Johnston Carmichael shortlisted for Scots accountancy gongs as delegation heads to Houston

Johnston Carmichael has been announced as a finalist in the Scottish Accountancy & Finance Awards for an eighth consecutive year.

The firm has been shortlisted in the Accountancy Firm of the Year and the Insolvency Team of the Year categories, with winners due to be announced at a highly anticipated ceremony on 18 June 2015 in Glasgow.

Since the inception of the awards in 2008, Johnston Carmichael has claimed the title of Accountancy Firm of the Year six times, also being awarded Advisory Team of the Year in 2013 and Training Manager of the Year in 2012.

Sandy Manson, chief executive at Johnston Carmichael said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at this year’s Scottish Accountancy & Finance Awards. Our commitment to exceptional client service and investment in our people is at the heart of all we do, and we are proud to be recognised once again as part of these industry awards.

“Since claiming the accolade of Accountancy Firm of the Year in 2014, Johnston Carmichael has gone from strength to strength. A number of key appointments have added extensive experience and skills to our team, and we continue to strategically evolve in order to meet the ever changing demands of our clients and the marketplace.

“We look forward to June’s ceremony and on behalf of Johnston Carmichael, I would like to wish all of the finalists the best of luck on the evening.”

The Scottish Accountancy & Finance Awards remains a major event within the financial services industry calendar which highlights the vital role played by the profession across both the public and private sector.

Meanwhile, a trio of the firm’s accountants are currently in Houston, Texasas part of efforts to spread north-east oil and gas expertise around the world.

Granite City office joint managing partners Niall Farquharson and Andrew Walker along with new recruit and tax director Richard Britten are attending the world’s biggest oil show, OTC.

Mr Britten only joined JC in April but is already playing a key part in building the firm’s employer solutions practice, which targets companies with internationally mobile employees.

With Scottish Enterprise reporting in March that North America remains t he main region for oil and gas exports, JC is highlighting its work with companies looking at US expansion.

These include Ellon-based chemical engineering specialist Aubin Group, which has recently launched operations in the Middle East and Houston.

Mr Walker said: “Becoming immersed in our clients’ businesses is a significant factor in our success.

“We have worked closely with Aubin Group over the years to understand its business, its aspirations and key economic drivers.

“This allowed us to advise and help achieve an efficient commercial structure to set up Aubin for strategic global expansion, while taking into account the tax implications of operating in a number of jurisdictions.

“OTC is a great opportunity for us to continue strengthening our links in the world’s oil capital, talking to clients and gaining an in-depth understanding of the latest challenges and opportunities in the region, particularly in light of a new, lower oil price.”