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Sally Whenman, Partner, Corporate & International Tax, BDO
Sally Whenman, the dux of ATL004 CTA2B Advanced, proves that excellence doesn't require sacrifice when you have the right support system and a genuine passion for what you do.
"Managing study, work and other commitments was definitely a juggle! I was fortunate to have a very supportive family. My husband had just finished his MBA, so we swapped roles with him taking the lead with the kids on weekends so I could study," Sally shares warmly.
"A real highlight was spending 18 months in London with EY’s International Funds Team in 2008," she reflects on a career spanning almost 20 years. Eight years ago, she joined BDO, drawn by its genuine commitment to work-life balance.
From graduate role to partner
Sally's journey into tax, like many professionals, wasn't a childhood dream but a practical decision that evolved into genuine passion.
"Like many, I didn't originally set out to work in tax. I accepted a graduate role in a competitive job market, thinking I would eventually move into a law firm. I quickly discovered that tax offers a unique blend of legal reasoning and problem-solving. What keeps me passionate is the constant variety. No two client problems are ever the same. I think tax can be misunderstood as being dry and repetitive, but in reality, it's dynamic and intellectually challenging.
There is a real sense of satisfaction of being able to help clients navigate uncertainty. I enjoy building long-lasting relationships with clients based on trust so I can help them not only with shorter term challenges, but also to help them grow their business into the future," she says.
Building an inclusive future
Beyond client work, Sally finds personal fulfilment in championing diversity within the profession. Through her involvement in BDO’s national women@BDO network, which actively supports the firm’s gender equality goals, Sally contributes to initiatives aimed at building a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
"I've had the opportunity to contribute to some exciting initiatives aimed at building a more inclusive and supportive workplace. It's encouraging to see the momentum building, and I believe the future for women in the tax profession is looking bright."
A unique path to CTA2B
Sally's decision to undertake CTA2B Advanced came from an unexpected challenge when applying to register as a tax agent before becoming a Partner.
"I found that my experience didn't meet the strict 80% full-time equivalent requirement over the past 10 years. Despite almost two decades in the profession, I had taken time out over the past 10 years to have children, and worked part-time for several years. I enrolled in CTA2A and CTA2B to bridge the gap in my qualifications as ironically I was missing an 'advanced tax' subject."
What started as a regulatory requirement became a valuable learning experience. "Once enrolled, I found that the course was very valuable. It refreshed my knowledge in areas that I don't typically deal with day-to-day, and helped me become a more well-rounded advisor."
The joy of peer learning
While Sally felt confident with the International Tax and Corporate Tax components of CTA2B Advanced, she particularly enjoyed diving deeper into FBT and GST. But what stood out most about her experience at The Tax Institute was the collaborative learning environment.
"The study groups were a highlight. It was interesting to collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds such as the ATO, industry, smaller firms and larger practices. Everyone brought different perspectives and expertise, and the peer learning broadened my thinking. I enjoyed sharing my knowledge in return."
Her approach to managing the workload? "I found that staying consistent and chipping away at the workload helped me keep on top of things and avoid feeling overwhelmed."
Looking ahead
Since finishing CTA2B in May 2025, Sally has gone on to complete CTA3 in September and has now obtained her Chartered Tax Advisor qualification. Sally is now focused on settling into her new role as Partner at BDO.
"I can see myself growing in this role for a long time. But that said, the learning never stops in tax, so I will continue to seek out learning opportunities that help me to deepen my expertise and stay current to add value to my clients."
Advice for fellow professionals
"There is always more to learn. Tax is such a huge area and is constantly evolving, so any study you undertake will only enhance your skills and make you a better advisor."