Associate

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  Lauren Thompson

  Lauren’s career story highlights the opportunities for talented and committed professionals to progress at James Milne. Having initially sampled life at the firm as a summer placement student whilst studying accountancy at the University of Aberdeen, Lauren went on to join the team permanently and qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
   
  Since being recruited in 2006, she has risen to become an associate and works in our Aberdeen and Banchory offices, with a focus on limited companies. Lauren, a keen rugby and shinty fan, also puts her experience to good use by taking the firm’s trainees under her wing as they embark on their own journey in the profession.

  Contact Lauren Thompson

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

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