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AAB / Our Team / Zoe Thorpe
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Meet the Audit & Assurance team
Domestic and international groups. Owner-managed businesses. Family businesses. Oilfield services.
Audit & Assurance services.
Zoe Thorpe is an Audit Senior Manager, based in our Aberdeen office. She plays a hands-on role in delivering high-quality audits while supporting the growth and development of her team. No two weeks are the same, but her focus remains consistent, building strong relationships with clients, reviewing audit work with a sharp eye for detail, and helping her team thrive through constructive feedback and guidance. With a balance of technical expertise, client collaboration, and people development, Zoe brings energy and consistency to everything she does.
“There wasn’t a single lightbulb moment that led me here. I landed in audit after graduating, not really knowing what I wanted to do. But it didn’t take long to realise I’d found something that suited me. Audit is a brilliant mix of problem-solving, relationship-building, and learning technical skills, three things I’ve always enjoyed. Since then, I’ve never looked back.”
“I work with clients across a range of sectors and sizes, so I bring both breadth and depth to the table. My approach is always practical. I keep an eye on the bigger picture while diving into the details when it matters. That’s how I help clients see what’s really going on, and where things can improve.
Every business has pressure points. I take the time to understand where they are. One of my favourite questions to ask is: “What keeps you up at night when you think about the business?” It’s a great way to cut through the noise and focus on what’s most important. That’s how we build strong, honest client relationships, by understanding what really matters.”
“A great working relationship is built on trust and clear communication. Everyone’s different, and every client works in their own way. Once I understand how someone likes to work and what drives them, we can collaborate much more effectively, even when audit pressures kick in.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see the advice we give turn into real, positive changes in how a business operates. Whether that’s streamlining a process, strengthening controls, or improving reporting, it’s satisfying to know you’ve made a difference. I enjoy being the person clients can bounce ideas off, especially when it leads to better outcomes for them.”
“There’s a common misconception that auditors are just here to pick holes and point fingers. That’s not what I do. Audit is about adding value. It’s about making sure clients feel supported, their processes are strong, and their financial reporting is transparent and robust.”
“I’m highly driven and committed to technical quality. I like to get things right, and I hold myself and my team to a high standard. But I also bring energy and motivation to the teams I lead. I’m realistic about time and workload, and I focus on creating an environment where people can do their best work, hit deadlines, and keep learning.”
“Hearing that a client actually enjoyed the audit process, especially during the final debrief, is one of the best compliments I can receive. Audits can be tough, but when the experience is smooth and collaborative, it makes a real difference. That’s what I aim for every time.”
“I see huge potential in using data analytics and AI to improve how we work. If we can automate routine tasks, we free up more time for the judgment-based work that really adds value. It’s exciting to think about how we can use technology to deliver deeper insights and help clients in new ways.”