Axel
Strachan

Who I help

Oil & Gas. SMEs. Medium & Large Corporates. Not for Profit Organisations.

How I Help

Audit & assurance services. Financial reporting and accounts preparation.

Sectors/Support

Energy & Infrastructure. Not for Profit.

“I enjoy using technology to improve Audit quality for our clients.”

Axel is an Audit Assistant Manager within our Audit & Assurance team. He oversees the audit process from planning through to completion, working closely with clients and audit teams to deliver high-quality audits.

His role includes reviewing audit files, meeting with clients, coaching junior team members, preparing financial statements and carrying out more technical areas of audit work. With experience across oil and gas businesses, SMEs, medium and large corporates and not-for-profit organisations, Axel brings a broad understanding of different businesses and their individual needs. He combines strong technical knowledge with a practical and collaborative approach, helping clients with financial reporting and accounts preparation while building trusted, long-term relationships.

Building relationships beyond the audit

“For me, building a strong client relationship starts with getting to know the person behind the role. I like to take an interest in my clients’ interests and hobbies outside of work. It gives you something to connect over and helps build a relationship that isn’t always focused on the audit.

“Effective communication is particularly important when working with new clients. During a first-year audit, I focus on developing a thorough understanding of the client’s business, systems and processes while helping them navigate the audit process. By setting clear expectations, providing regular updates and maintaining open communication throughout the engagement, I build strong working relationships that support an efficient and successful audit.”

Making every audit count

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is solving technical challenges and seeing how clients’ businesses develop and evolve over time. Every organisation is different, so there is always something new to learn and a different challenge to tackle.

I take a genuine interest in understanding how each business operates and what makes it successful. That understanding helps me build stronger working relationships and deliver an audit that is tailored to the client’s business.”

Calm under pressure

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career was stepping up from a support role into a more senior position. With that came greater responsibility for the delivery of the audit, while also having to monitor the wider team’s work. It taught me the importance of taking ownership while still making sure the team has the support it needs. Working as a team is vital to delivering a high-quality audit, so I enjoy coaching and supporting junior team members and helping them develop their technical knowledge and understanding.

I’m also a strong believer in creating a positive team environment. I enjoy working with colleagues, sharing knowledge and supporting each other, and I think that comes through in the work we deliver to clients.”

Quality through technology

“A challenge we sometimes come across in audit is maintaining a high standard of quality while working to tight deadlines. Technology plays an increasingly important role in helping us achieve that balance.

Using audit tools to complete repetitive tasks means I can spend more time focusing on technically challenging areas where professional judgement and experience really add value. For me, it’s about using technology in the right way to improve both efficiency and audit quality, while still delivering high-quality work to clients on time.”

Breaking the audit misconceptions

“There’s a misconception that audit is boring and repetitive. I don’t see it that way at all. Every audit and every client engagement is different, so no two weeks are ever the same.

I have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients across different industries, from not for profit organisations through to large corporates. Each business has its own challenges, systems and ways of working, which keeps the role varied and engaging.”

Looking ahead

“I’m keen to continue developing my skills in how we use technology within our audits, particularly through AI-powered tools and data analytics.

I believe there is a real opportunity to use these technologies to make audits more efficient, focus our time on the areas that need the most professional judgement, and ultimately deliver greater value to our clients. I’m excited to keep developing my knowledge in these areas and see how they can shape the future of audit.”