Founded in 1869, MHA has a long history of developing the next generation. Across the UK, the firm has taken on 126 graduate and student placements this year. Applications have now opened for the 2026 intake.

In Aberdeen, four have graduated from Robert Gordon University with degrees in accounting and finance, while another is in his third year of the same course.

Connor Sherrit, Cedie Herrera, Findlay Stewart and Claudette Castrence join as graduates, undertaking professional qualifications over several years, with James Dempster having embarked on a placement in his third year at university.

In Edinburgh, the eight additions have graduated from an array of degrees including accounting and finance, maths, civil engineering and even archaeology.

Issy Clarke, Fraser Wanstall, Murray Cooper, Josh Gardiner, Sean Miller, Katie Yorkston, Chloe Freeman and Bruno De La Pedraja Pérez join on graduate placements working towards their ICAS and CTA qualifications.

Previously Meston Reid & Co before becoming part of MHA in 2023, the Aberdeen office in Carden Place has accepted placement students from RGU’s Accountancy and Finance degree in all but two of the past 28 years.

The trainees are supported there by ABAS (accounts and business advisory services) senior manager Louise Smith, who was the office’s first ever student placement in 1998.

Ms Smith said: “We’re delighted to welcome the graduate and placement students here to MHA Aberdeen. We’re so proud of the work we do in helping to develop the careers of those who come into accountancy. The variety of backgrounds from our latest recruits emphasises that there is no one route into this sector.”

Previously Geoghegans before becoming part of MHA in 2024, the Edinburgh office in St Colme Street has taken on trainees for over 75 years, welcoming more than 200 in that time.

Ben Sutherland, director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our latest intake of graduates here to MHA in Edinburgh. Developing the careers of those coming into this sector is hugely important and the varied backgrounds of our 2025 cohort show that there are so many routes into accountancy out-with the traditional.”

In Edinburgh, Fraser Wanstall (23) joined as an audit junior, having graduated from Heriot-Watt University in accounting and finance. However, it was numbers of a different kind Fraser was once better known for… after he and his sister were born in April 2002 - at that time believed to be among Scotland’s heaviest twins.

The record, while never made official, was recognised by Edinburgh Royal Infirmary staff who were surprised by the extreme weights of Fraser and his sister, Rebecca… a combined birth weight of 16lbs 2oz. Fraser was the first of the full-term siblings to arrive, born at 8lb 9oz, with Rebecca 45 minutes later at 7lb 9oz.

Meanwhile, Sean Miller (22) joined MHA in accounts and advisory following on from a three-month stint working as a stablehand on a horse ranch in Canada. Sean studied Bsc Hons in mathematics at the University of Glasgow – in his hometown.

Murray Cooper (23), joined as an audit junior, from an accountancy and finance degree at Heriot Watt University.  He grew up near Gullane and worked in the golf operations team at The Renaissance Club.

Josh Gardiner (23) graduated from Glasgow University with a degree in ancient history and archaeology. Originally from West Linton, ABAS (accounts and business advisory services) junior Josh previously worked as a head lifeguard and a lab technician.

Audit junior Issy Clarke (24) is originally from Ilkley in Yorkshire and studied history and politics at the University of York. She spent the winter as a ski instructor in Canada.

Bruno De La Pedraja Pérez (23) is a junior tax associate having graduated with an MEng civil engineering degree at Heriot Watt, enjoying a year at its Malaysian campus. Originally from Santander in Spain, Bruno moved to Scotland at the age of 10.

Katie Yorkston (22), an ABAS (accounts and business advisory services) junior, previously worked as a finance assistant for a manufacturing company. She achieved a Diploma of Higher Education in biological sciences and AAT Certificate of Accounting Level 6 and hails from East Lothian.

Chloe Freeman (21) joined as a personal tax junior. She studied law at the University of Manchester – her home city.

In Aberdeen, Claudette (28) and Cedie (32) met through mutual friends in 2015, studied accountancy and finance together at RGU and got engaged on board a cruise ship last summer. The couple will marry next March in Inverurie.

Claudette, a tax assistant, feels she’s found her forever career after starting a nursing degree and having her interest in finance piqued by stocks and shares during Covid.

Cedie, who works in audit and accounts, spent 13 years in the Philippines before moving to Scotland. A registered nurse, Cedie also achieved success in the investment market.

Their colleague, Findlay Stewart (21) also studied at RGU. Last year, he enjoyed a successful year at MHA as a placement student in audit and accounts, since returning to the department as a graduate. The former boxer earned two silver medals in the Scottish Championships and two from the Northern District Championship. 

Connor Sherrit (22), previously worked as an assistant accountant and a lifeguard at Sport Aberdeen.

James Dempster (21), is this year’s student placement, currently in his third year at Robert Gordon University. James, who is from Inverurie, is a black belt in judo. Both Connor and James have joined MHA Aberdeen’s audit and accounts department.

For more information on how to apply for MHA’s Class of 2026 graduate scheme, go to: https://www.mha.co.uk/careers/vacancies