Business Details
30 Years
experience
Chartered Accountants in Northern Ireland
Johnston Kennedy DFK is a proactive firm of Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisors based in Northern Ireland with extensive local, national, and international connections. Our dedicated team provides specialist advisory services to growing businesses, entrepreneurs, and established entities across professional, agricultural, and community sectors. We prioritise high-quality, creative, and dynamic service delivery through a friendly and experienced team. Our approach focuses on building long-term client relationships, acting as business partners rather than third-party advisors. With decades of combined experience, we help clients anticipate and avoid potential challenges while supporting business growth and profitability.Our expertise spans audit and assurance, taxation, corporate finance, governance, forensic services, and wealth management. We maintain strong sector-specific knowledge in medical, legal, professional, community, agri-rural, and business development fields. Our commitment to quality is rooted in integrity, attention to detail, and client-centric values instilled by our founding partners. We combine technical excellence with practical commercial insight to deliver tailored solutions for complex financial challenges.
Services
Audit & Assurance
Taxation Services
Corporate Finance
Wealth Management
Forensic Accounting
Business Advisory
Charity Accounting
Farm Tax Planning
Succession Strategy
HMRC Enquiries
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We combine 25+ years of local expertise with international networks through DFK International
- Our team includes Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisors with sector-specific specialisations
- We act as proactive business partners rather than transactional service providers
- Proven track record in complex tax planning and business succession strategies
- Specialist knowledge in medical, legal, agri-rural, and community sector finance
Associations and certifications
- DFK International
What people say
Exceptional tax planning expertise
Proactive business partnership approach
Deep sector-specific knowledge
Responsive and professional team
Excellent HMRC representation
Services
Audit & Assurance
Our audit services combine technical excellence with practical business insight. We deliver statutory audits, independent examinations, and financial reporting compliance for businesses and charities. Our approach ensures regulatory compliance while providing valuable operational insights to enhance business performance.
Taxation Services
We offer comprehensive tax solutions including compliance, planning, and HMRC representation. Our specialists help businesses and individuals optimise tax positions through strategic planning for income tax, corporation tax, VAT, and PAYE obligations.
Corporate Finance
Our corporate finance team advises on business plans, funding strategies, and financial risk management. We support mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and growth initiatives with tailored financial analysis and strategic guidance.
Wealth Management
We provide integrated wealth management solutions covering investment strategy, inheritance tax planning, and pension arrangements. Our approach focuses on preserving and growing personal wealth through tailored financial strategies.
Forensic Accounting
Our forensic services include litigation support, fraud investigation, and dispute resolution. We provide expert analysis and evidence in financial disputes, including business valuations and matrimonial finance matters.
People
James Gage
Managing Partner
James Gage, FCA CTA, leads our firm with extensive experience in business advisory and audit services. He specialises in professional practice management and corporate governance, ensuring high-quality service delivery across sectors.
Duncan Graham
Tax Partner
Duncan Graham, FCA CTA, heads our tax advisory team. With specialist expertise in corporate and personal tax planning, he provides strategic guidance on complex tax matters and HMRC compliance issues.
Kelly Donaghy
Audit Manager
Kelly Donaghy, ACA, manages audit engagements with focus on charities and professional practices. She ensures compliance with SORP standards while delivering actionable financial insights to clients.
Michelle Clarke
Business Advisory Manager
Michelle Clarke, ACA, specialises in business growth strategies and financial risk management. She advises SMEs on funding, operational efficiency, and succession planning to support sustainable business development.
Stephen Russell
Corporate Finance Manager
Stephen Russell, ACA, leads corporate finance initiatives including mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring. His expertise covers financial due diligence and strategic growth planning for mid-market businesses.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide audit, financial reporting, statutory audits, and advisory services tailored to business needs.
Do you specialise in agricultural tax planning?
Yes, we offer specialist farm tax planning including capital allowances and incorporation strategies.
Can you assist with HMRC enquiries?
Our team provides expert representation and resolution services for all HMRC compliance issues.
What charity accounting support do you provide?
We offer SORP compliance, governance reviews, and tax advisory services for not-for-profit organisations.
Do you offer business succession planning?
Yes, we specialise in business succession strategies and practice transition planning for professionals.
Are you part of any international networks?
We are members of DFK International, providing access to global accounting expertise.
Reviews (1)
Bill Ashe
Jun 11, 2020
Report
Very thorough, really knew their craft, offered sound advice that benefited my business commercially. Definitely recommend their accounts and payroll services.
