Franco Simion
Gorey,County Wexford
Summary
Accomplished finance professional with expertise in financial and management accounting, audit and tax compliance, and financial reporting and analysis. Brings strong capability in budgeting, cash flow management and tax preparation, combined with a proven ability to solve problems, improve processes and strengthen financial controls. Adept at stakeholder communication and strategic thinking, with a strong focus on leadership, team development and supporting long-term business performance.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work history
Trainee accountant
CLINTON HIGGINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Naas, Co Kildare
04.2023 - 06.2026
- Managed a diverse portfolio of clients, providing accounting, bookkeeping, financial reporting, taxation, and statutory compliance services across a wide range of industries and business structures.
- Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts, including variance analysis and performance reporting, to provide clients with accurate and timely financial information for informed decision-making.
- Prepared year-end financial statements for limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, and owner-managed businesses, including companies with annual turnover of up to €100 million.
- Managed a substantial portfolio of personal income tax clients, preparing and filing returns accurately and within all statutory deadlines.
- Prepared and filed a wide range of tax and Revenue returns, including Income Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT, Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT), and VIES returns.
- Supported statutory audits from planning through to completion, including risk assessment, audit sampling, substantive testing, preparation of working papers, and going concern assessments.
- Performed audit testing across key areas including cash and bank, debtors, creditors, income, expenditure, payroll, fixed assets, stock, accruals, and prepayments.
- Attended client stock counts as part of the audit process, observing counting procedures, carrying out independent test counts, checking stock records, and documenting findings.
- Worked on audit and assurance assignments across a range of sectors, including media, advertising, aviation, construction, retail, motor, and publishing.
- Carried out financial and accounting due diligence work, reviewing financial records, tax positions, accounting records, supporting documentation, and compliance matters to identify potential risks and issues.
- Prepared and reviewed bookkeeping records, bank reconciliations, control account reconciliations, general ledger transactions, and supporting schedules, investigating and resolving any discrepancies identified.
- Assisted clients with accounting, taxation, financial reporting, and compliance matters, resolving queries and ensuring their accounting records were accurate and up to date.
- Completed statutory filings and company compliance requirements accurately and within the required deadlines.
- Liaised directly with clients, company directors, auditors, Revenue, banks, and solicitors on accounting, taxation, audit, compliance, and financial reporting matters.
- Managed multiple client assignments and competing accounting, tax, audit, and statutory deadlines, ensuring work was completed accurately and on time.
- Trained and supported junior staff in bookkeeping, accounts preparation, taxation, and audit work, providing guidance and reviewing completed work for accuracy and quality.
- Used Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, ROS, Surf Accounts Production, and Relate for bookkeeping, accounts preparation, taxation, compliance, and financial reporting.
Finance Manager / Company Accountant
TECHADS MEDIA / TALENTS TECH MEDIA
Dublin
02.2019 - 06.2023
- Managed the full finance function across multiple entities, including management accounts, financial reporting, cash flow, budgeting, tax compliance and year-end coordination.
- Prepared monthly management accounts and detailed financial reports for the CEO, senior management and shareholders.
- Analysed complex financial and operational data, translating results into meaningful commercial insights for company leadership.
- Provided key financial input during strategic decision-making meetings, influencing business direction, resource allocation and growth planning.
- Supported capital-raising initiatives by preparing financial information, forecasts, analyses and supporting documentation for potential investors and funding discussions.
- Prepared cash flow forecasts, cost analysis, pricing reviews, sales performance reports and contribution analysis.
- Coordinated the year-end accounts process and acted as the main liaison with external auditors.
- Managed statutory and tax compliance requirements, including VAT, Corporation Tax, Dividend Withholding Tax and VIES returns.
- Managed the entire payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing and compliance with PAYE obligations.
- Oversaw the HR function, including recruitment administration, employee records, onboarding and general staff matters.
- Conducted interviews for prospective employees and supported hiring decisions across the business.
- Recruited, trained and supervised finance assistants, ensuring effective onboarding and ongoing development.
- Built and improved finance processes, controls and reporting structures to support the growth of the business.
- Managed external credit facilities and resolved banking, supplier and account-related issues.
- Worked closely with senior management to improve financial visibility, operational efficiency and commercial performance.
Accounts Assistant / Billing and Receivables
DEVANEY & DURKIN
Dublin
09.2018 - 01.2019
- Short-term contract role focused on improving billing, accounts receivable and collection processes.
Billing and Accounts Receivable Manager
APLEONA HSG LTD
Dublin
02.2015 - 07.2018
- Managed accounts receivable, billing, aged debt, WIP, credit control and cash collection reporting across multiple managed entities.
- Led a team of three and oversaw day-to-day accounts receivable and billing activities.
- Prepared statistical analysis on billing performance, credit notes, aged WIP and cash collections against targets.
- Worked with contract managers to ensure WIP and contracts were billed accurately and on time.
- Reviewed WIP recognition, reducing duplication, billing errors and incorrect accruals.
- Prepared year-end audit files in line with auditor requirements.
- Supported financial accounting for Real Estate and Belgian entities, including controlling reports, IFRS reporting and working capital reporting.
- Prepared accruals, prepayments, fixed asset analysis and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Held regular credit management meetings with account managers to resolve aged debt and improve collection performance.
- Prepared cash flow forecasts for multiple organisational business units.
- Supported contract setup, including sell-out rates, site identification, billing frequency and payment terms.
- Prepared VAT, VIES and PAYE reports on a timely basis.
- Generated customised monthly financial reports for senior management and the board of directors.
Education
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance -
Dublin Business School
Dublin /2017 - /2021
ACCA
IrelandSkills
- Financial and Management Accounting
- Audit & Tax Compliance
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Budgeting and Cash Flow Management
- Tax Preparation
- Problem-Solving & Process Improvement
- Stakeholder Communication
- Strategic Thinking
- Leadership & Team Development
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Proficient (C2)
German
Elementary
Timeline
Trainee accountant
CLINTON HIGGINS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
04.2023 - 06.2026
Finance Manager / Company Accountant
TECHADS MEDIA / TALENTS TECH MEDIA
02.2019 - 06.2023
Accounts Assistant / Billing and Receivables
DEVANEY & DURKIN
09.2018 - 01.2019
Billing and Accounts Receivable Manager
APLEONA HSG LTD
02.2015 - 07.2018
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance -
Dublin Business School
/2017 - /2021
ACCA