WHO I HELP

Family-Owned Businesses.

HOW I HELP

Audit & Assurance Services.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Leisure. Retail & Hospitality. Family Business. Food & Drink. Technology. Construction & Property.

“I PRIDE MYSELF ON BEING FRIENDLY, COLLABORATIVE AND COMMERCIAL.”

Nicola MacLennan is an Audit Partner with a diverse experience in a wide range of industry sectors. On a day-to-day basis, Nicola oversees our Glasgow and Stirling audit teams, driving the department forward and ensuring we are providing our clients with the excellent client service they expect.

Nicola has substantial experience in privately owned companies, listed companies and large corporate groups, based in the UK, Ireland, and internationally. Her experience extends to businesses operating in the construction, technology, food and drink, retail, leisure, and manufacturing sectors.

Nicola’s role is instrumental in the delivery of high-quality audits and ensuring that her team are supported in growing and developing their own skills.

Overcoming challenges

“An ideal client relationship is one that is open and honest, where I am able to proactively suggest ideas or improvements that may help my client’s business. I find working with and supporting my clients hugely rewarding, particularly when we overcome challenges together. Having a client say thank you at the end of the audit process is always lovely and well received. I am very lucky to have had many clients over the years who appreciate what I do and take the time to say this. It provides validation that us auditors can do a great job!”

My strengths

“I have great people skills, capable of building a strong, loyal team that will work together. I also have a wealth of experience and knowledge I have amassed over my many years of auditing, and together with my practical and friendly nature, this helps me ensure we can deliver to our clients and support our team.”

Finding the balance

“In audit, we are client led in the balance between the virtual and ‘hands-on’ routes to delivering a tailored service to our clients. Several efficiencies can be gained from working virtually, however, the same can also be said for good old fashioned onsite auditing. We, therefore, find that working with our clients to find the best blend for that business allows us to provide the best possible service we can.”

Growing as a team

“I firmly believe that nothing is more important than our people. Before we can help clients, we need our own people with the knowledge and skills to provide the personal service we are so good at. None of the other values can even exist without our own team in the first place, and this is an exciting time for the AAB Central Scotland team as we merge French Duncan team members into the wider AAB group.

One of the most satisfying aspects of my role is being part of the growth and development of the team. Watching them use their own skills to help clients and their colleagues, with increasing confidence is particularly rewarding. And with the knowledge that each team member is unique and brings something different to the party, it is exciting to see what opportunities we create for these talented individuals in our growing firm. We are a training firm and take great pride in ensuring our trainees can grow and develop their skills, providing them with the best opportunities we can that will help them build their own future and career.”

Adding value

“Often auditors can be viewed as pedantic, difficult, and simply a cost to the business. With increased regulation, it is easy to see why this could be the case!

However, I like to think that the team at AAB is different. We adhere to all the regulation and guidance which is incredibly important, but the manner we do it in, is friendly, collaborative and commercial.”