A tax senior at a Cwmbran-based accountancy firm has been commended by the industry’s governing body for an essay submitted as part of a competition.

Leanne Flanagan, tax senior at Green & Co Accountants and Tax Advisors, submitted an essay to The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales entitled: Can personal tax compliance be achieved through an app on your smartphone?

The article was commended in the national competition, beating other entries from the industry’s top performers in England and Wales.

The essay argued that smartphone technology could help regulate tax compliance, while reducing non-compliance from those individuals and organisations who fall foul of regulations.

The essay argues that whilst an app, and wider technology, is not a simple fix and easy-to-access solution, it would help bodies such as HMRC communicate with those who currently fail to comply.

Ms Flanagan said: “I am thrilled that the essay has been commended by the ICAEW. It’s incredibly satisfying knowing that my work has been highlighted and so well received. The essay was centered around how we can be realistic about reaching wider masses and improving compliance, with apps and technology a key tool that we can use in order to achieve this.”

Ms Flanagan attended an award ceremony in London recently to collect her cash prize, along with a set of Tolley Yellow and Orange Handbooks.

Director at Green and Co Accountants and Tax Advisors Ed Gooderham said: “We’re incredibly proud of Leanne and her achievement. This is another example of how a Green & Co staff member has gone above and beyond what is expected of them.”