Sir Michael joined accountants Kingston Smith as a trainee in 1968 and became a managing partner in 1979. He played a leadership role in the company, becoming a senior partner in 1990. He stepped down from the board in 2016. In addition to his professional activities, Sir Michael has been heavily involved with the City of London and has served as an elected representative for Cordwainer Ward on the Court of Common Council since 1986. He served as chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee from 2003 to 2008, the Finance Committee, and the Barbican Estate Committee. He is currently the chairman of the Capital Buildings Committee. He was knighted in 2008 for services to Business and the City of London Corporation.