COWAN & PARTNERS - Key Persons
Ann has been a Supervisor within the Tax Department since she joined the firm in 2007. Ann specialises in Personal Tax, and mentors the CA trainees with the preparation of self-assessment tax returns. After many years in the tax profession, Ann has an invaluable knowledge of the UK tax system and is always keen to support clients and staff alike. Away from work, Ann enjoys keeping fit and spending time with her two grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Receptionist
- Admin & Payroll
Audrey has been welcoming clients to Cowan and Partners since 1998 in her role as receptionist and administrator.
Job Titles:
- Senior Payroll Administrator
Claire is the senior payroll administrator within Cowan and Partners, responsible for the process and management of over 200 payrolls for clients large and small - from sole traders and partnerships to larger companies. After working in payroll for 17 years, Claire joined us in 2021. Outside work, Claire enjoys spending time with her family - with her wee boy keeping her very busy!
Job Titles:
- Head of Accounts
- Accounts
Craig is Head of Accounts within the firm, and is responsible for ensuring our clients receive the highest level of service. A specialist in owner managed businesses, Craig loves helping start-ups to prosper and maintaining strong client relationships. Craig also likes to keep up-to-date with the business advantages of digital technology, working with clients to find the best system for them. He is a qualified CA with ICAS, and also a Chartered Tax Advisor. In his personal time, Craig enjoys travelling, attending concerts and music festivals and spending time socialising with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Certified Accountant
- Client Manager
Irina is a qualified chartered certified accountant (ACCA) and works as a Client Manager within the Accounts department. Outside of work, Irina enjoys travelling, classical music, cinema and going to the gym.
James is currently undertaking his studies to become a Chartered accountant.
Joan MacKenzie from Edinburgh is a Client Manager within the Accounts Department, with over 50 years experience and a reputation for piecing together client's missing information. Joan, who joined Cowan and Partners in 1985, is our longest serving member of staff, meaning that Joan's depth of experience and knowledge is invaluable to the firm. Outside the office, Joan is a member of Edinburgh People's Theatre, and has performed in many shows over the years. Weekends are spent with her family, gardening and the odd art gallery as well!
Job Titles:
- Chartered Accountant
- Client Manager
Katrina is a qualified Chartered Accountant and is one of our Client Managers within the Accounts Department. After having worked in firms across the Central Belt, Katrina joined Cowan and Partners in 2022. Outside of work, a lot of Katrina's time is taken up on her farm, where she plays a very active roll, as well as keeping the farm accounts!
Kerry-Rose joined the firm back in 2019, eager to take on the challenge of running payroll!
Kirsty Gillespie is one of our Client Mangers and has been with Cowan and Partners since 2015. She graduated from the University of Glasgow with a 2.1 honours degree in Law and obtained her CA qualification in 2018. Kirsty's current business focus is on accounts preparation and personal tax, and is enjoying all the advancements that digital accounting brings. A XERO and QuickBooks expert, Kirsty is often on hand to provide support to clients with their queries. Outside the business she enjoys reading, running and films about superheroes!
Laura joined Cowan and Partners in 2022 as a Tax Assistant - and is currently undertaking her ATT professional studies.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Receptionist
Linda assists Audrey with the Administration side of things, providing holiday cover and assisting the Director with audio-typing.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director and Owner of Cowan
Mathew is the Director and Owner of Cowan and Partners. After graduating from the University of Dundee with a 2.1 honours degree in LLB Scots Law with French, he went on to work in industry, before joining the firm. Mathew is a strong advocate for cloud accounting, and has been a key driver in ensuring Cowan and Partners are at the forefront of digital accounting. Despite this, Mathew is a traditionalist at heart, and sees the success of Cowan and Partners as being our ability to blend traditional values with our modern working practices. Cowan and Partners has always been a family orientated firm, and that is at the centre of how the firm operates, putting the needs of clients and staff above all else, ensuring that everyone is looked after. Much of Mathew's life outside the office revolves around food and travel - and of course his dogs, Alfie & Bertie!
Morag Macdonald joined Cowan and Partners in 2014 after graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a First Class Honours degree in Accounting. After obtaining the CA qualification in 2017, Morag has since specialised in Charities, and is the key contact within the firm for all charity clients. Outside the business, Morag is a keen reader and enthusiastic baker!
Job Titles:
- Chartered Tax Adviser and Assistant Manager
- TEP Tax Assistant Manager
Natalie is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Assistant Manager within the Tax Department. Since joining Cowan and Partners in 2016, Natalie has focussed on areas such as Tax Planning, Trusts and Corporation Tax. Natalie enjoys meeting with prospective new clients, and supporting others within the firm with all areas of taxation. Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family and is a keen photographer.
Job Titles:
- Accounts Department Assistant Manager
Nicola has been with Cowan and Partners since 2013, initially as a CA trainee, trainee, and now performs the role of Assistant Manager within the Accounts Department.
Nicola has been with Cowan and Partners since 2013, initially as a CA trainee, and now performs the role of Assistant Manager within the Accounts Department. Nicola graduated from Heriot Watt University with a 2.1 degree in Accountancy and Finance and obtained the CA qualification in 2017. Nicola specialises in Accounts Preparation and Personal tax, and enjoys supervising junior staff within the firm, assisting them and ensuring their development. Outside the office, Nicola loves spending time with her family, with her 3 boys keeping her very busy!
Job Titles:
- Head
- LP ATT CTA Head of Tax
Nigel Wigglesworth is Head of Tax who joined Cowan and Partners in 2000.
Simona joined Cowan and Partners in 2022, in her role as a Client Support Assistant.
Job Titles:
- Client Support Co - Ordinator
Zoe joined Cowan and Partners in 2021, and brings with her a wide range of experience in bookkeeping and client support.