TRUDY PARLING

UNDERSTANDING THE “WHY” BEHIND THE BUSINESS

“For me, building strong client relationships starts with understanding the ‘why’ and not just the ‘what’. I want to know how a business operates, what drives it, and where the risks and opportunities sit. That deeper understanding allows me to give advice that’s not just technically correct, but commercially relevant too.” 

ACCURACY OVER SPEED — BUILDING TRUST THROUGH HONESTY

“One relationship that stands out was with a retail client facing a complex VAT issue under significant time pressure. While there was urgency, I was clear that the situation required deeper analysis rather than a quick answer. By being honest and prioritising accuracy over speed, I showed that getting the right outcome mattered more than rushing to a conclusion. That approach built trust and strengthened our working relationship.” 

TURNING COMPLEXITY INTO CLARITY

“The most satisfying part of my role is taking what feels like a high-pressure, technical situation and turning it into a clear, manageable plan. VAT can seem overwhelming, but when you break it down and explain it properly, clients gain confidence and can move forward with certainty.” 

“The greatest compliment I’ve received was a client telling me I had finally made the ‘impossible’ world of VAT make sense. That really stuck with me because it reflects what I aim to do every day—translate complexity into something clear and actionable.” 

NAVIGATING CROSS-BORDER COMPLEXITY

“A recent example involved supporting a US client hosting an event in the UK. They needed to understand VAT place of supply rules, not just in the UK but across several European countries. I helped them navigate the requirements, including VAT registrations and differing rules in each jurisdiction. It was complex, but seeing them go from uncertainty to clarity was incredibly rewarding.” 

STAYING AHEAD IN A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

“One of the biggest challenges in VAT right now is keeping up with legislative change. With the introduction of mandatory e-invoicing from 2029, businesses will need to adapt to new digital requirements for VAT reporting. I approach this by staying ahead of developments and helping clients prepare early, so changes feel manageable rather than disruptive. 

There’s also a common misconception that VAT is all about numbers. In reality, it’s about interpreting legislation and applying it correctly to transactions. It requires analytical thinking, attention to detail, and an understanding of how businesses operate in practice.” 

A PROBLEM-SOLVER AT HEART

“I see myself as a problem solver. I’m comfortable working with complex legislation, but I focus on bridging the gap between technical rules and commercial reality. I also make it a priority to stay on top of legislative changes, ensuring the advice I give is always relevant and up to date.” 

LOOKING AHEAD

“I’m interested to see how AI develops within the VAT landscape. It’s already changing how people access information, but it’s important to approach it carefully—VAT advice isn’t something that should rely on guesswork. I’m keen to understand how new technologies can support better insights while maintaining the accuracy and reliability clients need.”