RUSSELL THOMSON

I’ve always enjoyed working in tax compliance

I’ve always enjoyed working in tax compliance because it brings structure and clarity to what can often feel like a daunting process for clients. Guiding people through the annual tax cycle and helping them meet their obligations with confidence is something I find particularly rewarding.

For me, it’s about more than completing a tax return each year. By building long-term relationships, I get to know my clients and their circumstances, enabling me to provide ongoing support and identify opportunities where additional advice or value-added services could make a real difference.

Change is something to prepare for rather than fear

Tax legislation is constantly evolving, but with more than 15 years of experience, I’ve learned that change is something to prepare for rather than fear. While new rules can seem daunting at first, they’re rarely as challenging in practice as they first appear.

The breadth of experience across our team means there’s very little we haven’t encountered before. And when something new does arise, we have the expertise and collaborative approach to find the right solution, giving our clients confidence that they’re in safe hands.

getting everything sorted as efficiently as possible

Let’s face it – few people enjoy tax compliance or filing tax returns. My approach is simple: Get everything sorted as efficiently as possible, take the stress out of the process, and give clients the peace of mind that their affairs are in order, leaving them free to focus on what matters most.

I believe good client relationships are built on openness, accessibility, and clear communication

I believe good client relationships are built on openness, accessibility and clear communication. Setting expectations from the outset is important, whether that’s around responsibilities and timescales or explaining when additional queries may require extra work and cost.

I make it a priority to keep clients informed and respond to queries promptly. Even if I don’t have an immediate answer, I’ll acknowledge the query and let them know when they can expect a full response. Keeping the lines of communication open helps build trust and ensures there are no surprises along the way.

Every day brings opportunity

No two days are the same, and that’s one of the things I enjoy most about my role. Every day brings the opportunity to work with different clients, each with their own circumstances and challenges.

What I find most rewarding is taking the stress out of tax compliance for clients who may not feel confident dealing with it themselves. Knowing I’ve helped ease that burden and given them the reassurance that everything has been handled accurately and on time makes the job worthwhile.

Pleasing clients with the work I provide

One of the most rewarding moments in my career came after completing a piece of work for a client. They were so pleased with the service they received that they recommended us to their colleagues, which led to three new client relationships within a matter of months.

For me, that was a real endorsement of the way we work. There’s no better feedback than a client putting their trust in you and being confident enough to recommend your services to others.

A breadth of expertise across the business

One of the biggest advantages of being part of AAB is the breadth of expertise across the business. We have specialists in a wide range of disciplines and teams located across the UK and beyond, meaning there’s always someone with the knowledge or experience to help.

If I don’t know the answer, I know I’ll have access to colleagues who do. That collaborative approach means we can tackle even the most complex challenges with confidence and ensure our clients receive the best possible advice.

Local knowledge, personal insight

For our Aberdeen clients, being born and raised in the area gives me a genuine understanding of the local economy, business community, and the people we work with. That local perspective helps me build strong relationships and provide advice that’s grounded in an appreciation of the challenges and opportunities facing the region.