Kathryn
McCann

Who I help

Oil & Gas. Energy. Food & Drink. Education.

How I help

Management accounts. Financial reporting. Audit support.

“My role is more than numbers- I’m part of my clients’ teams!”

Kathryn is a Chartered Accountant within AAB’s Virtual Finance Function (VFF) team, where no two days are ever the same. She supports a wide range of clients, from oil & gas and energy to food & drink and education, delivering tailored financial solutions that meet the unique demands of each business. Her work spans everything from preparing statutory accounts under IFRS and handling consolidations, to monthly management reporting, transaction processing, and audit support.

A confident user of cloud accounting tools, she thrives on helping clients stay on top of their finances and make informed decisions. With a strong focus on building relationships, Kathryn takes time to understand each client’s goals and what they truly value. She also plays an active role in mentoring trainees, sharing knowledge gained through her ICAS exams and practical experience. Her approachable nature, technical know-how, and passion for learning make her a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.

Finding my footing

“My journey into accountancy didn’t start with a grand plan. I studied Higher Accounting at school and enjoyed it, but I wasn’t sure what career path to take. I began as a Business Support Team Secretary at KPMG, where I formatted statutory accounts, prepared fees, and drafted engagement letters. It gave me a taste of the profession—but I knew I wanted to do more than support the work. I wanted to be at the heart of it.

After speaking to managers about my options, I decided to take the plunge. I enrolled in an HND in Accounting and Finance at Northeast Scotland College and continued working part-time at KPMG. In my second year, a lecturer shared an opportunity at AAB. I applied, was successful, and haven’t looked back since.”

Growing with AAB

“I’ve now been with AAB for over six years and have built my career from apprentice to recently qualified Chartered Accountant. I’ve worked across Business Advisory and the Virtual Finance Function (VFF), giving me a broad base, from day-to-day transactions to complex IFRS reporting.

In my current role within VFF, I work as an extension of my clients’ internal finance teams. I bring deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience to help them feel in control of their numbers and confident in their decisions. Whether it’s monthly management accounts, financial controls, or year-end prep, I tailor my support to what they really need.”

Building trust through clarity

“Clear communication is non-negotiable for me. From the very first meeting, I focus on understanding what matters most to each client. I stay in regular contact, keep things transparent, and always aim to be approachable and responsive. Strong client relationships don’t happen by accident; they’re built through trust and reliability.

One client told me, ‘I feel like part of your team.’ That meant a lot. It told me I was doing more than just delivering a service, I was making a real impact.”

Stepping up when it matters

“I once stepped in for a client whose accountant had suddenly left, with little to no handover. Understandably, the directors were uncertain about the company’s financial situation. I spent time getting to know their business, worked closely with them to understand their priorities, and created bespoke monthly reporting focused on cash flow and strategy.

The result? They regained control and could make confident, informed decisions. That experience reminded me how important it is to listen, adapt, and deliver precisely what’s needed, especially when the pressure’s on.”

Learning through challenge

“One of the toughest points in my career was balancing full-time work while studying for my ICAS exams. Managing client deadlines alongside revision took discipline and serious organisation. There were high-pressure moments, but it taught me how to manage competing demands and stay focused on the bigger picture. That resilience is something I bring to my work every day.”

Adding value beyond the numbers

“People often think accountancy is just about ticking boxes and crunching numbers. But it’s so much more, especially in the VFF. We’re strategic partners. We look forward, not just backwards. We help clients understand the ‘why’ behind the figures, spot opportunities, and make wise, confident decisions.

A recent example? A client needed clarity on whether they qualified for consolidation exemptions under UK legislation. I reviewed their group structure, confirmed eligibility, and explained the impact. It simplified their reporting, reduced admin, and saved money—while keeping them fully compliant.”

Staying one step ahead

“Keeping up with changing accounting standards and legislation is no small feat. Every client is different, and guidance isn’t one-size-fits-all. I stay sharp through continuous learning and collaboration with the wider AAB team. It helps me translate complex issues into practical advice and ensures clients always feel supported and informed.”

Strengths I bring to the table

“My strengths lie in my technical knowledge, attention to detail, and adaptability. I take pride in identifying issues before they escalate and staying proactive in my work approach. Whether it’s learning new systems or jumping into a new challenge, I’m ready to step up.”

Why it matters

“What I love most about this job is making a difference. Helping clients get clarity on their finances, easing their workload, and being the person they know they can rely on—it’s gratifying. It’s not just about getting the numbers right. It’s about helping people feel confident, informed, and in control of their future.”