Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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James Ballagh

James Ballagh

Dublin,Ireland

Summary

Relationship-driven finance professional with a background in KYC, audit, and financial analysis across J.P. Morgan, Forvis Mazars, and Aviva. Known for strong communication skills, stakeholder engagement, and delivering insights that influence decision-making. Energised by fast paced, client-facing environments and seeking to transition into a fintech sales or SDR role where commercial acumen and interpersonal strengths can drive growth. Proactive learner committed to continuous development.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work history

Finance Partnering Analyst

Aviva
2025.08 - 2026.05
  • Supported quarterly forecasting cycle, delivering accurate submissions to Group within tight deadlines.
  • Designed and delivered financial dashboards and insights to drive performance across key business areas.
  • Built and maintained strong cross-functional relationships to enhance collaboration and data accuracy.
  • Executed month-end close processes for Commercial and Personal Lines, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  • Produced monthly financial reporting packs for CFO review, highlighting key trends and variances.

Audit Associate

Forvis Mazars
Dublin, Ireland
2023.10 - 2025.08
  • Collaborated closely with a team to perform external audits for clients within the insurance sector, including life and non-life insurers, reinsurance firms, and captives.
  • Assisted in planning and executing audit procedures in accordance with ISA, IAASA and Mazars methodologies.
  • Conducted substantive testing of financial statement line items such as premiums, claims, reinsurance, and technical provisions etc.
  • Performed analytical procedures and variance analysis to assess reasonableness of client data and identify deficiencies.
  • Reviewed internal control environments and tested operating effectiveness to support control reliance strategies.
  • Communicated directly with client finance teams to resolve audit queries and gather supporting documentation within tight deadlines.

KYC Consultant

J.P. Morgan (via Albany Beck)
Dublin, Ireland
2023.01 - 2023.10
  • Participated in a successful 5AMLD remediation project, contributing to a team awarded the JPMC Quarterly Excellence Award.
  • Conducted enhanced due diligence on a wide range of legal entities including funds, trusts, NBFIs, and publicly traded companies.
  • Played a key role in the EMEA GCB Taskforce, onboarding new clients and reducing backlog efficiently.
  • Created and maintained client KYC profiles from scratch, mapping products to correct booking entities.
  • Appointed team Quality Assessor, reviewing and approving team member profiles to ensure compliance and boost first-time approval rates.

Education

Bachelor of Business and Management (Honours) -

Technological University Dublin
Tallaght

Skills

  • Financial analysis
  • Communication & Relationship building
  • Ability to meet deadlines & work under pressure
  • Proficient in Microsoft office
  • Goal-Oriented approach
  • Decision-Making competence
  • Balance sheet competency
  • Economic trend monitoring

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Finance Partnering Analyst

Aviva
2025.08 - 2026.05

Audit Associate

Forvis Mazars
2023.10 - 2025.08

KYC Consultant

J.P. Morgan (via Albany Beck)
2023.01 - 2023.10

Bachelor of Business and Management (Honours) -

Technological University Dublin
James Ballagh