Lauren Thompson
Accountancy has undergone significant change in recent times. This year has seen the digital transformation of the profession, and a firm in the north-east is proving that what was once a male dominated profession is attracting an increasing number of women.
With offices in Aberdeen, Inverurie and Banchory, James Milne Chartered Accountant’s workforce is more than 70 percent female compared to an industry average of 30 percent.
2019 marks 100 years since the passing of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919, a time when women could not join professional accounting bodies because of their gender.
Although an increasing number of women are graduating in accountancy there is still some way to go to address the disparity in the balance of male to female partner positions. Statistics from the Financial Reporting Council reveal that across the UK while women make up 46% of managerial roles, just 17% become partners.
Lauren Thompson, who became a partner at the firm this year said: “At James Milne, the mixture of men and women at all levels helps us to provide the personal accountancy service that we are known for, by having a working environment which represents that of our clients.
“Accountancy is changing – it is no longer a traditional male environment. We have one female partner, three female accounts managers and two female tax managers. With more women entering the profession than ever before we would expect to see many more women in senior positions.
“Our firm has flexible working practices which supports a healthy work-life balance and the teams across the three offices work closely together. There is a real family feel to the business.”
Managing partner Graham Bridgeford commented: “The culture at James Milne has always been open and welcoming, which has played a large part in our excellent staff retention rates. We care about our clients and about each other, which makes for a happy working environment for everyone.
“Our senior women are fantastic role models for younger women in accountancy, and it is clear that the sector is transforming as traditional cultures change and more women are entering the profession.”
James Milne Chartered Accountants serves both personal and business clients across a diverse range of industries, from the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire staples of oil and gas and agriculture through to retail, hospitality, fishing, haulage, trades, construction and many more.
The firm’s range of services, includes accountancy, business taxation, bookkeeping, payroll services and tax planning.
For more information about James Milne, please visit: www.jamesmilne.co.uk