Scotland’s largest independent firm of chartered accountants has achieved a 4% growth in turnover after generating revenues of £45.5 million this year.
Johnston Carmichael, which was founded more than 80 years ago, said their financial results saw revenues across the group grow from £43.7m to £45.5m for the year ended May 31, 2018.
The firm’s net profit before members’ remuneration declined, however from £12.2m to £11.8m.
Last year also saw Johnston Carmichael Wealth, the firm’s wealth advisory business, achieve a 7% increase in turnover, seeing growth in revenues from £4.35m to £4.67m, it said.
Chief executive Sandy Manson said they were encouraged that the firm had continued to perform well despite challenges in the marketplace following the downturn in the oil and gas industry.
He said: “Our diversity in sectors, business lines and geographical locations has enabled us to trade robustly and to continue investing in all parts of our business with confidence.
“In the year ahead, we will continue to build an ever-stronger platform from which to grow our business in a sustainable way.
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“This will involve further expanding our range of services and embracing leading edge technologies as we renew and improve our core processes. It will also involve providing our people with a range of exciting career opportunities through supporting their professional and personal development.”
Johnston Carmichael’s tax practice is now one of the biggest in Scotland working in sectors including international tax, R&D and entrepreneurial taxes, to capital allowances, VAT and Duty and personal taxes.
Major hires across the year have included the appointment of a new head of employer services as well as a new head of VAT and Duty.
The firm said these appointments were made as they were both key areas of focus as it helps clients navigate the current landscape as Brexit negotiations continue and the introduction of Making Tax Digital for VAT registered businesses fast approaches in April 2019.
The business also claims it has invested substantially in new technologies to deliver its services, including the use of data analytics in audit work and cloud technology in its SME-focused offering.
The business also continues to grow its international work through its membership of PKF – a family of legally independent member firms operating in 150 countries – hosting a major conference at the end of last year in Edinburgh on international tax.
Sandy Manson added: “Despite the challenges of Brexit, market volatility and investment requirements, we remain very positive and excited about the prospects for our people and the business.
“Our ambition remains firmly focused on growing our existing position of being Scotland’s largest independent firm and we will do that by continuing to provide outstanding service to our clients through a motivated and talented team of professionals.”
