Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Accounting Solutions in Kirkwall
Scholes Chartered Accountants operates as a dedicated advisory firm for entrepreneurs, combining deep financial expertise with a client-centric approach. With five regional offices across Scotland, we specialise in resolving complex financial challenges while maintaining impeccable standards in compliance and audit work. Our team prioritises proactive engagement, aligning our clients' business, family, and personal financial goals to drive sustainable success. Established as a trusted partner, we deliver tailored tax planning, business growth strategies, and international accountancy services.Our commitment to transparency and ethical practices ensures clients receive actionable insights that directly address their evolving needs. By focusing on long-term relationships, we transform financial management into a strategic asset for businesses of all sizes. Our regional presence enables us to provide locally informed solutions while adhering to global accounting standards. Through continuous innovation, we help clients navigate regulatory landscapes and optimise financial outcomes.
Services
Tax Planning
Accounts Preparation
Business Growth Services
International Accountancy
Inheritance Tax Planning
Payroll Outsourcing
VAT Returns
Corporate Tax Compliance
Business Restructuring
Personal Tax Compliance
Highlights and features
- We offer tailored tax planning solutions aligned with business and personal financial goals
- Our team provides proactive compliance support underpinned by audit-grade standards
- Five regional offices ensure accessible, locally informed accounting expertise across Scotland
- We specialise in international business expansion strategies for UK companies
- Proven track record in business restructuring and succession planning for owner-managed firms
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
What people say
Effective tax management
Proactive compliance support
Tailored growth strategies
Accessible regional offices
Expert international advice
Services
Tax Planning + Advice
Our tax planning service helps SME owners optimise financial affairs through strategic tax savings. We analyse business structures, investment plans, and personal finances to identify legitimate tax relief opportunities. With expertise in UK tax law, we ensure compliance while minimising liabilities across corporate and personal portfolios.
Business Growth Services
We provide bespoke growth strategies for owner-managed businesses seeking expansion. Our services include business plan development, financing arrangements, valuation assessments, and merger/acquisition support. By understanding sector-specific challenges, we help clients implement sustainable growth models aligned with long-term objectives.
International Accountancy Services
Supporting UK businesses expanding overseas and international companies establishing Scottish operations, we connect clients with global professional networks. Our services cover cross-border compliance, entity setup, and regulatory navigation, ensuring seamless international operations while maintaining UK accounting standards.
Inheritance Tax + Estate Planning
We help clients mitigate inheritance tax exposure through strategic estate planning. Our approach combines trust structures, gifting strategies, and asset reorganisation to preserve wealth across generations. We ensure plans align with personal wishes while complying with current tax legislation.
Payroll Outsourcing
Our payroll service ensures accurate employee payments and regulatory compliance. We manage PAYE submissions, tax deductions, and real-time reporting through secure digital systems. This reduces administrative burdens while guaranteeing adherence to HMRC requirements for businesses of all sizes.
People
Karen Scholes
Director
Karen Scholes BA CA leads strategic client relationships with over 20 years' experience in chartered accountancy. Her expertise spans business restructuring and tax compliance, focusing on delivering practical financial solutions for Scottish SMEs.
Ivan Houston
Director
Ivan Houston CA CTA specialises in international tax compliance and corporate advisory services. With extensive experience in cross-border transactions, he helps businesses navigate complex regulatory environments while optimising financial operations.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for SMEs?
We provide tax planning, accounts preparation, business growth strategies, payroll services, and international expansion support tailored to SME requirements.
Do you support businesses expanding overseas?
Yes, we help UK companies expand internationally and assist foreign businesses establishing operations in Scotland through our global professional network.
How do you handle personal tax compliance?
We prepare and submit Income Tax Self Assessment returns while identifying legitimate tax-saving opportunities to ensure compliance with HMRC regulations.
What business restructuring services are available?
Our services include legal structure reviews, tax optimisation, financing arrangements, and succession planning to help businesses reorganise effectively.
Can you assist with inheritance tax planning?
Yes, we develop strategies to minimise inheritance tax exposure through estate planning, trust structures, and asset reorganisation.
What are your office locations?
We have offices in Kirkwall, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Laurencekirk, and Lerwick, providing accessible accounting services across Scotland.
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Reviews (4)
Jenny Skeldon
Dec 09, 2017
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We have worked with Frosts for many years. Always a pleasure to have Steve visit our office for our quarterly management accounts. Very professional, very approachable and always happy to help. Cannot recommend Frosts enough.
Jb Mclean Interiors
Nov 28, 2017
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Been using Frosts for 10 years (Fed's book keeping) 1st class service would thoroughly recommend this company to anyone. Thanks Guys
Rory McKinnel
Jun 16, 2017
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I have been using the services of Steve and Simon now for 7 years. They have been terrific from the start: from helping me setup and register my company to doing my annual returns. They also support FreeAgent which means our interactions can all be done through the cloud.
Recommended.
Recommended.
Jon Hunton
May 21, 2017
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We have been with Frosts for over 17 years. They have provided a professional and efficient service for our small yet expanding business over this time. I recommend them most highly.
