Megan
Watling

WHO I HELP

Owner-managed businesses. SMEs. Growing organisations across a range of sectors.

HOW I HELP

Audit planning and delivery. Risk identification. Team leadership. Clear communication. Client collaboration. Process improvement. Streamlining workflows. Technical insight. Efficient, high-quality audits.

“EVERY CHALLENGE PASSES; WHAT COUNTS IS WHAT WE LEARN FROM IT.”

As an Audit Assistant Manager in AAB’s Edinburgh office, Megan Watling spends her time leading audits, reviewing work, and partnering closely with clients and her team to deliver high-quality outcomes. No two weeks are the same, but her focus is always on planning and executing robust audits, identifying key risks, and ensuring her team feels supported throughout each engagement.

Megan’s love for audit comes from her curiosity about how businesses work. Drawn to problem-solving, analysis, and working with people, she found audit to be the ideal space where these strengths come together. Today, she brings technical expertise, clarity, and a collaborative mindset to every assignment.

Clients appreciate Megan’s ability to explain issues clearly and make the audit process transparent and manageable. Her calm, organised approach ensures deadlines are met without compromising on quality. She believes the most rewarding part of her role is seeing clients gain genuine value from an audit – whether that’s through new insights, stronger processes, or simply a smoother experience.

One of her most memorable client successes involved transforming what initially felt like a box-ticking exercise into a meaningful business conversation. By taking time to explain the audit approach and sharing insights beyond compliance, she was able to build trust and help the client see the audit as a valuable tool for their business.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH TRANSPARENCY

“I always start by listening. Understanding a client’s business before diving into numbers is essential. Open, honest communication is my non-negotiable – it builds trust, makes expectations clear, and sets the foundation for a smooth, effective audit.”

TURNING COMPLIANCE INTO VALUE

“One client initially viewed an audit as something they had to get through. By explaining our approach and offering insights beyond the statutory requirements, we built a strong relationship. They now see auditing as an opportunity to strengthen their processes rather than just a compliance task.”

FINDING REWARD IN CLIENT SUCCESS

“What I find most satisfying is when clients genuinely benefit from an audit – whether that’s clearer insights, better processes, or simply a more positive experience. Knowing I’ve helped make their business stronger makes the work incredibly rewarding.”

A TEAM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

“The collaborative culture at AAB is what stands out most. Everyone is willing to share knowledge and support each other. That environment helps us deliver high-quality work and grow as professionals.”

SOLVING CHALLENGES TOGETHER

“When a client faced process delays, we worked with them to streamline workflows in a way that improved their efficiency and allowed us to complete the audit smoothly. Finding solutions that work for everyone is always the goal.”

“THE AUDIT WAS ACTUALLY ENJOYABLE.”

“The greatest compliment I’ve received from a client was being told the audit was ‘actually enjoyable.’ In our field, that’s rare – and it shows that the process was collaborative, transparent, and positive.”

NAVIGATING A COMPLEX AUDIT ENVIRONMENT

“Balancing growing regulatory demands with efficiency is one of the biggest challenges in audit. I stay proactive by keeping up with technical updates and using technology to streamline work without compromising on quality.”

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS ABOUT AUDIT

“A common misconception is that auditors are only here to find mistakes. In reality, we work closely with clients to understand their business and help strengthen their controls and processes.”

STRENGTHS THAT MAKE AN IMPACT

“My strengths are attention to detail, strong communication, and staying calm under pressure. I’m committed to supporting my team and ensuring clients feel confident throughout the audit process.”

LOOKING AHEAD

“I’m excited to explore how data analytics and automation can enhance the audit process – improving accuracy, efficiency, and the insights we can provide to clients.”