Rutherford Cross Consultant, Ben Jones, recently caught up with Chris Campbell, who has taken on a new role as Technical Officer at the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT). In this edition of the “Why Tax?” blog series, Ben explores Chris’s career journey, insights into the evolving tax landscape, and advice for those starting out in the profession.
Chris has recently taken up a prominent new role at the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) as a Technical Officer, and I had the pleasure of sitting down with him to talk about his career journey, the evolving tax landscape, and what advice he had for young professionals starting their careers in tax. I’m delighted to share his reflections here as part of my “Why Tax?” blog series.
Chris’s path into tax began in much the same way as many in the profession: with a fascination for numbers and finance. During university, he secured a placement year in tax with Anderson Anderson and Brown (now AAB) in Aberdeen. His early exposure to tax compliance and advisory work gave him a real-world glimpse into how tax works beyond the textbook, and how valuable the work can be in real-world situations. From there, Chris worked in several roles in practice, building experience in personal, corporate, and employment tax, working with a wide range of owner-managed business clients in a variety of sectors. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Chris moved to Johnston Carmichael, where he qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser and progressed from Tax Senior to Tax Senior Manager. He developed a well-rounded view of the profession, and his time in practice gave him a strong foundation that would eventually lead him to a Head of Tax role at ICAS and then to his current position at the ATT.
One of the standout messages from our conversation was Chris’s encouragement for new professionals to consider all corners of tax before deciding where they fit best. “It’s such a broad field,” he said. “People sometimes rush into one specialism without knowing what else is out there.” His advice? Try all the opportunities available to you – whether internships, secondments, or informal shadowing – and don’t shy away from unfamiliar territory. Chris believes these experiences not only help shape your technical skills but also develop your professional identity. And perhaps more importantly, they help you build your personal network.
Although tax can feel like a world of spreadsheets and legislation, Chris was quick to emphasise the human side. “Relationships matter,” he emphasised. “Whether it’s clients, colleagues, or the wider tax community, the connections you make can shape your career.” This rang true for me, and I’m sure for many reading this. In a field as niche and interconnected as tax, your reputation and your relationships carry serious weight. Chris noted that some of his biggest career steps were the result of conversations, collaborations, or someone simply remembering a positive interaction they’d had with him years earlier.
Chris’s move to the ATT marked a natural evolution in his career, one that combined his technical expertise with his passion for outreach and public engagement. He joined an already well-respected and familiar team he had built connections with years previously. His mission is to raise the profile of tax not just within the industry, but among the public. That means making tax feel more accessible and relevant, so there’s a better understanding of how the system operates. He spoke with enthusiasm about expanding the ATT’s reach, not only through traditional channels, but also via social platforms like TikTok as well as initiatives focused on Scottish devolved taxes.
It wouldn’t be a modern tax discussion without talking about tech. He acknowledged that AI and automation are reshaping the tax profession, often in ways we couldn’t have imagined a few decades ago when Chris was starting out, filling in forms by hand and receiving manual records from clients. But rather than seeing technology as a threat, Chris views it as a tool – one that can enhance, rather than replace, the work we do. “There will always be a need for interpretation, judgement, and client relationships,” he said. “AI can sort data and carry out repetitive tasks, but it can’t replace a trusted adviser.” This forms a common viewpoint from my own conversations with other tax professionals. That said, the profession is evolving. Chris pointed out how far we’ve come – from manual tax returns and posted forms to digital filing and cloud-based systems. The trend is clear: digital is here to stay, and those who embrace it will be better positioned for the future.
The conversation turned to HMRC. Chris was candid about the current challenges with HMRC’s service standards, noting the ongoing issues with response times, lengthy waits on telephone helplines (made more bearable back in the day by Robbie Williams’ “Angels”), and the need to develop improved digital interfaces. He acknowledged the frustrations many practitioners face and expressed hope that the current push for digital transformation will help streamline interactions for both advisers and clients. Time will tell whether HMRC’s recently published Transformation Roadmap will achieve its aims. It’s clear that Chris sees his role not just as a representative of the ATT, but as a voice for the profession, someone who can advocate for improvements and help bridge the gap between policymakers and practitioners.
Looking ahead, Chris is optimistic. Despite the pressures of reform, regulation, and rapid change, he believes the tax profession in Scotland and the wider UK is in good health. New opportunities are emerging all the time, and as long as everyone keeps adapting and staying connected, there’s every reason to feel positive about how tax can remain an interesting and rewarding career option. Chris mentioned how the ATT has launched the Step into Tax campaign to raise awareness of how tax can be an exciting and fulfilling career where no two days are ever the same and there is the opportunity to grow as a professional in a variety of ways. As well as being a viable path for those leaving school or university, Chris has also worked alongside colleagues who’ve had successful careers in tax following earlier roles in accountancy, law, or even science.
I wrapped up our chat with one of my favourite questions: who’s had the biggest influence on your life? Without hesitation, Chris named his late grandmother – a woman who, in his words, taught him the value of hard work, kindness, and patience. Her legacy clearly lives on in the way Chris approaches his work and his relationships. He recalled a poignant memory of her selflessness, and how her belief in him gave him the confidence to pursue his career. It was a reminder that our professional journeys are shaped just as much by our personal stories as by our CVs.
Whether you’re new to the profession or a seasoned adviser, I hope Chris’s story reminds you of what makes tax such a fascinating career. It’s not just about tax reports and red tape – it’s about people, opportunities, and finding your own path.
This blog is part of our “Why Tax?” series, highlighting the careers of leading figures in the tax profession. For more stories and career advice, visit the ATT Careers Page. To see upcoming events and current tax opportunities, head over to the Rutherford Cross website.
