Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Accountants and Business Advisors in the UK
Established in 1936, Johnston Carmichael has grown into a leading independent UK accountancy and business advisory firm. Our team of auditors, tax experts, and sector specialists work collaboratively with businesses across the UK and internationally, offering tailored solutions grounded in deep industry knowledge. With a commitment to long-term relationships, we prioritise understanding client ambitions and challenges, delivering strategic advice that drives sustainable growth. Our culture of collaboration and continuous improvement has earned us recognition as a Great Place to Work, reflecting our dedication to both client success and community impact. 
Services
Audit & Assurance
Corporate Finance
Tax Advisory
Business Advisory
Payroll Services
Details
- Year established: 1936
Highlights and features
- We have over 85 years of experience in accountancy and business advisory services.
- Our UK-wide team provides sector-specific expertise tailored to client needs.
- Our partners own the firm, ensuring alignment with business owner perspectives.
- We are certified as a Great Place to Work by Great Place to Work UK.
- We combine private practice and in-house finance expertise for real-world insights.
Associations and certifications
- Great Place to Work UK
What people say
Sector-specific expertise
Tailored solutions
Real-world insights
Trusted advisors
Sustainable growth
Services
Audit & Assurance
Our Audit & Assurance team ensures compliance and transparency in a rapidly changing marketplace. We provide independent assessments of financial statements, helping businesses meet regulatory requirements while identifying opportunities for operational improvement. With a focus on risk management, we support clients in maintaining stakeholder confidence and achieving long-term stability.
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance advisory services guide strategic decisions for mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising. Our experts combine market knowledge with tailored strategies to maximise value during business transitions. We work closely with clients to navigate complex financial landscapes and achieve sustainable growth objectives.
Tax Advisory
We offer comprehensive tax advisory services covering corporate, personal, and international tax matters. Our team stays ahead of regulatory changes to ensure compliance while optimising tax positions. From transaction tax to inheritance tax planning, we provide strategic guidance to mitigate risks and enhance financial efficiency.
Business Advisory
Our Business Advisory specialists help companies overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities. We deliver actionable insights on operational efficiency, restructuring, and market expansion. By combining industry expertise with practical solutions, we empower businesses to adapt to changing environments and achieve long-term success.
Payroll Services
Payroll Services ensure accurate and compliant employee payment processing amid evolving legislation. We handle payroll administration, pension auto-enrolment, and real-time reporting requirements. Our solutions reduce administrative burdens, allowing businesses to focus on core operations while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
People
Mark Houston
Chair and Senior Partner
Mark Houston leads Johnston Carmichael as Chair and Senior Partner, bringing decades of experience in accountancy and business strategy. He focuses on fostering client relationships and driving firm growth while maintaining our founding principles of integrity and excellence.
Alexandra Docherty
Tax Partner & Head of Private Client Tax
Alexandra Docherty specialises in private client tax and intergenerational wealth planning. With expertise in inheritance tax and pension strategies, she advises high-net-worth individuals and families on optimising financial legacies while ensuring compliance with evolving tax regulations.
David Ward
Tax Partner & Head of Specialist Taxes
David Ward leads specialist tax advisory services, focusing on corporate tax compliance and international tax frameworks. His strategic approach helps businesses navigate complex tax landscapes, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives while maintaining adherence to regulatory standards.
John McAuslin
Tax Partner & Head of Corporate Tax
John McAuslin provides expert corporate tax advice to businesses across sectors. He specialises in transaction tax, restructuring, and cross-border tax planning, delivering solutions that balance compliance requirements with commercial growth strategies for mid-market and large enterprises.
Scott Dunbar
Chartered Financial Planner
Scott Dunbar offers wealth management and financial planning expertise, focusing on retirement strategies and intergenerational wealth transfer. He combines technical knowledge with client-centric advice to help individuals achieve long-term financial security aligned with personal goals.
Questions
What services does Johnston Carmichael offer?
We provide audit, tax, corporate finance, payroll, and business advisory services tailored to UK and international businesses across multiple sectors.
How long has Johnston Carmichael been in business?
Founded in 1936, we have over 85 years of experience supporting businesses through growth, compliance, and strategic transitions.
Do you work with specific industry sectors?
Yes, we serve clients in financial services, rural businesses, technology, food & drink, construction, and renewable energy sectors among others.
What makes Johnston Carmichael different from other firms?
Our partner-owned structure ensures advisors understand business ownership challenges, while our UK-wide presence combines local knowledge with national expertise.
Are you certified as a Great Place to Work?
Yes, we hold official certification from Great Place to Work UK, reflecting our commitment to employee development and a collaborative workplace culture.
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Reviews (1)
James Nisbet
Jan 08, 2021
Report
It's now over a year since leaving and we're still tidying up the mess our accounts were left in, and still paying off the crippling fees.
