A qualified management accountant, Michael has held a number of senior financial and general management posts in a range of private sector organisations. During his long career, he held the posts of Regional Accountant (North East) for John Kelly Limited, Head of Finance (Ireland) for the Mayfair Group (a subsidiary of Gallaher’s plc),  Accountant at the Northern Publishing Office (with interests in retail, printing and mobile telecoms) and after a short spell as Head of Finance in the Charitable Sector, moved to Emerald Hotels Limited as the Accountant at the Europa Hotel, Belfast, with added responsibility for preparing Group Accounts. Michael was subsequently promoted to the General Manager’s position at the Europa Hotel in 1991, then moved to the Slieve Donard Hotel as General Manager in 1995.

In 1999, Michael joined ASM Chartered Accountants in Belfast to develop its consulting division, with a particular emphasis on the Hotels, Tourism and Leisure Industry. During this period, Michael advised on planned capital expenditure exceeding £1 billion in the industry and was responsible for advising on operational systems, branding, funding and corporate structures. He was appointed by local banks on a number of client review assignments in the industry. He also developed strategic and tactical plans for a diverse range of public sector and private sector organisations. 

In 2005, Michael was appointed a partner at ASM and often featured on local radio and television current affairs programmes, with a tourism or economic theme. Michael retired from ASM in 2022.

Michael is the Honorary Treasurer and is absolutely committed to the work, sustainability and the integrity of the organisation.