Ciara
McDunphy

Who I help:

US Multinationals. Family Businesses. Not for profits. Technology. Education. Media & Telecoms. Industrial & Manufacturing. Hospitality & Leisure. Pharmaceuticals. Professional Services. 

How I help:

Audit & assurance. Practical guidance. Regional knowledge.  

“Clear guidance. Independent assessment. Steady support.”

Ciara is an Audit Partner based in our Dublin office and has been with the firm for over 16 years, first joining on a Transition Year placement before returning as a graduate to train as a Chartered Accountant. That early experience shaped her career and informs her focus today on developing people and building strong client relationships. 

Her role combines client delivery with departmental leadership. She helps manage the audit function day-to-day, ensuring assignments run to schedule, standards are maintained and team members are gaining the right experience as they progress. 

Staying connected with clients

“Even though an audit is a formal and independent process, relationships still matter. We don’t just appear once a year. We stay in touch, check in and keep communication open so nothing becomes a surprise. 

A lot of my clients are US-based, so sometimes it’s about being aware of their timing and context. That might mean reaching out at the right point in their reporting cycle or simply recognising what’s happening in their market. 

It’s not about being overly familiar. It’s about being accessible and professional so when something does come up, we can deal with it efficiently and without friction.” 

A direct and structured approach

“I’m quite black and white in how I approach things. I like understanding the issue, assessing the facts and giving a clear answer. 

Clients often don’t need a long technical explanation, they need clarity. My focus is on understanding their objective and giving guidance that is practical, compliant and easy to implement. 

That decisiveness is important, particularly for owner-managed businesses where strategy, succession or growth plans are closely tied to personal decisions. They value straight answers.” 

Supporting clients through change

“One of the more challenging situations I’ve worked through was supporting a large client during a significant ownership change. It meant understanding new expectations, navigating a different reporting environment and keeping the audit process steady throughout. 

Those periods test your ability to stay calm and structured. They also reinforce the importance of independence and clear communication. 

Some of the most rewarding moments are when you help a client through a period of pressure. For example, when a client’s finance director left during the audit, I worked closely with the team to keep the process on track while they bridged the gap internally. It reinforced how important steady involvement and clear communication can be.” 

Shaping early careers

“As a training partner, a big part of my role is making sure people build strong foundations. I’m conscious that fundamentals matter, especially in a world where technology and AI are becoming more prominent. 

Efficiency tools have their place, but judgement and understanding can’t be a shortcut. I spend a lot of time making sure trainees really understand why something is done a certain way, not just how. 

I started as a graduate, so I know how much early exposure shapes confidence. Over 16 years, I’ve seen how people grow when they’re trusted and supported properly.” 

Smarter processes with tech

“The regulatory environment continues to evolve, and technology is changing how people work. The challenge is finding the right balance, using tools where they improve efficiency, but maintaining professional judgement and independence. 

For me, the future is about strengthening quality while making processes smarter. Standards won’t relax, but how we deliver can continue to improve.” 

Shared success

“There’s a palpable energy at AAB as we continue to grow. Clients will be able to retain the same consistent contacts while tapping into a broader range of experts and solutions. It’s win-win for everyone.”