Steve Taylor

HND Accounting, 1979

Why did you chose to come to Dundee College of Technology?

I was only 17 when I started Bell Street Tech, as it was known then. It was close to home and family. I felt I could put one foot into the outside world and have family close by as the college was local to me.

There was a pleasant and friendly atmosphere among the students and lecturers. I think it helped me grow up and prepared me for the outside world. It gave me confidence. My course, HND in Accounts, gave me a great foundation for ACCA professional exams.

Since graduating, can you describe your journey to establishing Murray Taylor?

I left the college and went to the College of Commerce, where I studied ACCA full time. I did this for a year and then got an apprenticeship at Henderson Loggie CA in Dundee. I was there for three years and then went to work for James Hair CA in Cupar, Fife. After three years there, I went into the personal tax department of Ernst and Young in Aberdeen.

I then moved to Montrose and worked for a firm there for a couple of years before setting up my own company. I met Tom Murray a year later and many years on we are still going strong. 

Do you have a message for students coming to the end of their degrees and preparing to enter professional life?

Professional exams are a step up from your degree. I didn’t believe anyone until I sat the ACCA. You will have worked hard to get your degree, keep going and get your professional qualification. Accountants are in demand; you can have a great career.