Emma Rawson is an Accountex London regular and an expert on all things tax!
She is the Director of Public Policy at the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT), leading their tax technical and professional standards work.
Learn more about Emma ahead of her seminar session ‘How to get you and your practice MTD-ready‘ at 10am on 15 May at Theatre 1 – Tax & Legislation.
How did you get into your profession?
I ended up working in tax pretty much by accident. I originally trained as a research scientist, but came to realise it wasn’t for me.
However, I didn’t really know what else I wanted to do. I spoke to somebody at a careers event who suggested I apply for a traineeship in tax, so I did and got the role.
I’m still in the same field all these years later though, so it was a happy accident!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The variety. My role encompasses both tax technical and professional standards at the ATT, so I am involved in many different groups and projects and get to interact with a wide range of stakeholders across the profession.
I also love the pace of change in tax – it never stands still.
What do you see as key trends for the accounting sector in the coming year?
From a tax policy perspective, it’s hard to avoid mentioning Making Tax Digital (MTD) which represents a fundamental shake-up of how taxpayers and agents interact with HMRC, and each other.
The resulting increase in workloads and the critical role of software means agents are going to have to become more technically adept than ever before.
What are you most looking forward to at Accountex?
Catching up in person with contacts who I normally only see on a computer screen.
What do you want visitors to take away from your seminar?
MTD is coming, and it’s essential that you start getting ready now. Taking sensible steps over the next six months will help you get your clients, and your practice, in the best possible shape for April 2026.
Accountex London is taking place at Excel London on the 14-15 May, 2025.
