Business Details
Trusted Accountants Supporting Business Growth in Scotland
We are entrepreneurs advising entrepreneurs, deeply committed to supporting business owners through complex financial challenges. Our expertise spans tax planning, compliance, and strategic advisory services tailored to SMEs, families, and individuals. With five regional offices across Scotland, we combine local knowledge with national standards to deliver proactive, personalized solutions. Our team of chartered accountants brings decades of experience in audit, business growth, and international expansion, prioritizing long-term client relationships. We pride ourselves on transforming financial complexities into opportunities for growth while maintaining impeccable standards of professionalism and integrity. 
Services
Tax Planning
Accounts Preparation
Business Growth Advisory
International Accountancy
VAT Returns
Payroll Services
Inheritance Tax Planning
Business Restructuring
Audit Services
Corporate Tax Compliance
Highlights and features
- We offer proactive, entrepreneur-focused accounting expertise
- Our services cover the entire business lifecycle from start-up to succession
- We combine local knowledge with national professional standards
- We maintain five accessible regional offices across Scotland
- We prioritize long-term client relationships over transactional interactions
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
- MGI Worldwide
What people say
Effective tax management
Proactive support
Business growth assistance
Personalized service
Expert tax planning
Services
Tax Planning
We provide comprehensive personal and business tax planning services to help SME owners optimize their financial affairs. Our chartered accountants identify legitimate tax savings opportunities while ensuring full compliance with UK regulations. With proactive strategies tailored to your specific circumstances, we help minimize tax liabilities across all aspects of your business and personal finances.
Accounts Preparation
Our team prepares annual accounts in accordance with UK accounting standards for SMEs and individuals. We ensure accurate financial reporting while maintaining compliance with Companies House and HMRC requirements. As registered auditors, we also conduct statutory audits under the Companies and Charities Acts, providing assurance and valuable financial insights to business owners.
Business Growth Advisory
We offer bespoke business growth services including strategic planning, financing advice, and corporate transactions. Our experts assist with business valuations, succession planning, and expansion strategies. Whether buying, selling, or restructuring a business, we provide tailored guidance to support sustainable growth and successful transitions.
International Accountancy
We support UK businesses expanding internationally and foreign companies establishing operations in Scotland. Our services include cross-border tax planning, regulatory compliance, and connecting clients with trusted international partners. With our expertise in international accounting standards, we help navigate complex global business environments while maintaining UK compliance obligations.
VAT Returns
Our outsourced VAT services ensure compliance with Making Tax Digital requirements while optimizing tax positions. We handle regular VAT return submissions, registration, and deregistration processes. By combining technical expertise with efficient systems, we reduce administrative burdens and ensure accurate VAT reporting for businesses of all sizes.
People
Karen Scholes Chartered Accountants
Director
Karen Scholes Chartered Accountants is a qualified chartered accountant with extensive experience in business advisory services. She specialises in providing strategic financial guidance to SMEs across Scotland, focusing on sustainable growth and compliance solutions.
Ivan Houston
Director
Ivan Houston CTA CA brings specialist tax expertise to Scholes Chartered Accountants, advising businesses and individuals on complex tax planning matters. With deep knowledge of corporate tax compliance and international taxation, he supports clients across various industries.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide tax planning, accounts preparation, business growth advisory, international accountancy, VAT returns, payroll services, and audit services across Scotland.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we offer free initial consultations to discuss your accounting needs and how we can support your business or personal financial goals.
Which areas do you serve?
We operate across Scotland with offices in Kirkwall, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Laurencekirk, and Lerwick, serving clients nationwide.
Are you qualified accountants?
Yes, we are chartered accountants registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, with specialist tax qualifications available.
How do you handle business succession planning?
We provide comprehensive succession planning services, including tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies and business transition advisory for owner-managed companies.
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