From Belfast to Spain, Michael Noble’s Chartered Accountancy career has taken him on an interesting journey through both practice and industry. Now working as Group Financial Controller at OCO Global, he has built his experience across firms including Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, Grant Thornton, IQ-EQ and Breedon Group. With a passion for business, travel and leadership, Michael shares his career story, what he enjoys most about life as a Chartered Accountant, and why moving to Spain still feels a little like working on holiday.
What is your background – what made you want to become Chartered Accountant?
I am from Belfast but currently living with my family in Spain. I have always been interested in business and had considered starting my own business in the future. Before taking that step, I felt it was important to develop a strong understanding of how businesses operate, manage their finances, and make informed decisions. I chose to pursue Chartered Accountants Ireland because I believed it would provide the practical knowledge, professional training, and solid foundation needed to support that ambition.
Can you give us a run-down of your career to date?
I started my accountancy journey with a training contract at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, which gave me a fantastic all-round introduction to the profession. I got to experience everything from bookkeeping and preparing financial statements to tax and audit work across both SMEs and larger businesses—so there was never a shortage of variety.
After qualifying, I joined Grant Thornton, where I took on larger and more complex audits and had the opportunity to lead engagements and work with a wide range of clients. It was a great place to build confidence, deepen my technical skills, and learn how different businesses operate.
Eventually, I was ready for a new challenge and made the move from practice into industry—a decision I have not looked back on. I joined IQ-EQ as a Client Service Accountant just before the first COVID-19 lockdown, which certainly made for an interesting start.
I then moved to Breedon Group as a Divisional Accountant and was later promoted to Financial Reporting & Controls Manager. That role gave me the opportunity to take on broader responsibility and play a more active part in supporting the business. I then joined OCO Global, where I now work as Financial Controller.
What is your current role?
Group Financial Controllers for OCO Global – A technology-driven advisory business that helps organisations advance trade, attract investment, and promote economic growth.
What do you like about your job?
I love that no two days in finance are ever quite the same. One day I might be digging into the detail behind the numbers, and the next I’m helping someone turn those numbers into a decision they feel confident about. It is satisfying to know that, by making the figures clearer and more meaningful, I can help others take action and play a part in moving the business forward.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
The most challenging part of my role is probably juggling several important priorities at once—especially when deadlines seem to arrive all at the same time. It can feel a little like solving a moving puzzle: deciding what needs attention first, keeping everyone updated, and making sure nothing gets missed. However, I enjoy the pace and the variety, and it has made me much better at planning ahead, staying organised, and adapting when priorities change.
You’ve just moved to Spain with work. What are your first impressions?
I have only just moved, so everything still feels very new—but so far, it genuinely feels a little like working on holiday. I am loving the sunshine, the fact that the beach is part of everyday life, and being so close to Málaga, which has always been one of my favourite cities in the world.
What was your best day working as a CA?
The day I received my FAE results was unforgettable. After all the study, time, and hard work that had gone into it, seeing that I had passed was an incredible—and genuinely electric—feeling. It made all the effort worth it.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
On our honeymoon in the Philippines, my wife and I decided it would be a great idea to take on a 15-course tasting menu. What started as an exciting food adventure quickly turned into an endurance test
What is your favourite movie?
I dont have one all-time favourite film, but I am a big fan of psychological and political thrillers—anything with a clever plot, a bit of tension, and a twist that keeps you thinking afterwards like, Inception, Shutter Island, Se7en or Enemy of the State.
What was your first ever job?
My first job was working at Primark over the Christmas period. It was a brilliant introduction to working life—busy, fast-paced, and a great way to earn some money
If you weren’t a CA…what would your dream job be?
If I were not a Chartered Accountant, my dream job would be getting paid to travel the world and share the best places, hidden gems, food and experiences with other people—essentially, a professional travel adviser with a very good holiday allowance.
What time does you day start?
My day usually starts at 9am, but with OCO’s global footprint and the variety in my role, the plan can change very quickly. A day that begins with a clear to-do list can soon turn into calls across time zones, unexpected questions, and new priorities—which is exactly what keeps it fun.
Do you ever turn your phone off?
I am getting much better at it! I have become far more aware of my phone and screen time, so I now make a conscious effort to put it away and be present—especially when I am with my family. It is still a work in progress, but I have learned that the world rarely falls apart if I do not check my phone for an hour or two.
What is the best bit of advice you have received?
“Live your life in the bits in between” is advice that has really stayed with me. It reminds me not to focus only on the big milestones, but to appreciate the everyday moments too—and to make sure the life I am building is one that I genuinely enjoy.
What was the last book that you read?
The last book I read was Digital Fortress by Dan Brown. It is a fast-paced, thought-provoking thriller about encryption, surveillance and technology, which felt especially relevant given the increasingly digital world we live in today.
What’s your favourite thing to spend money on?
My favourite thing to spend money on is travel. I love discovering new places, trying local food, and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. It is always interesting to see how people live and do things differently, and I usually come home with new perspectives as well as great memories.
What do you like to do when you’re away from the office?
Outside work, most of my time is happily taken up with my family and my two young children, who keep me on my toes and make sure there is never a dull moment.
I also enjoy getting involved in voluntary committees—it is a brilliant way to meet new people, make friends outside work, and contribute to things I care about. I am currently Chair of Young Leaders NI, a volunteer-led organisation that brings young leaders together for an annual leadership event, and Treasurer of Young at Art, Northern Ireland’s children’s arts organisation, helping young people discover and enjoy creative experiences.