Aberdeen accountancy firm MHA is supporting the next generation of talent with five new appointments.
The new 2024 intake have now started at the firm’s Carden Place offices - placement student Ethan Donald, plus graduates Kate Wolska, Emily McLauchlan, Katie McLeod and Jonathan Shek.
Previously Meston Reid & Co before becoming part of MHA in October 2023, the firm – the 13th largest accountancy firm in the UK - has a long track record of supporting the next generation of accountants having accepted placement students from RGU’s Accountancy and Finance degree in all but two of the past 27 years.
They are being looked after on their journey by Audit and Accounts Manager Louise Smith, who was the firm’s first ever student placement 27 years ago.
At the age of 21, Louise 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.
Louise 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.”
Ethan Donald, 19, is an Audit Junior with MHA and currently a third-year student at RGU studying Accounting and Finance.
Next generation begin journey with MHA Aberdeen: (l-r) Ethan Donald, Kate Wolska, Jonathan Shek, Katie McLeod, Emily McLauchlin & Louise Smith
The former Westhill Primary and Academy pupil has previously competed nationally in swimming and played basketball at university.
Kate Wolska, 38, moved to Aberdeen from Poland 16 years ago. She is an Audit and Accounts Junior with MHA, working towards her ACCA qualification.
After a varied career including working as an optical assistant and in administration in care homes, Kate graduated from North East Scotland College with a Higher National Diploma in Accounting.
She is also mum to a nine-year-old daughter, Nicola and enjoys camping in the Scottish countryside.
Emily Mclauchlan, 21, has joined as an Audit Junior after graduating from University of Aberdeen with an MA in Accountancy and Finance.
Emily, from Dunfermline, is a competitive Highland dancer, having placed in championships and competitions all over the world. She’s had the honour of being selected to dance as part of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo dancers at Windsor Castle for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Tattoo in 2019 and 2022, and she also travelled to Sydney and Dusseldorf as part of the team in 2019. She is a qualified dance teacher.
Katie McLeod, 22, is an Audit Junior, having graduated from University of Aberdeen with an MA (Hons) degree in Economics.
The former Mackie Academy in Stonehaven pupil has worked as a crew trainee at McDonalds and a lifeguard and counsellor at Camp America in Massachusetts. Katie has played netball for Rebound Netball Club in Aberdeen since 2017.
Jonathan Shek, 25, has been appointed Tax Associate after graduating from University of Aberdeen with an MA (Hons) in Business Management.
Originally from Edinburgh and a former pupil of Edinburgh Academy, Jonathan has played for the U-16s and U-18s Edinburgh Rugby Regional squads and trains in boxing and mixed martial arts.
The MHA Aberdeen office has trained more than 50 placement students and graduates since it began its training programme back in 1995.