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Dave McGarry
Audit Partner at PKF O'Connor, Leddy & Holmes
Professional Background
David McGarry is a distinguished accounting and finance professional hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland. His career began after he completed his honours degree in Accounting and Finance at the esteemed University of Ulster. David's journey in the world of finance has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by significant roles in notable firms across the country. Early in his career, he gained valuable experience while working at RSM, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the accounting landscape.
Following his tenure at RSM, David continued to ascend in his career as he joined Grant Thornton Ireland, eventually earning the role of Partner in the Corporate Audit sector. His tenure at Grant Thornton played a critical role in shaping his expertise and cementing his reputation as a leader in the field. Currently, David is an Audit Partner at PKF O'Connor, Leddy & Holmes Limited, where he provides exemplary audit, accounting, and outsourcing service solutions to a diverse array of clients ranging from large corporates to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
David's broad client base reflects his international focus and considerable experience with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (US GAAS). His ability to manage clients which include several large multinational groups illustrates his capability to navigate the complexities of international financial reporting within PKF's global framework.
Education and Achievements
David's educational background is equally impressive and demonstrates his commitment to continual professional development. He has furthered his qualifications by studying for the Accounting Technician Ireland (AITI) designation at the Irish Tax Institute, alongside completing the ACA designation at Chartered Accountants Ireland. Prior to his degree at the University of Ulster, David attended St Malachy’s College in Belfast, where he began to develop his strong foundation in finance and accounting.
In addition to his professional practice, David has made significant contributions to the education sector. He has served as a lecturer and examiner for several of Ireland's leading accountancy bodies, sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise with future generations of accountants. As a recognized authority in his field, David is also the current Chair of the Consortium Group, which oversees the introduction of the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship in the Republic of Ireland. This role underscores his commitment to developing the next wave of accounting professionals and improving the industry standards within the nation.
Areas of Expertise
Specializing in areas such as outsourced accounting services, advisory, assurance, auditing, and education, David has cultivated a unique niche for himself within the technology and aircraft leasing sectors. His focus on supporting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the US and the UK demonstrates his strategic approach to accounting, making him a sought-after partner for companies looking to expand their operations internationally.
David's extensive experience in preparing financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) further highlights his proficiency in this critical area of accounting. His role in managing international clients ensures that he remains at the forefront of global financial regulations and standards, enabling him to deliver exceptional service to his clients both domestically and internationally.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his career, David McGarry has built a strong reputation based on his unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to adapt in a rapidly changing financial landscape. His leadership roles in prominent firms have not only demonstrated his technical skills but also his capacity to mentor and guide teams towards achieving their professional goals. David's work with multinational organizations has positioned him as a key figure within the accounting community, where he continues to influence best practices and contribute towards the evolution of the sector.
He has also been pivotal in nurturing collaboration between various departments within his firms and establishing seamless communication channels between PKF's international offices. This has allowed him to leverage the strengths of his colleagues and the firm’s resources to better serve the needs of his clients.
Through his educational initiatives and active participation in the accounting community, David is not only a practitioner but also an educator, shaping future accountants in Ireland. His contributions through lecturing and examining deliver a dual impact on both the academic and professional arenas, fostering a sense of unity and development among upcoming professionals.
In summary, David McGarry's career stands as a testament to his dedication to accounting and finance. With a robust educational foundation, diverse professional experience, and substantial contributions to the industry, he exemplifies the qualities of a leading accountant in Ireland and beyond. David's passion for his work, combined with his leadership abilities and commitment to education, ensures that he will continue to make significant strides in the accounting profession for years to come.