The new president of the world’s first professional body for chartered accountants hopes his experience of working in the north-east economy will stand him in good stead in the role.
Sandy Manson, chief executive of Johnston Carmichael, has taken the helm at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), following in the footsteps of Sir Brian Souter who handed over the reigns this month.
Last night he said Sir Brian had been a “huge support” in the transition and said he was excited to be taking up the role at such a challenging time.
However, he insisted he will continue to remain as chief executive at Johnston Carmichael, while being assisted by his “tremendous” team of 54 partners across the firm’s 11 offices.
He said: “My time in Aberdeen, especially as CEO of Johnston Carmichael for the last 11 years, has been in invaluable experience for me.
“I was brought up a chartered accountant and auditor but the world of leadership is something that is difficult to train for.
“It is only when you are in the front line you start to learn and with 700 people in our business, it has been a very valuable experience. Also being in Aberdeen I have dealt with constant change and challenges that business cycles create which has been hugely valuable and I am looking forward to applying what I have learned to good use in my work as president.”
Mr Manson added one of the challenges he will face is trying to work with ICAS to re-establish trust in the profession.
He said: “I have adopted three themes for my presidential year. The first one is leadership, the second is trust and the third is legacy. I would argue the level of public trust in the profession has been badly shaken and I believe ICAS has a very important role in helping restore that public trust.”
Mr Manson studied accountancy and economics at Edinburgh University and graduated with distinction.
Under his leadership, Johnston Carmichael has grown its fee income from £20million to £44million and its headcount from 300 to 700 through a combination of natural growth and acquisition.
He became managing partner of Johnston Carmichael’s Aberdeen office in 1995 and chief executive in 2007.
He currently lives on his family farm in Oldmeldrum.