Archive for March 2026
Protecting Minority Shareholders: Governance Best Practice for SMEs
In many Irish SMEs, ownership is shared between a small number of founders, investors or family members. While majority shareholders often control strategic decisions, minority shareholders still hold important rights and interests in the business. Protecting these interests through good governance is essential for maintaining trust, stability and long term success. Minority shareholders typically hold…
Read MoreThe Risks of Director’s Loans: What Revenue and the CRO Expect
Director’s loans are a common feature of many Irish SMEs. In smaller companies, the line between personal and business finances can sometimes become blurred, particularly where directors inject funds into the business or withdraw money during the year. While director’s loans can provide flexibility, they also carry important tax and compliance risks if not properly…
Read MoreProtecting Minority Shareholders: Governance Best Practice for SMEs
In many Irish SMEs, ownership is shared between a small number of founders, investors or family members. While majority shareholders often control strategic decisions, minority shareholders still hold important rights and interests in the business. Protecting these interests through good governance…
Read MoreThe Risks of Director’s Loans: What Revenue and the CRO Expect
Director’s loans are a common feature of many Irish SMEs. In smaller companies, the line between personal and business finances can sometimes become blurred, particularly where directors inject funds into the business or withdraw money during the year. While director’s loans can…
Read MoreImproving Decision-Making Through Better Monthly Financial Reviews
At Francis O’Kennedy & Co Accountants we know for many Irish SMEs, monthly financial reviews are treated as a routine compliance exercise. Accounts are prepared, figures are noted and attention quickly shifts back to day to day operations. Yet in 2026, with tighter margins and increased volatility, businesses that use their monthly reviews strategically are…
Read MoreExtracting Profits Tax Efficiently: Salary, Dividends or Pension Contributions?
For many business owners, generating profit is only part of the financial equation. The next question is how to extract those profits from the company in the most tax efficient way. In Ireland, SME directors commonly use a combination of salary, dividends and pension contributions to access profits. Each option has different tax implications, and…
Read MoreShareholder Agreements Explained: Why Every SME Should Review Theirs
Many Irish SMEs begin as partnerships between friends, family members or business colleagues who share a common vision. In the early stages, relationships are often strong and formal agreements may seem unnecessary. However, as businesses grow and circumstances change, having a clear shareholder agreement becomes one of the most important protections a company can have.…
Read MoreExtracting Profits Tax Efficiently: Salary, Dividends or Pension Contributions?
For many business owners, generating profit is only part of the financial equation. The next question is how to extract those profits from the company in the most tax efficient way. In Ireland, SME directors commonly use a combination of salary, dividends and pension contributions to access profits….
Read MoreShareholder Agreements Explained: Why Every SME Should Review Theirs
Many Irish SMEs begin as partnerships between friends, family members or business colleagues who share a common vision. In the early stages, relationships are often strong and formal agreements may seem unnecessary. However, as businesses grow and circumstances change, having a clear shareho…
Read MoreImproving Decision-Making Through Better Monthly Financial Reviews
At Francis O Kennedy & Co we know for many Irish SMEs, monthly financial reviews are treated as a routine compliance exercise. Accounts are prepared, figures are noted and attention quickly shifts back to day to day operations. Yet in 2026, with tighter margins and increased volatility, businesses t…
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