Richard Smith

Strategic Adviser

Richard joined Affinia as a Strategic Adviser in 2024. In this role Richard sits on our Main Board and chairs the Audit & Risk Committee. He initially trained as an external auditor with the National Audit Office (NAO). After 10 years he moved into the private sector, spending 30 years as a partner at RSM UK and its predecessor firms.  

During his time with RSM UK, Richard led the firm’s Risk Assurance practice and was part of the firm’s national leadership team. He also led the RSM International Global Centre of Excellence for Risk Advisory work. Over this period, Richard grew his team from 10 in 1994, to 420 by 2024. Serving over 500 clients on governance, risk management and control (GRC) matters, the team is one of the largest specialist Risk Assurance providers in the UK.  

In total Richard has 40 years’ experience of accounting practices, large and small, and specialises in all things GRC related as well as in external & internal audit. He also has considerable experience of driving and managing growth in the accountancy sector.