Sean Cockburn has been appointed as private client tax advisory partner in Edinburgh. He joined the firm in 2017 and specialises in international private client matters and cross-border taxation. As partner, he will expand the International PC business and grow the Scottish practice.

The team is also strengthened with the promotion of Rachael Stewart to director, where she will support the expansion of the firm’s advisory services for businesses seeking operational and financial improvement. Additionally, Maria McConnell joins as a new VAT director, bringing expertise in advising businesses of all sizes on UK and international VAT compliance.

“I am delighted to welcome these individuals into our senior team”, said Craig Maxwell, Glasgow Office managing partner at Forvis Mazars in the UK. “These promotions and hires are testament to the individuals’ expertise, and the outstanding results they’ve delivered for clients. We’re committed to growing our tax services and our presence in Scotland, and those promoted will play an important role in this.”

Alongside these promotions and senior hires, the team in Scotland has also welcomed 14 new trainees. The trainees comprise of graduates and school leavers students. Their varied backgrounds reflect the firm’s inclusive approach to attracting talent and its commitment to developing early careers talent through fostering growth, investing in people and providing meaningful opportunities.

Commenting on the team’s trainee intake, Mr Maxwell added: “It’s fantastic to see so much fresh talent coming into the industry and we are committed to developing their knowledge and skills.

“As a firm, we aim to nurture talent from within and provide meaningful opportunities for our people, so we hope that these individuals build long careers here.”

The arrival of the new trainees follows a year of recognition for the firm’s early careers programmes. Forvis Mazars rose 15 places to achieve its highest-ever position in the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers, and was ranked in the Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, celebrating its continued investment in nurturing future leaders.

This dedication is further reflected in the firm’s recent ICAS results for Term 2, with first time exam takers achieving a 100% pass rate in both Professional Ethics and the Integrated Case Study across both the Edinburgh and Glasgow offices.