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Dr Sara Closs-Davies

Lecturer in Accounting

s.closs-davies@bangor.ac.uk

+44 1248 388163

0000-0001-9998-3630

Dr Sara Closs-Davies

View Dr Sara Closs-Davies’s profile on the Bangor Research Portal

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 teach through the medium of Welsh and English. Providing and facilitating space to deliver and maintain high quality teaching and learning is very important to me. Making use of information technology and developing innovative methods for teaching and learning is an important part to my approach. 

Prior to my academic career, I worked in the accountancy and taxation industry for around fifteen years (since 1997). I managed tax enquiry cases (personal and business) and coordinated and managed a busy tax department at an accountancy firm, where I was also the Training Officer and ACCA Mentor for trainee staff. I also owned and managed my own accountancy firm offering accountancy services, taxation advice and planning to businesses, individuals and other accountancy firms. 

I embarked on a career in academia in 2008, partly because I enjoyed teaching and sharing knowledge and skills that I had gained from industry, and also because I wanted to make a change to the way tax and welfare policy is administered with the aim of improving experiences of professionals, taxpayers, welfare recipients and bureaucrats, leading to improved effectiveness. It is due to this passion that I immersed myself into accounting and tax research, and embarked on an MRes and a PhD in accounting. My research is multidisciplinary and transcends across several disciplines to include: accounting, public administration, taxation and sociology. My research focuses on the role of accounting in public policy and administration. In particular, I examine tax and welfare administration  and their implications and impact on individuals, society and social inequality. My research also explores the role of accounting technologies and techniques within such programmes and how they enact power and control. I adopt a critical interpretive approach, through ethnography, and the application of grounded theory. 

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, Fellow Higher Education Academy Reviewer, Personal Tutor, PhD supervisor and examiner and the Library Representative at Bangor Business School. 

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 am a journal reviewer for Critical Perspectives on Accounting (CPA) Journal and Social Policy & Administration Journal. l am a member of the Tax Research Network (TRN) executive committee and a committee member of the Low Income Tax Reform Group (LITRG).  I am a Trustee of Citizens Advice Ynys Môn. I am the External Examiner for the University of Limerick, Ireland, for their undergraduate and postgraduate tax and tax law modules. I am also an External Associate Member for the Centre on Household Assets and Savings Management (CHASM) at Birmingham University. 

I am also the Co-Editor of the Tax Research Network Blog. The blog raises the profile of tax research. It aims to become a preferred place for policymakers to search for cutting-edge tax and public finance research; to bring high-profile and well-established tax scholars together to share knowledge, ideas and skills amongst the tax community; help PhD students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) share their research ideas, experiences and issues with the aim of developing their research skills, knowledge and potential for publication and impact; and to provide an area for tax academics (at any level) to come together and share ideas and advice and to discuss current issues.

My awards include £62,436 grant from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Programme (DTP); £12,000 financial and non-financial support from Citizens Advice Ynys Môn as part of a successful ESRC DTP application; £18,200 grant from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Impact Acceleration Account (IAA); £10,000 grant from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Wales Research Grant; £1,500 research bursary from Departments of Accounting and Finance (CDAF); £2,000 College Seed Funding, Bangor University; 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).

Additional Contact Information

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

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 (Taxation)
  • ASB-3208 Financial Statement Analysis (up 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, examine postgraduate and PhD theses, and am a PhD supervisor.   

Research Interests

I embarked on a career in academia in 2008. My research is multidisciplinary and transcends across several disciplines to include: accounting, public administration, taxation and sociology. My research focuses on the role of accounting in public administration. In particular, I examine tax and welfare administration 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. My research is interdisciplinary and encompasses the development of conceptual and theoretical frameworks, adopting a critical interpretive approach, through ethnography, and applying grounded theory. 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 interested in supervising PhD studies in the following (multi)disciplinary areas: accounting, public administration, taxation, social welfare; and social policy. I am particularly interested in research that focuses on the role and implications of accounting technologies within industry, and within tax and welfare fields, and their impact on individuals and other stakeholders, society, and aspects surrounding poverty and social inequality. I welcome critical interpretive and ethnographical approaches.

Publications

2022

  • PublishedInquiry into Benefits in Wales: options for a better delivery
    Beck, D., Closs-Davies, S. & Gwilym, H., 17 Mar 2022, Senedd Cymru.
    Research output: Other contribution
  • PublishedMomentum is building for a Universal Basic Income
    Closs-Davies, S., Beck, D. & Gwilym, H., 9 May 2022, Policy Press.
    Research output: Other contribution

2021

  • PublishedA Study of the UK Tax Credits system: Transforming Citizens into Self-responsible individuals at the Frontline of Tax Administration
    Closs-Davies, S., 2021, Contemporary Issues in Taxation Research. Sewyer, A., Massey, D. & Oats, L. (eds.). Birmingham: Fiscal Publications, Vol. 4. p. 107-134
    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
  • PublishedAccounting, tax and socio-economic inequality: How relational power shapes everyday tax practices
    Closs-Davies, S., Sep 2021. 39 p.
    Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
  • PublishedBenefits system in Wales Evidence Welsh Select Committee
    Closs-Davies, S., Gwilym, H. & Beck, D., 16 Sep 2021
    Research output: Other contribution
  • PublishedTax 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., 10 Mar 2021, In: Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal. 34, 3, p. 531-557
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedThe Frog in the Pan: Relational Transformation of Public Values in the UK Tax Authority
    Closs-Davies, S., Bartels, K. & Merkl-Davies, D., 10 Sep 2021, In: Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal. 34, 7, p. 1635-1663
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedThe effects of the Covid-19 pandemic at Citizens Advice, Anglesey: Finding new ways of working and lessons learnt
    Closs-Davies, S., Sep 2021, 12 p. Prifysgol Bangor University.
    Research output: Other contribution

Activities

2022

  • Universal Basic Income (UBI) Lab Food Webinar Panel member

    Speaker on a panel of expertise to discuss Universal Basic Income (UBI) (opportunities and costs) as part of launching the new UBI Lab Food network, which considers what role could a UBI play in reducing food poverty for all.

    12 May 2022

    Links:

    • https://actionnetwork.org/events/what-role-could-a-universal-basic-income-play-in-ensuring-nutritious-and-sustainable-diets-for-all
    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCQDmKLRP08
    Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
  • Presenting at the International Research Society for Public Management Conference (April 2022); 'Facing the future: Evolving social-political-administrative relations and the future of administrative systems'

    Presenting academic paper, 'The role of accounting in (re)creating social inequality from the bottom up: An empirical study of how claimants manage their tax credits obligations in the UK'

    20 Apr 2022

    Links:

    • https://www.irspm.org/conference2022/registration-info-5
    Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
  • Citation in House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee Report: The Benefit System in Wales

    Written evidence (BSW0013) was submitted to this enquiry, and subsequently the evidence was used in the writing of the report.

    17 Mar 2022

    Activity: Other (Contributor)
  • Critical Perspectives on Accounting (Journal)

    Journal Reviewer

    10 Feb 2022 →

    Links:

    • https://www.journals.elsevier.com/critical-perspectives-on-accounting
    Activity: Editorial activity (Editorial board member)
  • Welsh Tax Acts etc. (Power to Modify) Bill: Written Evidence submitted to Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliament

    Written evidence provided by Sara Closs-Davies to the Senedd Cymru Y Pwyllgor Cyllid/Welsh Parliament Finance Committee on the draft Welsh Tax Acts etc. (Power to Modify) Bill

    27 Jan 2022

    Links:

    • https://business.senedd.wales/documents/s122185/WTA%2006%20Dr%20Sara%20Closs-Davies%20Bangor%20University.pdf
    • https://business.senedd.wales/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=38480
    • https://senedd.wales/media/sayf4e4i/cr-ld15084-e.pdf
    Activity: Consultancy (Consultant)

2021

  • Media article: 'Bangor University tax specialist sharing expertise to help less fortunate', North Wales Chronicle

    A TAX specialist at Bangor University’s Business School is bringing her expertise to bear on addressing social issues related to poverty. Dr Sara Closs-Davies has been sharing her expertise in order to affect change. See full article: https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/19749010.bangor-university-tax-specialist-sharing-expertise-help-less-fortunate/

    30 Nov 2021

    Links:

    • https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/19749010.bangor-university-tax-specialist-sharing-expertise-help-less-fortunate/
    Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)
  • Media article: 'Bangor University expert shares expertise to help the less well-off', The Bangor Aye

    A Tax specialist at Bangor University’s Business School is bringing her expertise to help address social issues related to poverty. Dr Closs-Davies has been sharing her expertise in order to affect change. As a result of her fieldwork in the summer, Sara has submitted a lengthy report to the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. Full article available at: https://www.thebangoraye.com/bangor-university-expert-shares-expertise-to-help-the-less-well-off/

    29 Nov 2021

    Links:

    • https://www.thebangoraye.com/bangor-university-expert-shares-expertise-to-help-the-less-well-off/
    Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)
  • Presentation at Citizens Advice Ynys Môn AGM, 'The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic at Citizens Advice, Ynys Môn: Finding new ways of working and lessons learnt'

    Presented research report at Citizens Advice Ynys Môn Annual General Meeting. Please see additional video, published on Citizens Advice Ynys Môn's Facebook page in which Dr Sara Closs-Davies and the Citizens Advice Ynys Môn Trustee Board's Chair, Alwyn Rowlands MBE, discusses the report (https://www.facebook.com/Canolfan-Cynghori-Ynys-Mon-1445178612458455/videos/945652269368635/)

    28 Oct 2021

    Links:

    • https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/ynys-mon/
    • https://www.facebook.com/Canolfan-Cynghori-Ynys-Mon-1445178612458455/videos/945652269368635/
    Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
  • Social Policy & Administration (Journal)

    Journal reviewer

    1 Oct 2021 →

    Links:

    • https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14679515
    Activity: Editorial activity (Editorial board member)
  • Co-organised a UK devolved administrations roundtable event on 'Border issues and Behavioural change - understanding the impact of changes in tax policy on taxpayer behaviour and neighbouring nations’

    Successfully co-organised a devolved administrations roundtable and panel session at the Tax Research Network (TRN) annual conference in September 2021, at Aston University. The panel consisted of senior tax policymakers from the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland Governments, and the CEO of the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) to discuss – ‘Border issues and Behavioural change - understanding the impact of changes in tax policy on taxpayer behaviour and neighbouring nations’. The panellists were:

    o Dyfed Alsop, CEO of the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA)

    o Anna Adams, Deputy Director for Tax Strategy, and Intergovernmental Relations at the Welsh Treasury, Welsh Government

    o Tony Simpson, Director of Strategic Policy in the Department of Finance, Northern Ireland Government.

    o Jennifer Bradley, Head of the Income Tax and Reserved Taxes Unit in the Scottish Government.

    This event helped to bridge the gap between academia, praxis and impact, with the ambition to broaden academic engagement with government. Its aims include raising awareness of current tax issues; to facilitate effective communication between academics and governments; to share knowledge between researchers and governments; to encourage collaboration between researchers and governments

    8 Sep 2021

    Links:

    • http://taxresearch.network/conference-2021-tax-research-days-8-9-september-2021/
    Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups (Contributor)
  • Tax Research Network Blog Co-Editor (Event)

    I am the Co-Editor of the Tax Research Network Blog. The blog raises the profile of tax research. It aims to become a preferred place for policymakers to search for cutting-edge tax and public finance research; to bring high-profile and well-established tax scholars together to share knowledge, ideas and skills amongst the tax community; help PhD students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) share their research ideas, experiences and issues with the aim of developing their research skills, knowledge and potential for publication and impact; and to provide an area for tax academics (at any level) to come together and share ideas and advice and to discuss current issues.

    1 Sep 2021 →

    Links:

    • http://www.trn.org.uk/
    Activity: Editorial activity (Editorial board member)
  • Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Accounting (IPA) Conference, Innsbruck

    Presenting research at the conference, "“Transforming citizens into self-responsible individuals through relational practices at the frontline of tax administration: a study of the UK Tax Credits system”. Also acted as Chair of a session and as Discussant of a research paper for a separate session.

    7 Jul 2021 – 9 Jul 2021

    Activity: Participation in conference (Speaker)
  • Invited as Guest Presenter at Warwick Business School Accounting Group Research Seminar Series

    Invited as Guest Presenter at Warwick Business School Accounting Group Research Seminar Series to present my research: "“Transforming citizens into self-responsible individuals through relational practices at the frontline of tax administration: a study of the UK Tax Credits system."

    5 May 2021

    Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
  • American Accounting Association (AAA) Public Interest (PI) Group Joint Conference with Canadian Alternative Accounts Conference and Gender Issues/Worklife Balance, Virtual Mid-Year Meeting

    Presenting research, "“Relational practices at the frontline of tax administration.”

    15 Apr 2021 – 17 Apr 2021

    Links:

    • https://aaahq.org/cv/cgi-bin/Eventsdll.dll/EventInfo?sessionaltcd=21PI04
    Activity: Participation in conference (Speaker)
  • British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) Interdisciplinary Perspectives Special Interest Group (IPSIG): Plenary Session and Annual General Meeting (AGM)

    Organising and inviting keynote speaker at the annual Interdisciplinary Perspectives Special Interest Group (IPSIG) plenary session. Keynote speakers was Professor Jill Atkins, University of Sheffield, who presented: “Exploring the evolution of the extinction accounting field and identifying new pathways for research".

    13 Apr 2021

    Links:

    • https://bafa.ac.uk/subgroups/special-interest-groups/interdisciplinary-perspectives/events/past-events/2021-virtual-plenary-session-and-annual-general-meeting.html
    Activity: Participation in conference (Speaker)
  • British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) Annual Conference

    Chairing and participating in research-based presentations.

    9 Apr 2021 – 13 Apr 2021

    Links:

    • https://bafa.ac.uk/events/upcoming-events/annual-conference-with-doctoral-masterclasses-2021.html
    Activity: Participation in conference (Speaker)
  • Tax Research Network (TRN) (Publisher)

    Co-editor of online Tax Research Network's (TRN) blog. The blog aims to raise the profile of tax research; to become a preferred place for policymakers to search for cutting-edge tax and public finance research; to help PhD students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) share their research ideas, experiences and issues with the aim of developing their research skills, knowledge and potential for publication and impact; to raise the profile of the TRN; to help TRN promote tax research in between conferences and events; to provide an area for tax academics (at any level) to come together and share ideas and advice and to discuss current issues.

    2021 →

    Links:

    • http://taxresearch.network/
    Activity: Editorial activity (Editorial board member)

2020

  • Organising and inviting Guest Speaker from industry to deliver employability talk to students at Business School

    Inviting a professional accountant to deliver a presentation about career paths, and employability advice, to students at Bangor Business School

    10 Nov 2020

    Activity: Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor (Contributor)
  • Tax Research Network (TRN) Annual Conference

    Presenting research, "“The Frog in the Pan: Relational Transformation of Public Values in the UK Tax Authority.”

    7 Sep 2020 – 9 Sep 2020

    Links:

    • http://www.trn.org.uk/
    Activity: Participation in conference (Speaker)
  • British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) Interdisciplinary Perspectives Special Interest Group (IPSIG): Plenary Session and Annual General Meeting (AGM)

    Organising and inviting keynote speaker at the annual Interdisciplinary Perspectives Special Interest Group (IPSIG) plenary session. Keynote speakers were Prof. Lisa Jack, University of Portsmouth, and Prof. Ian Thomson, University of Birmingham, who presented two separate sessions surrounding the topic: "Research funding, and the impact of Covid-19."

    20 Jul 2020

    Links:

    • https://bafa.ac.uk/subgroups/special-interest-groups/interdisciplinary-perspectives/events/past-events/2020-virtual-plenary-session-and-annual-general-meeting.html
    Activity: Participation in conference (Speaker)
  • Covid-19: An opportunity to rethink how we ‘do tax’ and improve social inequality

    Briefing paper written for and published by The Centre on Household Assets and Savings Management (CHASM), Birmingham University

    15 Jul 2020

    Links:

    • https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/documents/college-social-sciences/social-policy/chasm/briefing-papers/covid19/chasm-bp7-2020.pdf
    Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)
  • Critical Perspectives of Accounting (CPA) Virtual Annual Conference, Toronto

    Presenting research, "“The Frog in the Pan: Relational Transformation of Public Values in the UK Tax Authority”.

    6 Jul 2020 – 9 Jul 2020

    Links:

    • https://cpa2020.schulich.yorku.ca/
    Activity: Participation in conference (Speaker)

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)
  • Tax Research Network (TRN) Annual Conference

    Presenting research, "“Developing taxpayer understanding of new Welsh devolved taxation and its importance: Findings from an FSB Research Report.”

    9 Sep 2019 – 11 Sep 2019

    Links:

    • http://www.trn.org.uk/
    Activity: Participation in conference (Speaker)
  • 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:

    • http://senedd.assembly.wales/documents/s87162/BW%2014%20Dr%20David%20Beck%20Dr%20Sara%20Closs-Davies%20Dr%20Hefin%20Gwilym%20Bangor%20University.pdf
    Activity: Consultancy (Consultant)

2018

  • Academic Advisor

    Academic Advisor to Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) Change Portfolio Committee,

    Welsh Government, Wales

    11 Sep 2018

    Links:

    • https://beta.gov.wales/welsh-revenue-authority
    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:

    • https://beta.gov.wales/welsh-revenue-authority
    Activity: Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor (Contributor)

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:

    • http://www.accaglobal.com/uk/en.html
    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:

    • https://www.litrg.org.uk/
    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:

    • http://www.civilserviceworld.com/articles/opinion/fixing-hmrcs-performance-management-system-could-benefit-vulnerable-claimants-well
    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:

    • https://www.pwc.com/
    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:

    • https://www.icaew.com/
    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:

    • https://www.icaew.com/
    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:

    • https://www.pwc.com/
    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:

    • http://www.colegcymraeg.ac.uk/en/
    Activity: Types of Award - Appointment (Recipient)
  • Treasurer and Executive Committee Member

    2013 – 2019

    Links:

    • http://bafa.ac.uk/subgroups/special-interest-groups/interdisciplinary-perspectives/about/constitution.html
    Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Membership of external research organisation (Member)

2012

  • Executive Committee Member

    2012 →

    Links:

    • http://trn.taxsage.co.uk/about/
    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:

    • http://www.colegcymraeg.ac.uk/en/
    Activity: Types of Award - Appointment (Recipient)

Projects

  • How do accounting practices of the UK tax credits system effect claimants?

    01/02/2020 – 30/05/2022 (Active)

    Description

    This project is partly funded by CDAF.

Other Grants and Projects

My awards include:

  • £62,436 grant from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training programme (DTP)
  • £12,000 financial and non-financial support from Citizens Advice Ynys Môn as part of a successful ESRC DTP application.
  • £18,200 grant from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Impact Acceleration Account (IAA)
  • £10,000 grant from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Wales Research Grant
  • £1,500 research bursary from Departments of Accounting and Finance (CDAF)
  • £2,000 College Seed Funding, Bangor University
  • 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 Advisor for the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) (until 2021).
  • Tax Coordinator for the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA).
  • Member of the Tax Research Network (TRN) executive committee.
  • Member of the Low Income Tax Reform Group (LITRG) committee. 
  • Trustee of Citizens Advice Ynys Môn.
  • Co-Editor of the Tax Research Network Blog.
  • External Examiner for the BA (Hons) Professional Studies in Taxation degree at Manchester Metropolitan University (until 2021).
  • External Examiner for University of Limerick, Ireland: undergraduate and postgraduate tax and tax law modules. 
  • 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).

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