PwC announces staff expansion plans with further Scottish investment

The global firm said that the move is part of its continuing investment in its Scottish team that will also see 140 graduates and work experience interns joining its Scottish practice this year, with further plans to recruit a further 50 specialists across its Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow offices over the next 12 months.

The news comes a year after the appointment of over 65 experienced staff north of the border by the ‘big four’ firm.

“Reflecting ongoing investment in PwC’s Aberdeen Centre of Excellence for Oil and Gas and the team’s continuing support of the industry as it responds to opportunities and challenges arising from the low oil price landscape”, Bruce Collins and Jon Shelley have been made partner, the firm said.

Mr Collins joined the firm in 1998 as a graduate and, following periods in Glasgow, Melbourne and London, joined PwC’s Aberdeen Assurance team in 2012. He has worked with clients in the oil and gas industry for the past 11 years and, in addition to leading external audits, his focus is on helping organisations identify and deal with a range of risks and improve their governance, risk assessment and control processes, particularly given the challenging oil price environment.

A corporate finance partner, Mr Shelley also joined PwC as a graduate in 2002 and, over the years, has gained extensive insight into the deals market and the oil and gas industry. As firms continue to adapt, he is providing support as they refocus their strategy and market approach: from insight into how well planned and executed merger and acquisition activity now and in the future can both protect and create value to helping access different forms of capital available to support this activity.

Meanwhile, Alison Fleming, who is based in Edinburgh where she leads PwC’s 12-strong pension practice in Scotland, is also joining the partnership this month.

After a summer placement with PwC’s actuarial pension team in 1999, Ms Fleming joined the Scottish practice as a graduate the following year, remaining with the UK actuarial team throughout her career working in both London and Edinburgh. Her focus is on supporting employers and trustees as they respond to the changing pensions’ landscape and deal with pension deficits and risk. Alison is a recognised specialist on pension issues for the financial services sector.

Lindsay Gardiner, regional chairman, PwC in Scotland, said: “This represents a significant investment for PwC in Scotland and, following the appointment of six partners and eight directors last year, reflects our ongoing ambition to grow and invest in our local markets. We are hugely committed to building the broadest team of sector specialists so that we can continue to help our clients not only be successful but to swiftly and effectively deal with future challenges and opportunities as they arise.

“I am delighted for Alison, Jon and Bruce. Their admission is a credit to the dedication and hard work they have put in here in Scotland and within their industries, as well as the firm’s commitment to recruit and retain the best talent.”

In addition, six directors have been promoted across the practice: James Mullan (Tax); Len Dean (Indirect Tax); James Houston (Assurance); Shuj Khan (Assurance); Gen Humphries (Risk Assurance) and Stuart Birnie (Risk Assurance).

Mr Gardiner added: “Our Scottish practice has a great year, with strong growth in revenues, iconic wins and roles in many of the leading M&A and restructuring projects. Our Aberdeen team has also worked alongside many oil and gas organisations, helping them respond to the volatile oil prices at the turn of the year and adapt to the new ‘sustainable at $60’ landscape.

“As the market leader, we believe that we must invest for the long-term success of the business and the wider economy and we are fortunate to be able to recruit and retain the best people to help support this ambition. This is why, alongside our partner admissions, we continue to seek out the business leaders of the future by recruiting 140 graduates during 2015.

“It’s certainly an exciting time for our business and we all relish the opportunity to help our clients become internationally competitive and create sustainable and profitable employment in Scotland.”