Meston Reid & Co – Long-term commitment to supporting the next generation of accountants

Meston Reid & Co, chartered accountants and business advisors, has been praised by Robert Gordon University for supporting the next generation.

The Aberdeen practice has accepted placement students from Robert Gordon University’s accountancy and finance degree in all but two of the past 20 years.

The company’s first student placement Louise Smith, who gained her accountancy and finance degree from Robert Gordon University (RGU), has welcomed the latest recruits, third-year students Kyle Gordon and Gemma Spence. The pair will spend the next year at the firm’s office in the West End of the city.

Louise, business services manager in the audit and accounts department, said: “I’m extremely proud of Meston Reid & Co’s commitment to giving students a platform to obtain frontline experience and develop a broader understanding of accountancy in a commercial environment.

“In addition, student placements have also been very good for us as a business. It is effectively a year-long two-way appraisal to assess if the student will fit with the rest of the team and have the ability, drive and commitment to take further exams to become fully qualified.

“Students at Meston Reid & Co have the opportunity to undertake a wide range of projects, all of which are aimed at improving their skills and knowledge. We look for self-starters and someone who enjoys a challenge.

“I may be biased but I think the RGU accountancy degree is first rate and as the first student placement at Meston Reid & Co, I’m delighted to welcome Kyle and Gemma to our team.”

Gemma, who lives in Aberdeen, opted for a career change after working in the oil and gas industry. She said: “Meston Reid & Co has an outstanding reputation for its student placement programme. I’m looking forward to gaining a greater understanding of a wide range of accountancy functions, including related tax aspects.”

Kyle, from Arbroath, said: “I found out about Meston Reid & Co during an open day arranged by RGU. This is a great opportunity for me to learn from an experienced team and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Louise was involved in the process to select Kyle and Gemma for placements at the business. Meston Reid & Co has supported 25 placements since 1998.

Professor Elizabeth Gammie, head of Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University, said: “We are delighted that Meston Reid values the outstanding quality of our Aberdeen Business School students by offering placement opportunities. The year-long placement undertaken in year three of a four-year degree is a unique feature of the undergraduate programmes that we offer within Aberdeen Business School.

“Not only do the students develop their skills and competencies by applying some of their academic learning to the workplace but the experience also enhances their future career direction and prospects. Many firms like Meston Reid offer placement students graduate jobs on completion of their degrees and these graduates fit seamlessly back into their placement organisation creating a win-win situation for both parties.

“Meston Reid is a great supporter of Aberdeen Business School and we look forward to continuing this relationship in the future.”

Chartered accountants and business advisors Meston Reid & Co was established in 1990. The practice also has strong expertise in tax, audit, insolvency, corporate finance, payroll and landed estates. It has a broad range of clients from sole traders to large businesses with international operations.

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