Legacy and leadership: The transition of FDC Group’s Tax Department under Donncha Collins
Donncha Collins, who's been working with the company since 1991, is the new Regional Manager of FDC Group Tax Department.
“I never could have imagined all of those years ago when I saw that advertisement in the newspaper that I would be sitting here today as Regional Manager,” reflected Donncha Collins, recently appointed as Regional Manager of FDC Group Tax Department, taking over from the longstanding leadership and guidance of Pat Lane.
The FDC Tax Department was established in 1989, furthering the expansion of FDC Group across rural Ireland. After studying law in UCC, Donncha commenced his journey with FDC Group just a mere two years later, combining forces with Pat Lane and Mary Higgins, the original, core members of the department. Donncha credits Pat Lane with capturing his interest and piquing his curiosity with Pat’s description of the role as a perfect marriage of law and maths, centering around people always.
Growing from three employees to 32 in the last 36 years, the department has witnessed exceptional growth. “In the next five years, we will double the number of tax department employees to ensure that our tax service is available to every town in Ireland,” Donncha affirmed. “Our plan is to grow the department without losing sight of the personal touch we so greatly pride ourselves on.”
It was this personal aspect that has kept Donncha working in the FDC Tax Department for the last 34 years. “I was no sooner in the door than I was client facing and meeting with clients and developing personal relationships,” said Donncha, crediting this to the culture of taking responsibility and autonomy.
Integral to the culture of FDC Tax Department is promoting and offering employees every opportunity for professional development, growth and skill diversification. Through the leadership of Pat Lane, Donncha helped pave the way for future FDC employees to become well-rounded, perceptive, visionary thinkers.
A few years after joining FDC, Donncha sat and passed his accountancy exams. Donncha also became qualified with TEP (Trust Estate Practitioners) and, from there, a peace commissioner. “This has and always will be one of our primary focuses in the FDC Tax Department,” said Donncha when asked if he would continue upper management’s dedication to professional development.
In his 34 years, Donncha reflected on some of the department’s great successes. “We’ve had some exceptional experiences here in tax planning, from working on a case that went to the High Court to winning cases that directly resulted in changes to the law.”
“When Jack Murphy approached me in 1989 with an innovative and daunting new project, I never questioned whether or not to embark on this endeavour,” said Pat Lane. “FDC Tax Department has grown and developed experience in areas that we would never have believed we could. Going forward, I am confident that Donncha Collins will maintain this trajectory as head of Tax Department while I will remain available to assist him along with our hard working, qualified and motivated team of consultants and support staff.”
When reflecting on his 34 years with FDC Group, Donncha said, “Over the years, many of my friends have asked about my extensive tenure with FDC. Over the years, I was approached about a few different positions, and when I compared what these competitors were offering, their way of business and their ethos, there was no comparison at all. What FDC gives you is autonomy. It says to you ‘these are your skills and your weaknesses, but here’s the freedom to discover your way of doing business and using your skills to the best of your ability with expertise guidance along the way.’ I am lucky to not be wishing my life away for retirement. I am thrilled to begin this new adventure, taking over from the incredible leadership of Pat Lane. I am ready to make a difference and leave a lasting impact on FDC Group.”
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