Inverness school leaver calculates new chartered accountancy career path

The first school leaver from Inverness appointed by accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael is set to become a fully qualified chartered accountant.

Calum Finlayson joined the firm almost five years ago as part of the JC Futures programme after leaving Culloden Academy. The 22-year-old is due to sit his final exams later this month.

JC Futures was introduced in 2012 to recruit potential accountants straight from school. The pioneering programme, which allows trainees to gain a chartered qualification while in paid employment, provides an alternative to further studies at university or college.

Calum, who was among the first group of school leavers appointed by Johnston Carmichael, said: “I was set on going to university to study as I thought it was the only way I could become a Chartered Accountant (CA).

“I realised that JC’s Futures programme was a great alternative route into the accountancy profession, and knowing that I could qualify quicker than I could at university and get ahead with my career was something that really appealed to me.

“It’s been a great experience and I received lots of support with balancing my work with studying, being given study leave earlier in the year.

“I am now weeks away from becoming a fully qualified CA, as opposed to just graduating from my studies and looking for a job. I’ve been working hard towards my exams and I’m really looking forward to undertaking my new role.”

Developed to encourage talented school leavers to train in a professional setting, the JC Futures programme encourages a wide range of young, enthusiastic individuals to start their career.

The programme gives budding accountants a valuable, hands-on experience from their first day, allowing them to put their skills into practice earlier than those who choose to study at university.

Iain Abernethy, career development director, said: “We are thrilled to see Calum reach his final ICAS exams through the JC Futures programme.

“With more individuals going down the training while working route, the JC Futures programme allows pupils to get into the accountancy profession without going into further education.

“We have received some really positive feedback about our scheme, from both the students and their parents, and we hope to see some more school leavers join the firm in the future.

“We wish Calum the very best of luck in his upcoming exams and we’re confident he has a bright future at Johnston Carmichael as a successful CA.”