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Expert Accounting & Business Advisory Services in Scotland
Established to support entrepreneurs and businesses across Scotland, Scholes Chartered Accountants combines deep industry expertise with a client-centric approach. Our team of chartered accountants specialises in addressing complex financial challenges, offering tailored solutions for tax planning, compliance, and business growth. With five regional offices in Kirkwall, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Laurencekirk, and Lerwick, we provide accessible, proactive advisory services to SMEs, families, and individuals. Our commitment to impeccable standards ensures clients receive strategic guidance aligned with evolving regulatory and market landscapes.

By prioritising long-term partnerships, we help clients navigate financial complexities while focusing on sustainable growth. Our experience spans business restructuring, international expansion, inheritance tax planning, and outsourced accounting services. Recognised for our dedication to client success, we operate as a trading name of AJB Scholes Ltd, registered auditors with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Through a personal and proactive ethos, we transform financial challenges into opportunities for our clients' prosperity.
Services
Tax Planning Advice Accounts Preparation Audit Business Growth Services International Accountancy Inheritance Tax Planning Payroll Outsourcing VAT Returns Business Restructuring Personal Tax Compliance
Highlights and features
  • We offer 30+ years of expertise in tax and business advisory services.
  • Our team provides proactive, tailored solutions for SMEs and entrepreneurs.
  • Five regional offices ensure accessible support across Scotland.
  • We specialise in complex tax planning and compliance for international businesses.
  • Proven track record in business restructuring and succession planning.
Associations and certifications
  • Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
What people say
Proactive tax planning Expert compliance support Personalised business advice Accessible regional offices Effective succession planning
Services
Tax Planning Advice
We provide tailored tax planning solutions to optimise savings for SMEs and individuals. Our services include corporation tax compliance, inheritance tax mitigation, and international tax structuring. By aligning strategies with regulatory requirements, we help clients minimise liabilities while supporting long-term financial goals.
Accounts Preparation Audit
Our team prepares statutory accounts compliant with UK accounting standards and conducts audits under Companies and Charities Acts. We ensure accurate financial reporting for regulatory submissions, providing clarity on business performance and compliance with statutory obligations.
Business Growth Services
We advise on business plans, valuations, and financing strategies to drive growth. Services include merger/acquisition support, restructuring, and international market entry assistance. Our expertise helps clients navigate complex transactions while maintaining financial stability.
Payroll Outsourcing
Our payroll services ensure accurate employee payments and tax deductions. We manage PAYE submissions, NIC calculations, and compliance reporting through secure digital platforms, reducing administrative burdens for businesses.
Inheritance Tax Planning
We develop strategies to preserve wealth across generations, including trust structures and asset gifting. Our advice ensures compliance with inheritance tax regulations while aligning with clients' estate distribution wishes.
People
Karen Scholes
Director
Karen Scholes BA CA is a director with extensive experience in SME advisory services. She specialises in tax strategy and business succession planning, focusing on long-term client growth and compliance.
Ivan Houston
Director
Ivan Houston CA CTA leads audit and compliance services, ensuring rigorous financial reporting standards. His expertise spans corporate tax structuring and regulatory compliance for businesses across Scotland.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for SMEs?
We provide tax planning, compliance, payroll, business growth strategies, and audit services tailored to SME needs across Scotland.
Can you assist with international business expansion?
Yes, we connect UK businesses with global advisers and support international entities establishing operations in Scotland.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free consultations to discuss your accounting needs and how we can support your business goals.
Are your services available outside Scotland?
While our offices are in Scotland, we serve clients nationwide through digital communication and remote advisory services.
How do you ensure compliance with tax regulations?
Our team stays updated on regulatory changes and applies rigorous compliance checks to all tax filings and financial reports.
What industries do you specialise in?
We work with diverse sectors including hospitality, agriculture, creative industries, and professional services.
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