Patrick Farry graduated from Queens University Belfast with a degree in Business Administration in 1983. Following post graduate studies in Advanced Financial Accounting, he qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 1987 and worked in professional practice ever since. From 1992 to 2023 Paddy was a partner in HLB McGuire+Farry, Chartered Certified Accountants. He sold his interest in the practice in 2023 to focus on his other business interests however he continues to be engaged by  the practice on an advisory basis. His other business interests include insurance premium finance and commercial property development.

From 1994 to 2017 Paddy was Honorary Treasurer of NIACRO, a voluntary organisation working to reduce crime and its impact on people and communities.

Paddy served two three year terms as  a member of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Commission for Victims and Survivors  stepping down in 2016.

He was a director of Craigowen Housing Association which provides housing and related amenities for adults with learning difficulties, stepping down in March 2024.

A keen golfer, Paddy is currently Honorary Treasurer of Dunfanaghy Golf Club, Co Donegal.

He holds  no other public appointments.