Our People >

Katrina Drake

Tax Technician

katrina.drake@elmanwall.co.uk

"The English invented tax and their legislation is always one step ahead. Deciphering their tax rules is as tough a mind game as any of the espionage courses I went through in my other life. I regard the HMRC as a worthy adversary, da! As an ex Russian secret service asset, I thought my abilities and nerve had been tested under pressure. But my cover as a UK Tax Technician has shown me the real face of challenge."

At Elman Wall I am exposed to a variety of tax projects from personal to corporate tax, from compliance to planning. We are continuously working to deadlines, so organisation and communication are essential, but our work to reduce tax liabilities through planning requires a combination of technical understanding with an ability to ‘think outside of the box’ - something my comrades and I do best. The Tax Team is a dynamic place to be and I am proud to be part of such a proficient unit.

Outside of the secretive world of Tax, I have become a qualified Yoga instructor (my next cover) as a way to relax and achieve harmony after a hard day navigating complex legislation, translating coded HMRC messages (PAYE code) and avoiding many hidden traps.

As my escape and evasion instructor used to tell me; "зaxoди зa свои пределы дальше, чем твой противник" (push your limits harder than your enemy).