60 Seconds with Stephanie Vaughan

Monday 21 September 2026

Tell us about your role and your organisation

I am the Principal Accountant at Vaughan Chartered Accountants.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far

I am a Chartered Accountant with more than 20 years of experience across a range of finance and accounting roles. Throughout my career, I have worked with businesses of different sizes and at various stages of growth, giving me a broad understanding of the challenges business owners face.

In 2024, I established Vaughan Chartered Accountants with a focus on providing practical, commercially minded support, rather than simply looking back at year-end figures. Today, I work with businesses across Ireland and the UK, particularly growing businesses, professional services firms and those in the aesthetics sector. I support clients with everything from compliance and tax requirements to understanding their financial performance, planning ahead and making informed business decisions.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role and why?

Communication is one of the most valuable skills in my role. While technical expertise is essential, the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly is equally important.

Business owners do not necessarily want accounting jargon. They want to understand what the numbers mean for their business and what actions they should take next. I enjoy turning complex information into practical conversations that enable clients to make confident decisions.

What advice do you have for women in your industry?

Don't be afraid to back yourself.

Women can sometimes feel they need to know everything before pursuing a new opportunity, launching a business or stepping into a more senior role. In reality, you do not need to have all the answers from the outset.

Know your strengths, continue learning, ask questions and surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. It is also important to remember that saying no can be just as powerful as saying yes. Not every opportunity is the right one, and protecting your time and energy matters.

A phrase I return to often is: "You don't have to do business the way everyone else does it. Build something that works for you."

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us?

The year ahead is focused on continuing to grow Vaughan Chartered Accountants in a considered and sustainable way.

A key priority is expanding our work with growing businesses, professional services firms and the aesthetics sector, while further increasing our reach across Ireland and the UK.

Cross-border work is a particular strength of the practice. We regularly support businesses operating across Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain, helping them navigate differing tax, VAT and reporting requirements.

I am also focused on growing the advisory side of the business, helping clients not only meet their accounting and tax obligations but also make strategic decisions around growth, profitability, business structure and expansion.

The business has grown significantly since its launch, and I am excited to see what the next stage brings while maintaining the personal and accessible approach that has been central to the practice from day one.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?

There has not been one single person who has inspired me. Instead, I am inspired by women who have built successful careers and businesses while staying true to their own values, rather than following a traditional path.

I particularly admire women who are willing to take risks, change direction when something is not working and create opportunities for themselves. That mindset has influenced me more than any individual role model.

What's the best way for our members to connect with you?

LinkedIn is probably the easiest way to connect with me and I am always happy to speak with fellow Women in Business members.

You can also contact Vaughan Chartered Accountants through vaughancharteredaccountants.com or by emailing info@vaughancharteredaccountants.com.

How has your membership with Women in Business helped you in your career?

Women in Business has been incredibly supportive, but what has stood out most is the warmth and encouragement of the women within the network.

I have reached out to members for everything from photoshoots and events to introductions and advice, and there has always been a genuine willingness to help. Collette, Roisin, Ciara, Katie and Nicola are just a few of the women who have been particularly kind, encouraging and generous with their time.

What I value most is that it never feels transactional. There is a genuine desire among members to see other women succeed.

Running a business can sometimes feel isolating, so having that community around me has been hugely valuable. Women in Business has helped me build relationships, increase my confidence and visibility, and connect with women I may never otherwise have met.

For me, it is about much more than networking. It is the warmth, generosity and encouragement within the community that make it so special.

Monday 21 September 2026