In our latest “Meet the Expert” feature, Thomas Corcoran, General Practice Manager, shares his career experience, his expertise in grant audits, and his hobbies outside of work.

My career in accounting

I started my career in accountancy back in 2008 in a family-run high street firm in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire gaining a solid grounding in all areas.

Upon qualifying, I moved to a firm in central London, with a focus on audits.

A relocation to the South-West to be closer to family happened in 2017, at which point I joined Milsted Langdon.

I have maintained my audit experience, as well as moving into the world of audit compliance and technical matters for both audit and accountancy. 

Specialisms

I have been involved with grant audits throughout my career, whether that be Innovate UK or Horizon Europe grants.

While grant audits are more mechanical than statutory audits, the aim to make them an efficient process for clients remains.

This is to ensure that they are completed promptly to ensure the relevant terms and conditions of the grant funding agreement are met for the release of funds.

This involves gaining an understanding of the project, the type of funding for the grant and the underlying accounting records from which our samples will be picked.

Assistance can be provided in advance with the information required to complete the work.

Previous client experience includes a start-up medical company focusing on targeted cancer surgery, a company developing a suspended seat system to reduce vibration by boat users and multiple companies with dedicated research and development arms.

Hobbies outside of work

Before children, interests outside of work included travelling (usual places within Europe like France and Italy, but more unusual places like Estonia, Finland and Norway; Japan, China, Hong Kong and the USA), sampling good food, board games and sport (keen cricketer and supporter of Southampton).

With three boys, including a set of twins, family time is now extremely important! There is a lot of time spent exploring Bristol and the surrounding area.