Finlay Robertson is a Senior Manager in our Business Advisory team based in Elgin, but his Johnston Carmichael journey began much earlier - when he joined the firm straight from school as our Elgin office’s very first JC Futures student.

Starting his career at just 17, Finlay has progressed through the firm over more than a decade, gaining experience across Corporate Tax and Business Advisory and developing into a trusted adviser for his clients. In this JC Path, Finlay reflects on his apprenticeship route into accountancy, what his role looks like today, and why variety, opportunity and support have kept him enjoying his career at Johnston Carmichael. 

Tell us about your journey at Johnston Carmichael so far. 

I started at Johnston Carmichael shortly after turning 17 as the Elgin office's first JC Futures apprenticeship student. Since starting as a Corporate Tax Assistant in 2013, I then transferred to Business Advisory during my second year where I made my way from an Assistant preparing to the Senior Manager that I am today.

Had you always planned a career in accountancy, or did that come later? What led you to follow this path?

Accounting wasn’t something I had my eye on until it came to selecting which Highers I was going to do in fifth year. Prior to this, I had selected my subjects around going in to a career in oil and gas, however when the opportunity came to leave school while also gaining my Chartered Accountancy qualifications, it felt like too good an opportunity not to grab with both hands.

What does your day-to-day role look like now?

I often describe my job within Business Advisory as being a GP at your local doctors, I work on a very diverse client base and you never quite know what each day is going to entail. I tend to be the main point of contact for clients and it’s my job to ensure that the work gets completed in a timely and efficient manager for each of these clients while also fielding their daily calls and emails which could be about anything from straight forward queries about their accounts to leaning on me for a trusted opinion and advice on acquisitions.  

What do you enjoy most about working at Johnston Carmichael?

My favourite thing about working at JC is the variety of the work, with such a diverse client base, no two days are ever the same. I think the fact that I couldn’t tell you the last time I had the ‘Sunday dread’ says a lot about how it is to work at Johnston Carmichael.

What benefits did you find in taking the apprenticeship route through JC Futures rather than a more traditional university route?

On reflection, the extra four years of work experience you are able to gain through the JC Futures programme is invaluable, this allowed me to try out a variety of roles at JC while still being a teenager and ultimately, by the time I got in to my 20’s I already had my sights set on where I wanted to be and the pathway to getting there.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work I am a keen fair-weather golfer, albeit the number of hours I spend on the course isn’t necessarily reflective of my ability, or lack of. I also have a five-month old and she certainly keeps me busy out with work! 

Get your career off to a flying start

If our JC Futures apprenticeship programme sounds like the perfect fit for you, applications are now open for our 2027 intake.

Find out more about Careers at Johnston Carmichael.