Top UK accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its Financial Services team with a senior hire as it scales up its offering under its new sector head.

Thuy Vo joins the firm’s Glasgow office as Audit Director from a Big Four firm and has more than two decades of experience working across the sector.

She has an extensive background in audit and assurance and specialises in investment management in alternative investment funds, including real estate, private equity and infrastructure.

Her move follows the recent appointment of Bryan Shepka as Head of the firm’s Financial Services (FS) sector as the company accelerates its growth across the UK.

Thuy said: “Johnston Carmichael stood out as a firm with a clear vision and a strong culture of collaboration and growth, so I was really excited to get the chance to join Bryan and the team.

“I was extremely impressed by Bryan’s ambitions for our Financial Services practice, as well as the enthusiasm of the wider team. His background and aspirations align greatly with mine, and I could see straight away how I will add value — particularly in helping expand our offering in alternative investment funds across the UK. We are already starting to audit more listed venture capital trusts and that’s an area in which I have significant experience.”

Her audit portfolio has included a wide range of clients such as private equity funds, venture capital trusts, real estate investment trusts, and other regulated investment funds. She previously worked in fund controller and reporting roles within asset management and fund administration.

Thuy’s appointment supports Johnston Carmichael’s continued focus on expanding its FS sector capabilities and reaching new markets outside Scotland.

Thuy added: “The investment landscape is rapidly evolving, with growing emphasis on ESG and net zero objectives, and investor expectations are changing rapidly. I’m passionate about helping clients navigate this environment, especially those managing tangible assets in real estate and infrastructure.

“It’s also important to me to support Johnston Carmichael’s values, particularly around diversity and inclusion, and I’m looking forward to positively contributing to that area as well through the firm's People and Culture Forum.”

Her appointment comes weeks after FS head Bryan took over the role from Ewen Fleming, who led the firm’s growth in the FS sector over the last six years.

Bryan joined Johnston Carmichael in 2023 as Audit Partner, bringing extensive experience in the wealth and asset management sector, having worked for 14 years at a Big Four firm.

He said: “I’m really pleased to add Thuy to our team and could tell straight away she’d be a great fit for Johnston Carmichael.

“Her experience and expertise in investment management and alternative investment funds will be a great asset as we aim to scale up our client work in that area.

“We’re determined to continue to add strength and depth to our FS team across the UK in the months ahead and believe there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming months.”

Bryan has helped to play a key role in expanding the firm’s specialist financial services offering, including the growth of the team, which now sits at more than 100 people. This includes financial services specialists across all key service lines, including corporate finance, audit and assurance, tax and consultancy services.

Bryan's recent appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Johnston Carmichael accelerates its presence across the UK. Last year, Johnston Carmichael expanded its dedicated Financial Services Tax team in response to growing demand from clients in London, and across the UK.  It also announced a strategic partnership with Mountside Ventures to support Europe’s first VC accelerator. The initiative was established to empower emerging VC managers and bolster the fundraising ecosystem.