Mike retired from a 45 year career in accountancy and auditing in October 2023. After graduating from Edinburgh University in 1978, he had trained as a chartered accountant ibn the Edinburgh office of Scott Oswald, the largest independent Scottish firm at that time, and gained his formal qualification in 1981, before leaving a year later to gain overseas work experience. After just over 3 years working in Johannesburg with KMG (later KPMG) Mike switched to their Edinburgh office, before returning to Scott Oswald in 1988 for 25 years, during which time they became RSM Tenon. In January 2014 Mike moved along with many of his colleagues to Mazars LLP, where he stayed until his retirement.
In the last 20 years or so of his career, Mike handled over 30 charities of varying size and complexity, in addition to corporate clients and pension scheme clients, with significant investment portfolios. Accordingly Mike is familiar with many of the accounting and governance issues facing charities today, having also attended many charity related seminars and training courses. Mike is also a trustee of 2 other organisations, as well as being (honorary) treasurer of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
Mike’s interests include travel, politics and most sports.
