Paul GIBSON
Killinchy,Northern Ireland
Summary
Detail-oriented ACA trainee accountant nearing completion of Chartered Accountancy requirements by August 2026. Experienced in delivering audit, statutory accounting, and tax compliance services for diverse clients, including commercial and charity sectors. Skilled in preparing financial statements under FRS 102 and Charity SORP, executing audit engagements from planning to completion, and cultivating strong client relationships.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work history
Graduate Accountant / Senior Accountant
RBCA Limited
09.2023 - 06.2026
- Progressed to Senior Accountant responsibilities within a 20-30 employee professional services firm, delivering audit, accounting and tax compliance services to a diverse portfolio of clients across commercial, public sector, energy and charity sectors.
- Prepared statutory financial statements for companies and groups in accordance with FRS 102 requirements.
- Prepared consolidation workings and consolidated financial statements for a group consisting of 20+ companies, including consideration of group adjustments and reporting requirements.
- Prepared statutory financial statements for charitable organisations under Charity SORP requirements.
- Assisted clients with ongoing accounting requirements, including maintaining accounting records in Xero, updating bookkeeping information and producing periodic management accounts through extraction and review of profit and loss and balance sheet reports.
- Supported clients with accounting and reporting matters, ensuring accurate and timely completion of compliance requirements.
- Managed audit engagements from planning through to completion, taking responsibility for risk assessment, audit procedures, file completion and client communication while ensuring delivery against agreed deadlines.
- Acted as Audit Senior on energy sector compliance audits for utility regulated entities, managing engagements for 15 suppliers, preparing detailed compliance reports with recommendations, and presenting findings to regulators and supplier representatives.
- Led audits of public sector organisations, including Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) engagements, managing engagement delivery, audit procedures and client communication in line with relevant audit requirements.
- Managed audits of medium-sized companies and groups across a range of industries, including IT service providers, manufacturing, and motorhome sales and rental businesses.
- Performed audit procedures across key financial statement areas, including evaluating accounting treatments, testing controls and assessing the accuracy and completeness of financial information.
- Reviewed junior team members’ work, provided coaching and guidance, and supported delivery of high-quality audit files.
- Attended and contributed to interim and final client meetings, communicating findings and engagement progress.
- Performed solicitor audits and other compliance-focused audits for businesses handling client monies, assessing controls and compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.
- Performed covenant reviews on a group with turnover of approximately £30m, analysing financial information and supporting engagement delivery.
- Prepared personal and corporate tax returns, gaining exposure to wider compliance and client advisory services.
- Managed multiple client deadlines simultaneously while maintaining strong client relationships and delivering work to a high standard.
Retail Assistant
SPAR Killinchy
Killinchy
11.2017 - 08.2023
- Developed strong communication and teamwork skills through daily interaction with customers and colleagues.
- Demonstrated reliability and commitment through five years of continuous employment alongside academic and professional development.
Summer Internship Tax
KPMG Ireland (Belfast)
Belfast
06.2023 - 06.2023
- Acquired practical knowledge of tax processes in a Big Four professional services firm.
- Supported tax teams with basic compliance-related tasks and administrative assistance across client engagements.
- Developed understanding of professional standards and collaborative practices within a large-scale advisory setting.
Education
ACA -
Chartered Accountants Ireland
Postgraduate Diploma (Distinction) - Accountancy
Ulster University
BelfastBSc (2:1) - Chemistry
Queen’s University Belfast
BelfastA-Levels - Mathematics (A), Chemistry (B), Physics (C)
Down High School
Downpatrick10 GCSEs including English and Mathematics (A*-C) -
Down High School
Downpatrick, Newry Mourne and DownSkills
- Accounts preparation
- Financial analysis
- Bookkeeping
- Group consolidations
- External audit experience
- IFRS standards knowledge
- Advanced Microsoft Excel
- Accounting software expertise
- Team leadership
Affiliations
- • Leadership role in Boys’ Brigade Northern Ireland national training courses, supporting the delivery of training and development for leaders across the organisation.
- • Leader in Charge of the Senior Section at 2nd Comber Boys’ Brigade, responsible for leading a team of 5 leaders and overseeing the development and welfare of over 35 young people aged 11–18.
- • Played football for Saintfield United Football Club, participating in regular training and competitive matches.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Graduate Accountant / Senior Accountant
RBCA Limited
09.2023 - 06.2026
Summer Internship Tax
KPMG Ireland (Belfast)
06.2023 - 06.2023
Retail Assistant
SPAR Killinchy
11.2017 - 08.2023
ACA -
Chartered Accountants Ireland
Postgraduate Diploma (Distinction) - Accountancy
Ulster University
BSc (2:1) - Chemistry
Queen’s University Belfast
A-Levels - Mathematics (A), Chemistry (B), Physics (C)
Down High School
10 GCSEs including English and Mathematics (A*-C) -
Down High School