Azets Aberdeen, a leading provider of financial and strategic advisory services, has continued to respond and adapt effectively to the changing needs of the local market throughout this year, with a further significant increase in demand for the company’s flexible resource solutions service.
This year has been highly successful for the Aberdeen office driven by an influx of new clients, predominantly within the energy sector, and expanding its service offerings for current clients, which has attributed to a double-digit growth in revenue.
In the new year the company is continuing its employment drive to meet local demand – this includes increasing options for new talent entering from a young age and a senior manager joining the team specialising in technical accounting.
The new hire will focus on complex accounting issues such as acquisition accounting, consolidations including preparation of complex financial statements, technical accounting papers required for auditors and international financial reporting standards (IFRS) conversions including workshops and impact assessments.
Demand for Azets’ flexible resource solutions has seen a considerable increase due to a shortage of skilled tax and finance professionals within Aberdeen, and because of economic uncertainty and evolving industry challenges following the autumn Budget announcement.
The flexible resourcing solution from Azets provides many benefits for businesses - it is adaptable to resolve short and long-term issues or one-off specialist projects and is cost-effective without a long-term employee commitment. The demand on finance teams is greater than ever and often there can be periods where flexible support is needed. With a team of over 80 staff locally, Azets can resolve clients’ staffing needs promptly.
David Booth, regional managing partner for Azets Aberdeen, said: “Azets is dedicated to understanding and adapting to the unique requirements of our local clients, ensuring tailored solutions that meet their evolving needs.
"A challenging recruitment market and economic pressures has placed increased pressure on our clients’ finance teams and many companies we speak with are currently understandably cautious about hiring and increasing their in-house cost base, which demonstrates why the flexible resource solution is a widely favoured option.
"We deliver specialised expertise directly to our clients, enabling them to manage immediate challenges while maintaining operational flexibility. This is particularly valuable in industries facing skills shortages or fluctuating workforce needs.
“Looking ahead to 2025, several significant changes in tax and accounting regulations are expected, which will affect individuals and businesses.
"This highlights the need for those affected to engage in strategic tax planning for navigating a potentially complex regulatory landscape.
"By consulting with tax professionals and staying informed on legislative developments, it will ensure compliance and optimise financial processes.
“With significant changes upcoming in Financial Reporting Standards (FRS) 102, particularly in relation to leases and revenue, it will impact many clients.
"This will be a key project for our new hire to lead and navigate so we can best support our clients through these changes by providing impact assessments, accounting papers and assisting with the necessary disclosures required for the financial statements.
“In the next year, we will also continue to build on the other new services lines we have built out locally. It is important for Azets to continue delivering innovative solutions to navigate economic and regulatory changes, whilst mitigating risk and enhancing resilience for our clients.”
Since establishing the Aberdeen office in 2016, Azets has actively nurtured the next generation of talented business advisors in the local area.
Azets is planning to increase the number of new staff members joining through graduate, student and school leaver recruitment options.
To assist in filling local talent gaps in the market, this year Azets welcomed five graduates, seven placement students and its first three summer interns. Azets plans to hire around 12 new graduates annually.
Azets is a top 10 UK Accountancy firm that focuses on delivering personalised service through a local office network and proprietary digital workplace technology.
We are committed to our vision to have local specialists who have first-hand experience of our clients' challenges, alongside our National Tax Practice to provide a holistic service offering.