Aberdeen-based independent accountancy firm Hall Morrice is set to launch a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation service next month, following a year of record financial performance. The firm reported a turnover of £6.2 million, a result of significant increases in statutory audit work and heightened demand for its advisory services.
The expansion comes as the firm has grown its team to more than 80 professionals, with plans to onboard a further 10 individuals within the next 18 months. This recruitment drive is strategically focused on attracting talent with strong digital skills, aligning with the evolving demands of the accountancy profession.
Managing Partner Robert Bain highlighted the industry’s shift towards digital platforms and advanced analytics. In an interview with The P&J, a prominent regional newspaper, Mr Bain stated: “There’s a lot of emphasis now in terms of the accountancy profession in adopting digital platforms, enhancing the ability to give data analytics to clients, and also the use of AI.”
The move by Hall Morrice reflects a broader trend within the UK accountancy sector, where AI adoption is rapidly accelerating. Recent industry reports indicate that a significant majority of UK accountants, approximately 66%, are already utilising AI within their firms or finance departments, with 91% expressing intentions to adopt the technology. This widespread integration is driven by the potential for increased productivity and the ability to offer higher-value advisory services.
Mr Bain further elaborated on the firm’s strategic vision, emphasising the growing need for specialised skills in the digital realm.
“So I think as we move forward, I can see us needing people that specialise in that rather than somebody who can prepare a set of accounts or audit a set of accounts or prepare a tax return, for example,” he noted.
This proactive approach aims to ensure the firm remains competitive and at the forefront of technological advancements within the sector.
Despite operating in a challenging local marketplace, particularly with many clients dependent on the energy sector which has experienced volatility, Hall Morrice attributes its growth to a commitment to high-quality service.
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Mr Bain affirmed: “It would be fair to say we are in a challenging marketplace locally. A lot of our clients are energy sector-dependent to some extent and we know it’s been a rocky road over the last wee while, and still a lot of uncertainty in terms of the future. But that said, I think why we have grown is we provide a decent, good quality service to our clients. Statutory audits have increased quite significantly over the course of the last year, and additional services in relation to advisory work have also increased.”
The new AI and digital transformation service is designed to assist clients in identifying practical applications for artificial intelligence, data utilisation, and automation to streamline processes, enhance financial information, and improve decision-making.
