STEPHEN THAIRU GICHUKI
Birmingham
Summary
A qualified ACCA Chartered Accountant with over 10 years’ progressive audit experience delivering high‑quality assurance, financial analysis, and commercial insight across diverse sectors including financial services, industrial markets, agriculture, and government institutions. I have a proven track record of leading complex audit engagements, evaluating financial reporting integrity, strengthening internal controls, and presenting clear, actionable recommendations to senior stakeholders.
My experience across Big 4 and mid‑tier firms (EY, Mazars, PKF, Grant Thornton) has developed deep expertise in audit quality, risk assessment, and technical compliance with ISA standards. I excel at managing teams, coaching junior staff, and driving efficient audit delivery while maintaining rigorous professional and ethical standards. Known for strong client relationship management, project leadership, and producing high‑quality deliverables under demanding timelines, I bring a disciplined, solutions‑focused approach to audit management and continuous improvement.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Audit Assistant Manager
Forvis Mazars
04.2024 - Current
- Presented audit findings and actionable recommendations to senior stakeholders to inform strategic decision-making.
- Analysed financial and commercial data to identify key value drivers and mitigate risks.
- Managed multiple concurrent engagements, leading teams to deliver ISA-aligned outcomes on time.
Audit senior 2
EY UK Birmingham Office
Birmingham, West Midlands
01.2022 - 03.2024
- Delivered financial analysis and audit documentation, enhancing understanding of revenue, costs, provisions, and other higher risk areas.
- Coordinated fieldwork teams to ensure timely deliverables and effective communication with managers, directors, and partners.
- Developed insights into client business models, market trends, and commercial drivers to inform corporate finance analysis.
Audit senior 1
PKF EA
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Executed audit engagements for manufacturing logistics, agriculture, and NGOs, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
- Presented audit findings to senior client management, enhancing governance frameworks and decision-making processes.
- Conducted financial analyses, variance reviews, and commercial assessments to evaluate performance and inform strategic decisions
Audit Senior 2
PKF EA
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Reviewed audit files, developed audit strategies, and led teams to deliver thorough and accurate audits on complex assignments.
- Ensured high-quality documentation and compliance with professional standards to maintain audit integrity.
- Identified operational inefficiencies and financial governance issues and proposed more streamlined accounting processes.
- Provided leadership and technical guidance to junior staff.
- Fostered a culture of integrity and transparency within audit teams, promoting ethical conduct and professionalism.
Audit Semi senior 1
PKF EA
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Reviewed lower risk areas completed by juniors, developed audit strategies, and successfully concluded on complex areas of the audit.
- Ensured high-quality documentation and adherence to professional standards
- Provided leadership and technical guidance, enhancing junior staff's skills and performance.
- Built and maintained effective working relationships with clients, fostering trust and collaboration.
Audit Semi senior 2
PKF
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Reviewed lower risk areas completed by juniors, developed audit strategies, and successfully concluded on complex areas of the audit.
- Provided leadership and technical guidance to junior staff, enhancing their skills and promoting professional growth.
- Ensured high-quality documentation and adherence to professional standards
Audit Associate
Grant Thornton
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Facilitated positive client outcomes through precise reporting and effective collaboration.
- Cultivated relationships with client finance teams, enhancing collaboration and ensuring delivery of high-quality audit outcomes.
- Conducted training sessions on accounting standards, demonstrating strong communication and technical capability.
- Updated knowledge of financial regulations and accounting standards, integrating insights into audit practices.
Audit Assistant
Ashwin Brothers
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Conducted audit testing, internal control reviews, and financial analyses to ensure compliance and accuracy in financial reporting.
- Assisted senior audit team members in drafting management letters and recommendations to enhance client financial practices.
- Tracked updates to accounting standards, Kenyan laws, and pronouncements to inform audit procedures and maintain compliance.
- Advised clients promptly on assigned tax considerations and compliance implications.
- Provided timely feedback to partner and manager to optimise job time usage.
- Handled client confidentiality requirements throughout all audit work.
Accounts & Audit Assistant
Josiah Njenga and Associates
09.2012 - 12.2013
- Executed audit procedures by vouching transactions and tracing source documents.
- Reviewed and reported on internal controls to assist in client internal control imprevement.
- Filed VAT, PAYE, and other statutory deductions to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Reconciled client bank accounts monthly, including petty cash, debtors, and creditors.
- Maintained bookkeeping records and updated ledgers using accounting software to ensure accurate financial tracking.
- Generated financial reports from accounting systems to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Advise clients on tax-related matters to guide filing decisions.
Advise clients on tax-related matters to guide filing decisions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Oxford Brookes University
03-2025
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants - accounting
Strathmore University
Nairobi01-2016
Bachelor of Commerce - Finance major, Marketing minor
University of Nairobi
01-2011
Skills
- Financial planning and reporting
- Financial statement analysis
- Business analysis and risk management
- Internal controls appraisal
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Leadership and mentorship
- Communication and presentation skills
- Teamwork and planning
- Interpersonal skills
- Accounts preparation and financial presentations
- Financial analysis and audit writing
- Auditing software usage
- Deadline management and client confidentiality
- Risk assessment strategies
- Stakeholder presentations
- Team leadership and client relationship management
- Project management and data analytics
- Problem solving and performance monitoring
Certification
Chartered Accountant, ACCA
Languages
English
Swahili
HOBBIES
- Reading journals and publications
- Attending conferences and social events
- Travelling
- Swimming and cycling
- Attending Art fairs
Timeline
Audit Assistant Manager
Forvis Mazars
04.2024 - Current
Audit senior 2
EY UK Birmingham Office
01.2022 - 03.2024
Audit senior 1
PKF EA
01.2019 - 12.2021
Audit Senior 2
PKF EA
01.2018 - 12.2018
Audit Semi senior 1
PKF EA
01.2017 - 12.2017
Audit Semi senior 2
PKF
01.2016 - 12.2016
Audit Associate
Grant Thornton
01.2015 - 12.2015
Audit Assistant
Ashwin Brothers
01.2014 - 12.2014
Accounts & Audit Assistant
Josiah Njenga and Associates
09.2012 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Oxford Brookes University
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants - accounting
Strathmore University
Bachelor of Commerce - Finance major, Marketing minor
University of Nairobi