Alyson
Sutcliffe

WHO I HELP 

Large Corporates. International Groups.  

HOW I HELP 

Corporate Tax. Tax Compliance. Advisory. 

SECTORS/SUPPORT 

Oil and Gas. Shipping.  

“I PROVIDE A GOLD STANDARD SERVICE.” 

Alyson Sutcliffe is a Senior Manager within our Tax team. Based in Aberdeen, she specialises in corporate tax compliance and advisory, providing advice and support to large companies and international groups. Those clients span many different sectors.   

This is a role that Alyson says is fascinating because no two days are the same. But it does come with its challenges. Tax legislation is technically complex and is becoming more complicated as time goes on. Just keeping on top of that – and helping clients to keep on top of it – often feels like a full-time job in itself.  

FORGING RELATIONSHIPS  

“I have a really good relationship with my clients. By speaking to them regularly, that helps me get to know them. Technology has been incredibly useful for that. At one time, I didn’t see many people face-to-face. But now I can speak to them on video calls which works well. 

Clients know they can always get in touch with me if they need help and advice. I build up a good rapport with them. I think knowing someone on a personal level, as well as a professional one, is so important. It helps to build up trust.” 

SERVICE DRIVEN   

“When it comes to my work, I’m very focused on delivering the best service to my clients. That’s what they expect from me – and that’s what they get. If they ask me anything, they know I will get back to them the same day where possible. My clients know they will receive a gold standard service from me.” 

DEVELOPING MY TEAM 

“I like to give everyone an equal say. To feel able to contribute ideas and share their thoughts about how we can work to the best of our abilities. One of the most satisfying things for me is training and nurturing our junior colleagues. I’m very focused on that – because I want to give clients the best service now, and in the future. And when I see someone do something they couldn’t do a year ago, that’s so satisfying.” 

GREATEST STRENGTHS 

“Being able to interpret legislation and solving complex tax problems is probably one of my greatest strengths. It is the part of my role that I like the best. I’m probably seen as a bit of a boffin because of that – so if there’s a query that’s a bit unusual and people don’t know what to do, they often come to me.  

My aim is always to provide clients with a realistic solution that suits their business needs as well as their tax ones. I get quite a lot of compliments. One client said they would never leave AAB while I was there. Another sent me a lovely email which just said, ‘Excellent work. All very detailed and clear’. That means so much.”