Gemma Rocliffe, Financial Services Audit Partner

Originally from Bangor in Co. Down, Gemma grew up with her younger brother, David, in a family rooted in design and problem-solving, with her father working as an architect and her mother a landscape architect. She attended Glenlola Collegiate Grammar School, where she developed a strong affinity for mathematics, physics and chemistry and immersed herself in school life, particularly music and performance. “During my school days, I enjoyed music, getting clarinet and later on piano lessons and was a member of my school and church choir. I was also part of the Girl Guides and my church drama club.”

After her A levels, Gemma studied an MMATH (Hons) in Mathematics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland followed by an MSc in Construction Project Management at the University of Aberdeen. She had intended to go into project management, however, a downturn in the construction sector brought her back to Northern Ireland, where she worked as a Financial Engineer – an experience that sparked her interest in the financial services sector. During this time, she met her now-husband Jamie, and after he relocated to Dublin for a new role, Gemma made the move too and joined the Mazars (now Forvis Mazars) graduate programme in 2011.

“Over the next 14 years, I progressed with Forvis Mazars from graduate to audit director, including a year-long career break in 2015, which coincided with the start of the Rugby World Cup and gave me the opportunity to visit 17 different countries.” Throughout this period, she worked closely with partners Michael Tuohy and Patrick Gorry, who mentored her growth as the firm’s financial services audit team expanded.

Today, Gemma specialises in the audit of special-purpose vehicles, an area she finds particularly engaging due to the bespoke structures and complex financial instruments involved. She also works closely with the banking team on initiatives focused on audit quality and operational efficiencies, supporting a culture that balances high performance with team wellbeing.

In 2018, Gemma swapped the city for the countryside and relocated back to Greyabbey on the Ards Peninsula in Northern Ireland, where she lives with her husband Jamie, their two children Lyra (7) and Oscar (4) and two pet bunnies.

“Any free time that I have, I spend outside in my garden where I enjoy growing vegetables and either working on or coming up with my next garden project.” Gemma also enjoys baking, often teaming up with her children to recreate Pinterest-inspired birthday cake ideas and explore new recipes together.