I began my career in practice, qualifying as a CA at AAB, where I focused on UK corporation tax. I then moved into industry in 2009, joining Wood, where I went on to qualify as a Chartered Tax Adviser. I spent around 13 years with the business, undertaking a variety of roles and progressively specialising in international tax.

My next move was into a private equity-backed environment with Acteon. This provided valuable insight into how PE-backed groups operate, as well as invaluable hands-on experience of an M&A transaction.

I returned briefly to practice, which gave me the opportunity to re-engage with UK taxation after a number of years focused internationally. While this was a valuable experience, it reinforced that I am most engaged working in-house, where I can be closely aligned with the business and its strategic objectives.

I joined CRC Evans nine months ago as Group Tax Director, where I am responsible for leading the group’s tax strategy and supporting the business through its continued international operations and growth.

For me, being back in industry and integrating within the business is where I am at my best.  I enjoy the commercial aspect of advising how to operate efficiently across multiple jurisdictions – no two days are the same!

I didn’t start with a very clear plan to become an accountant or to focus on tax.  I initially started a general business studies degree as I didn’t know what I wanted to do.  I initially found the accounting side of the course challenging having never seen this before and still remember 17-year old me sitting in my Dad’s kitchen while he explained what debits and credits were (multiple times)!  Despite this, I enjoyed the accounting side of this degree so switched to an Accounting & Finance degree for my second year of university.  I worked in audit for my placement and for the first few months of my training contract.  I quickly realised tax was far more interesting and made the switch!

I can absolutely see the role evolving over the coming years. From a tax perspective, AI is already beginning to reshape the day-to-day work of tax professionals. For example, it is increasingly streamlining the research platforms we rely on, making it quicker and more efficient to access and interpret complex information.

Looking ahead, I expect this to go much further. As tax authorities begin to adopt AI and enhance their digital capabilities, the way audits are conducted is also likely to change. 

Not significantly in terms of my day-to-day approach, as I continue to work primarily from the office, which is my preferred way of working.  However, the pandemic did reinforce the importance of flexibility.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who have supported flexible working arrangements when needed, long before the pandemic.   As a working parent this is invaluable when balancing professional and family commitments. COVID accelerated that shift more broadly, and I think it has helped normalise a more flexible, outcomes-focused approach to work.

I received some good advice from a mentor when I was at Wood who told me to think about where the next job will take you.   For example, it might be a sideways move going from practice to industry or from one specialist area to another.  The role you go to might not be the package or title you want, but think about the experience that role will give you and how you use that as a steppingstone to get to where you want to be in your career. 

I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do at 18, so I would tell my younger self not to worry about having everything mapped out. Focus on working hard, staying open to opportunities and building strong foundations – the right path tends to emerge over time

I am 40 now and still don’t have everything mapped out.  I do know that I enjoy the fast pace and commerciality of working within a private equity-backed group and the variety of challenges that brings. Looking ahead, I want to continue building a career that balances strong technical expertise with commercial insight, with a clear focus on adding value to the business.

Outside of work, I value spending time with my daughter, as well as with family and friends. I also enjoy getting outdoors, whether that’s walking, attempting to grow fruit & veg in the garden, or anything involving horses. Although these days I’ve largely been relegated to the role of groom, as my daughter has become the stronger equestrian.

This is the hardest question – I always dread these type of questions.   My superpower, and what I am most proud of is raising my 9-year old daughter on my own (we are a Dream Team).  I tell myself that I survived life with a newborn by myself, so there is nothing I can’t do!