types of Award - Appointment (Contributor) - Lectureship in Accounting (Welsh Medium) funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol
5-year Lectureship in Accounting (Welsh Medium) funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (2013)
2013 – 2018
Links:
Activity: Types of Award - Appointment (Recipient) - Treasurer and Executive Committee Member
2013 – 2019
Links:
Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Membership of external research organisation (Member)
2012
- Executive Committee Member
2012 →
Links:
Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Membership of external research organisation (Member)
2011
- 5-year Welsh Medium Postgraduate Scholarship in Accounting from Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (2011)
5-year Welsh Medium Postgraduate Scholarship in Accounting from Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (2011)
2011 – 2012
Activity: Types of Award - Appointment (Contributor) - Welsh Medium Postgraduate Scholarship in Accounting from Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol
5-year Welsh Medium Postgraduate Scholarship in Accounting from Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (2011)
2011 – 2013
Links:
Activity: Types of Award - Appointment (Recipient)
Projects
-
How do accounting practices of the UK tax credits system effect claimants?
01/02/2020 – 28/02/2022 (Active)
Description
This project is partly funded by CDAF.
Other Grants and Projects
My awards include:
- £18,200 grant from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Impact Acceleration Account (IAA)
- £10,000grant from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Wales Research Grant
- £1,500 research bursary from Departments of Accounting and Finance (CDAF)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) (UK)
- Bangor University Teaching Fellowship (UK)
- Nominated Teacher of the Year twice by the Students’ Union and the Student Led Teaching Awards Panel (UK)
- 5-year Lectureship in Accounting (Welsh Medium) funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (UK)
- 5-year Welsh Medium Postgraduate Scholarship in Accounting from Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (UK).
Other Information
I also hold key roles outside of Bangor University, which include:
- Chair of the British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) Interdisciplinary Perspectives Special Interest Group (IPSIG)
- Academic Advisory for the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA)
- Member of the Tax Research Network (TRN) executive committee
- External Examiner for the BA (Hons) Professional Studies in Taxation degree at Manchester Metropolitan University
- External Associate Member for the Centre on Household Assets and Savings Management (CHASM) at Birmingham University
- (Past) Auditor for the Conference of Professors of Accounting and Finance (CPAF)