Why did you pursue a career in tax?

• I like most people fell into a career in taxation; I originally planned to be a valuer in an auction house (yup, I wanted to be the Victorian Expert on the Antiques Roadshow!). Unfortunately when I got job offers from the auction houses I realised their base salary wouldn't even cover my rent. In fact they actually asked me at interview how I would survive on their wages as I didn't have a 'private income'. So I went to see a careers adviser and she noticed that I had done a summer job checking the 'Tax Exempt Goods and Chattels List' for the Capital Taxes Office and suggested I apply to the Big Six Accountancy firms. I applied to Price Waterhouse and got an offer which was three times the starting salary that I had been offered by the auction houses. The taxation profession is a meritocracy where being bright and hard working really does help you progress.

What are the highlights of your career to date?

• Five things stand out:
  • Going to Waterloo station late at night to collect a copy of the next day's Times to see if I had passed the ATT and seeing my name in the paper in print.
  • The first placement I ever made as a tax recruiter.
  • Getting to be a panel member at the Wyman Symposium and takl about the 'Future of the Tax Profession'.
  • Asking a tax related question at the 2010 Channel 4 Chancellor's Debate to Vince Cable, Alistair Darling and George Osborne.
  • In 2020 being asked to join the Council of ATT.

Why is the ATT qualification important?

• I haven't had a traditional career in tax. I moved into recruitment in 1997 but my ATT has been a solid foundation for my career. By keeping up my CPD, I have kept abreast of changes in tax and have been able to stay current, able to write relevant job specs for roles in tax and technically interview people who work in taxation. My ATT has also been helpful in understanding tax when running a business. Being a volunteer for the ATT and serving on Steering Groups has also taught me about good governance. The ATT is a great grounding in tax and is the 'go to' qualification for someone starting their career, but it can be a lot more than that, it is about what you put in, through the Association you can get the chance to pursue an academic career, gain marketing experience, gain governance and board level experience, learn how to speak in public, the list of voluntary options is endless and can help you learn life skills which will help you develop both your career and yourself. Over the years I've also made firm friendships from within the Assocation.

What advice would you give to new members starting in their career?

• You get back what you put in, so the more you volunteer, the more you ask to help people at work and the more responsibilities you take on, teh more you will get out of both your career and your Association. I'd also say that you should always treat people as you would want to be treated. Be kind and remember everyone has a bad day sometimes. Don't forget when you get more senior what it is like when you first start and don't know anything!