If you enjoy working with people, the challenge of problem solving and an ever-changing, dynamic working environment then a career in tax is for you. Working in tax can offer you a bright future with stable jobs, responsibility and excellent rewards including international travel opportunities, generous salaries and plenty of promotions.
Tax affects everyone – how much you earn and spend depends on various aspects of the tax system. Tax is a part of government, business and everyday life. That’s why intelligent and experienced tax professionals are always highly sought after.
What would I do as a tax professional?
A tax professional works with companies and individuals, to help them comply with their tax obligations and create the best tax strategies for them. Every time the law changes or a new budget is announced, tax advisers need to expand their knowledge and adapt their strategies. The necessity of keeping up to date means it is a job in which you are always learning and stay relevant. Have you got what it takes?
By working in tax, you will gain experience of the business and working with a range of clients. Alongside this, trainees study for professional qualifications. Trainees generally study for the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) examination and successful candidates usually go on to become qualified tax advisers through the Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) exams.
These are the main two professional bodies for taxation in the UK. The primary purpose of both institutes is to promote education in taxation with the aim of achieving a more efficient and less complex tax system for all.
What are the ATT and the CIOT?
Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)
The Association of Taxation Technicians is the leading professional body in the UK for those providing UK tax compliance services.
To become an ATT, you must be over the age of 16 and have a reasonable standard of English and mathematics to pass the examinations. Candidates must sit five examination papers in order to demonstrate their understanding and application of the broad range of taxes.
Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT)
The Chartered Institute of Taxation is the leading professional body in the UK for Chartered Tax Advisers dealing with all aspects of taxation.
To become a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA), you must be eligible to sit the six exams and have a previous professional qualification. Candidates are examined on two specialist tax subjects and must also show an understanding of a broad range of taxes. For those pursuing a career in international tax, the CIOT also offers the international tax qualification Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT).
If you know that you want to pursue a career in tax, why not get started on applying for graduate jobs in the industry? You can also visit our sister site AllAboutFinanceCareers to find out even more about a career in tax and all other things finance-related.