Ryan
Brown

Who I help

Medium & Large Corporates. Subsidiaries of Global Groups. Not for Profit

How I help

Audit & Assurance

“Great audits start with meaningful relationships”

Ryan Brown is an Audit Assistant Manager, based in our Edinburgh office. His role involves playing a central role in leading and managing audit engagements across a diverse client base. Known for his calm, clear-headed approach, he supports teams to deliver high-quality work while taking the lead on more technical areas himself. He’s often the go-to for breaking down complex topics and guiding both clients and colleagues through them, something he sees as one of the most rewarding parts of his role.

Whether he’s coaching junior team members, stepping in to keep projects on track, or acting as a trusted advisor to clients, Ryan brings clarity, reliability, and a genuine passion for people development. His ability to combine deep technical knowledge with down-to-earth communication makes him a valued figure within the team and a reassuring presence for clients seeking an audit experience that’s both smooth and insightful.

Inspired early, driven ever since

“It was my high school registration teacher who steered me into accounting. She taught me accounting at school and sparked a genuine interest that has shaped my entire career. She’d studied at the University of Glasgow, and I ended up following in her footsteps. I spoke about her at my ICAS admissions ceremony because she inspired me to learn and significantly influenced my career trajectory.

At Uni, I became part of the ICAS Foundation—a social mobility programme that supports students from less-advantaged backgrounds. It meant the world to me at the time. Now I’m proud to be giving back as a mentor, helping the next generation of talent come through the ranks.”

Practical advice, delivered with clarity

“My goal is to combine strong technical skills with a clear and friendly communication style that cuts through the jargon. My job is to make the complex feel manageable and to help clients feel in control.

I ensure that audits are run in an organised and efficient way. That means no surprises, no radio silence- just practical advice and delivering on promises so clients feel supported and confident at every stage of the audit process.”

 

Listening first and foremost

“When I meet a new client, I prioritise listening more than speaking, asking open-ended questions to understand their goals, risks, and pressures. Then, I demonstrate reliability by acting on what we’ve discussed, whether it’s delivering an update when promised or sharing insight tailored to their needs. I want my clients to know that if I say I’m going to do something, I will deliver on my promise. It’s such an essential part of developing those relationships with clients, having trust.

A non-negotiable for me is getting to know them on a personal level. I want them to know that I am invested in them and their businesses as well as the process. They’re not just another client for me or something I’m trying to tick off my to-do list. I want to deliver an audit that adds value for them and me, that starts with getting to know them and their ambitions.”

From caution to confidence

One client came to us after a challenging audit experience with another firm. Understandably, they were cautious, disengaged and felt wary about the whole thing. From the outset, I focused on rebuilding trust through transparency, empathy, and consistency. I made a point of proactively sharing updates, even when the message wasn’t perfect, because I knew responsiveness and reliability would be key to rebuilding confidence.

We identified several challenges during our planning work. Because the relationship had been built on mutual respect, they saw this not as a threat but as part of a supportive and professional partnership.

 

Changing opinions about audits

“The most satisfying aspect is when you help the client genuinely view an audit as a constructive process rather than an invasive one.

It’s gratifying to shift that perception by building trust, communicating clearly, and showing that we’re there to add value, not just tick boxes. When a client buys into the process, becomes engaged, and starts viewing our work as something that strengthens their business. That’s when the relationship flourishes, and the audit becomes more impactful for both sides.”

 

A firm that upholds values

“One of the reasons I love working at AAB is the way we take action, especially when it comes to supporting people. When I suggested sponsoring the ICAS Foundation, the backing was instant. That kind of support doesn’t just boost external communities. It also says something powerful about how we treat each other internally.

It’s a firm where values aren’t just words, they’re lived.”

Solving problems, not just pointing them out

“Audit isn’t just about identifying issues; it’s about resolving them. A recent client example is that the client’s audit was delayed due to a breakdown in communication between the head office and their regional teams. Frustrations were building, deadlines were being missed, and the process was starting to stall.

So, I stepped in, introduced regular check-ins, and took on the role of a single point of contact. That simple shift brought clarity, improved timelines, and helped the internal teams work more closely together. The audit benefited both the business and its internal teams, as they worked together more cohesively.”

Reframing the Stereotype

“Audit has an image problem. Most people think it’s dry, formal, and purely compliance-driven. And yes, there’s paperwork. But to me, an audit is about curiosity. It’s about understanding how a business operates and helping it function more effectively.

It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about finding value. I see myself not as a gatekeeper, but as a guide or advisor. Someone who helps clients take a clearer view of their business, spot gaps, and seize opportunities.”