Leading UK accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its audit governance team with the recruitment of two Independent Non-Executive Directors (INEs).

Les Clifford and Michael Timar have more than 70 years’ experience working within the profession and are the first non-executive directors to be appointed by the firm, which was founded almost 90 years ago.

It follows a strong period of growth for the firm, with its Audit team now working with more of the top 100 small to medium-sized private businesses in Scotland than any other accountancy firm.

Les, a former global client service partner at EY, has more than 40 years’ accountancy experience and will become chair of the firm’s newly constituted audit board.

Michael, who has been the audit partner for a number of listed companies, including FTSE 100 & 250 and NYSE listed, will also sit on this board.

The pair were appointed following a rigorous independent search process and selection process lasting many months. Their addition is required under the Audit Firm Governance Code due to the significant growth in public interest entity audits the firm is now carrying out and supports Johnston Carmichael’s ambitions to achieve further growth.

The business has invested significantly in expanding its Audit team through the development of its talent pipeline and external hires in specialist areas including Financial Services, where it now offers CASS audits, and pan sector services such as risk assurance and internal audit, as well as ESG reporting. After more than 80% growth over the last few years, the firm now has more than 250 dedicated audit professionals across the UK.

Graham Marjoribanks, Partner and Head of Audit, Johnston Carmichael, said: “Les and Michael are hugely well respected within our profession, and we’re proud to add them both as our first ever independent non-executives.  

“They have incredible experience and knowledge of audit and the wider accountancy sector and will add real value to our team.

“Over the coming months we will be working closely with both INEs to reshape our governance structure and enhance our existing high-quality services, creating new opportunities for our people and our clients.

“It’s an extremely exciting time for Johnston Carmichael, as we continue to enjoy real growth across the company, and these new additions will certainly benefit us in the months and years ahead.”

Mark Houston, Senior Partner and Chair of Johnston Carmichael, said: “It is a real coup for Johnston Carmichael to have appointed Les and Michael to these new roles given their unrivalled expertise in our sector, and across various service lines.

“Graham and his team have been doing incredible work with how they’ve grown the size of our audit business in recent years, and these new appointments will only further improve that offering going forward.”

Les is an experienced assurance partner with a focus on audit quality and client service for leading global companies in the manufacturing, retail, technology, hospitality and life sciences sectors. In addition to his client serving roles, he held various leadership positions such as office managing partner, including carrying out the role for EY’s practice in Switzerland, and he has also worked as a non-executive director with purpose led charities for more than 15 years.

Les said: “It’s a real honour to be taking up this important role at Johnston Carmichael at such a time of growth for the business.

“It’s been a hugely positive experience so far, and I believe the experience Michael and I have across various sectors, and within the profession, can add real value for the firm going forward.”

Michael retired from PwC in 2023 following a 33- year career as an auditor, 21 of those as a partner. He has previously held several audit risk and quality roles, gained international experience in Switzerland, Russia and the US, and is currently a Lay Member of Court and member of the Audit and Risk Committee at the University of Strathclyde.

Michael added: “It’s been a real pleasure to become one of the first independent non-executives to be appointed to Johnston Carmichael.

“The firm is highly respected across the sector, and I look forward to working closely with Les and the various internal teams to strengthen the firm’s governance structure and support the ongoing success of the business and its clients.”