Bernie joined Hays Allan in 1972, becoming a partner in 1985 and was managing partner for several years. During his career, Bernie has worked with small and medium businesses in many commercial sectors – particularly manufacturing and media - on a wide range of audit and tax issues. However he specialises in advising professional partnerships and not for profit organisations.
professional practices
Bernie also heads up our Professional Practices unit which advises legal, surveying, and other professional partnerships. As well as advising on the full range of audit, taxation, financial and commercial issues he also provides advice to individual partners on personal wealth issues.
Bernie Watson was formerly the Managing Partner of one of the two firms that merged in January 2001 to form haysmacintyre and was also responsible for the acquisition and integration of a number of smaller practices into the firm. He therefore has personal experience and a strong track record in managing the multitude of management and commercial issues when professional practices merge. He also advises on when LLP status is appropriate and how to convert.
In addition to his formal auditing responsibilities, for many clients he provides high level strategic advice and can even operate as a Non Executive Director for partnerships who seek:
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Financial expertise to help partners focus on the strategic issues
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Insight from an experienced managing partner of a growing firm
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Best practice from working with many firms in the legal and property sectors
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Genuine empathy with the partners - and the ability to act as objective facilitator where partners disagree on key issues
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Experience in human resources management from developing all levels of people
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Business development experience - particularly with regards to building personal portfolios and creating sector leadership
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Guidance with the transition from small to medium sized firm and to LLP status
charities/not for profit
Until recently Bernie headed our Charities Unit, which comprises eight partners and over 60 dedicated staff. During the last 15 years, he has been instrumental in building the unit which now serves over 550 not for profit organisations and accounts for 40% of the business.
He has personally acted for over 50 charities and not for profit organisations including those with a membership or health focus. He has a specialist expertise in private clubs and the firm advises approximately half of the 50 London Clubs. He provides training for trustees in the area of governance, is a regular attendee at seminars and a regular lecturer and facilitator of high level charity sector events.
areas of expertise
Bernie's specialist areas of expertise are in the provision of strategic, financial and mangement advice within professional partnerships and charities/not for profit organisations.
Bernie is also part of our forensic services team specialising in the preparation of reports and acting as a Court witness when called upon.
LinkedIn profile for Bernie Watson.