Belfast-based chartered accountancy firm RBCA is to merge with near neighbouring company Johnston Graham in a deal which will see its portfolio grow by 58% and add a further 1,000 clients.
Established in 2010 by seasoned consultant Ross Boyd, RBCA is a prominent independent practice providing a full service across the north, while Johnston Graham, founded by David Knox and Elaine Mulholland, has been in operation since 2003.
The merged team will operate from the existing RBCA premises on Belfast’s Linenhall Street.
RBCA has since established itself as a leading challenger firm in the local market by providing strategic independent advice and bespoke financial solutions focused on driving future growth and ensuring long-term success. Specialist audit roles have seen considerable growth in demand in recent years.
Ross Boyd said: “This is a significant moment for our businesses. It has enabled two local firms to consolidate resources and expertise and strengthen our offering to customers as a result.
“The enhanced RBCA entity will benefit from the reputation Johnston Graham has established over 21 years, and we are proud to be in the position to adopt its clients and provide them enhanced services through our talent, knowledge and innovation.
“RBCA is primed for long-term success. We are geared towards growth and our continued investment in technology and team will support our client mix with unparalleled local sectoral knowledge.”
David Knox, director at Johnston Graham, said: “We’re delighted to merge with RBCA, a firm that has a proven track record in providing advisory services, as well as auditing and tax services.
“From the beginning of our conversations, it was clear that Ross prioritises the same values as Johnston Graham and has a clear vision for the long-term success of the business, demonstrated by a continued investment in the team, and the digital infrastructure to ensure that clients receive a truly valuable service that supports their businesses to remain profitable.”
Ross added: “Talent and growth are entirely correlated. We recognise how important it is to be progressive and invest in human capital. After all, businesses that prioritise diversity, inclusion, and flexibility, are proven to have higher talent retention and better outcomes for clients.
“This is becoming clearer not only post-pandemic, but also as Gen Z, now aged up to 26, are becoming more present in the workforce, accounting for 27% by 2025.