In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Ross Boyd, director at RB+ Chartered Accountants
What was your first job?
I worked for Lloyds Register of Shipping in Fenchurch Street, London, as a marine surveyor. My experience costing ship repairs really helped me to understand the importance of finance.
What qualifications do you have?
I am a graduate engineer from University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland. The industry is always evolving, so myself and my team are constantly learning to ensure we’re able to offer our clients the most current advice to help enhance their wealth and value.
What do you attribute your success to?
I think success is 98 per cent perspiration, 2 per cent inspiration, and possibly a bit of luck. I really do believe that, nowadays, working towards your education is more important than ever.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I think most people would see me as a bit nerdy and analytical – I am a chartered accountant after all! People often refer to my integrity, work ethic and entrepreneurial nature. Personally, I would say that I add real value to business owners here in Northern Ireland by developing quality, bespoke strategies and plans. I like to stay abreast of future trends and firmly believe in harnessing the latest technology to ensure that we can offer clients the best service. I’m also committed to developing the next generation of accounting talent.
Who do you look up to in business?
I look up to people with future insight and those who achieve success with integrity and in an environmentally conscious way. Bill Gate’s book ‘The Road Ahead’ is incredibly prescient. He was describing a single, integrated mobile device back in 1995!
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I feel that leading by example is important and that it encourages the sort of self-motivated and super talented people that work at RB+. High performing teams want to know that everyone is in it together. They also want to be supported and mentored to realise their potential. I believe in offering the best people the freedom to be creative and bring their whole selves to work.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
We are a friendly place but with the market is small. A bigger market opportunity increases ease of expansion and positive growth. The internet is removing this barrier for some sectors, and we need to figure out how to gain the most traction from this change.
What website or app could you not do without?
I use loads of apps. Weather, news, music, navigation etc. I typically read 1-2 hours of current affairs daily and most of that is now via apps. The Economist app is great for that, although I am partial to Spotify as well.
What was the last book you read?
‘Beyond Possible’ by Nimsdai Purja - the incredible story of climbing the 14 highest mountains in the world in 7 months. The story of Nimsdai’s journey and personal development is really quite inspiring.
What car do you drive?
I am on my third Skoda Estate. I love the brand. No nonsense practical cars, turn the key and they just go. They have most of the plus sides of other VW cars, more reliability and less cost. I do have a restored classic MGB roadster as well for when the sun comes out.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
At school I suffered quite a bit from dyslexia. However, I performed well both at university and throughout my professional accountancy exams. I hear many parents talk about dyslexia, perceiving it as a roadblock for their kids. This isn’t necessarily true - challenges can be overcome.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
I love boating and especially sailing. Being on a boat in the beautiful waters around Ireland in the summer is special. Spring is here now, so I’m very much looking forward to the boating session starting soon.
