Professional services firm Deloitte has appointed Ian Kelsall as its new Audit Partner in Belfast. Ian joins a team of six partners and over 1,000 staff in Belfast.
Ian joins the Belfast office from Deloitte’s Newcastle office, where he worked in its audit practice serving a diverse portfolio of clients of all sizes. As part of his transition to Belfast, Ian has spent the last 6 months in Deloitte’s Dublin office working with some of the firm’s Irish clients.
He will lead the audit practice in Belfast which services some of Northern Ireland’s best-known companies, from family owned business to Top 100 firms and stock market listed entities.
During his time with Deloitte in his hometown of Newcastle upon Tyne, Ian has worked with FTSE 250 and AIM listed entities, private SMEs and large subsidiaries of overseas multinationals, conducting audits across numerous industry sectors including energy, utilities, transport, manufacturing, retail and pharmaceuticals.
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Harry Goddard, CEO Deloitte Ireland said: “Ian has significant experience built up over 20 years auditing and recently led Deloitte Private Audit in Newcastle. His appointment is a significant investment, bolstering the current team, and bringing a wealth of audit and advisory experience to our Belfast practice. He has worked with a range of clients and industries, which gives him the breadth of knowledge to provide the commercial insight and challenge expected of a leader in our audit practice.”
Glenn Roberts, Partner at Deloitte in Belfast, said: “Deloitte’s business in Belfast has grown significantly in recent years and Ian’s appointment underlines our commitment to increase the depth and breadth of expertise we offer our clients. He is joining an experienced team and we look forward to having him on board.”
Ian notes that he is joining the Belfast office at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has thrown up a number of challenges for all companies, including different ways of working, funding and working capital. However, he believes businesses can now look to the future and build on their strong foundations to thrive once again.
“I am excited to be taking on this role in Belfast at what is, undoubtedly, a time of uncertainty across the economy. We have a great team in place and an ambition to grow. The difficulties thrown up by coronavirus serve as a reminder that an audit can have huge value and should be seen as more than a compliance exercise,” he said.
“The virus may be seen as a catalyst for change, with businesses refocusing on processes and controls which enable the business to operate more effectively, to better plan and make strategic decisions.”
He added: “From our work with a vast range of companies Deloitte has significant insight of governance structures and internal processes that can enhance the structure of smaller private businesses, and I intend to bring this insight to my clients and the wider NI business community.”
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Source: Written from press release
