Accounts Managers

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  Stuart Milne

  With almost 25 years service in the Inverurie office, Stuart has built a reputation as a respected accounts manager. Previously an accountant with a legal firm before moving to what was then Cassie & Co in 1991, he has extensive experience of professional services. Partnerships fall under his remit with James Milne in addition to sole traders and a wide client base in the farming community.

  Stuart is a familiar figure in sport through his links with Huntly Football Club, having been involved since the early 1980s. A former committee member and office bearer, he is now involved in the management of the social club.

  Contact Stuart Milne
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  Heather Gerrie

  Based in the Inverurie office, Heather is one of the experienced team of five managers at the firm. She joined what was then Cassie & Co in 2003, prior to its acquisition by James Milne, and has responsibility for a wide range of clients, predominantly limited companies, across a variety of sectors.

  Heather is a fellow of the ACCA, having demonstrated her long-term commitment to professionalism and ethics as well as knowledge and ongoing development. Outside of work Heather makes the most of the scenic surroundings of the Garioch as a keen walker and is also an avid reader.

  Contact Heather Gerrie
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  Ellen Smith

  Ellen has been part of the team at James Milne since she graduated from Robert Gordon University in 2012. During the following three years, Ellen worked to complete her Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) professional accreditation.

  She was promoted to her role as accounts manager in April 2018, which sees her responsible for a mix of business clients.

  Ellen enjoys a good challenge and has taken part in popular north-east obstacle races such as Tough Mudder and the Banchory Beast, and she now aims to climb mountains.

  She is also a highly regarded baker and often brings tasty treats in to the office for the team to enjoy, most notably her Victoria Sponge.

  Ellen is also a big National Football League (NFL) fan and supports the Baltimore Ravens who she saw play at Wembley stadium in 2017.
  

  Contact Ellen Smith
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  Jean Stott

  Based in the Banchory office, Jean qualified as an accountant late in her career, after many years working in the banking sector and as a book keeper. Having worked at the Banchory office for over 14 years, accounts manager Jean is adept at producing company accounts and is an expert in corporation tax.

  A fellow of the ACCA, Jean has been supporting customers with the transition to digital VAT returns under the new Making Tax Digital scheme. Trusted by sole traders and larger businesses alike, Jean enjoys the accessible countryside location of the Banchory office, which encourages clients to visit.

  Jean is a keen walker and can often be seen walking in the area around her home village of Tarland or at home trying to keep her much too large garden under control.

  
  

  Contact Jean Stott
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  Gail Soutar

  As Head of Business Services for James Milne, Gail has extensive experience having worked with a variety of businesses. Inverurie-born, Gail manages James Milne’s bookkeeping service offering as well as its payroll services.

  Joining the dedicated team in Inverurie, Gail will support clients across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

  As a keen walker, Gail loves to spend as much time as she can walking along Aberdeen Beach or by the River Don.

  
  

  Contact Gail Soutar

Tax Managers

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  Hazel Bremner

  With more than two decades of service, Hazel is a personal tax specialist based in the Inverurie office. As the first point of contact for individuals with wide ranging requirements, her expertise, knowledge and reassuring manner ensure clients old and new receive first class service.

  Hazel is a member of the Association of Taxation Technicians – the leading body for those providing UK tax compliance services. Fresh from a once in a lifetime world trip, Hazel’s roots are in the Garioch and she has a loyal base of Aberdeenshire clients

  Contact Hazel Bremner
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  Barry Brander

  Barry joined James Milne in May 2018 and has more than 25 years practice experience after coming through the ranks at another north-east accountancy firm.

  In his role as tax manager, Barry works with clients and the wider James Milne team to oversee the tax function provided by the firm.

  He hopes to complete his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) membership later this year after a break in his studies to spend time with his young family.

  A keen Aberdeen Football Club supporter, Barry has been a season ticket holder at Pittodrie for a number of years. For the last eight years, he has also volunteered as a football coach at his children’s Primary School.

  
  

  Contact Barry Brander
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  Margaret Dornan

  With 40 years of experience, tax manager Margaret is trusted by clients based locally, countrywide and overseas. 

  Having worked at HMRC for over 10 years, and at the Banchory office for almost three decades, Margaret’s knowledge and professionalism is appreciated by loyal clients, many of whom have relied upon Margaret for their personal taxation over many years.

  A key member in the Banchory team, Margaret’s calm demeanour welcomes clients who drop by the welcoming office. Outside of work, Margaret is a keen baker, loves her garden and also plays badminton.

  Contact Margaret Dornan