WHO I HELP

Charities. Multinational firms. Larger businesses.

HOW I HELP

Audits. Business reviews. Expert guidance.

“ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS. FIND THE RIGHT ANSWERS.”

Brian McLean is an Audit Assistant Manager within our Glasgow office who takes pride in supporting clients and overseeing the work of junior team members – ensuring work is completed to a high standard. 

He enjoys working with numbers and getting to understand how a business operates, something that initially attracted him to the sector.  

His role, which combines technical knowledge with problem-solving, allows him to help clients meet deadlines, understand legal changes, and benefit from expert guidance. 

HELPING TO KEEP WORK ON TRACK 

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome is learning how to manage multiple audits and competing deadlines effectively. It taught me the importance of prioritising, communicating early, and staying organised. I now apply these skills by planning ahead, delegating effectively, and addressing issues early, helping to keep work on track and ensure deadlines are met.” 

TAKING THE TIME TO UNDERSTAND YOU 

“I built a strong relationship with a charitable client by taking the time to understand how the charity operated and the importance of its funding and beneficiaries.  

When challenges arose around obtaining information, I focused on clear, consistent communication and regular contact. This helped build trust and created a more collaborative approach to the audit, ensuring we could work together effectively and keep the process on track.” 

BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS  

“The most satisfying part of my role is building strong relationships and understanding the client’s business, while helping them resolve issues and providing value throughout the audit process.” 

APPROACHABLE AND EASY TO WORK WITH 

“Clients say they find me approachable and easy to work with. They appreciate that I take the time to understand their business, explain things clearly, and make the audit process as straightforward as possible.” 

MORE THAN JUST ‘CHECKING THE NUMBERS’ 

“A common misconception is that auditors simply check numbers. In reality, it’s about understanding the business, assessing risks, and asking the right questions. Every client is different, so no two audits are ever the same – and it’s definitely not as boring as people think!” 

PART OF A SUPPORTIVE TEAM 

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is being part of a supportive team where everyone is willing to share knowledge and help each other. I also value the wider AAB culture, where there are opportunities to learn from different teams and continue developing professionally.” 

KEEPING UP WITH CHANGING ACCOUNTING STANDARDS 

“Keeping up with changing accounting standards and increasingly complex client transactions can be hard. I approach this by staying up to date technically, asking the right questions, and working closely with both my team and clients to ensure issues are identified and resolved early.”