The new 2024 intake has now started in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Between these offices, they have accepted students and graduate trainees for over 100 years, developing around 250 individuals in that time.

In Edinburgh’s St Colme Street, the firm has welcomed trainees Darcie Haggarty, Matthew McEvoy, Iain Greig, Kyle Watkin, Lewis Smith, Ali Armstrong, Robbie Macaulay and Callum McEwan.

Previously Geoghegans before becoming part of MHA in February 2024, the firm - the 13th largest accountancy firm in the UK – has a long track record of supporting the next generation of accountants having accepted trainees for over 75 years, training over 200 trainees in that time.

They are being guided on their journey by director Ben Sutherland.

He said: “We are delighted to welcome eight talented, ambitious and diverse new trainees to our growing team in Edinburgh, made up of recent graduates and school leavers. They will study towards their chartered accountancy qualification with ICAS whilst gaining some real hands-on work experience across many different areas of the business.

“There is so much to a career in accountancy. It’s far from just crunching numbers … It involves business advisory, corporate finance, audit and assurance, private client tax, and so much more. There’s great variety across a host of sectors too so we really will give our newest recruits the best possible experience.

“We are extremely proud of our record in helping to develop trainees on their journey. MHA has a real ‘people first’ ethos both in regard to our clients or staff. So, one of the key priorities for us is recruiting, developing, and training the best talent to continue to provide a high standard of service to our clients and experience for our staff, where achievements are truly celebrated. We are excited to see what the future holds for our new recruits, and future leaders of MHA.”

In Aberdeen, placement student Ethan Donald, plus graduates Kate Wolska, Emily McLauchlan, Katie McLeod and Jonathan Shek, have begun their journey with MHA.

Previously Meston Reid & Co before becoming part of MHA in October 2023, the firm has a long track record of supporting the next generation of accountants. It has accepted placement students from RGU’s Accountancy and Finance degree in all but two of the past 27 years.

In Aberdeen, the trainees are being looked after by Audit and Accounts Manager Louise Smith, who was the office’s first ever student placement 27 years ago.

At the age of 21, Ms Smith completed her placement in 1998 before going on to gain her Accountancy and Finance degree from Robert Gordon University. After university, she became a qualified chartered accountant with ICAS – the same route that most of the new trainees will follow.

Ms Smith said: “I know what they’re going through when they first start out, I can still remember it – it feels like yesterday to me.

“It’s so satisfying to help the students start their journey. It’s also great that many placement students come back to us when they graduate. We’re so proud of our record in developing the careers of those coming into accountancy and know we’ll give our latest recruits the best possible experience.”