RSM UK’s Susan Ball appointed as new president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation

This week, RSM UK’s Susan Ball was appointed as the Chartered Institute of Taxation’s (CIOT) new president at the industry body’s annual general meeting, in what marks only the fourth female appointment to a leading role in the Institutes 90-year history.

Susan is a tax partner at the leading audit, tax and consulting firm, specialising in employment tax. She has been a CIOT Council member since 2017 and serves as a member of the CIOT’s Employment Taxes Committee, Examination Committee, Joint Officers and Senior Staff Forum and Officers Group. She is a past joint chair and founder member of the CIOT/ATT Suffolk Branch.

Susan takes over from Peter Rayney as CIOT President. Gary Ashford, partner (non-lawyer) at Harbottle and Lewis LLP becomes Deputy President and Charlotte Barbour, director of Regulatory Authorisations at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) is appointed Vice President of CIOT.

Susan Ball, RSM UK partner and new CIOT president, comments: ‘It is a privilege to take on the role of president of this esteemed Institute. Now more than ever we have seen how important our networks are to us, the influence we can have and the speed at which we can adapt. RSM’s support to help get me to this point has been invaluable. I now look forward to supporting and working with Institute colleagues, volunteers and members to ensure the continued long-term success of the Institute, and to ensure our voice is heard on the new tax laws which undoubtedly will be ahead.’

In her inaugural speech that marks the start of her 12-month term as CIOT President, Susan announced to members that the Institute will launch a Diploma in Tax Technology, responding to the impact that technology is having on the work of tax professionals.

This forms one of three big areas of focus at the CIOT – also encompassing internationalisation and combating climate change – to ensure it remains relevant and delivers on its public benefit obligations.

She also:

• Called on the Government to make progress on issues around employment status, and aligning national insurance paid by the employed and self-employed
• Said that any moves towards greater regulation of the tax profession should build on the good work already being done by professional bodies
• Expressed concern about the ongoing difficulties both advisers and taxpayers have getting timely responses and action from HMRC
• Announced that CIOT and the Institute for Fiscal Studies will be hosting debates at the autumn party conferences on the role of tax in tackling the cost-of-living crisis
• Offered congratulations to the Queen during the week of her Platinum Jubilee
  
  

Ali Sapsford, national head of Tax at RSM UK, comments: ‘Susan’s appointment shows her unwavering commitment to the CIOT and the tax profession it serves. Her energy, professionalism and wider longstanding affiliations will offer immeasurable benefits to the Institute. Having supported Susan along the way it gives me and all of us at RSM both great pleasure and a real sense of pride to see her take up this important role. Her appointment also demonstrates RSM’s ability, as one of the UK’s leading audit, tax and consulting firms, to take on leading roles to help shape government policy in the interests of our clients, and taxpayers in general.’

Susan has more than 30 years’ experience in the field of employment tax, investigations and reward. She has a breadth of experience in dealing with all aspects of PAYE and social security in the UK and overseas, together with 20 years of board level experience (assisting with strategy, HR, finances and risk).