Senior Associate – Aberdeen & Laurencekirk
Permanent | Aberdeen Office (Hybrid)
Salary: £70,000-£80,000 depending on experience
A senior leadership opportunity has arisen for an experienced practice professional to join Scholes CA as Senior Associate for our Aberdeen and Laurencekirk offices. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on leading teams, driving quality, and supporting the growth of a modern, people‑focused accountancy firm.
About Scholes CA
Scholes CA is an award-winning, independent firm of chartered accountants supporting owner‑managed businesses and third‑sector organisations across Scotland. We pride ourselves on a collaborative culture, strong professional ethics and a commitment to developing our people. With modern systems, a supportive leadership team and a diverse client base, we offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact and help shape the future of our offices.
About the Role
As Senior Associate, you will oversee the Aberdeen and Laurencekirk teams, ensuring high‑quality delivery across audit, accounting, tax and advisory work. You will work closely with the Directors and local leadership team to manage workflow, develop staff, uphold firm standards and contribute to business development.
This is a hands‑on leadership role with responsibility for both operational excellence and team development.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and supporting the management team, ensuring firm culture and values are embedded locally.
- Overseeing employee feedback processes and annual performance appraisals.
- Supporting and driving the professional development of team members.
- Managing workflow and capacity planning across all service lines.
- Monitoring and managing timely delivery of audit, accounting, tax and other assignments.
- Reviewing key assignments to ensure quality standards are met.
- Delivering larger or more complex accounting assignments directly (UK GAAP).
- Supporting period‑end management reporting, billing and credit control.
- Contributing to the firm’s technology and systems development.
- Supporting business development activity for the Aberdeen and Laurencekirk offices.
What We’re Looking For
- A professional accountancy qualification (ICAS, ACCA or equivalent).
- At least three years’ post‑qualification experience in UK practice.
- At least two years’ experience in a management or senior management role.
- Strong knowledge of UK GAAP and a working knowledge of UK personal and business taxes.
- Experience supporting clients across a range of sectors.
- A track record of managing teams, delivering high‑quality work and maintaining strong client relationships.
- Excellent communication skills, commercial awareness and attention to detail.
- Integrity, professionalism and a commitment to supporting firm culture.
Technical Skills
We expect candidates to have a working knowledge of modern practice IT systems and cloud‑based accounting tools commonly used in UK firms.
Desirable (but not essential)
- Business development experience.
- Recent statutory audit experience.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within a respected independent firm. You’ll work with a supportive Director group, lead talented teams across two offices and play a key part in shaping our continued growth. We offer a friendly, collaborative environment, modern systems and a role where your contribution genuinely matters. Genuine progression potential in a firm that strongly believes in independence and promoting from within.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re an experienced practice professional looking for a senior leadership role with real influence, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please send your CV and a short covering note to our recruitment team to begin the conversation, c/o Karen Scholes at karen.scholes@scholesca.co.uk.
