A legal finance and compliance specialist with a wealth of experience and a sustained record of success within the Legal, IT and Education sectors. He has gained key expertise across a diverse range of areas including technology, legal services, governing boards and teaching. He started his accounting career as a Legal Cashier in 1998 – a career that now spans 4 decades and 3 versions of the Accounts Rules.

Over the past 26 years, Darren has had many roles across a diverse range of sectors and has first-hand experience in dealing with external audits such as regulator investigations, VAT and PAYE inspections; he has successfully supported and defended many firms during VAT inspections. He is also the author of the Associate of Legal Compliance & Accounts’ ‘VAT for Law Firms’ compliance handbook which offers guidance and practical advice about key aspects of VAT compliance, including the treatment of disbursements and recharges.

As a result of the decision reached in ‘Brabners v the Commissioners of HMRC’, he was part of the Law Society of England and Wales ‘Working VAT Group’ which was responsible for the Law Society’s current practice note on disbursements.

Darren is a regular commentator and public speaker on legal finance, compliance and change management topics. He is also regular speaker and trainer for many organisations and local Law Societies including training events hosted by the Association of Legal Compliance & Accounts.

Expertise

• Accounts Rules
• Codes of Conduct
• Value Added Tax
• Legal and Financial Practice Management
• Accounts and Bookkeeping
• Change and Project Management
• PMS Implementation