When you search geoghegans accountants today, what comes up isn’t just a directory entry or generic business profile — it tells a story of legacy, local service, and a strategic shift in the UK accounting landscape. Geoghegans Chartered Accountants has been a mainstay in Edinburgh’s financial and advisory scene for decades, now transitioning from a long-standing independent practice into part of a larger national network. As I’m writing this in January 2026, that evolution offers both a snapshot of where accounting practices are headed and what clients can expect from a firm rooted in tradition yet embracing broader opportunities.
From the outset, the keyword geoghegans accountants clearly points to an established chartered accountants firm based in Edinburgh, Scotland, with a heritage dating back to the early 20th century. Historically independent, the firm served a broad range of clients, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — offering financial planning, tax compliance, bookkeeping, and advisory services. Today, that identity is being redefined as part of a merger with one of the UK’s largest accounting networks.
A Legacy of Geoghegans accountants
Geoghegans accountants, originally known as Geoghegans Chartered Accountants, began as a boutique practice dedicated to personalised service for local Scottish businesses. The firm’s office on St Colme Street in central Edinburgh became synonymous with tailored accounting advice, from VAT returns and payroll services to company formation and tax planning for sole traders and partnerships alike.
Yet the trend toward consolidation in the accounting industry — with larger firms swallowing up local practices to expand geographic reach and specialist capacity — has finally touched Geoghegans. In early 2024, Geoghegans announced a merger with MHA, a UK-wide network of accountants and business advisers with over 20 offices across the country, strengthening MHA’s footprint in Scotland.
This move wasn’t just about scale; it reflected a strategic alignment where Geoghegans’ deep roots in Edinburgh could combine with MHA’s broader suite of services — including audit and assurance, corporate finance, and international tax advisory — underlined by the global affiliations of networks like Baker Tilly International.
If you’re considering this, here’s what you should know: clients of geoghegans accountants can expect many familiar faces still in place, but with access to a richer pool of experts and resources, especially for more complex business needs like cross-border taxation, advanced corporate structuring, or sustainability reporting that larger networks increasingly support.
What Clients Can Expect from the Merger
For many clients, the big question following a merger is simple: Will I still get the service I trust? The official announcements suggest yes, with all partners and staff retained and the local Edinburgh office rebranded under the MHA banner.
This kind of transition is not uncommon in professional services; while some personal touch might be diluted as systems evolve, the promise is enhanced capability — think expertise in audit compliance alongside everyday bookkeeping. A comparison might help illustrate:
| Feature | Geoghegans (Pre-Merger) | MHA (Post-Merger Advantage) |
|---|---|---|
| Local Personal Service | High – boutique focus | Still important, but part of larger team |
| Specialist Services | Limited to in-house expertise | Broader offerings (e.g., corporate finance) |
| Geographic Reach | Primarily Edinburgh/Scotland | UK-wide + international network |
| Regulatory Compliance | Chartered standard | Expanded support for complex regulations |
This reminds me of when I tried a similar firm merger years ago in another industry: initially, there was fear of losing that “small-firm” vibe, but the upside in resource access and technological tools ultimately improved the overall experience.
Services and Expertise Behind the Name
Historically, geoghegans accountants laid its foundation on delivering several core services that any business owner — whether a startup or established entity — needs:
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Tax planning and tax returns: tailored strategies to minimise liabilities for individuals and companies.
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Bookkeeping and compliance: essential record-keeping and statutory compliance for HMRC and Companies House.
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Payroll and VAT services: handling ongoing payroll obligations and VAT return cycles.
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Advisory and business planning: strategic insights for growth, finance structuring, and risk mitigation.
Now, under MHA, those services persist but with added layers — such as international tax consulting and advanced audit capabilities — often crucial for firms operating across borders or seeking investment. For entrepreneurs scaling beyond regional confines, this kind of depth is indispensable.
Real-World Client Experience
It’s worth noting that working with any accounting firm isn’t always smooth sailing. Employee reviews for Geoghegans from platforms like Glassdoor show a mixed picture of internal culture and compensation — too varied to paint a clear client perspective but useful context for understanding the firm’s dynamics.
That said, many client testimonials from local directories praise the professionalism and client focus that made Geoghegans a trusted advisor in Edinburgh for so long. This grassroots reputation is part of what made its merger appealing to a larger network — strong client loyalty combined with quality service.
Why This Merger Matters in 2026
As small practices face growing regulatory complexity and demand for digital solutions, mergers like this are becoming the norm rather than exceptions. Larger networks offer tools and resources that help smaller firms adapt — such as cloud accounting software, advanced analytics, and compliance systems that go far beyond pen-and-paper bookkeeping.
In the context of the UK and Scotland specifically, firms are adapting not just to Brexit-related changes but to broader expectations around sustainability reporting, corporate transparency, and cross-market investments. That means if you engage with a firm like geoghegans accountants today, you’re tapping into both heritage and forward-looking capabilities.
Final Reflection
Thinking about the journey of geoghegans accountants — from a respected local practice in Edinburgh to part of an ambitious UK network — makes me reflect on how professional services balance heritage with innovation. There’s value in the familiarity of a local advisor who knows your business inside out, yet there’s undeniable benefit when that local insight is backed by broader expertise and tools.
In a world where financial landscapes shift quickly, and where tax laws and compliance frameworks evolve constantly, this merger feels like a game changer. For clients, it may mark better access to diversified expertise without sacrificing the personal touch that made Geoghegans a trusted name. And for the business community in Scotland, it’s a sign of maturation — that even century-old firms must adapt, grow, and embrace change to stay relevant.
As someone who has tracked professional services trends for years, I see this as more than just a corporate announcement; it’s a narrative about how tradition and progress can coalesce. The name geoghegans accountants might now sit under a larger banner, but its legacy and commitment to clients remain deeply rooted in Edinburgh’s business fabric — evolving, not disappearing.
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