Paul
Graham

Who I help

Hospitality. E-commerce. SMEs. Family businesses.

How I help

Personal and Corporate Tax compliance.

“Clarity in the numbers, confidence in the decisions”

Paul Graham is a Business Advisory Assistant Manager, based in our Glasgow office. He thrives on variety, with no two weeks or even days looking the same. From preparing year-end accounts and management accounts to completing VAT returns and supporting clients with day-to-day queries, he brings structure and focus to a fast-paced workload.

Highly organised and proactive, Paul manages multiple client requirements without ever compromising on quality. His personable, transparent style builds trusted relationships with both clients and colleagues, while his strong technical expertise and analytical skills allow him to simplify complex financial data into clear, actionable insights.

Variety in every day

No two days look the same for me, and that’s exactly what I love about my role. One day I’ll be preparing year-end accounts, the next I’ll be working on management accounts or VAT returns. I also spend a lot of time checking in with clients, answering queries, or simply touching base to make sure everything is running smoothly. That variety keeps things fresh and gives me the chance to make a real difference in lots of different ways.

Where it all began

My interest in accountancy started back in high school. I studied business and came across the basics of double-entry bookkeeping. Learning the concept of debit and credit,  and getting it to balance, gave me such a buzz. There was something deeply satisfying about knowing there was always a right answer. That sense of achievement never left me, and it sparked my ambition to become an accountant.

A people-first mentality

I’ve always considered myself a people person. I genuinely enjoy sitting down with clients and having a chat before we get into the numbers. Building that personal connection makes a huge difference. It allows me to understand who they are and what they care about, so the advice I give isn’t just technically sound but also relevant to their goals.

My background spans sole traders and SMEs across a broad mix of sectors, which means I’ve learned to adapt quickly and tune into what each client really needs. For me, relationship building isn’t an add-on; it’s at the heart of what I do.

Welcoming a shift of focus

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career was stepping out of the purely technical mindset. Early on, I was laser-focused on getting the numbers right. Of course, accuracy is critical, but I realised that true value comes from offering more than analysis. Clients want someone who can see the bigger picture and help them move forward.

That shift into advisory and leadership work wasn’t easy, but it taught me the importance of confidence, communication, and being proactive. Now, I focus just as much on mentoring junior colleagues and providing tailored advice as I do on the technical side.

Lessons that stuck

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that technical knowledge alone isn’t enough. Soft skills matter just as much. Listening well, building trust, and putting clients first are what transform a good accountant into a great adviser.

I apply this every day by being approachable, proactive, and clear. I want clients to know they can pick up the phone for the smallest question, and I’ll be there with an answer that makes sense to them. That consistency builds relationships that last.

Building trust

For me, trust is non-negotiable. I always aim to be reliable and clear, following through on promises and making sure clients feel supported. From day one, I want people to know they can depend on me, whether it’s a big strategic decision or just a quick query.

I remember one client who was hesitant to fully engage because they found finance overwhelming. By breaking things down into simple insights, communicating regularly, and adapting our reporting to fit their business, I helped them feel in control. It was all about listening, simplifying, and being consistent. The result was a strong, trusting relationship where they saw me as a genuine partner, not just a service provider.

Solving problems that matter to our clients

A recent example that stands out is when a client needed a simpler way to handle expense reimbursements. Their old system was eating up time and causing errors. I worked with them to create a streamlined process that was quicker, more accurate, and easier for their team to use. Within a few weeks, they were delighted with the time savings and grateful for the training and support we provided. Seeing that kind of impact is what makes the role so meaningful.