Be
Selective
Our story
Since 1971, we’ve worked with a vast range of domestic and international clients. And over that time, we have developed a unique philosophy and approach to doing business. A set of core beliefs that unite us all at HSOC.
We believe in friendships
And building deep relationships with those we represent.
We believe in service
At a different level. Creating opportunities. And shared successes.
We believe in real connections
And that caring about our clients’ businesses, lives and ambitions makes us better accountants, advisors and investors.
We believe in personal communication
And that when you call, someone should answer.
We believe you
deserve attention
And promise you’ll always have ours.
Senior Team
John O’Connell FCCA
Managing Partner
John is the Managing Partner at HSOC. His key role is in coordinating the delivery of high-level professional services to clients by matching HSOC skills with client’s needs.
He trained with HSOC, qualifying as a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and initially worked in the Audit and Compliance Department. John was later instrumental in establishing the Financial Services Department, enabling the firm to bring a broader range of services to clients.
John is currently involved with advising high net worth individuals and corporates in all areas of wealth management, marrying the firm’s services with client needs in an ever-changing business environment.
Simone Hennessy AITI CTA
Partner, Taxation
Simone is a member of the Institute of Taxation, having previously obtained a Master’s Degree in Economics & Finance, NUI Maynooth. Simone trained with Ernst & Young Dublin, providing specialist advice to both individuals and employers on all aspects of personal taxation, social insurance, remuneration and emigration. She broadened her consultancy and tax planning skills across a diverse range of taxes working at Goodbody, where she further developed her specialist tax advisory skills.
Simone joined HSOC in May 2013 and is responsible for ensuring all clients’ taxation needs are met. She provides innovative tax solutions to a broad range of clients across all sectors.
Hugh McGeown FCA
Partner, Corporate Accounting & Outsourcing
Hugh is a Fellow if the Institute of Chartered Accountants, having qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2004, following completion of an Accounting degree at the University of Ulster. He became a Partner in 2008. Hugh has developed considerable experience in advising a broad range of clients including both indigenous and multi-national business, across many industries. He has significant experience in advising clients in the Investment Management industry with regards to their compliance needs as well as acting for fast paced start-ups throughout their growth journey. He has a particular interest in advising clients that are establishing a presence in Ireland, from their initial setup to dealing with all aspects of corporate compliance and on-going reporting requirements to include payroll and other outsourced services.
Shane O’Connell FCA
Partner, Audit & Assurance
Shane is a qualified accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accounts of Ireland, having previously obtained a BA in Business Studies and Professional Diploma in Accounting from Dublin City University. Shane trained with Grant Thornton, gaining broad audit and accounting experience during his time there. He joined HSOC in 2008 and initially concentrated on large audit clients and consolidations. Shane became Manager of Restructuring and Recovery in 2009 and Partner of the same Division in 2011.
As Head of Audit & Assurance Shane and his team bring extensive knowledge and expertise to a range of sectors, and works closely with clients to add value and support at every step.
Natalie Hayes FCCA
Manager, Audit & Compliance
Natalie is a member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants. She has been in practice for over 15 years and has extensive knowledge of many business sectors including retail, professional services & construction.
Natalie studied in the Athlone Institute of Technology, where she obtained an Honours Degree in Bachelor of Arts in Accounting & Finance. Natalie is a manager of the firm’s Audit & Compliance department. Her role includes client relationship management for a portfolio of clients over a broad range of sectors.
Alison Ruttle QFA
Financial Services
Alison specialises in Pensions, Investment and Life Assurance, within Financial Services. She joined HSOC in 2002 and has helped a vast array of clients over this time, using and developing her expertise to deliver service on another level.
Prior to HSOC she worked for a range of different financial institutions in the UK. She has a wealth of experience and broad range of skills.
Eiffel Liu
Tax Manager
Eiffel joined HSOC in 2014 qualifying as a Chartered Tax Advisor. She is responsible for VAT and income tax compliance, advising on payroll issues including share based remuneration and all other BIK issues.
She holds an Honours Degree in Accounting Finance from Dublin Business School, and Master of Accounting from the Dublin Institute of Technology.
Karen Murphy
Customer Service Manager
Karen is Office Manager at HSOC and has been with the practice since 2006. She works front of house, managing client relationships and handling new client enquiries, and works closely with the Partners and teams at HSOC.
Previously to joining HSOC Karen worked in Event Management and has extensive expertise in liaising with clients and coordinating internal operations.
TIAG
Membership

HSOC was invited to become the Irish member of The International Accounting Group (TIAG®) in 2003, part of TAG Alliances.
TAG Alliances is one of the world’s largest multidisciplinary alliances of independent professional services firms, across accounting, legal, and other professional services, allowing members to leverage global reach and local expertise to facilitate the cross-border goals and needs of clients.
This global network of alliances helps us to offer accounting and taxation services at the highest level to clients at home and internationally, through partnership and knowledge sharing with other TIAG® members across the world.
It also means that we work with a network of legal firms, TAGLaw® (a part of TAG Alliances), which allows us to source legal advice from leading law firms around the globe. Indeed, it’s among the five largest legal networks in the world.
This unique ability to work with leading, independent accountancy and legal firms across the world significantly enhances the expertise that we can offer to our clients.
Chartered
Accountants
Ireland
Membership
Chartered Accountants Ireland Membership
We're a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland, which provides education, representation and support that allows us to give the best possible service to our clients.
Chartered Accountants are Ireland’s leading business professionals who provide essential strategic guidance across all business sectors. To become a Chartered Accountant requires professionals to pass a series of demanding examinations, to reach the most qualified levels within the industry. As such, Chartered Accountants are seen as the most respected members of the profession, and at HSOC we have an unrivalled team of Chartered Accountants and tax consultants, that offer service at another level.