Paul Smith

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Services

We approach each audit with sharp thought, straight talk and common sense. In addition to verifying that financial results are fairly presented and meet...

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Statutory Audit
We conduct an integrated audit, which combines the financial statement audit,independent and objective assurance on financial information, transactionsand processes.
Limited Review
We offer services relating to reviews of historical financial informationby expressing negative assurance on such historical financial information.
Agreed Upon Procedures
We engage with organisationsto perform specific procedures and report findings to conform to their needs.
Financial Reporting Advisory Services (FRAS)
Our team provides timely advice on the impact of accounting changes to assist businesses in the development of an appropriate implementation roadmap.

Advisory

As your business grows, our advisory services are designed to help you achieve your goals. Successful growth often means navigating a complex array of...

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Business Consulting
Grant Thornton UAE provides organisations with implementable plans that drive sustainable growth strategies to grow and optimise their business performance.
Business Risk Services
Organisations need to understand risks thoroughly to be able to manage them better. Grant Thornton UAE helps businesses achieve the best balance between minimising risk exposure, optimising profitability and developing compliance review checklists.
Regulatory Advisory Services
Grant Thornton UAE's extensive understanding of the overarching supervisory framework within the region equips our professionals to support financial institutions comply and abide by the set of regulatory mandates throughout the rapidly evolving ecosystem.
Financial Advisory
Grant Thornton UAE works with organisations on transactions from start to finish, assisting with strategy, identifying risks, executing deals, and helping to unlock their potential for growth and value creation.
Restructuring Advisory
Grant Thornton UAE is committed to realising value for shareholders, in a way that recognises and supports the interests of all stakeholders. Our solutions maximise value, provide clarity and direction, and accelerate recovery and transformation for businesses.
Technology Advisory & Cybersecurity
IT and technology are fundamental to drive the performance of businesses. Through leveraging the power of technology, Grant Thornton UAE helps organisations define and identify growth opportunities to achieve value-driven transformation and innovation.
Forensics
Fraud and corruption pose a growing challenge worldwide. As the commercial landscape changes, an increasingly regulated environment requires stringent governance and compliance processes. Grant Thornton UAE helps organisations navigate challenges and crisis with a hands-on approach coupled with the use of technology.
ESG Services
The Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda has gained significant traction over the years, to become one of the key strategic aspects of any business. It is imperative that all organisations, irrespective of industry sector, engage with their stakeholders and prioritise ESG practices to unlock sustainable growth opportunities.
Business Process Solutions
Our team at Grant Thornton offers comprehensive and cost effective outsourced solutions, enabling stakeholders and business owners to focus on their core business goals.

Tax

Tax policy reforms and the introduction of new tax regulations across the GCC are creating huge challenges for organisations. Grant Thornton UAE offers a...

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Corporate Tax
Our diversified team of corporate tax subject matter experts combines a perfect blend of international experience across several industry sectors, technical expertise, and commercial nuances with a commitment to deliver exceptional value to your business.
VAT
The VAT team at Grant Thornton is well versed with the VAT Laws applicable across the region and holds valuable experience and professional accreditation in assisting clients across diverse industries to comply with the VAT obligations.
Transfer Pricing
Grant Thornton UAE assists its clients in providing transfer pricing solutions that are implementable and operational, considering the facts and concerns of its clients.
International Tax and Tax Due Diligence
Grant Thornton UAE supports multinational groups to optimise their tax structures. We can also assist businesses in analysing existing group transactions and inter-group supplies, as well as advising on potential implications of various taxes to facilitate an efficient Group tax structure.
Economic Substance Requirements
Economic Substance rules were introduced in the UAE in 2019, requiring UAE businesses that undertake certain ‘Relevant Activities’ to maintain and demonstrate adequate substance.
Customs and International Trade
The team at Grant Thornton is positioned centrally to assist the businesses with global cross-border tax structuring, planning and compliance needs.
Excise Tax
We provide Excise Tax related advisory and compliance services to the producer, importer, and the storekeeper of excisable goods

China desk

Helping Chinese businesses navigate the Middle East with strategic advice on partnerships, market entry and cross-border operations, backed by deep regional...

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Global India growth hub

Supporting high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses of Indian origin with tailored guidance on market entry, regulatory compliance and...

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Paul Smith brings 25 years of extensive experience in finance & operations across the Middle East, Africa, Turkey, Europe, and other regions.

Prior to joining Grant Thornton UAE, Paul was the Regional CFO at a business consulting firm for the Middle East, Africa & Turkey. In this role, Paul had full oversight and leadership of 180 team members from the business support functions for all regional practices (during a period of rapid growth and change reaching regional fees of circa USD 500m) and led several initiatives to ensure profitable and sustainable growth.

Prior to his tenure at the business consulting firm, Paul served as the Chief Financial and Operating Officer at a law practice in the Middle East, where he led the firm’s expansion into Saudi Arabia and managed critical financial processes across the region. His prior experience includes senior roles at Deloitte, where he specialized in transaction and restructuring services across multiple regions, including the Nordics, Middle East, and Russia. Paul also started his career with Audit with a big 4 professional services firm in London and spent two years on secondment in Papa New Guinea. His career highlights include leading significant due diligence and restructuring projects, managing large-scale operational improvements, and establishing new business units in complex markets.

Paul holds an MBA from London Business School and is a qualified Chartered Accountant (ICAEW).

In his role as COO, Paul will be responsible for driving operational efficiency, overseeing Internal Client Services functions, and ensuring the effective execution of our strategic objectives. His extensive experience in managing complex operations and implementing large-scale initiatives will be crucial as we continue to grow and expand.

Qualifications

MBA from London Business School
Qualified Chartered Accountant (ICAEW)

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