The view from Trudi Amy FCCA

After the loss of my husband and several close family members to cancer in 2017, I found my values had shifted and no longer fitted with the culture and expectations of being at a professional services firm. Throughout my career up to that point I had always had a special interest in not-for-profit organisations. I saw the role of tax adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support advertised and in 2021, after nearly 40 years in practice, I leapt at the chance to join the third sector.

The biggest difference between my earlier career and my current role is working with the shared goal of making a positive impact for people affected by cancer. Everyone in the organisation is striving for the same purpose, which makes for a very different environment from the one I was used to. Being able to spend as much time as is necessary to research technical issues without worrying about the time cost is a huge bonus, along with not having to complete timesheets. However, a downside is the reduced access to the specialist knowledge and resources that you take for granted in a large professional practice. 

Charities have widely acknowledged that they expect donation income to reduce, given the currently challenging financial environment. However, the public generally continues to be incredibly supportive of causes they relate to and feel passionate about, and our fundraising teams continue to be creative in finding innovative new ways to raise money to bridge any gaps. 

What I enjoy most about my job is the huge variety of questions I am asked on a weekly basis. I also like the collaborative approach of the organisation, where everyone wants to really make a difference.

If I had law-making powers, I would see that charities could recover all the VAT they incur. I am sure that if donors were aware that a percentage of their donations is needed to cover VAT as a cost, one that other businesses would be able to recover, they would be very surprised. VAT recovery rates for charities are incredibly low in most cases, making it a huge tax burden for the sector. The funds retained would be used to support the work of the charities, making each pound donated go further.

My biggest achievement has been jumping out of an aeroplane on a tandem skydive, in aid of the hospice that cared for me and my husband. I am terrified of heights! In my spare time I enjoy running, cycling, yoga, tennis, gardening and going for slow walks with my 13-year-old terrier, Barney.