PG Paper’s Beth MacLeod wins Accountant of the Year

Beth (pictured right) is the Financial Controller for PG Paper - one of the UK’s largest, and fastest-growing paper companies. Here she is responsible for developing the finance structure to deliver the vision of the owners, working with insurance brokers to implement credit insurance to open up previously unavailable markets.

Beth grew up in Mallaig, near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands and began her accounting career keeping the books at a local boatyard. She studied accountancy and finance at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, and after graduating she stayed in the city and went straight into industry.

After nine years and four promotions at CBRE, Beth became a manager at the multinational commercial real estate services firm. She was looking for a new challenge when an exciting new role at PG Paper came up which offered all round exposure to all parts of one of the UK’s largest, and fastest-growing paper companies.

Speaking about her accolade, Beth MacLeod said: “I am thrilled to be recognised nationally at these awards. I’ve traditionally been relatively risk-averse as an accountant, completely focused on protecting the business financially. But the swift growth and entrepreneurial spirit of PG Paper means they are better prepared to assess, and take reasonable, calculated risks in the business. I’m really enjoying being involved in all aspects of the business, and working closely with the owners and external stakeholders.”

PG Paper Company CEO, Poonam Gupta OBE added: “I’m so pleased that Beth’s stellar work has been acknowledged. She has played a major role in streamlining our processes and implementing forecasting to mitigate risks and ensure cost savings for our business.”

Head of ACCA Scotland, Craig Vickery also said: “I congratulate Beth for her well-deserved award. I know Beth found the ACCA Qualification to be very beneficial right from her early career – enabling her to progress and to gain knowledge in her field. She sailed through her ACCA studies with first time passes and this award is a testament to her hard work and talent. She also found herself more qualified to pass on knowledge to her team – and was able to support and mentor her junior colleagues as they took the same exams.”