A judo black belt, a champion boxer, and even a couple engaged to be married... the class of 2025 has arrived at the Aberdeen office of accountancy firm MHA.
The latest intake of graduates and students have taken up position at the firm’s Carden Place offices.
Four have graduated from Robert Gordon University with degrees in accounting and finance, while another is in his third year of the same course.
Connor Sherrit, Cedie Herrera, Findlay Stewart and Claudette Castrence join as graduates, undertaking professional qualifications over several years, with James Dempster having embarked on a placement in his third year at university.
MHA has a long history of developing the next generation. Founded in 1869, the firm is a leading professional services provider of audit and assurance, tax, accountancy and advisory services, based in the UK with an international presence.
Across the UK, MHA has taken on 126 graduate and student placements this year. Applications have now opened for the 2026 intake.
Previously Meston Reid & Co before becoming part of MHA in 2023, the Aberdeen office has accepted placement students from RGU’s Accountancy and Finance degree in all but two of the past 28 years.
The trainees are supported there by ABAS (accounts and business advisory services) senior manager Louise Smith, who was the office’s first ever student placement in 1998.
Class of 2025 - From left, Connor Sherrit, Cedie Herrera, Findlay Stewart, Claudette Castrence, James Dempster, with senior manager Louise Smith
Louise said: “We’re delighted to welcome the graduate and placement students here to MHA Aberdeen. We’re so proud of the work we do in helping to develop the careers of those who come into accountancy. The variety of backgrounds from our latest recruits emphasises that there is no one route into this sector.”
Claudette (28) and Cedie (32) met through mutual friends in 2015, studied accountancy and finance together at RGU and got engaged on board a cruise ship last summer. The couple will marry next March in Inverurie.
Claudette, a tax assistant, who attended St Machar Academy, feels she’s found her forever career.
She said: “I took a gap year working in Tesco then tried a nursing degree... but that just wasn’t for me. During Covid, I got into investments and learned about stocks and shares; I was naturally so interested in it. I'm looking forward to working towards my professional qualifications, learning from experienced colleagues, and growing my expertise within such a reputable and supportive firm.”
Her fiancé Cedie works in audit and accounts. He spent 13 years in the Philippines before moving to Scotland, attending Torry Academy. A registered nurse, Cedie also achieved success in the investment market, piquing his interest in financial matters.
Their new colleague, Findlay Stewart (21) attended Kincorth Academy and Lochside Academy before studying at RGU. Last year, he enjoyed a successful year at MHA as a placement student in audit and accounts, since returning to the department as a graduate. The former boxer earned two silver medals in the Scottish Championships and two from the Northern District Championship.
Connor Sherrit (22), previously worked as an assistant accountant and a lifeguard at Sport Aberdeen, attending Greenbrae Primary School and Oldmachar Academy.
James Dempster (21), is this year’s student placement, currently in his third year at RGU. James, who is from Inverurie, attended Meldrum Academy and is a black belt in judo. Both Connor and James have joined MHA Aberdeen’s audit and accounts department.
Elsewhere in Scotland, MHA has an office in Edinburgh’s St Colme Street, where eight new graduate recruits have also joined the firm.
For more information on how to apply for MHA’s Class of 2026 graduate scheme, go to: https://www.mha.co.uk/careers/vacancies