We celebrate excellence, and today we are proud to share the inspiring journey of Michelle Murray, who has recently been promoted to Partner. Michelle’s career is a testament to her commitment to professional growth, her passion for client service, and the unwavering support of the EQ family.
From Dundee Beginnings to a Promising Future
Originally from Anstruther, Michelle moved to Dundee to pursue an honours degree in Accountancy and Finance at Dundee University. Her early career was shaped during her graduate training at MMMCA in Glasgow, where she gained invaluable insights into the world of accountancy whilst studying towards her CA qualification with ICAS. This formative period gave her valuable experience across a range of services and allowed her to work closely with the firm’s partners, giving her early insight into leadership in accountancy.
Building Expertise Through Diverse Experiences
After qualifying in 2014, Michelle expanded her horizons at AAB in Aberdeen. There, she managed her own portfolio and honed her skills in business advisory services, including tax planning for owner managed businesses. In 2017, on relocating back to Dundee, Michelle sought a role that would offer both variety and a chance to build deeper client relationships. Following an interview with David Morrison and Louise Grant in our Dundee office, she quickly decided that EQ was the right place to be and decisively cancelled interviews with two other firms.
Climbing the Ladder at EQ
Michelle joined EQ as a supervisor, where her ability to oversee diverse client needs set her apart. As EQ evolved, so did her role. She transitioned from general practice into a more specialised focus on audit, serving medium to large clients with precision and insight. Her rapid career progression from assistant manager in 2019 to principal manager, and now to Partner, marks a remarkable decade-long journey defined by resilience, commitment, and the drive to continuously excel.
A New Paradigm in Partnership
While Michelle hadn’t initially set her sights on partnership, her time at EQ changed that. EQ’s values, particularly its focus on work-life balance and the collaborative nature of its leadership team, inspired her to take that step. Even after taking 10 months of maternity leave to welcome her daughter, Sophie, Michelle’s career trajectory remained uninterrupted. Upon her return in 2021, Michelle received an appraisal to discuss her aspirations, ensuring her ambitions were supported as she stepped back into her role. Working reduced hours to accommodate childcare has never been a barrier to her success, and EQ’s supportive approach ensured her career continued to thrive. EQ’s culture ensures that every team member is supported, with regular appraisals and discussions that reaffirm personal ambitions.
Mentoring and Empowering the Team
Michelle’s leadership goes beyond her technical expertise, and she has become a mentor to many. Her approach is simple yet powerful: create space for others to step up, offer guidance when needed, and celebrate the unique strengths each team member brings. Michelle’s approach has been so impactful that colleagues often encourage each other to ‘Be More Michelle’. This collaborative spirit not only drives personal growth but also enriches the service we provide to our clients. At EQ, we believe that when our people succeed, our clients benefit, and Michelle embodies this philosophy.
Redefining Audit Through Proactive Engagement
As Michelle’s role evolved, her focus on audit became increasingly specialised. She is passionate about ensuring clients gain maximum value from the audit process and sees audit work as an opportunity to do more than just tick boxes. By truly understanding her clients’ businesses, she ensures clients gain practical insights that go beyond compliance, helping to improve processes and unlock new opportunities. Getting to know her clients on a deeper level means that the audit process can be a catalyst for broader business improvements, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive and actionable advice.
Looking Ahead
Michelle Murray’s promotion to Partner is more than just a career milestone; it’s a celebration of her dedication, expertise, and the collaborative, balanced culture we value at EQ. As she continues to lead by example, we are excited to see the further evolution of her role and the positive impact it will have on our clients and colleagues alike.
Congratulations, Michelle, on this well-deserved achievement!