Meet Ronnie! Our Audit Partner brings a wealth of experience from both the banking and fishing industries, as well as over 15 years with SBP.
Since joining the firm in 2008 and becoming Partner in 2013, Ronnie has played a central role in the growth of our Fraserburgh office.
In a recent Q&A, he shares his journey, insights into the evolving industry, and advice for those starting out in accountancy.
Can you introduce yourself and give details on your career history leading to your current role?
I began my career in banking with TSB in 1981, joining straight from school. I worked in the Fraserburgh and Peterhead branches, progressing from Junior Clerk to Assistant Branch Manager before leaving in 1992. Afterward, I became a mortgage and investment adviser while considering a shift to accountancy. A chance meeting with an accountancy student in 1993 led me to pursue ACCA studies, and I completed my exams in 1997.
I then secured my first accountancy role as Assistant Accountant at Caley Fisheries Ltd in Peterhead, gaining valuable experience in the fishing sector. In 2000, I moved to a Financial Controller position at a large seafood processing plant in Peterhead, where I spent 8 years, expanding my expertise in seafood production and managing the finance department.
In 2008, following a company restructure, I was made redundant and joined SBP as an Accounts Assistant in Peterhead. After the retirement and passing of key partners, I advanced to Client Manager, and in 2013, I became a partner at the firm.
Can you give some insight into your working day and key responsibilities at SBP
As the head of the Fraserburgh office, my main focus is client work, ensuring that we deliver our services efficiently and professionally. While my colleague, Dennis Law, handles office management, I prioritise supporting my clients and assisting colleagues with their client work. I also take an active role in staff development, enjoying the opportunity to mentor and guide my team.
In addition, my role also includes being Audit Partner, collaborating closely with our Audit Manager to plan and manage audit engagements. As a partner, I regularly communicate with the firm's Managing Partner, John Hannah, on the day-to-day management of the firm.
You've been with SBP since 2008 and became a partner in 2013. What has been the biggest change you've seen in the business over the years?
The biggest change I've seen at SBP is the advancement in technology, particularly as we move towards becoming a paperless office. When I first started, each client had multiple paper files stored in numerous filing cabinets, which eventually had to be archived. Today, all current data is stored electronically, and the old filing cabinets are gone. Technology continues to evolve, and the software now available has greatly reduced manual accounting tasks. I'm confident we'll see even more advancements in the future.
Before joining SBP, you had extensive experience in banking and the fishing industry. How has that background shaped your approach to accountancy and audit work?
My background in banking and the fishing industry has shaped my approach to accountancy and audit by providing valuable knowledge, experience, and interpersonal skills. Banking helped me develop strong numerical accuracy and an appreciation for customer confidentiality, while also refining my ability to interact with clients daily.
Working in the fishing sector gave me a deep understanding of how the industry operates and the unique challenges fishermen face, which has been invaluable in providing tailored services to clients in that sector.
You specialise in accountancy for a range of clients, including the fishing industry and charities. What do you enjoy most about working with these sectors?
I enjoyed my time working in the fishing sector and got to know a lot of fishermen who visited the office when they were in from sea and also retired skippers who came into the office on a regular basis for a catch up. Fishing is such an important part of the local economy in the North East corner and I'm pleased to play a small part in supporting the fishermen whether that be by way of services and advice to boat owners or to individual crew fishermen.
In terms of charity clients, I'm interested in the work that they do within the community and have great respect for those who give of their time on a voluntary basis for charitable causes. The requirements of charity reporting can be complicated and daunting for those who have little experience in such matters and I'm happy to try and assist to reduce this particular burden for them.
Audit is a key part of your role at SBP. What do you find most rewarding about this area of work?
Audit work demands a good knowledge and understanding of your client and their business and I enjoy getting to know them and learning about how their business operates. Following completion of the audit it can sometimes be the case that recommendations can be made on how their financial systems and processes can be improved and this is also a rewarding aspect of the work.
The Fraserburgh office launch is an exciting milestone for SBP. How have you been involved in supporting this expansion?
I was involved in key decisions regarding the new office and its refurbishment alongside our managing partner. For the move itself, I took charge of overseeing the practical aspects, ensuring the old office was cleared and everything was ready for the relocation. Sorting through years of records, files, and office equipment was a major task, but it was definitely worth it in the end.
What does the new Fraserburgh office mean for SBP, and how do you see it benefiting both the team and clients in the area?
The new office is a statement of our long-term commitment to Fraserburgh. With an already strong and loyal client base, we are excited to continue expanding our reach and strengthening our presence in the area. The new office provides us with the space and resources to support this growth, allowing us to build upon the solid foundations we have established over the years. It will benefit clients through the provision of better facilities, including on-site parking, and will provide the staff with a more comfortable and modern environment in which to work.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the Fraserburgh office and SBP as a whole?
As well as a new office, we have an excellent team in place in Fraserburgh which provides an ideal platform for future growth and development. I would therefore hope that we can continue to expand the business and take SBP forward in the town providing more employment opportunities and helping many more local businesses through the range of services we provide.
For SBP as a whole, we take pride in being an employer of choice, with a strong focus on staff development, promotion, and wellbeing. My hope is to see many of our current team members advance in their careers, eventually becoming partners and managers, which will help ensure the long-term success of the firm.
What advice would you give young people entering the industry?
You must be prepared to work hard and be willing to learn and try to gain as much information and knowledge as you can from the more experienced members of staff. The early years can be challenging, especially when balancing full-time work with studying for exams, but the long-term rewards make it all worthwhile.