Business Details
30 Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Accountants in Belfast
Johnston Kennedy DFK is a proactive firm of Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisors based in Northern Ireland with strong local, national, and international connections. Our dedicated team provides specialist advisory services to growing businesses, entrepreneurs, and organisations across professional, agricultural, and community sectors. With decades of combined experience, we prioritise quality, creativity, and dynamic client relationships, acting as business partners rather than third-party advisors. Our proactive approach helps clients avoid problems while supporting business growth through tailored financial strategies. We maintain strong expertise in audit, taxation, corporate finance, and wealth management, alongside sector-specific knowledge in medical, legal, and rural industries.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our membership of DFK International, a global network of accounting professionals, and our long-standing client relationships built on trust and integrity. The firm was founded in 1996 and continues to uphold the values of its late director Alec Johnston, whose dedication to client service remains central to our ethos. We deliver clear, concise advice through a friendly and experienced team, ensuring clients receive practical solutions aligned with their unique needs.
Services
Audit & Assurance
Taxation Services
Corporate Finance
Wealth Management
Forensic Accounting
Business Advisory
Statutory Audit
HMRC Enquiry Support
Succession Planning
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in chartered accounting and tax advisory services
- Our team holds Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor professional qualifications
- We provide sector-specific expertise in medical, legal, agricultural, and community industries
- Our proactive approach helps clients avoid financial problems before they arise
- We maintain international standards through our membership of DFK International
Associations and certifications
- DFK International
Services
Audit & Assurance
Our audit and assurance services provide independent verification of financial statements, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. We deliver tailored audit strategies for businesses, charities, and professional practices across Northern Ireland. Our team combines technical expertise with sector-specific knowledge to identify risks and improve financial transparency for clients.
Taxation Services
We offer comprehensive taxation services including compliance, planning, and HMRC enquiry support. Our specialists help businesses and individuals navigate complex tax regulations, implement efficient tax strategies, and maintain compliance with VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax requirements across local and international jurisdictions.
Corporate Finance
Our corporate finance team supports business growth through strategic financial planning, funding appraisals, and merger & acquisition advice. We help clients assess financial risks, secure investment, and implement restructuring strategies to optimise business performance and long-term sustainability.
Wealth Management
We provide wealth management solutions covering investment strategies, inheritance tax planning, and pension advice. Our approach focuses on preserving and growing client assets through personalised financial planning aligned with individual goals and risk profiles.
Forensic Accounting
Our forensic accounting services include litigation support, dispute resolution, and fraud investigation. We assist legal professionals and businesses in analysing complex financial transactions, preparing expert reports, and resolving commercial disputes with precise financial analysis.
People
James Gage
Managing Partner
James Gage, FCA CTA, leads the firm as Managing Partner with extensive experience in chartered accountancy and tax advisory services. He specialises in business strategy and corporate finance, delivering tailored solutions to clients across diverse industries while maintaining strong client relationships.
Duncan Graham
Tax Partner
Duncan Graham, FCA CTA, heads our tax advisory services with specialist expertise in corporate taxation and HMRC compliance. He provides strategic tax planning solutions and represents clients during HMRC enquiries, ensuring optimal tax efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Kelly Donaghy
Audit Manager
Kelly Donaghy, ACA, manages audit engagements with focus on statutory compliance and financial reporting standards. She oversees audit teams delivering assurance services to businesses and not-for-profit organisations, ensuring high-quality audit outcomes aligned with regulatory requirements.
Michelle Clarke
Senior Accountant
Michelle Clarke, ACA, provides expert accounting services with experience in financial reporting and business advisory. She supports clients across various sectors with tailored accounting solutions, focusing on accuracy and compliance in financial documentation.
Stephen Russell
Senior Manager
Stephen Russell, ACA, specialises in corporate finance and business advisory services. He assists clients with financial risk management, restructuring, and strategic growth planning, combining technical expertise with practical business solutions to drive client success.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide audit, financial reporting, statutory audit, and business advisory services tailored to your organisational needs.
Do you specialise in any industry sectors?
Yes, we specialise in medical, legal, professional, agricultural, and community sector accounting requirements.
Are you qualified chartered accountants?
All our senior team members hold Chartered Accountant (FCA/ACA) and/or Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) qualifications.
How can you help with tax compliance?
We offer Making Tax Digital compliance, income tax, corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, and HMRC enquiry support services.
Do you provide international accounting support?
As members of DFK International, we combine local expertise with global accounting standards and networks.
What business advisory services are available?
We assist with business plans, funding appraisals, financial risk management, restructuring, and mergers & acquisitions.
