greg mcnally, managing partner of vita

Leaving a long and successful career at Big Four and national accounting firms is no small decision, yet that’s exactly what Greg McNally did when he founded VITA.

Today, he leads one of the largest independent VAT and indirect tax businesses in the UK, built on a simple but powerful principle: understanding customers first, then delivering real value. With over two decades of experience, McNally has seen the profession evolve dramatically, and is committed to challenging the status quo with a service that prioritizes relationships, authenticity, and business-focused advice in the increasingly complex tax environment.

McNally is Managing Partner and founder of VITA, a Glasgow-headquartered specialist VAT and indirect tax consultancy firm. With a combined 85+ years of experience across the team, VITA is now the largest independent VAT and indirect tax agency in Scotland and one of the largest in the UK.

Rather than focusing solely on compliance, VITA focuses on high-value advisory work, helping businesses navigate complex tax strategy, operations, and commercial decision-making. The firm works closely with clients in the early stages of projects, ensuring that tax is considered proactively rather than retrospectively.

That said, the team is equally capable of stepping in when challenges arise, whether that’s limited options late in the deal cycle or handling HMRC enquiries. Known for its pragmatic, business-oriented approach, VITA combines deep expertise with a problem-solving mindset to deliver clarity, confidence, and value.

What was the inspiration behind VITA?

I founded VITA in 2019 after a 20-year career with a Big Four and national accounting firm, where I reached partner level.

During that time, I saw the work change a lot. Accountant services have become more extensive, and in many cases, the depth of client relationships has decreased. Earlier in my career, accountants were often trusted advisors, people who genuinely understood their clients’ businesses and were part of their wider journey.

VITA was created in response to that change. The goal was to build a company that puts insight first—understanding our customers’ motivations, challenges, and desires—and then adds value through insight, not just process. That ethos still underpins everything we do today.

Who do you like?

Clients I have worked with for the past 25 years.

Especially those who built something out of nothing, identified a gap in the market, challenged convention, and had the conviction to bring their vision to life. I’ve always found their origin stories fascinating. There is something incredibly powerful about that combination of tenacity, intelligence, and determination.

Looking back, is there anything you could have done differently?

No. Every mistake is a learning point, and I wouldn’t wish for one of them.

Life is a process of connecting the dots, you can always look back and understand how you got to where you are. Looking ahead is a different story. Plans rarely unfold as expected, so the real skill lies in being nimble, adapting quickly, and reacting to what’s in front of you.

What defines your way of doing business?

Traditional values ​​in a modern, fast-paced environment.

At its core, business is very simple: listen to your clients, understand what they really need, not what you want to sell—and deliver exactly what you promised, on time and on budget.

The challenge lies in evaluating the work properly and communicating clearly throughout the process. Don’t overpromise. Don’t overcommit. Be honest, be honest, and do the right thing.

At VITA, we live by two mantras:
“Say what you do and do what you say” and “Do the right thing.”

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

You can’t learn from experience—you have to live it.

Early in my career, I focused on learning—building knowledge, developing skills, and growing my network. That stage takes time, and there are no shortcuts. But the rewards come later.

Put in the work early, stay curious, and be patient. The return on that investment will follow.