Based in Aberdeen, Mr Pirie, who has led finance functions across a range of business sizes and types, brings 24 years of financial experience to the team.

He has a wealth of technical accounting experience and commercial finance knowledge, and has developed specialist expertise in utilising financial data to better inform business decisions and maximise growth opportunities, particularly within private equity (PE) backed businesses.

This expertise will be instrumental in his new role, where Mr Pirie will foster the growth of the VFF team across Scotland, particularly across the North-east, with a focus on using his experience to support owner-managed and PE-backed businesses.

The VFF team at AAB has experienced year-on-year growth for the last six years. In the last 12 months alone client numbers have increased by 25%, demonstrating escalating demand for this critical business service.

Lauren McIlroy, head of VFF at AAB, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Niall to our team. His extensive experience and innovative approach will be invaluable as we continue to expand our client base and enhance our services.

“Having previously worked together, I have witnessed Niall’s dynamic ability to deliver exceptional value to clients, and I am delighted to see him bring that same dedication to our team.

“We launched the VFF service in Aberdeen with just two members of staff and have since grown to a team of thirty-five across offices in the UK and Ireland. We are excited to continue our development in key regional hubs.

“With Niall’s deep ties to the local Aberdeen area and his wealth of knowledge and experience, his appointment underscores our ongoing commitment to the region and our valued clients who operate here.”

Mr Pirie added: “I am excited to join AAB and look forward to working with the talented team to drive continued growth both locally and further afield.

“Having spent the last 11 years in senior industry roles, and in similar businesses to those we support in VFF, I am looking forward to using my experience to deliver the unique support and unparalleled insights we provide to clients that can better inform their business decisions.

“I am eager to work with both existing and new clients across AAB, and to help other businesses experience the benefits of this step-change in their approach to finances and accounting data.”