From joining Johnston Carmichael as a summer intern in 2013, to being promoted to Audit Director in 2023, Louise Mair’s JC Path has been a great journey. To find out more about it, we caught up with Louise, who is based in our Edinburgh office, to find out how the firm has changed in the 10 years she has spent with us. 

Louise, tell us a bit about your JC path

I initially joined Johnston Carmichael’s Edinburgh Audit department as a summer intern in 2013 and returned for the firm’s ICAS graduate programme in 2014. In December 2023, I was promoted to Audit Director and obtained my audit signing rights in the same month.

How has the firm changed since you joined 10 years ago?

In my 10 years with the firm, I have seen significant growth in our client base. It has changed considerably, as when I joined the Audit team it was predominantly owner managed businesses. While owner managed businesses are still a key part of our portfolio, we have also entered the listed market, performed audits on international groups and have key specialisms within our team. In addition, the team has also grown considerably in the 10 years since I joined Johnston Carmichael. I joined with a cohort of three other graduates in the Edinburgh Audit team, however now we are recruiting around 15 graduates each year into the department.

Tell us a bit about your role in the Audit department

My specialist sector is Infrastructure, focusing on the audit of PFI/PPP projects. I have been involved in this sector since its inception in 2016. I was the Audit Senior on our first audit within the sector, and also the Senior on our first listed PFI entity.  I am now the lead on the delivery on a number of PFI/PPP portfolios, as well as managing our fund audits in the sector. In addition to my involvement with Infrastructure clients, my portfolio has also included the following sectors: Retail, Sport, Manufacturing and Food & Drink.

What do you enjoy most about your job at JC?

The most enjoyable and satisfying part of my job is developing the team. I am the people representative for the Edinburgh Audit department, which means I am responsible for co-ordinating our yearly appraisal process, recruitment (both student & experienced hires), and also establishing people initiatives and strategies with the other people representatives in the firm. I really enjoy coaching and supporting the graduates as they start their careers and enhance their technical abilities. It has been highly satisfying to see many graduates who I have managed come through to now be part of our Management team.

I have also been a keen member of our CSR team since joining the firm. This is a very rewarding role for me, which has involved raising a considerable amount of money for local charities. I have also taken part in a Kiltwalk in aid of My Name’5 is Doddie Foundation.

The diversity of my client portfolio and these two additional roles do make my days very interesting and ensure that no two days are the same!

What keeps you busy outside of work?

Outside of work, I am currently planning a wedding which is very exciting (albeit slightly stressful!). In addition, I regularly attend the gym and enjoy socialising with my friends and family.

Finally, what’s your go to favourite meal?

My favourite meal would definitely have to be a pizza or anything Italian. I am gluten intolerant and always keen to  find the best gluten free Italian alternatives at restaurants.

To find out how you can create your own JC Path, visit our Careers page here.