A member’s view: Nikki Richmond

How did you find out about a career in tax?

I began researching internships while I was at university. I narrowed my choices down to audit and tax but chose the latter as I wanted to be office-based. I first ventured into the world of tax when I secured a place with a Big Four firm, where I worked in a corporate tax team over the summer. The rest is history!

Why is the CIOT qualification important?

Having studied ACA, I think CTA is a great way to really get into the detail of how tax works, including case law and legislation. The awareness stage is perfect for gaining a broad view of tax, while the technical and application papers are a great way to sharpen writing skills for working with clients.

Why did you pursue a career in tax?

I really love the problem-solving aspect: finding a solution for clients through research and the application of knowledge. I also enjoy the teaching and coaching aspects, such as breaking down complicated concepts in a way that is more easily understood by both junior members of the team and clients.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Organised, enthusiastic and supportive.

Who has influenced you in your career so far?

There have been so many people! The most influential people are those who have taken the time to really listen to my career aspirations and provide guidance to help me to achieve them.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of doing the CIOT qualification?

I would encourage them to really think about ‘why’ they want to pursue the qualification. It can be tough at times, so reminding yourself of your reason for becoming a CTA is really important.

What are your predictions for tax advisers and the tax industry in the future?

This is a tough one! There has been lots of discussion about whether AI will replace tax advisers. At the end of the day, an AI answer is only as good as the prompt used to generate the answer – tax advisers know which questions to ask, and then how to critically assess whether the AI’s response is accurate.

I like to think that AI and technology can be great tools for tax advisers. There is an opportunity to automate some of the more repetitive aspects of our roles, enabling us to focus more on the fun stuff!

Perhaps the future holds more enquiry-type work where clients have used AI or other technology to take a tax position and haven’t quite got it right.

What advice would you give to your future self?

Embrace the change and keep going!

Tell me something about yourself that others may not know about you.

I have appeared on national television twice. Once was on the Clothes Show (a BBC fashion show hosted by Jeff Banks), where I walked down a catwalk for my first and (sadly) only time. My second appearance was singing and dancing on a Channel 5 show with some of my fellow accountants who I’d met through the firm’s pantomime – proving that a tax career is never dull!