the tax profession 2013/14 - Inside Careers · our members work – large and small firms,...

the only graduate career guide to

the tax profession

the tax Pro

fession

2013/14

2013/14

graduate jobs l internships & placements l career advicewww.insidecareers.co.uk/tax

%What’s inside

all about the professionNEW Internship profiles

Graduate & senior profilessalaries & career paths

Professional qualificationsemployer directory

in PartnershiP with

www.graduates.mazars.co.uk

GO FROM TRAINEE, TO QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT, TO THE TOP OF YOUR GAME!

Mazars is an international, integrated and independent organisation specialising in audit, advisory, accounting, tax and legal services. The Group operates in 71 countries, and draws on the expertise of 13,500 professionals to assist companies – major international groups, SMEs, private investors – and public bodies, at every stage in their development.

Make all the difference

From the first day you arrive at Mazars, you will be welcomed with rewarding work, a good client list and supportive colleagues - all the crucial ingredients you need to inspire and educate you as you study for your qualification. But achieving your chartered status is just the beginning. As a fully integrated international firm, we can give

you the opportunity to work in one of our offices overseas, if you’d like to gain international business experience. We offer a diverse range of client services, so there are plenty of routes your career can take. Whichever path you decide is right for you - we’ll be on your side.

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/tax

www.insidecareers.co.uk

yourtax careerstarts here

“A must-read for those considering a career in the tax profession.”

Stephen Coleclough CTA (Fellow), President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation

4244

32343638

22242628

18

Partner, International Tax Services – EYIndirect Taxes Manager – PwC

Tax Manager – Lakin Rose

Corporate Tax Intern – KPMG

Tax Director – BDO

Tax Senior – RSM TenonInternational Tax Manager – EYAssociate in Tax – Grant ThorntonAssistant Manager – Frank Hirth

46

52 The CIOT55 The ATT57 Tax exams

Focus on: indirect taxCareers in tax: where do I start?Education and skills

The future of the tax professionSalaries and benefitsAreas of work

141210

Introductions from the CIOT and ATT06

Contents

48 How to secure tax internships

The profession

graduaTe profiles

senior profiles

finding The righT job

inTernship profiles

The insTiTuTe & qualificaTions

reference Table

employer direcTory

VisiT our websiTe

For more advice, live jobs, internships, consultancy forums, industry news and updates


PublisherCambridge Market Intelligence LtdThe Quadrangle49 Atalanta StreetLondon SW6 6TUT: 020 7565 7900www.insidecareers.co.uk

EditorialLaura McFarlane Emma ManingtonMichael Hennessy

Associate PublishersThe Chartered Institute of Taxation1st Floor, Artillery House11-19 Artillery RowLondon SW1P 1RTT: 020 7340 0550www.tax.org.uk

The Association of Taxation Technicians1st Floor, Artillery House11-19 Artillery RowLondon SW1P 1RTT: 020 7340 0551www.att.org.uk

AcknowledgmentsWe are indebted to the Chartered Institute of Taxation and the Association of Taxation Technicians for their support, in particular to Gavin Thai-Low for his help throughout the preparation of the guide in contributing copy and reviewing the text for balance and accuracy.

ISBN 978-1-86213-177-4

Printed and bound in the UK by Cambrian Printers, Aberystwyth

DesignEmma ManingtonBandbox DesignAscend Creative Ltd

Copyright in individual articles © 2013 the authors, who have asserted their right to be identified as the author under s.7 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

The compilation © 2013 Cambridge Market Intelligence Ltd.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, no responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication can be accepted by the publisher or authors.

Inside Careers is an associate member of The Association of Graduate Recruiters.

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk

http://www.tax.org.uk

http://www.att.org.uk

Head online and find the tools you need to help you get ahead in your tax career.

Stand out, get noticed

TAX


www.insidecareers.co.uk/tax

06

INTRODUCTION

CIOT: Introduction

Stephen Coleclough, President of the CIOT, introduces the 2013/14 Inside Careers Guide to the Tax Profession. He outlines some of the key benefits of the profession and joining the CIOT.

Welcome to the Inside Careers Guide to the Tax Profession. The aim of this guide is to provide you with all the information you need to launch your career in tax and begin your training as a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA).

Qualification as a CTA is the ‘gold standard’ amongst tax professionals. The CTA designation is recognised and respected internationally as a mark of technical excellence and professional integrity.

CTAs are members of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), the leading professional body for those providing UK tax advice, with a membership of over 16,500. The largest proportion of CTAs are people in private tax practice and we have an enormous range of different sorts of practices where our members work – large and small firms, accountancy firms, boutique firms, or solicitors and barristers.

CTAs can also be found in many different workplaces: in the voluntary sector, HMRC and other parts of government, banking and finance, and commerce and industry.

Whatever kind of employment you may seek in taxation, you will benefit from the training undertaken to enable you to sit the examinations of the CIOT. Success in these examinations will provide clear independent evidence of your having attained a high level of technical knowledge of the UK tax system. There are a number of different routes to CTA qualification, including separate pathways for specialists in direct and indirect taxation respectively, and an integrated pathway

for those who want to gain a chartered accountancy (ACA) qualification at the same time (jointly with the ICAEW).

Holding the CTA designation shows any potential employer that not only did you attain the level of knowledge required to pass the exams but that you keep that knowledge up to date and are subject to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.

As a CTA you will also be part of a professional body which is listened to keenly by policy-makers and opinion-formers. The CIOT’s submissions and opinions on tax policy, formed by the members of our network of technical committees, regularly influence the direction of government policy and the nature of legislation and HMRC guidance. We promote public understanding of tax issues by making our experts available to the media for interview and explanation. Our Low Incomes Tax Reform Group has an unparalleled reputation for its work improving the operation of the tax system for the ordinary taxpayer. All of this is driven by our objective of working for the public benefit.

Whatever direction in taxation you choose, you will find yourself as part of a profession that is challenging and demanding but at the same time very rewarding. I wish you the best of luck and every success in your future career.

Stephen DG Coleclough CTA (Fellow) is President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

BACK TO CONTENTS

07


ATT: Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Working together with the CIOT, the ATT promotes the tax profession and helps ensure and maintain the quality of services provided by tax professionals. The president of the ATT, Yvette Nunn, talks through some of her thoughts on the industry and the association.

When choosing a career, taxation may not be the first thing that springs to mind. Yet it offers many of the things people are looking for in a varied, fulfilling and rewarding career. Tax can be challenging (even though it is not supposed to be ‘taxing’), and a tax professional can have many opportunities for career progression and personal development.

Tax, as Benjamin Franklin noted, is one of the perpetual certainties of life. None of us can claim to be totally unaffected by taxation: much of what we buy is subject to VAT, and much of what we earn will be charged to income tax. The world of tax is wider even than that: if we sell an asset for more than we paid for it, we may be subject to Capital Gains Tax, anything we inherit may have been subject to Inheritance Tax, and we may be entitled to Tax Credits. Businesses will have to confront taxes ranging from Corporation Tax on their profits, via PAYE and NIC on the wages they pay their employees and VAT on their sales, to such exotica as Landfill Tax, Insurance Premium Tax and Climate Change Levy, depending on the nature of their trade.

Nor does tax remain static – every year sees at least one Budget and its associated Finance Act and the decisions of the courts provide frequent new interpretations of tax law. These constant changes mean that there will always be fresh challenges to face. Individuals, partnerships and companies all need competent professional assistance in fulfilling their obligations under tax law, and members of the Association of Taxation Technicians are among those who provide that help.

Tax technicians are trained to deal with the whole range of taxes, and to understand the related legal and accounting issues. They can work in professional firms of all sizes, in industry and commerce and in the revenue departments. As tax law evolves, the knowledge required for the job is constantly changing. Learning does not stop on passing the exams, giving the challenge of constantly adding to one’s expertise.

The Association of Taxation Technicians is the leading professional body for those providing UK tax compliance services, with over 7,000 members and around 5,000 registered students. The examinations are demanding, but those who are successful can join a well-respected professional body which offers wide-ranging support to its members and whose voice is heard at the highest levels by those who influence tax policy and practice in the UK. In today’s economic climate, where career requirements are ever more competitive, being a member of The Association of Taxation Technicians will enable difficult challenges to be met with confidence.

The guide will help you if you are thinking of entering a profession that can be well paid and full of personal rewards and job satisfaction.

Yvette Nunn ATT(Fellow) CTA(Fellow) MAAT is President of the Association of Taxation Technicians.

BACK TO CONTENTS


The Profession

BACK TO CONTENTS

10

Claudia Engleman

THE FUTURE OF THE TAx PROFESSION

Will Hepworth and Ian PalmerSALARIES & BENEFITS

Hal StoddartAREAS OF WORK

12

14

BACK TO CONTENTS

10

THE PROFESSION

specialising in tax:AreAs Of wOrkWith many different points of entry for graduates, it’s important to to look beyond qualifying to effectively plan your way to the top. But where should you start? This article looks at all of the different areas of tax you could work in, helping you to assess your options and decide where to specialise in tax.

WHERE SHOULD I SPECIALISE?Regardless of whether you start your tax career with an accountancy firm, legal practice or in-house, where you specialise will eventually be a decision you will have to make. Each area offers different benefits and opportunities for your career:

Corporate taxCorporate Tax differs depending on whether you choose a path in Commerce & Industry or Financial Services:

Commerce & industry A tax career within commerce and industry provides an opportunity to grow commercially and can eventually lead to participation in significant business decisions. You can gain greater exposure to wider tax issues and an increased in-depth knowledge of the role that you are involved in.

Companies in this sector can range from retailers to software companies, oil and gas organisations through to manufacturers and from pharmaceuticals to property companies. The list is almost endless.

Financial servicesOpportunities in financial services are plentiful for newly qualified tax professionals, as Heads of Tax seek support for increased transactional activity and to manage reputational risk. Working within a financial services institution offers invaluable opportunity to understand the organisation from within.

Financial services tax allows an individual to gain further insight into the banking, insurance and investment management sectors and gives graduates the chance to be exposed to the wider financial markets and products.

Private client servicesPrivate client services involve working with individuals to help them with their tax affairs, helping them to comply with tax regulations and manage their finances efficiently. Working within private client services opens up careers in diverse sectors within tax, such as non-domiciled individuals, private equity and entrepreneurial services.

Opportunities in these sectors exist within smaller boutique firms and family offices,

BACK TO CONTENTS

11


aREaS OF wORk

where more autonomy and responsibility for a specific area of tax falls to fewer people.

Transfer pricingTransfer pricing refers to the setting of prices between related companies (for example, a parent company and its subsidiary) for goods or services. Transfer pricing has become a topical area within tax due to the proliferation of legislation in an ever increasing number of countries.

Globalisation has made way to increased international trade and cross-border transactions, and Transfer Pricing is an area of considerable focus in today’s economic climate across both Commerce & Industry and Financial Services.

Being a cross border transferable skill, Transfer Pricing offers a good route into an international tax career.

Indirect taxIndirect Tax is a tax made on goods or services as opposed to people or organisations, such as VAT. Taxation specialists with expertise in Indirect Tax are very much in demand due to the increasing volume of cross-border trade, the importance of cash flow within organisations and the increasing sophistication of tax regimes in many countries.

Due to the nature of VAT and other Indirect taxes (such as Excise Duty, Insurance Premium Tax and Stamp Duty), opportunities to develop and further your career on an international scale are quite realistic.

People servicesPeople services tax offers a varied career whilst still specialising in one element of the tax environment.

Opportunities within people services in expatriate tax, international assignments and global mobility have increased due to the number of individuals choosing to work, live or retire abroad.

Ultimately, tax has many opportunities to offer graduates, with clear progression in a stable industry – one of the certainties in life are taxes! High calibre graduates will always be in demand and it pays to do your research – by making informed decisions at the start of your career, you will be able to enjoy the rewards of a sound and secure role with the benefits of financial freedom for many years to come.

Hal Stoddart is an executive consultant for Pure Search, a recruitment agency which specialises in placing tax professionals.

BACK TO CONTENTS


12

THE PROFESSION

Salaries for tax professionals haven’t changed much in recenct years, but they still remain a highly attractive option for graduates in comparison to other professions. Will Hepworth and Ian Palmer give us an insight into the salary and benefits someone entering the tax profession can expect to receive.

The jobs marketThe last year has been busy for taxation recruitment. Employers are beginning to feel more confident in the economy and there has been strong demand, particularly for specialist skill sets such as expat tax, employment tax, VAT and international tax. In further good news for the economy, the Big Four and larger FTSE companies are looking to fill Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and transaction related roles, which can often indicate improved market conditions.

In the London commerce market, there was high demand for top calibre tax

professionals at newly qualified to manager level throughout 2012. This was also true in the Home Counties and South East. With some notable exceptions, the senior end of the market remained relatively stagnant, with candidates opting to stay in the security of their existing roles whilst the recovery rate from the recession remained uncertain.

Hiring activity for personal taxes and private client areas, particularly in the Home Counties, has been high. Contact networks and strong business development skills are increasingly important. As the operating environment remains uncertain, these

what can I earn?sAlArIes And benefITs

London UK

Level Personal tax Corporate Tax Personal tax Corporate tax

A Level entrant £18-20,000 £20-22,000 £15-19,000 £16-20,000

Part qualified ATTs & Graduate trainees £20-30,000 £21-32,000 £18-25,000 £20-28,000

Qualified ATTs & part qualified CTAs £25-35,000 £26-35,000 £23-30,000 £24-32,000

Newly qualified CTA £36-46,000 £36-50,000 £30-42,000 £32-45,000

Assistant Manager £45-55,000 £48-58,000 £40-50,000 £42-52,000

Manager £55-70,000 £58-75,000 £50-65,000 £52-70,000

Senior Manager £68-85,000 £70-95,000 £60-80,000 £65-85,000

Principal/Director £90-120,000 £95-140,000 £68-85,000 £70-100,000

All salaries in the table above are approximate figures to be used for guidance only. For further information on salaries, please contact Will Hepworth in Morgan McKinley’s specialist tax team at [email protected]

BACK TO CONTENTS

mailto:[email protected]

13


SalaRIES aND bENEFITS

entrepreneurial skills will remain highly valued by professional services firms.

Salaries and benefitsSalaries and benefits have not fluctuated significantly over the past couple of years, whilst the supply of job seekers has typically outweighed demand. Again, the biggest increases have been for candidates with the specialist, harder to find, skill sets. Salaries have typically risen only in line with inflation and 2012 bonus levels in industry remained similar to 2011. However many accountancy firms started paying out bonuses to their high performers across all levels, and the amounts being paid did increase.

In 2012 many firms were reluctant to let their best people go. Some professional services firms adjusted salary bandings to allow greater flexibility to keep or attract top talent. Companies are structuring packages to allow flexible and home working as well as career planning, training and the opportunity to specialise.

Looking to the futureWhilst the market has not undertaken a full scale recovery, and in some cases the

budgets for headcount are still closely guarded, the general indication is that there is increased confidence in the market, both from the perspective of the employers looking to hire into/expand their team and the candidates looking at the market with a view to moving. This is likely to lead to increased activity and improved market conditions over the course of 2013 and into 2014. As in 2012, candidates with specialist skill sets will remain in greatest demand and are more likely to see rises in salary levels, but in general salaries on offer will remain at the same level until demand starts to outweigh supply.

Will Hepworth is a Manager, In-house Taxation at Morgan McKinley.

Ian Palmer is a Manager, Tax in Practice at Morgan McKinley.

BACK TO CONTENTS


14

THE PROFESSION

What is it like working in tax at the moment, and how is this likely to change for tax professionals in the future? Tax is a fast-moving industry which constantly has to adapt to legislative changes. We take a look at some of the key areas of development and how this affects graduates about to enter the profession.

Tax has been in the commercial spotlight throughout the last decade and remains high on the agenda of companies and governments alike. These are interesting times, with tax policies having a major impact on key corporate decisions.

For those starting out in their career, the constantly changing landscape of tax offers a wide variety of issues to tackle. However, graduates will need to keep up with the ways in which businesses and accounting practices will manage their tax affairs in the future, to access sought-after jobs in an increasingly competitive market.

Looking ahead, we can expect the effects of corporate global expansion and increasing regulatory control to become even more pronounced. In addition, we can assume that tax will continue to be a key focus for governments, as they attempt to replenish their treasuries and for companies, as they seek to manage the level of tax for which they are liable, both in the UK and internationally.

Changes in corporate tax strategyGrowth abroad is now an essential part of corporate strategy. With the increase in cross-border trade and as companies look to establish their businesses overseas, they must ensure that they operate as efficiently as possible from a tax perspective, whilst preserving the aims of their overall corporate strategy and keeping their risk profile manageable.

Moving tax in-houseGone are the days when the majority of large corporates assign all tax matters to accountancy firms. Increasingly, companies

are now setting up/building up their own in-house tax functions. This not only reduces the fees the companies pay out to external advisers (crucial in the current cost-cutting environment) but also ensures that these companies have full control over their tax affairs and can mitigate risk accordingly.

Depending on the resources of the company in question, this may leave just the most time-consuming work (such as the preparation of tax returns) and/or the very complex/deeply technical issues to be out-sourced to external advisers.

Global opportunitiesThis increase in companies taking in-house ownership of their tax work is happening further afield than just the UK. In the last 18 months, demand for in-house corporate tax professionals across Europe, the Middle East and Africa has increased significantly – and over the next few years, opportunities in the rapidly developing economies for graduates with relevant foreign language skills are likely to increase.

As a result, accounting firms are also facing new challenges as they adapt to the changing profile and global activities of their clients. Firms are now required to service their clients internationally and provide consistent, high quality advice across the globe. The increase in the sizes of the in-house tax function also means that they are becoming extremely focused on providing the specialist advice required by their clients.

Increase in regulatory controlOne of the key changes to the business world over the last ten years has been

the future of theTAX PrOfessIOn

BACK TO CONTENTS

15


THE FUTURE OF Tax

tighter regulatory control across all areas of business, including tax. This really started in earnest as a result of the collapse of Enron in 2001, which sent shock waves throughout the business world and led to the dissolution of Arthur Andersen, one of the largest accounting firms at that time. The impact of this crisis led to the introduction of tight controls for tax and other areas of the business that require global compliance.

In addition, increased cooperation between tax authorities in different jurisdictions is becoming increasingly risky, while compliance with regulations is gradually becoming harder work. As a result, businesses are bolstering their tax capability across the board to meet these additional regulatory requirements and, depending on their corporate strategy, to minimise risk.

Increasing demand for specialist tax roles As companies prioritise efforts to control/reduce their long-term effective tax rate, quick wins for cutting costs are increasingly important for a company’s profit line. By reducing their exposure to indirect taxes, companies can immediately see savings, which is critical in an uncertain economic climate. To capitalise on potential savings in VAT, dedicated tax specialists are often sought-after both within accounting firms and in-house.

Another key area where specialists are in demand is Transfer Pricing – i.e. very broadly, ensuring that each country taxes the right amount of profits. This is a huge area of growth as, particularly in light of the current economic crisis, every tax authority seeks to tax as many profits as possible.

Increasing use of interim/contract workersAnother trend which looks set to continue is the increase in demand for interim or contract

tax workers. This is often an attractive option for employers as it provides companies with the flexibility to cover gaps in resource and meet specific needs when required, whilst controlling costs.

Over the last two years, interims have been increasingly relied upon to provide additional capability as the demands of legislative changes and compliance has grown, whilst permitting companies to avoid headcount freezes. Although contract work is usually more common at the senior level, roles are open to junior to mid-level candidates, particularly those who might be considering making a career move from practice into industry.

ConclusionLooking ahead, it is increasingly clear that prospective tax professionals will often need to be commercially aware and think globally in order to progress in their careers. The increase in regulatory obligations will also provide ample opportunities for tax professionals who wish to focus on tax compliance, tax reporting and tax accounting.

Encouragingly, companies are actively targeting graduates for high profile careers in tax, which will no doubt continue. Opportunities are often varied and challenging with international prospects, particularly to those with additional languages.

However, the market will continue to be competitive, with limited roles in large high-profile multinationals and the top accountancy firms. It is therefore important to start thinking about gaining a qualification that will stand you in good stead and what kind of company/firm would best support your ambitions, taking into account career progression and future opportunities/moves.

Ultimately, for those with the commercial acumen and ability to take advantage of this new landscape, the opportunity to make your mark within the tax industry is assured.

Claudia Engleman is a consultant at Pure Search, a boutique agency specialising in tax recuritment.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Internship Profiles

BACK TO CONTENTS

Corporate Tax InternKPMG18

BACK TO CONTENTS

18

NAMELOCATION UNIVERSITY DEGREE

Victoria YungSouthampton Oxford Mathematics

INTERNSHIP PROFIlES

RICHARD HINTON

LOCATION UNIVERSITY DEGREEPLACEMENT TYPE

BirminghamOxford UniversityMathematicsSummer internship

Corporate Tax Intern kPMG

Why did I choose to do an internship?During my first and second years at university I wasn’t sure what job or company would be the best place to start my career. I thought spending part of my long summer vacation doing an internship would be the perfect way to find out and to earn some much needed spending money too!

How did it tie in with my overall career plans?I had been to numerous graduate recruitment events at university, and I decided to apply to KPMG based not only on the range of career opportunities they offered, but because of the people. Everybody I met at their events seemed approachable and I thought they would make good colleagues.

What was the application process like?The process was simple and efficient. I made several applications for internships before starting my second year of university in October 2010. By December I had accepted the offer to spend six weeks in July and August 2011 with KPMG Birmingham. By comparison, some companies did not reply until four months after I had accepted my KPMG offer!

Because the application process for the internship is identical to that for the graduate job (except without the assessment centre), you don’t need to re-apply for the graduate position. In lieu of the assessment centre the team have six weeks to assess you! Perfect if you shine better in reality than interviews. The final part of the process is a partner interview

and presentation. This may seem intimidating, but my experience was very positive. The partner in question even told me I had the offer before 9am the next day!

All this meant I had secured a job with a top graduate employer before starting my final year of university.

What attracted me to the role?Corporate tax at KPMG toes an interesting line between the requirements for expert technical knowledge and for excellent people skills. My hope was, that with the appropriate training and development KPMG offer, I would be able to achieve these goals.

You don’t need to look very much in the newspapers to see what a hot topic corporate tax is. It’s a fast changing area, where problem solving is a key part of our job.

What were my main duties?My role didn’t just involve photocopying! As the sole corporate tax intern in Birmingham, I had managers across all areas keen to give me work. This varied from research, taking meeting notes, editing documents and proof reading, plus some calculation work.

The rest of my time was filled with department meetings and so on. This gave a real opportunity to feel like a part of the team. Any time which wasn’t filled was spent preparing for my final partner interview and presentation. I was even taken along to a very special lunch with a senior partner and

BACK TO CONTENTS

19


CORPORaTE Tax INTERN

a valued client, which made me feel very privileged indeed!

What were the most important things I learnt from the internship?There were obvious personal benefits – knowing the team I am now working with as a graduate has proved a real confidence booster. Crucially though, it was interesting to see how such a large organisation functions, the way work is won, and the type of needs clients have. As well as finding out what the graduate job involves on a day to day basis.

Do I have any advice for someone seeking an internship?It’s worth the effort. My situation means I haven’t had to do any graduate applications since before the start of my second year of university. So by the time you need to get your head down for final exams, you aren’t still panicked about whether you’ll have a job at the end of your degree.

KPMG tax is a great place to go. Aside from the interesting work, the people are very down to earth and approachable. In particular, I was surprised how on my desk – which consisted of directors, senior managers and assistant managers – everyone took it in turns

to get the coffees for the rest of the table. I had expected to be getting the directors’ coffees, but they even got mine!

What skills did I acquire or improve during the internship?My knowledge of tax improved for a start,as did my awareness of just how much KPMG is planning ahead and preparing for changes and developments in the tax system. I’m sure it helped my soft skills, as well as offering presentation practice and hands on experience. KPMG are very good at providing feedback, which helps you target specific areas for improvement.

I had secured a job with a top graduate

employer before starting my final year

of university.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Graduate Profiles

BACK TO CONTENTS

Tax SeniorRSM TENON

International Tax ManagerEY

Associate in TaxGRANT THORNTON

Assistant ManagerFRANK HIRTH22

24

26

28

BACK TO CONTENTS

22

GRaDUaTE PROFIlES


Deepali PatelLondon Georgia State (USA) Accounting & Finance

Assistant Managerfrank Hirth

With a background of over three-years’ experience in domestic corporate tax during my time at KPMG in the US, the transition to a different area of tax at Frank Hirth in London was a daunting one, but in reality it was a smooth and seamless process.

I completed my undergraduate degree in Accounting & Finance, and graduate degree in Tax at the Georgia State University in the US. Since moving to London in 2010, I have now been working for Frank Hirth for just under two years. I work within the Private Client Group, which serves High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in assisting them with their US/UK tax compliance and planning needs.

My working day My position as Assistant Manager involves managing and mentoring junior staff whilst working alongside managers to ensure accurate and high quality tax preparation services to our extensive client list.

My responsibilities include: • Responding to client queries by email,

over the phone or in person.• Reviewing US and UK tax returns prepared

by junior members within the team.• Producing detailed client memorandums

on current and ever-evolving technical tax issues.

• Monitoring billing reports, assisting with the monthly invoicing cycle to ensure optimal client service and producing

personal time reviews with an aim to monitor commerciality.

The majority of my time is spent reviewing client tax returns, for which the usual process would be as follows:• A client sends in their tax information.• Upon review of the information sent,

I contact the client for any missing information.

• Once all information has been received, which can be a lengthy process, I assign a junior team member to prepare the return.

• I review the prepared return and ensure all changes required are made.

• The return is then reviewed by a manager, which may result in further proposed changes.

• Once the manager and I have both signed off on the return, it is electronically packaged and sent to the client for submission.

ATT exams were not an easy task: they required discipline and a lot of

studying!

BACK TO CONTENTS

23


aSSISTaNT maNaGER

I serve over 100 clients who have a requirement to file UK and US returns on an annual basis. There are multiple deadlines throughout the year when work is very busy, however, my working week is usually limited to 40 hours. My ‘chargeability’ is measured by reviewing how much time I have spent working directly on tasks for clients per day versus my overall time spent in the office, and I aim to be chargeable for 70% of my time. I generally concentrate on work for between two and five clients per day. It’s amazing how much time disappears each day, therefore I advise my staff to complete their timesheet after each client task.

During some of the quieter periods, Frank Hirth carries out training courses to ensure that my team and I keep abreast of all the latest US and UK tax developments. Throughout internal training and external assessments, Frank Hirth is also keen to encourage research and networking across the firm so that we can better advise our clients on their tax needs.

Exams Most tax graduate entrants to the firm usually go through the process of sitting for their Association of Taxation Technician (ATT) exams in their first year followed by Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) exams the following year.

As I joined the firm with previous experience, I volunteered to sit the ATT exams so that I could get a broader understanding of UK tax principles. Although I had a Certified Public Accountants (CPA) qualification from the US, ATT exams were not an easy task: they required discipline and a lot of studying! Frank Hirth is really supportive of staff gaining professional qualifications and gives ample time off to take the courses as well as study for the examinations.

Having successfully passed the ATT exams and been awarded a medal unexpectedly for achieving the highest mark in the business tax paper, my three pointers for prospective candidates are:• Be able to navigate around the tax

legislation book and effectively highlight relevant information.

• Understand the reasoning behind why tax laws came about rather than simply memorising text.

• Practice makes perfect!

Next stop…CTA?

Practical skillsIn addition to client service work and team mentoring, I am also responsible for contributing to improving internal firm processes as a member of the Process Team. So far, I have looked at how to improve the tax organisers that we send to clients, trialling a paperless initiative and helping with developing internal documents used in the tax preparation process.

Being able to juggle all these responsibilities is not always easy, especially when keeping in mind my chargeability rate. Some of the essential skills required to enable me to meet my objectives include:• Multi-tasking skills• Effective time management skills• Analytical and written skills• A proficiency with spreadsheets and the

ability to quickly learn new software• The ability to communicate effectively

with peers and clients.

My experience in public accounting has allowed me to get exposure to various tax elements in the US corporate and US/UK personal tax arena. It has also challenged me to develop my non-technical skills to aid in my managerial responsibilities. If only we could do away with timesheets!

BACK TO CONTENTS


24

GRaDUaTE PROFIlES


Mihir ThakarLondon University of EssexLaw & Politics

Associate in TaxGrant Thornton

Following my graduation in 2011, I commenced a training contract with Grant Thornton based in the Expatriate Taxes team. Since joining I have successfully completed my ATT studies and am beginning the CTA in the next few months. My role involves assisting our clients with UK and US taxes.

Choosing taxI started with Grant Thornton following my studies in Law & Politics, during which time I undertook assignments with charities, law firms and the court service. I was encouraged by my experiences to pursue a career where I could apply legal skills but also, more importantly, one that provided opportunities to learn and develop.

I quickly found that pure legal routes did not appeal to me. Although interesting, I found the training structure and work culture were not right for me.

With tax I find I am able to cover much wider areas, which I find more rewarding. Tax also tends to be a much more team based service than law, with all tax associates working together, in partnership with both newer graduates and more experienced managers and directors. This leads to a friendly atmosphere where you are able to pick up knowledge quickly and are comfortable asking questions. I find this allows me to take on more demanding work as there is enough support to make my own decisions, while the review processes ensures the work sent out is of the highest quality.

Why I chose Grant ThorntonAfter graduating I applied for various firms, however I chose Grant Thornton because of their good reputation and the impression I got from the recruitment process. The selection process involved numerical and verbal reasoning tests, a telephone interview and an assessment centre. It was very important for me to work with a firm with a good culture and I believe that a firm’s recruitment process provides a good insight into both their working culture and their environment. While this process is similar to many other firms, Grant Thornton left a fantastic impression which put their offer above others.

The training programme in the Expat Team at Grant Thornton provides a large amount of variety and my first year involved working with UK and US tax returns and on projects on the application of rules on international taxation, termination payments, National Insurance Contributions and non-cash employee remuneration. It also involved studying for the ATT, which at Grant Thornton is a residential course in National Trust grounds.

ATT studiesI enjoyed my ATT studies, which gave me a good understanding of UK taxation. I found they provided the knowledge required to identify opportunities and potential issues our clients may have and to make me more effective in my role.

The difference between university and professional studies is striking and I had to

BACK TO CONTENTS

25


aSSOCIaTE IN Tax

adapt my study technique to be successful. University study involves tuition through topics at a relatively slow pace. At the professional level you tend to receive a module of tuition in a week. Although this may seem daunting, in reality it makes learning more effective. Unlike university, a great deal of the material you learn can be applied and seen in the workplace. This means that the areas you learn are constantly practiced, leading to a stronger and quicker learning experience. It also means that you are learning directly applicable skills for your future career.

Main dutiesWorking in expat tax means dealing with compliance deadlines. Usually between October and the end of January the majority of work completed is UK tax returns. Between late March and October I tend to focus on the filing of US tax returns. Completing both UK and US tax returns involves reviewing data provided by the clients and determining what income is assessable by applying rules derived from case law, statutes and codes. Although this requires calculations, and I do spend time using Excel for backup calculations, the returns and calculations are prepared by tax software. My role has exercised and developed my IT abilities: I now use and understand functions that I had never even heard of before in order to save time and identify issues.

With experience, I have also become more active with client management. As time

progresses I hope to become more involved with client meetings. During the training stage an experienced colleague will take the meetings with you to ensure that the correct advice is given as tax is a very precise subject. As well as completing tax returns and training, on a daily basis I have been involved in various other projects, including advisory projects, tax briefings and client proposal work.

The fact that the team provides the opportunity to work with both UK and US tax returns gives me the chance to understand the interaction of the two distinct tax systems and application of international tax treaties and social security agreements, which I find particularly interesting. This is a daily feature of the job and has helped me to expand my tax knowledge to a great extent.

Complications of workThe number of deadlines in expat tax can make time management quite stressful. The deadlines are fixed, so you have to be aware of how much work you can take on and still meet the timeframe set – this is an area that I have found stressful in the past but with experience I have found that my time management skills have improved. However the role gives you enough freedom to manage your time both in busy and quiet periods. The great thing about working in the department is you can take the initiative when you believe practices can be made more efficient. I have been able to implement a tracking system that in the future should help identify missing information early and identify returns that can be part completed during quiet periods to help the free time during the busy periods.

During the busy tax return periods there will be days which require late working. I enjoy the work, so I don’t find this particularly stressful, but January can be a tiring month. At Grant Thornton however, we are lucky enough to receive time off in lieu following busy periods to recover. As with many jobs, a work/life balance is sometimes difficult to manage, but it’s very important and I would recommend getting to know what is in place to help when choosing a potential employer.

Working with both UK and US tax returns gives me the chance to understand the

interaction of the two distinct systems.

BACK TO CONTENTS


26

GRaDUaTE PROFIlES


Vikki WeinbergManchester University of CambridgeLand Economy and Management

International Tax ManagereY

Where did you study for your undergraduate degree?I studied Land Economy and Management at New Hall College, Cambridge: the course was a combination of economics, law, finance and environment studies.

What qualifications have you gained whilst at EY?I have been at EY (previously Ernst & Young) for almost six years. In my first three years I was on the graduate programme where I gained my accountancy qualification, and in the year following that, as I started to become more specialised, I gained my Chartered Tax Adviser qualification.

The large amount of studying involved initially can be quite daunting at times, but it really is worth it in the long run once you have the qualification!

What attracted you to tax?Tax was a natural progression from my degree studies, as it combines law and other such analytical skills with a commercial knowledge of the economic environment and finance.

I did an internship with EY after my second year of university and really enjoyed the type of work I had been involved in: I found it challenging, and thought that tax played well to my skill set.

There are so many different areas of tax within EY (I worked in three different departments whilst I was training, including spending two months in our New York office!), there are plenty of opportunities for people to gain a broad experience whilst training and then find the area which best suits them.

What does your role involve?At the end of my fourth year I was promoted to Manager and I am now working in the International Tax team in our Manchester office.

I have a couple of my own clients who I advise on their international tax affairs on a regular basis, and I also assist other client teams on their specific international tax queries. My specific tasks tend to be research around particular areas of tax, the writing of client advisory reports/memos and liaising with EY offices in other jurisdictions.

The large amount of studying involved initially can be quite daunting at

times, but it really is worth it in the long run once you

have the qualification!

BACK TO CONTENTS

27


INTERNaTIONal Tax maNaGER

As a result, I don’t tend to know what I may be working on from week to week, but I find most of the work I am involved in interesting and challenging!

I am also constantly meeting new people from around the firm, which as a sociable person I really enjoy.

What are the key skills required for your job?Organisation and time management are key skills required to keep on top of the large amount of work, which I could have on at any given moment in time.

Problem solving and an analytical way of thinking are also important skills required when working in a tax advisory position.

As the majority of the work I do is with other people and clients, being friendly, approachable and a team player is also very important.

Problem solving and an analytical way of thinking are also important skills

required when working in a tax advisory position.

Find profiles from people

who studied your degree

subject:


/profile-search

BACK TO CONTENTS


www.insidecareers.co.uk/profile-search

28

GRaDUaTE PROFIlES


Sophie HobbsSwindon Oxford BrookesAccountancy and Finance

Why did you choose a job in the tax profession?I have always relished the kind of computations and formulas that all accountancy provides. My accountancy degree confirmed that I had made the right choice of career, and as part of my degree, I completed a number of tax modules. It was the detailed technical aspects of tax and learning that proved particularly appealing, as well as the interpretation of legislation.

What was the application process like – do you have any advice? I was a few months away from graduating with a degree in accounting when I applied for a graduate role in the Swindon Tax Team at RSM Tenon, and at that point I knew that I wanted a career in tax. I understood the basics, so I was seeking a well-rounded tax education. The role I applied for was based on compliance, but RSM Tenon told me it would be varied and would give me experience in all areas of tax.

The application process involved submitting an application form and CV. I was then invited to an assessment day, with interviews, tests and presentations. A few days later I was offered the job.

The assessment day was quite intense, but it was also a positive experience. The HR team tried to make everyone feel more comfortable – although of course you can never entirely relax when you know that you

are under constant review. On the day I knew I had to stand out, so I ensured that I was first to present, that I remained confident, and that I maintained a professional look. During the presentation, which was the most intimidating task, I told myself to stay strong and I managed to deliver a fluent presentation to several directors and HR staff.

In my feedback it was noted that I was successful because I was confident and keen. My advice is always to do or say something that sets you apart. It’s a competitive market, and so it’s up to you to show your future employer how great you are.

What are your main duties/roles?I am pleased to say that after five years I have definitely had opportunities to work in a wide variety of tax disciplines, including compliance, international, corporate and inheritance tax. My main duties as a Tax Senior with RSM Tenon include:• Preparation and completion of tax returns

for clients, which include individuals, sole traders, partnerships and trusts.

• Work within international tax, including arrival and departure briefings for expat employees arriving and leaving the UK. I advise clients on how the UK tax system works and its implications for them.

• Completion of expenses and benefits forms for small companies and international employees on a modified payroll scheme.

• Managing different payroll schemes for international employees, such

Tax seniorrsM Tenon

BACK TO CONTENTS

29


Tax SENIOR

as modified payroll schemes and direct collection schemes. With the introduction of Real Time Information (RTI) we have been working on bringing these schemes in line with RTI.

What are the most stressful parts of the job?Definitely January – the 31st is the tax return deadline. Pressure starts to build in October/November, as we try to get on top of the workload before the Christmas break. February and March can be quiet, but the bespoke tax consultancy work picks up and international tax work still continues after the UK tax deadline.

What skills are useful in the tax profession?The most useful skill is time management and job prioritisation. You soon learn after working in tax that you can be juggling a number of jobs for a number of different people. You need to make sure you complete the jobs on time and within budgets.

Is it a 9-5 job?You get out what you put in. I am driven to gain a wide variety of tax experience, and that means completing work for different senior managers at the same time. This is great, but I have found myself working late regularly to

meet my deadlines. Around exam times I was able to push back and say ‘no’, to ensure I had my evenings to study.

What challenges have you come across and how did you overcome these?The challenges are numerous, but as a top ten firm, RSM Tenon has an Academy that helps you throughout your career. They start with an introduction course to RSM Tenon and you work your way through different courses such as tax technical updates, improving your overall presentation skills and finally, once you qualify, they help you think about your career and what you can do to give it a ‘kick start’.

There is also a programme called Career Tracker, which helps employees who are actively looking to progress their careers within the company. It provides qualified employees with a mentor who gives advice on how to achieve career goals. The programme also holds special events, which train you on how to maximise your potential and utilise your skills to reach your next career goal.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the industry?If you are interested in a career in tax, you might start with a module at university, or you could look for work experience within an accountancy firm. We have had a number of work experience students, and hopefully we have given them a taste for tax and an idea of what they can expect from a career in this industry.

Over the last few years, I have learned real attention to detail, so you need to be sure that you have the skills and motivation needed for this. In tax, your calculations affect what people pay, so you have to get your figures right.

In my feedback it was noted that I was

successful because I was confident and keen.

BACK TO CONTENTS


senior Profiles

BACK TO CONTENTS

32

Partner, International Tax Services

Indirect Taxes ManagerPwC

EY

Tax ManagerLAKIN ROSE

Tax DirectorBDO

34

36

38

BACK TO CONTENTS

32

SENIOR PROFIlES

NEIL BrACkSToNE

Tax director bdO

I first came into contact with tax law when I was at university studying for a law degree. I was fascinated by the subject, more so than other areas of my degree.

Rather than start my career in tax, I chose to keep my options open and study for ACA as an auditor at BDO. I have never regretted my time as an auditor; it was invaluable experience that gave me a real grounding in accountancy that I still use every day in my career. However, it was not long before I was attracted back to tax. After three and half years of being an auditor I decided to hang up my coloured pens and take a secondment in corporate tax. Almost immediately I felt at home and started studying for CTA which I sat ten months later.

My time in tax My time in tax at BDO has been characterised by broad experience. I have worked with a variety of different sized clients across many industry sectors. Not only have I worked in practice, but I have had secondments to industry, including working for a large US multinational technology company and for spin out of a UK Plc as a temporary Group Tax Manager. My time working in industry reinforced my appreciation of the commercial aspects that play a role in deciding tax strategy. Clients want the commercially right answer, not always the purely technically right one.

By 2008 I decided to deepen my knowledge of international and cross border tax issues given that more and more of my clients were operating cross border. BDO has an extensive international network across 138 countries which is certainly attractive to me, as well as our clients. Therefore I pulled the study books out and started studying for the Advanced Diploma in International Tax. I did this at the same time as starting a family and so had my hands full to say the least. I completed my Diploma in 2012 achieving the prize in my last exam, a fitting way to finish my professional exam career (honestly that is the last one!).

Naturally people ask me: ‘why tax?’ It is the variety of the clients and the work that I enjoy. Some people imagine that it is a technical job pouring over legislation and case law.

2012

Joined BDO as an audit trainee

Moved to Corporate Tax at BDO

Completed the CTA qualification

Completed the CIOT’s ADIT qualification

Was promoted to Tax Director at BDO

2012

2002

2001

1998

Neil become fascinated by tax whilst studying law at university. After a spell of working in audit, he moved into corporate tax and has never looked back. He shares his experiences of working in corporate tax and answers the question: ‘why tax?’

BACK TO CONTENTS

33


Tax DIRECTOR

There is certainly a significant element of this, but you cannot advise clients or reach a conclusion on the technical aspects without understanding the commercial aspects. This involves learning about a business’s industry, its plans and issues. It is the bringing together of the technical and commercial aspects that motivates me, as it allows me to get close to a business. I often look back on some meetings and realise that we spent more time talking about the business than tax.

Clients see real value when you mention something they had not thought of or that makes their life easier, there is a real sense of an achievement when you can do this. Clients usually don’t forget it either, which can make for a stronger working relationship; learning how to demonstrate and deliver client service has been a crucial part of my training at BDO.

Variety is a word that can be used to describe my ’typical’ day. It is not uncommon for me to spend time on a dozen or more clients in a day, and more often than not something will come up that I was not expecting, which keeps me on my toes. Our recent merger with PKF will also throw up new and exciting challenges as the firm grows.

Current professional challengesThere are many of these, but I would highlight the following:

In constrained times, clients are increasingly focused on value. The challenge is to deliver on this at the same time as managing the financial fundamentals of providing a professional service. This is no different to many other businesses in the current economic environment, but professional service businesses have a raft of compliance and regulatory issues to deal with that clients are often completely unaware of.

Clients increasingly expect instant replies, which makes some days very busy and requires superhuman skills in juggling and managing expectations.

You often hear the comment that tax legislation is too complex and this is true. Consequently, when providing advice, it is necessary to make sure the client is not inadvertently caught by some anti-avoidance rule. Therefore a lot of time can be spent going through legislation only to conclude a particular rule is ‘not-applicable’.

Advice on a careerIn the tax profession, whether you are in practice or industry, you are providing a service. It could be to a client or an internal team. Therefore it is important to remember it is not just about the advice you provide, although you need to be right, but how you provide it that counts. The quality of your service is often what you are remembered for and at BDO we are committed to providing exceptional client service.

For someone joining the profession in practice I would say it is never too early to start building your ‘work winning’ skills, whether from existing or new clients. As an individual you will be more valuable when it comes to promotion time and there is a real buzz when you win new clients.

Finally, get as broad experience as you can. Involve yourself with as many different clients and situations as you can. Not only does this make you a more rounded professional, but it makes your career more interesting.

It’s not uncommon for me to spend time on a

dozen or more clients in a day, and more often

than not something will come up that I was not expecting, which keeps

me on my toes.

BACK TO CONTENTS


34

SENIOR PROFIlES

2009

2009

2009

2009

Working in tax is not all about avoidance schemes and big corporations: it can also be about making a difference for small businesses. I work for a small accountancy firm in Cambridge, which provides accountancy and tax services for clients ranging from individuals to medium-sized companies.

The job is challenging and varied, as there is no way of knowing what question will come in next and I can be asked to advise on many different aspects of a client’s business and tax affairs.

How did you get your job at Lakin rose?Having decided against applying for jobs with ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms, I looked up local accountancy firms online. I sent my CV into Lakin Rose (as well as a few others) speculatively and was invited for interview as there happened to be space for a trainee at that time.

In terms of progressing to my current role, I was given the opportunity to specialise in tax and to complete the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification after completing my qualification as a Chartered Accountant, because this was an area which I was interested in as well as being a way for the firm to provide additional expertise to clients.

What was the application process like – any advice?My original application was purely speculative, and with it being a small firm (around 20 employees) the process was fairly informal. I had one interview with two of the four partners, who were particularly interested in my reasons for applying to this type of firm and my longer-term career ambitions (I had already considered that tax specialism might suit me because of my background in maths).

It is definitely very important to have thought about these aspects in advance of application and interview as you need to be able to convince the interviewer (not to mention yourself!) that you are committed to a career path which initially involves long hours of study and exams.

Why did you choose a job in the tax profession?I became interested in accountancy, and tax in particular,

Emily first considered a career in tax when she realised that it offered the opportunity to provide real help and support to individuals and small businesses. She chose to join a small, local accountancy firm and just five years later she’s a fully ACA and CTA qualified Tax Manager.

EMILY orToN

Tax Manager lakin rose

2013

Qualified CTA in March, became a Tax Manager

Began studying for the CTA qualification in February

Completed the ACA qualification in August, became a Manager

Joined Lakin Rose in April as a Trainee Accountant and began studying for the ACA in August

Graduated with a masters in mathematics from the University

of Cambridge

2012

2011

2008

2004

BACK TO CONTENTS

35


Tax maNaGER

while a post-graduate student, as my husband started a small company at this time.

I quickly realised that compliance with the legal requirements of a company was not easily undertaken as a lay-person and that we needed to hire the services of an accountant. This led to the realisation that small businesses and ‘normal’ individuals as well as large corporations and the very wealthy need accountants and tax advisers. I also realised that there is a great variety of areas where a small business relies on its accountant for help and advice. As a result, accountancy and tax became a potential career which I had not previously considered.

What are your main duties/roles?Over the course of my training I have built up a portfolio of clients which I manage, each one overseen by a partner within the firm. My portfolio consists of a mixture of personal tax clients, for whom I prepare tax returns and carry out various types of tax planning; small owner-managed companies, for which I prepare statutory accounts and corporate tax returns and may also assist with other things such as VAT returns; and, as I initially trained as an accountant, I also have some audit clients. In addition, I am often involved with the more complex tax requirements of other clients of the firm, so will research queries or discuss particular issues with colleagues.

What are the most stressful parts of the job?The most stressful thing is always juggling

deadlines and priorities – particularly at busy times of the year such as the run-up to the January tax return deadline. Sometimes it seems like everything is urgent!

What skills are useful in the tax profession?Numeracy is obviously an important aspect of accountancy and tax, but probably less so than the ability to reason logically and work methodically. Interpersonal skills are also very important when working in a small firm as you have a lot of direct contact with clients and need to be able to communicate effectively. I was initially quite shy and nervous when speaking to clients, but have since found this to be a particularly enjoyable aspect of the job.

Is it a 9-5 job?Sometimes! You need to be prepared for a lot of study early on, whether going through an accountancy route, or going directly into tax via ATT or other qualifications. As the study is on top of working full-time, this takes up a lot of evenings and weekends particularly in the run-up to exams.

I found that studying for CTA meant longer hours than ever before, as by that point I had much more responsibility for clients and a heavier workload. Now that the exams are out of the way there are times when it is necessary to work long hours and less busy times when the workload is more easily manageable.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into tax?Make sure you are certain that you are willing to continue studying for another 3-4 years. Starting with a general accountancy qualification is probably the most flexible route into tax, and you get to see many aspects of the profession in the process, however there are many different routes and qualifications and it’s therefore definitely a good idea to research these and see what best suits you. The same thing is true of different types of firm – you will have a different experience working for a small accountancy firm compared with a medium or large firm or in industry.

I was initially quite shy and nervous when

speaking to clients, but have since found

this to be a particularly enjoyable aspect of

the job.

BACK TO CONTENTS


36

SENIOR PROFIlES

Ruth Donaldson is a qualified chartered tax adviser and chartered accountant. As a Partner in the International Tax Services team of EY, based in London, she provides UK and international tax advice to mid-market companies operating worldwide.

I started studying as a business studies student at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. My degree course included a placement year, which I spent working at EY (Ernst & Young as it was then called), Aberdeen. This gave me the chance to find out what my ‘dream job’ as an accountant was all about.

Having enjoyed my placement year at EY, I returned in 1994 following completion of my degree to train as a chartered accountant. This involved a three-year training contract with a mixture of audit, accounting, personal tax and corporate tax, all of which gave me a good grounding which would prove very useful in later years.

On completion of my exams as a chartered accountant, I realised my skill set was aligned to a career in tax. Good client handling and problem solving skills, a thirst for learning and an ability to work through complex legislation and provide explanations to clients are essential. I also found tax was my best subject in my accountancy exams – which prompted my transfer to the tax department in 1997.

Upon joining the tax department, I started studying for my associate exams with The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT). My accountancy training gave me a wide knowledge base on different tax issues but depth of knowledge is vital in order to specialise in tax. I passed my CTA exams first time (phew!) in 1998. At that time, my work focused on corporation tax compliance, where I prepared corporation tax computations and dealt with HM Revenue & Customs correspondence for a variety of clients.

In 1999, I decided to specialise in corporation tax consulting – which involves providing tax advice on a variety of ad hoc issues such as advising on acquisitions, disposals, overseas tax planning and the international aspects of UK tax legislation.

This type of work often requires knowledge of other areas in order to advise clients accurately – for example, the accounting treatment of a transaction can impact on the tax treatment, and understanding the personal tax position of a shareholder is important when advising on a business disposal. The importance of tax planning is never more

Partner, International Tax services eY

ruTH DoNALDSoN

2011

2005

Awarded the ADIT qualification

2001

Became Corporate Tax Senior Manager

1999

Promoted to Corporate Tax Manager at EY

1997

Qualified as a chartered accountant

Transfered to EY London to work in international Tax Services

Made partner at EY

2007

BACK TO CONTENTS

37


PaRTNER, INTl. Tax SERvICES

evident than when a finance director lists tax as one of the areas that keeps him awake at night!

Whilst I was based in the Aberdeen office, the majority of my clients were oil exploration and production companies and oil service companies. As well as being familiar with general UK tax legislation, I also had to be aware of the special tax rules which apply to oil and gas companies. The UK oil and gas industry is an exciting place to be, with different companies entering the market to discover oil in new areas and increase oil production using advanced technology.

Dealing with new entrants to the UK market brings different challenges – dealing with new start up businesses and explaining how the UK tax system works or understanding how the UK tax system interacts with overseas rules where the new entrant is based in another country.

Specialising in the oil and gas industry is also interesting as many of the companies involved operate internationally. This gave me the opportunity to work in London and allowed

for some international travel.A large part of my role in Aberdeen also involved giving clients international tax advice – ranging from advising companies operating in a new country for the first time to more detailed tax planning for established worldwide groups.

In 2004, I took the plunge and decided to sit the inaugural exams for the CIOT Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT). Studying for exams after a period of five years (since my CTA exams) seemed like a tough challenge but I found the whole experience enjoyable due to the interesting exam syllabus. I sat and passed two of the three papers in May 2004 and received the Heather Self Medal for the highest marks in Paper I. I submitted a thesis for completion of the third and final paper in 2005 and obtained my ADIT qualification.

In April 2007, I transferred to EY in London to specialise in international tax for mid-market clients, covering a wide range of industry sectors. I’m able to draw on the international tax experience I gained in Aberdeen and the technical knowledge from my studies to advise fast growing, entrepreneurial clients on how to structure their overseas operations.

Reflecting on my career, I’ve been fortunate in making the right decisions: for example, deciding to specialise in corporate tax advisory and international tax. Many of my peers have chosen to work in industry, in either finance or in-house tax positions. As a tax adviser in practice, my day to day job involves working in teams with different clients on a wide variety of interesting technical issues. The tax rules around the world are constantly changing – so there’s always something new to learn!

As a tax adviser in practice, my day to day

job involves working in teams with different

clients on a wide variety of interesting technical

issues.

BACK TO CONTENTS


38

SENIOR PROFIlES

John’s interest in case law and talent for research made for the ideal background with which to join the tax profession. He’s since become a specialist in product liability, and is proud to be an authority on the subject when helping clients.

JoHN DoWD

2013

Passed the CTA exams, receiving medals for achieving the highest

marks in the country

2009

Passed the ACA exams and moved to VAT, getting promoted to

Manager

2006

Joined PwC as a graduate trainee in corporate tax

2006

Graduated as a Master of Laws at the University of Manchester

2005

Graduated as a Bachelor of Laws at Durham University

I enjoy dealing with VAT queries and I’m not ashamed to admit it! I work for PwC in the Manchester office where I joined as a graduate in October 2006. I initially worked in the corporate tax department, but I started work in the VAT department during a busy period and after passing the ACA exams. The proudest moment in my career so far was achieving the highest marks in the country in both the UK VAT and EU VAT papers in the CTA exams. Why did you choose a career in the industry?I studied law at Durham University and had dreams of being a high flying solicitor, but after several placements I discovered the reality was somewhat different. I liked researching and case law but other aspects of the role didn’t appeal. It was a bit of a worry as I was approaching the end of my time at Durham with no job offer on the table and I needed to look for other career options that might suit me better.

I was familiar with PwC, as I’d been offered a place to take part in a commercial awareness course that they ran one night each week. I spoke with a PwC recruiter who suggested I should apply for a position with them in tax as it seemed to match my interests. I did some further research and tax seemed like a natural choice as it’s largely driven by legislation and case law, so my legal background and my research skills were a good fit.

What is a typical day like for you?My day starts at about 6am and involves walking our cocker spaniel, Alfred, while slurping coffee and then catching a glimpse of the breakfast news before I dash out the house. I live just under an hour and a half away from Manchester and have flexibility around my core hours, so I can start at 8am and finish at 4:30pm – although I typically leave at sometime between 5pm and 6pm. PwC offer flexible working and it suits me to start and finish early as it gives me more free time in the evenings.

Once I’m in the office, the first thing I do is check the local press to see what’s going on with my clients and targets. I’ll then start working through emails and responding to queries. A key part of my role is keeping up-to-date with any

Indirect Taxes Manager PwC

BACK TO CONTENTS

39


INDIRECT TaxES maNaGER

case law developments or legislative changes and making sure my clients are well informed.

I work on some of the major clients based in the north of England region and have a focus on the retail sector as well as working on mergers and acquisitions. In particular I’m a product liability specialist, so I assist clients in determining the correct VAT rate applicable to all the products sold at their stores. The legislation in this area is very complicated with a large volume of case law setting precedents – the most famous case of this kind concerned whether a Jaffa cake was actually a biscuit or a cake, and therefore whether it was zero rated or standard rated for VAT purposes.

What do you enjoy most about your job?I really enjoy being regarded as a specialist for product liability queries. Although it took some time and dedication to accumulate the knowledge on the relevant cases and the legislation, it has been worth it. There are cases heard in VAT on a weekly basis, so it’s always a challenge to maintain your knowledge and apply it to your clients. The

introduction of a so-called ‘Pasty Tax’ last year was an example of how VAT amendments can affect our clients and also the general public.

The other aspect of the job I really enjoy is the team spirit and the ‘banter’. There are sometimes days when things don’t go smoothly or you’re under pressure, but my team is really great and we have a great work/life balance. At some point in every day someone will make me laugh-out-loud, and that is really important when you spend so much of your life at work – you need to make sure you have fun.

What would you like to achieve in the future?I’d like to go all the way and become a partner at PwC. I really appreciate all the opportunities I‘ve been given by the firm and enjoy my role working in VAT. It’s challenging and the route to becoming a partner is not easy, but you have to aspire to be the best you can.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the industry?The best advice I can give is to talk to as many people who you know within the industry and get as much insight as possible. It’s also a good idea to look at the websites of professional qualification bodies involved in accountancy and tax, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), to find out about the exams you’ll have to sit.

My final piece of advice would be to build up a network of contacts as early as possible and consider joining sites such as Linkedin, as social media is becoming increasingly important as a method of interacting with our clients.

It’s challenging and the route to becoming a

partner is not easy, but you have to aspire to be

the best you can.

BACK TO CONTENTS


finding the right Job

BACK TO CONTENTS

Richard WaiteHOW TO SECURE TAx INTERNSHIPS

Guy BarrandFOCUS ON: INDIRECT TAx

Hal StoddartCAREERS IN TAx: WHERE DO I START?

EDUCATION AND SKILLS42

44

46

48

BACK TO CONTENTS

42

FINDING THE RIGHT JOb

What do you need in order to enter the tax profession? Luckily, there are a number of routes available to those wanting to work in the industry and these are open to people from a variety of backgrounds. Read on to find out more...

what grades do I need? eduCATIOn And skIlls

Taxation is unique in that it presents many diverse career opportunities for those from a variety of backgrounds. There is, arguably, a greater movement of tax specialists between the broad sectors of commerce, industry, public practice, the legal profession and HM Revenue & Customs than with any other professional discipline. Given this, there are several different ladders that can be climbed both into and within the profession.

DIRECT ENTRY INTO TAxAs school leaver schemes are becoming more common amongst larger recruiters, it is increasingly possible to train to be a tax professional without a degree. To enter these competitive programmes, you will need ABB at A Level in any subject and at least a B in GCSE Maths and English (or equivalents).

In practice, however, most entering the large accountancy firms do so via graduate training schemes, which require a strong academic background and minimum of 2:1 degree. Fortunately, it doesn’t need to be a mathematics or finance related degree – a variety of backgrounds, including humanities and languages, enable you to enter the tax profession.

routes into a tax career:1. Apply to work as a tax trainee: this

could be in an accountants’ or solicitors’ practice, a clearing bank, a tax consultancy, or an in-house tax department in commerce or industry. Entry qualifications vary but for the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms a minimum of a 2:1 degree and 300 UCAS points are required.

2. Register with the ATT, pass the examination and, once you have two years’ current tax experience, become a member of the Association.

3. Alternatively you may wish to take an ATT examination in a specific area of taxation, leading to the award of a Certificate of Competency.

4. To progress further: register with the CIOT, sit the CTA exam and become a member in due course. You will be entitled to use the designatory letters CTA and the practising title Chartered Tax Adviser.

INDIRECT ENTRY INTO TAx For those who already possess a professional qualification and who wish to specialise in tax.If you qualify as a UK accountant or lawyer, you can then specialise in tax. For example,

BACK TO CONTENTS

43


EDUCaTION aND SkIllS

passing the Legal Practice Course will entitle you to Confirmation of Eligibility to sit the Institute’s CTA exam.

Register with the CIOT, pass the CTA examination and provided that you have three years’ relevant professional experience, you can become a member of the CIOT. You will be entitled to use the designatory letters CTA and the practising title Chartered Tax Adviser.

THE ATTEntry requirementsTo register as a student you must be at least 16 years old. To enable you to pass the examination you will need a reasonable standard of English language and mathematics. Many of you reading this guide will be studying for a degree or have already obtained one; however, there are no specific qualifications required for registration as an ATT student.

Student registrationYou should be registered with the ATT at least six months in advance of the first examination session you intend to sit. (Exam sessions are in May and November.) In order to register you need to:1. Obtain and complete the appropriate

registration form from the ATT.2. Obtain the signatures of a sponsor for

the reverse of the form. The sponsor’s role is to certify that you are known to them, that the details on the form are true and correct and that they recommend you as a fit and proper person for studentship. For details of acceptable sponsors please obtain a copy of the ATT prospectus.

3. Return the form with the appropriate fee.

Student registration is valid for five years in the first instance.

THE CIOTEntry requirementsIn order to become a student of the Institute you need the necessary qualifications to obtain a Confirmation of Eligibility. Those who have completed the ATT’s examination requirements for membership are automatically granted eligibility; alternatively it can be applied for by candidates who have passed the final examinations of ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, ICAI, CIMA, or qualified as a solicitor or barrister. For a full list of qualifications which grant a Confirmation of Eligibility for the CTA examination please see the CTA prospectus.

Student registrationYou must be registered for at least six months in advance of the first examination session you intend to sit. (Exam sessions are in May and November.) In order to register you need to:

1. Obtain the application form for registration and a Confirmation of Eligibility either by enquiring to the Institute or from the education page of the CIOT website at www.tax.org.uk

2. Complete the form and return it to the Institute with the appropriate fee and documentary evidence to support your application for a Confirmation of Eligibility (for example if you have passed the Legal Practice Course you would submit a photocopy of your certificate).

Although it is possible to register as a student without meeting the Confirmation of Eligibility requirements, you would not be permitted to sit the examination until you had obtained a Confirmation of Eligibility.

Student registration is valid for three years in the first instance.

BACK TO CONTENTS



44


It’s not always easy knowing what type of company to join, or where you’ll fit in best. This article outlines the main types of tax employer and what kinds of work you could do in each to help you make the best decision right from the start.

Where do I start?As a graduate, tax has numerous points of entry. The vast majority of high-level university graduates will join one of the Big Four accountancy firms – Ernst & Young, PwC, KPMG and Deloitte.

The ‘Big Four’ firms all have structured training programmes with a definitive progression route to director or partner, and one of the attractive aspects of this route is sponsorship whilst you obtain your qualifications. Consequently, starting out with one of the major public accountancy firms is an obvious choice for the majority of graduates.

There are four main qualifications for tax professionals – Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Association of Tax Technicians (ATT). The ‘Big Four’ will usually sponsor and support you through ACA and/or CTA.

Even though the ‘Big Four’ are the leading tax practices, there are other accountancy firms that offer excellent structure, training and progression. Firms such as Grant Thornton and BDO, often referred to as ‘Mid-Tier’, are a definite option for you as a graduate moving into tax. As with the ‘Big Four’, these firms will support and often sponsor you through your tax qualifications.

What if I don’t want to work for an accountancy firm?There is no denying the majority of new graduates will start out with the ‘Big Four’ or top tier accountancy firms, but opportunities do exist with ‘in-house’ tax departments. It should

be remembered, that in order to get your ACA you must satisfy certain requirements, such as three years’ exposure within professional accountancy. By contrast, the CTA, ATT and ACCA and some other qualifications can be completed by anyone with or without a set amount of experience in tax or accountancy.

Outside accountancy firms and in-house tax departments there are opportunities to start your career from a legal perspective. This will mean specialising in tax and qualifying as a solicitor first (except for at some of the larger firms where CTA training may be possible). Following your qualifications, the opportunity to move up towards partner and/or move in-house to work in the tax field is definitely possible. In fact, across Europe and outside the UK, the vast majority of tax professionals start out as qualified solicitors as opposed to qualified accountants.

What will I do?The work you will do within tax will vary depending on your chosen route:

careers in tax:wHere dO I sTArT?

The work you will do within tax will vary depending on your chosen route: the

‘Big Four’, Mid-tier, or In-house.

BACK TO CONTENTS

45


wHERE DO I STaRT?

‘Big Four’ As previously mentioned, the ‘Big Four’ offer a very structured and supportive road to graduates. Starting out you will usually be asked to state a preference as to what area of tax you are interested in working in (Financial Services, Large Corporate, Indirect Tax, Employment Tax, and Private Client

amongst others) and you will then progress within these areas to further your knowledge. The ‘Big Four’ do offer a rotation system, which gives you exposure to different areas within tax (for example you could work for six months in Indirect Tax and then rotate to another department).

Mid-tierMid-tier firms will offer a very similar path as the ‘Big Four’, although they are not as large or specialised in structure. Once again you will be asked to elect a preferred area of tax, working in this area throughout the three years needed to gain your qualification.

In-houseWorking in-house will be far less structured than at one of the accountancy firms. Quite often the work you will be doing will be more autonomous, with less guidance. Rather than being given work to complete, the onus will often be on you to build your profile and the profile of tax within the business. Arguably, the benefits are that you will be more commercially aware and you will see tax projects from start to finish, rather than just small parts of a larger project.

It is important to remember that if you start your career in an accountancy firm, systems and procedures are in place to allow you to study and complete your exams with the minimum amount of disruption; often with in-house tax departments the expectation to study, take your exams and ensure your day to day work is not affected will fall to you directly. That said, larger companies such as FTSE20 organisations are becoming more equipped to provide the same support available within the accountancy firms.

To find out more about where your career in tax could take you, take a look at the article ‘Areas of work in Tax’ on page 10.

Hal Stoddart is an Executive Consultant for Pure Search, a recruitment agency which specialises in placing tax professionals.

BACK TO CONTENTS


46


We concentrate on one area of taxation, to get a more detailed insight into different areas of the tax industry. Across the world, the shift from direct to indirect taxation continues, so there’s no better time to focus on what it’s like to work in Indirect Tax.

If you want to develop well-rounded advisory and business skills, at the same time as acquiring niche technical expertise that is in increasingly high demand on a global scale, then a career in Indirect Tax could be for you.

What is Indirect Tax?Indirect Taxes are broadly based on transactions. Failing to account for these taxes correctly can have a huge impact on business costs and cash flows, and therefore expertise is highly sought after. VAT is the main discipline in the UK in which you find Indirect Tax specialists, but in addition there are experts in areas such as Customs & Excise Duty, Insurance Premium Tax and Export Control.

Where are Indirect Tax specialists employed?The Big Four accountancy firms have sizeable Indirect Tax teams in place in the UK (c. 200-250 specialists nationally). These individuals advise how indirect taxes impact their clients’ supply chain and financial and accounting systems. Their offering is broad-ranging, but includes identifying and addressing areas of risk, providing timely planning solutions and the application of technology-based compliance management solutions. In a Big Four firm, one would tend to specialise in advisory work in a particular sector, for example: banking, insurance, funds, technology, telecommunications, retail, energy, travel & transportation, middle markets and the public sector.

Smaller accountancy and some law firms also have well-established Indirect Tax consultancy teams in place (team sizes can range between 1 – 50 Indirect Tax specialists nationally) and there are as well a number of independent

Indirect Tax consultancy practices providing successful alternative advisory services. Individuals working in such organisations tend to have developed really broad-ranging in-depth Indirect Tax expertise.

Most large multinational commercial organisations and financial services institutions have their own internal Indirect Tax specialists in place. At the more senior grades, typical roles include providing strategic advice on indirect tax implications that affect your employer as well as managing compliance, often on a global scale. At the more junior grades, Indirect Tax specialists can fulfil compliance, accounting and process positions, as well as advisory roles.

focus on:IndIreCT TAX

BACK TO CONTENTS

47


INDIRECT Tax

In addition, HM Revenue & Customs employ Indirect Tax specialists to manage the government’s collection of Indirect Taxes. Typical positions include visiting VAT registered companies to ensure they are paying the correct amount of VAT at the correct time.

routes into private sector Indirect Tax careersThe Big Four accountancy firms offer graduate training programmes in Indirect Tax. As well as learning the arts of consulting by working on big ticket client accounts, one would also typically study towards a professional qualification, usually the CTA (Chartered Tax Advisor), but some firms also combine this with training towards an accounting qualification. Graduates will need to demonstrate exceptional interpersonal and teamwork skills, the potential for developing strong client relationships, intellectual capability and the ability to apply knowledge in a practical way. Your degree could be in almost any subject, but usually you would need a 2:1 degree or above and good A Level grades.

One can also move into a private sector Indirect Tax career from positions in HM Revenue & Customs if your role there has afforded you experience of Indirect Tax legislation.

More of a rarity would be transferring into an Indirect Tax position at a junior level from a prior accounting or direct tax position.

Where can an Indirect Tax career lead me?Indirect Tax expertise is a much sought after commodity. Should one wish to carve out a career in an Indirect Tax consultancy environment in an accountancy firm, this can lead to Partnership for those who demonstrate exceptional business

development, management and strategic skills on top of technical aptitude.

Alternatively, with a few years’ experience of Indirect Tax, you can move to an in-house role, where you could end up as Global Head of Indirect Tax for a major commercial organisation or financial services institution, provided you demonstrate the requisite commercial aptitude and strategic impact.

UK Indirect Tax specialists are also in increasingly high demand in other countries and the skills are progressively more transportable – once you are qualified, it’s possible to secure secondments or permanent moves to the USA, Australia, Far East, Africa or mainland Europe.

What makes a successful Indirect Tax specialist?• People skills• Energy and drive• Influencing skills• An ability to deliver exceptional client

service• An analytical approach and attention to

detail• Intelligence – an ability to assimilate,

interpret and explain complex concepts in a manner that’s easily understood by non specialists

• A willingness to go the extra mile• Personality and humour.

Guy Barrand is an Associate Director in BLT’s market leading Indirect Tax recruitment division. Guy recruits experienced Indirect Tax specialists for organisations of all shapes and sizes globally. Email: [email protected]

Keep up to date with all of

the latest news in tax:

www.insidecareers.co.uk/

tax

BACK TO CONTENTS




48


It can be hard trying to start your career. The media is telling you that it is increasingly difficult to get a graduate job, your graduate loan is steadily increasing, your family are pressuring you to work out what you want to do with your life and all of your friends seem to have a plan... where do you start?

Getting startedA good start is not to believe the press about there being no roles out there. The market has moved the goalposts a little, however, if you can get focused and a foot in the door early, you are giving yourself the best opportunity. Work experience, ideally in a field you are going to enjoy, that will develop your skills and potentially will lead to a graduate path, is a perfect start. The first step is to research roles and firms and get clued up before applying for internships.

Along the way you may find out what you do and don’t like – internships build your understanding, knowledge, skills and confidence in making that decision of where and how you want to start your career.

Think about what kind of work experience you want, your skills, how it will be valuable and whether you will enjoy it. Employers want you to be keen, enthusiastic and genuinely passionate (or at least excited). So choose a role that is personally of interest to you, not your friend or your mum and dad, as you could be doing this for a long time.

Work experience comes in many forms. The accountancy and tax areas offer summer internships, which are usually between four and nine weeks, but any length of scheme is good experience. Internships usually incorporate a number of aspects – training, networking and if you perform well can lead on to a graduate role secured before you return to your final year at university.

Finding the right experienceResearch is the key before applying. Your careers service has a substantial library of information and are in contact with the most active recruiters. Additionally you can search the web for ‘insider views’ of different internships or company websites often have case studies of people who have done their placement schemes. You can also find internship roles on the Inside Careers website. Recommendations can also add weight to your choice of work experience, but be careful not to be swayed by your best friend because they may enjoy something completely different from you.

how to secureTAX InTernsHIPs

BACK TO CONTENTS

49


HOw TO SECURE Tax INTERNSHIPS

Applying and getting the job So now you are well on your way to finding work experience, how do you get that highly sought after opportunity?

When applying to companies, understand that the recruiters will be seeing a large amount of applications and most will be regurgitating the website in an attempt to show their robust research. Knowing something more about the firm, maybe that you have learnt from meeting them at their events or at fairs, can really stand you apart. Getting through the application process will be based on whether you can show you are focused enough, have the right minimum criteria such as academics and being in the right year of study and can show competencies via your work experience and extra curricular activities.

Recruiters want to see that you have a good understanding of the role and that

it personally suits you. Being genuine and confident in your skills and experience is key. Remember, it’s ok to be nervous at interview but you still need to get your points communicated succinctly and well. This is your opportunity to shine if you can apply yourself to research and practice before the interview. Use techniques such as STAR (situation, target, action, result) to answer questions and really focus on the actual question rather than noise in your head about what they are trying to find. You will most likely be juggling many applications with going to lectures, revising for exams and crucially enjoying a social life at university. In this case planning ahead as in most parts of life is key, so book time into your timetables and set aside time to prepare and complete applications.

Preparing to get a job can be a job in itself, but remember it’s worthwhile in the long run and may save some extra time and unnecessary worrying in the future. Just remember, if you get an internship and it leads onto a graduate role it will free you up to focus on your final year of studies and getting that all-important 2:1 or above, that all the employers want you to have. Remember you were probably daunted by the prospect of applying and finding a university and course yet you achieved that, so this is just another thing you can achieve with enough time and preparation.

Internships can be really rewarding – fun, interesting, challenging, a chance to meet likeminded peers, network, get paid and secure a graduate job early. So you have lots to look forward to getting an internship – so what are you waiting for? Good luck!

What an internship might involve:

• Training on-the-job and structured training courses and inductions.

• Client interaction including audits onsite, meeting with HMRC, liaising with individuals and corporate companies.

• Business related projects including reviews, reports, analysis and presentations.

• Daily business tasks could also involve a wide variety of tax computations, tax returns, audits, insolvency issues etc depending on which business area you experience.

• Networking events with buddies, managers and partners and corporate responsibility opportunities.

richard Waite is Resourcing Brand Senior Officer at Grant Thornton.

BACK TO CONTENTS


The Institute & Qualifications

BACK TO CONTENTS

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN TAx ExAMS?

ABOUT THE ATT

ABOUT THE CIOT52

55

57

BACK TO CONTENTS

52

THE INSTITUTE & QUalIFICaTIONS

The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) is the senior professional body in the United Kingdom concerned solely with all aspects of taxation. With a membership based broadly across the professions and across occupations in industry, commerce, the public sector and the taxation authorities, the bond between members, whether they are salaried employees, partners in large professional firms, or sole traders, is a common interest in taxation.

The CIOT was founded in 1930, achieved charitable status in 1981 and was granted its Royal Charter in 1994. The Institute’s purpose, as laid down in its governing articles, is to: advance public education in, and promote the study of, the administration and practice of taxation. The grant of the Charter by Her Majesty the Queen in April 1994 has been the event of greatest significance in the Institute’s history. The Charter is formal recognition that the practice of taxation has become a separate profession.

By setting the highest standards of excellence and integrity the Institute’s aim is to continue to be the leading UK body for tax professionals. Education is a major part of this objective.

The Institute’s first examination was held in 1932 and consisted of four papers. The British College of Accountancy commented that the examinations were too hard and so an intermediate exam was introduced. This system of intermediate and final examinations existed until 1989. At that time The Association of Taxation Technicians was established and its examinations took the place of the old Institute’s Intermediate examination.

Completing the ATT examination is one way of qualifying for Confirmation of Eligibility, which is a prerequisite to sit the examination and then to advance to membership status of the Institute.

The Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT) qualification was introduced in 2003, in recognition of the demand for a specialist diploma to meet the needs of international tax practitioners in the corporate area. Just as the CTA qualification indicates that the individual has a certain level of competence in UK tax matters, so the diploma indicates a high level of competence in international taxation. Completion of the ADIT examination also entitles students to apply for Confirmation of Eligibility for the CTA examination, as well as an exemption from one of the tax papers.

The letters ATII and FTII to denote Associates and Fellows of the Institute respectively had been in use since 1935, until September

The Chartered Institution of Taxation (CIOT) is the leading professional body in the UK for advisers dealing with all aspects of taxation. Read about the organisation, its history, goals and the benefits of CIOT membership.

aboutTHe CIOT

The institute’s purpose is to advance public

education in, and promote the study of, the administration and

practice of taxation.

BACK TO CONTENTS

53


abOUT THE CIOT

2002 when they were replaced with the new designatory initials, CTA and CTA (Fellow). This was to reflect the fact that Members of the Institute may use the practising title of ‘Chartered Tax Adviser’, as granted by the Privy Council in September 1997.

Management of the InstituteThe Institute is governed by its council, which delegates much of the detailed work to committees. All the work of the Institute’s council and committee members is voluntary.

The most important of these, which demonstrate the key roles of the Institute, are as follows:

Education Committee The Education Committee is responsible for all the training and educational activities of the Institute including the examination syllabus.

Examination CommitteeResponsible for the delivery of the examinations and the examination results.

Membership Committee The Membership Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Institute continues to meet the needs of its members, including the administration of the branch network.

Technical CommitteeThe Technical Committee is responsible for consulting with, and making representations to, government and revenue authorities on current and future legislation. A number of

technical sub-committees made up of experts in their own fields report to the committee.

One of their tasks is to go through the annual Finance Bill line by line in the limited time available while the bill is before parliament. Weaknesses and anomalies in legislation and drafting are identified and representations are made appropriately.

The Institute’s influence on direct tax administration in the last 60 years is inestimable. There can hardly be a single measure on which its comments have not been taken into account.

MembershipMembership of the Institute is made up of Associates (CTAs), and Fellows (CTA (Fellow). These members include tax specialists running their own practices, tax barristers, those who work for law and accountancy firms, including most of the UK’s leading tax experts, and HM Revenue & Customs and other government personnel.

Professional Standards CommitteeResponsible for CIOT members professional rules, standards and supporting material.

Ethics, discipline and supportThe CIOT provides its members with a framework of ethical standards and practice guidelines. Members have the opportunity to gain direct access to tax counsel through the special advocacy scheme. The Institute

BACK TO CONTENTS


54


also provides a support service with regard to professional and personal issues, including counselling to assist members in trouble.

Continuing professional development The Institute organises two weekend residential update conferences, one day conferences on Indirect and International Indirect Tax and on the Finance Bill, all on an annual basis.

Members also have the opportunity for participation in technical and social activities organised by the Institute’s branches, situated in the UK and abroad.

Publications and communicationsThe Institute publishes its own monthly journal, Tax Adviser, and the manuals Essential Law for Tax Practitioners and Essential Accounting for the Tax Practitioner.

All members and students receive Tax Adviser, which includes technical articles, current tax notes, details of recent tax cases and news from the Institute and Association. Members are also provided with annotated copies of the annual Finance Act or Acts, and an annotated copy of other tax Acts or publications as the Council may decide (this currently includes a copy of Tolley’s Tax Guide).

Periodically students are sent a link to the latest student newsletter on the website with relevant information for the exam and other

topics of interest. Students are alerted by email that an updated version is available. CareersAlthough the Institute does not employ taxation trainees or tax advisers directly, it aims to promote taxation as a career. This is achieved through advertising, attending careers fairs and supplying free careers literature to any interested parties.

LibraryMembers and students have use of the Institute’s Tony Arnold Library, which is situated at King’s College, London, including access to theses and bodies of work written by successful candidates for Fellowship and a number of online information databases. This includes access to (and an entry in) an online directory of Chartered Tax Advisers, showing all Institute members and their areas of specialisation.

For further information, please contact:

The Chartered Institute of Taxation1st Floor Artillery House11-19 Artillery RowLondon SW1P 1RTT: 020 7340 0550 Fax: 020 7235 [email protected]

Please quote Inside Careers Guide 2013/2014 when you contact us.

BACK TO CONTENTS



55


abOUT THE aTT

The Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) is the leading professional body for those providing tax compliance services and related activities in the UK. Our members are qualified by examination and practical experience to assist individuals and businesses in complying with their tax obligations. Members come from varied backgrounds and with very different prior experience.

The ATT was formed in 1989 to provide a qualification for those engaged in tax compliance. The creation of the Association grew out of the development of taxation as an independent professional activity in its own right and the clear need for a qualification specifically related to the field of tax compliance.

The Association’s examination provides an excellent basis in UK taxation together with the relevant law and accountancy principles. A successful examinee – who also fulfills the practical experience criterion – acquires through membership of the Association the qualification ‘Taxation Technician’ and use of the designatory letters ATT. Fellowship of the ATT denotes the letters ATT (Fellow). The ATT qualification provides a solid foundation from which to build a future career in taxation or related fields.

Management of the AssociationThe affairs of the Association are directed and managed by a council, supported by committees and working parties. The largest is the Member Steering Group, one of whose primary aims is to ensure that the Association is responsive to the needs of present and future members, those who employ them and

those who use their services. Members of the council and the committees give considerable amounts of their time to the Association, on a voluntary basis.

MembershipAn increasing number of members are using their ATT qualification to practise in their own right and to provide taxation compliance services directly to the public.

Since admitting its first members in January 1990, the Association’s growth in membership has exceeded all expectations. Many members hold a qualification from another professional body and have seen the ATT as a natural addition. The largest source of members, however, comprises those engaged in tax compliance. Increasingly, the Association is recognised as the professional body for this growing group of tax practitioners.

Since 1 January 2011 members of the ATT who have obtained 10 years’ membership have been able to apply to become Fellows of the ATT using the post nominals ATT (Fellow) and the title Taxation Technician (Fellow).

Ethics, discipline and supportAll members are subject to an ethical code that governs their professional conduct. Reported breaches of the code, or failings in the quality of service, are referred to the Taxation Disciplinary Board. This is an independent organisation established by the Association and the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) to handle all complaints against members of both bodies. If the alleged breach of ethics or standards is established by the Disciplinary Committee

The Association of Taxation Technicians sets the benchmark in technical education and qualification for taxation technicians. It is the leading professional body for qualified taxation technicians who specialise in complying with UK tax obligations, compliance services and related activities.

aboutTHe ATT

BACK TO CONTENTS


56


of the Taxation Disciplinary Board it can impose penalties or, in a serious case, exclusion from membership.

ATT members have direct professional access to members of the General Council of the Bar in England and Wales, the faculty of Advocates in Scotland and members of the General Council of the Bar in Northern Ireland. Members also have access to a counselling service with regard to professional and personal issues.

Continuing professional developmentThe Association organises a yearly members’ conference that is taken to different venues around the UK as well as a number of one-day and half-day seminars. The Association also offers two student training conferences each year, run in spring and autumn in preparation for the May and November examination sessions. These are held in conjunction with The CIOT.

The Association also has branches throughout the UK, catering to the requirements of the members and students within their areas with technical and social activities.

Publications and communicationsThe Association publishes, with the CIOT, a monthly journal called Tax Adviser and the manual Essential Accounting for the Tax Practitioners. In addition to this, the Association publishes the Essential Law for Tax Practitioners, which forms the basis for the Law E-Assessment.

Tax Adviser, a journal which all members receive as one of the benefits of membership, includes technical articles, current tax notes, details of recent tax cases and news from the Institute and Association. Members also receive an annotated copy of the annual Finance Act or Acts, an annotated copy of other tax acts or publications as the council may decide (this currently includes a copy of Tolley’s Tax Guide).

The Association communicates regularly with its membership and its students through the website and by email and through the monthly ATT Members’ News and quarterly Students’ Newsletter, emailed to all registered students. Newsworthy items and technical topics of note are released to the professional press and general media.

LibraryMembers have use of the Institute’s Tony Arnold Library, which is situated at King’s College, London, including access to theses and bodies of work written by successful candidates for CIOT Fellowship and a number of online databases.

Higher Apprenticeship programmeThe ATT has worked with other professional bodies and employers to create a new Higher Apprenticeship programme in tax which is closely aligned with the requirements of the existing ATT professional qualification, enabling Apprentices to secure that professional award as part of their Apprenticeship. The programme will provide employers with a new model for recruitment and development from a broad, diverse talent pool, particularly aimed at young people leaving school or college aged 18. The new programme will equip apprentices with the range of technical knowledge, broader business skills and competencies they need to be productive employees in the professional services. If you have any other queries, contact [email protected]

For further information, please contact:The Association of Taxation Technicians1st Floor Artillery House11-19 Artillery RowLondon SW1P 1RTT: 020 7340 [email protected]

Please quote Inside Careers Guide 2013/2014 when you contact us.

BACK TO CONTENTS




57


Tax ExamS

THE CTAThe CTA examination is a modular examination structure. There are two sittings of the examination in May and November of each year.

On registering with the CIOT you must register as either a direct or an indirect tax student.

If you are planning on sitting the indirect tax route then you will have to follow a specific examination route. You are required to sit four papers on taxation. Three of these are three and a quarter hours in length (this includes 15 minutes of pre-examination reading time). Please note the Awareness paper is only three hours in length and does not include any pre-examination reading time.

The four taxation papers are as follows:• Two Advisory papers• One Awareness paper• One Application and Interaction paper.

In addition there are two one-hour E-Assessments, one on professional Responsibilities & Ethics and one on Law.

Both E-Assessments must be passed before applying to sit for your final written paper(s).

Examination pass markThe pass mark for each taxation paper is 50% of the total marks. Candidates who receive a mark of 50% in any paper will be awarded a credit in that paper. It is not necessary to sit all four tax papers at the same sitting, (although you may if you wish).

The two E-Assessments can be sat separately. You will be able to sit the E-Assessments at a

time of your choosing at examination centres throughout the UK. You will be asked to answer 60 questions on a variety of multiple choice and multiple response formats, in some cases related to a practical scenario. Alternative questions for Scots Law candidates will be provided where appropriate. To pass the paper, 40 or more questions out of 60 must be answered correctly.

Important CTA and ATT exam informationThe written examination is held each year in May and November.

You need to be registered as a student with us for at least six months before the first written examination you intend to sit, however you can sit the E-Assessments 21 working days after your registration has been confirmed.

You should be registered by:• 30 April for the November examination• 31 October for the May examination of

the following year.

You can register as a student and enter for the exams online via the CTA (www.tax.org.uk) and ATT (www.att.org.uk) websites. You are not automatically entered for the exams when you register as a student.

The last date for submitting an examination entry is as follows:• 28 February for the May examination• 31 August for the November examination.

In exceptional circumstances the institute and association may, at its absolute discretion, accept an application for late entry on payment of an additional fee, currently £100.

The papers can be sat in any order you wish.

Passing the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) and the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) examinations are important steps to becoming a successful taxation professional. Find out more about the different exam routes and what they require.

what’s involved inTAX eXAMs?

BACK TO CONTENTS




58


CTA Direct Tax Route ExaminationsAp

plica

tion

and

inte

ract

ion

E-As

sesm

ents

You choose two Advisory papers (three hours in length plus 15 minutes reading time)You are unable to choose the two VAT Advisory papers (VAT on UK Domestic Transactions, IPT & SDLT and VAT on Cross-Border Transactions & Customs Duties) on the direct tax route. If you wish to sit these two VAT Advisory papers then you will follow the indirect tax route examination structure.

Awar

enes

s

VAT including Stamp Taxes

Corporation Tax

Inheritance Tax, Trusts

& Estates

Taxation of Unincorporated

Businesses

Taxation of Individuals

Advis

ory Taxation of Owner-

Managed Businesses

Taxation of Individuals

VAT on UK Domestic Transactions, IPT &

SDLT

VAT on Cross-Border Transactions & Customs Duties

Inheritance Tax, Trusts & Estates

Advanced Corporation Tax

You choose one Application and Interaction case study (three hours in length plus 15 minutes reading time)

Taxation of Owner- Managed Businesses

Taxation of Individuals, Trusts

& Estates

Taxation of Larger Companies and

Groups

VAT & Other Indirect Taxes

Law

Professional Responsibilties & Ethics

You take two E-Assessments (one hour in length)These must be completed before you are able to enter for your last written paper

You choose three modules from the Awareness paper – these cannot be the same as the corresponding Advisory papers chosen or credits awarded for the Advisory papers (three hours in length).

BACK TO CONTENTS

59


Tax ExamS

CTA Indirect Tax Route ExaminationsAp

plica

tion

and

inte

ract

ion

E-As

sesm

ents

Awar

enes

s

Corporation Tax

Taxation of Unincorporated

BusinessesAccounting

Other Indirect Taxes

Advis

ory VAT on UK Domestic

Transactions, IPT & SDLT

VAT on Cross-Border Transactions & Customs Duties

VAT & Other Indirect Taxes

Law

Professional Responsibilties & Ethics

One

of e

ither

:

You take three modules from the Awareness paper: two compulsory and one a choice between Taxation of unincorporated Businesses or Corporation Tax (three hours in length)

You take two Advisory papers (three hours in length plus 15 minutes reading time)

You take one Application and Interaction case study (three hours in length plus 15 minutes reading time)

You take two E-Assessments (one hour in length)

Conditions:1. You can apply to sit the Advisory and Application & interaction papers first providing you are also sitting the Awareness paper at the same time.a. If you fail all papers entered, you must pass the Awareness paper first in order to be able to re-sit the others.b. If you pass any paper but fail the Awareness, the passes will be valid for five sittings thereafter, during which you must complete the remaining exams, including the E-Assessments.

2. If you hold certain other professional and academic qualifications, condition one would be irrelevant and you can sit any of the written examinations. Details of such qualifications can be found on the CIOT website under the Indirect Tax route information.

BACK TO CONTENTS


60


THE ATT This is a modular structure offering a choice from six free-standing Certificates of Competency, so if a candidate works wholly in, for example, personal tax compliance they will be able to take an examination in that topic only. This will lead to the award of a Certificate of Competency in that topic.

For full membership, three written papers must be passed together with the two E-Assessments, and the experience requirements must be satisfied.

The Certificate papers are as follows with law, ethics and accounting issues examined in each paper, determined by their relevance to that paper:

Each written Certificate paper examination is three and a quarter hours in length with 15 minutes reading time included.

Each examination focuses on demonstrating achievement in:Certificate Paper 1 – Personal Taxation • Preparing the information of income and

capital gains to be included in the SA personal tax return and any associated computations.

• Submitting the return and computations

under UK self-assessment• Completing a client’s claim for tax credits.

Certificate Paper 2 – Business Taxation & Accounting Principles• Preparing the information to be included

in SA tax returns for sole traders or partners.

• Preparing the information to be included in the SA partnership tax return.Preparing the information to be included in CTSA returns for companies.

• Preparing any associated computations in relation to the above.

• Submitting returns and computations under self-assessment and CTSA.

Certificate Paper 3 – Business Compliance• Dealing with employer obligations under

PAYE, NIC and related matters under the tax system.

• Completing and submitting VAT returns.

Certificate Paper 4 – Corporate TaxationDealing with all aspects of the Paper 2 syllabus in more complex situations. This paper is not intended to be a corporate tax paper, rather it will focus on the taxes that affect corporate businesses and their owners.

1. Personal Taxation

2. Business Taxation & Accounting Principles

Two compulsory written papers

Your choice of any one of these four papers

3. Business Compliance 4. Corporate Taxation

5. Inheritance Tax, Trusts & Estates

6. VAT

Two compulsory E-Assessments

Law Professional Responsibilites & Ethics

BACK TO CONTENTS

61


Tax ExamS

Certificate Paper 5 – Inheritance Tax, Trusts & Estates• Preparing the information to be included

in the SA Trust & Estate Tax Return.• Preparing any associated computations

in relation to the above.• Submitting the return and computations

under UK self-assessment.

Certificate Paper 6 – Value Added Tax • Preparing the information to be included

in the VAT Return for a taxable trader• Computing any annual or periodic

adjustments to be included in a VAT return.• Being aware of any special schemes

available for taxable traders generally, and to be able to complete returns where such schemes apply.

E-Assessments: Professional responsibilities & Ethics and LawEach E-Assessment is one hour in length. Certificates of Competency are not available for a pass in the E-Assessments.The E-Assessments will be taken at test centres around the UK at any point throughout the year.

Examination pass markTo pass a Certificate paper you are required to achieve 50% of the total marks available. If you fail a Certificate paper you will be permitted to re-sit any subsequent examination, provided that you submit an examination entry and pay the fee at each attempt and you are registered as a student at the time of re-sitting.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Employer Directory

BACK TO CONTENTS

64

68

70

65

72

66

74 rSm TENON

Ey

PwC

dElOiTTE

mErCEr & hOlE

BdO

mAzArS

BACK TO CONTENTS

64

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

Not all big accountancy firms are the same. We pride ourselves on being big enough to matter, yet small enough to value our clients as people rather than commercial opportunities. At BDO our difference is that exceptional client service is simply non-negotiable. We employ exceptional people – and help them to get on with the job, without needless bureaucracy. Our systems work to support our people, not the other way around.

Our training is as exceptional – and individual – as the people we recruit. Most study for the ACA, but there are also routes to other professional qualifications including the CTA. Training is tailored to your needs and centred on first hand experience. That’s why we get such excellent results.

The firm offers you opportunities in a range of exciting areas from tax to forensic services, with the chance to take real responsibility on projects alongside partners and colleagues. Refreshingly, our partners are known for their hands-on involvement and mutual support is an essential part of the culture.

At BDO we deal with a genuinely diverse range of clients, whose needs vary as much as their specialisms and situations. You’ll face stimulating challenges that expose you to many different sectors. You could also spend time abroad: BDO is a global accountancy network with more than 1,000 offices in over 100 countries – and 23 locations across the UK and Guernsey.

What else? BDO has won a number of service and sector related awards including, for the second year in succession, Accountant of the Year at the 2012 M&A Awards, Auditor of the Year at the Real Business’ FDs’ Excellence Awards 2012 and Best Innovation in ClientService and Relationship Management at the Managing Partners’ Forum European Leadership Awards 2012.

How to applyOnline

Contact informationwww.bdo.co.uk/graduates

Scan for BDO’s live jobs

Type of work experience offeredInternships and insight days

No. of graduate vacancies200

Disciplines recruited fromAll degrees considered

Min. degree required2:1

Min. UCAS points280

Starting salaryCompetitive

Benefits25 days holiday, gym membership, healthcare, life assurance and pension scheme

No. of employees3,500 (UK) 55,000 (worldwide)

Locations23 locations across the UK plus an office in Guernsey

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.bdo.co.uk/graduates

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/tax/employer/bdo/

65


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

How to applyOnline application form. Applications are filled on a first come, first serve basis

Contact informationwww.deloitte.co.uk/graduates

Scan for Deloitte’s live jobs

No. of graduate vacancies1,200

No. of work experience vacancies500

Type of work experience offeredInternships and industrial placements

Disciplines recruited fromWe accept applications from all degree disciplines


Min. UCAS points300


BenefitsHealthcare, pension scheme, study support, interest-free loan, season ticket loan, life assurance and bike scheme

No. of employees14,000 (UK)

No. of partners890

Locations21 offices across the UK from Aberdeen to Jersey

International opportunitiesYes

Helping the biggest businesses make some of their biggest decisions. Tackling the most complex operations. Leading the leading-edge. Developing expertise not just in one company, but in entire industries. This is what it means to be a professional at Deloitte, the world’s largest professional services firm. We offer five distinct entry routes:

• Audit• Tax• Consulting• Corporate Finance• Technology.

Choose any of these programmes and you’ll enjoy an unparalleled start to your career in business, tackling a wide range of assignments with high-profile clients across different sectors; receiving coaching from senior colleagues; benefiting from world-class training and development; and working towards professional qualifications. What’s more, you can expect excellent rewards and plenty of recognition for your hard work too.

Who we’re looking forWe accept graduates from any degree discipline. However, for the majority of our vacancies you will need the following (or equivalent if not taken in the UK):

• A 2:1 in your first degree• 300 UCAS points (320 for Consulting and

Corporate Finance) • GCSE Maths grade B or above• English grade C or above• A real interest in business and excellent

interpersonal skills.

To find out more information and to apply online, go to www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates. We operate on a first come, first served basis, and places are limited so we’d encourage you to apply as early as possible.

It’s your future. How far will you take it?

BACK TO CONTENTS


http://www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/tax/employer/deloitte/

66

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

sA

pp

lic

At

ion

de

tA

ils

vA

cA

nc

y d

et

Ail

sc

om

pA

ny

de

tA

ils

How to applyOnline, followed by a first interview and strengths-based assessment centre

Contact informationwww.ey.com/uk/careers

Application deadlineYear-round recruitment. Early application advised

Scan for EY’s live jobs



Disciplines recruited fromVarious


Min. UCAS points300


Benefits25 days holiday, healthcare, pension scheme, season ticket loan, life assurance and gym membership

No. of employees167,000 (worldwide)

No. of partners549 (UK)

No. of traineesc. 1,500 (UK)

LocationsNationwide


Go further, fasterEY is one of the world’s leading professional services firms. It has 167,000 people in 140 countries, with combined global revenues of US $24.4 billion and plans to be a $50 billion organisation by 2020. It seeks driven, ambitious graduates who want a stimulating and challenging start to their careers.

EY’s clients are some of the most successful, innovative and respected global organisations, and range across all industry and public sectors. EY people understand how businesses work. Their ingenuity, dynamism and creativity help anticipate and meet their clients’ needs: improving how they work, grow, seize opportunities, and make vital business decisions about the future of the working world. They work in four service lines across the world: Advisory, Assurance, Corporate Finance and Tax.

EY prides itself on its world-class training, mentoring and professional qualifications – the first step to a successful, varied and fulfilling career path. The firm offers on-campus workshops with guidance about applications, interviews and provides useful advice on how to increase employability. Inspiring talks and sessions offer insights into the business world to help improve your commercial awareness.

Students are encouraged to apply to one of the EY undergraduate programmes, designed to discover their natural strengths and forge a career that takes them as far as they want to go. And with an internship or placement, candidates will engage directly with global organisations on real projects while learning what working life is like at EY.

Careers at the top of the business world are defined by where they start. Starting at EY gives the skills, contacts and experiences to make a career go further, faster.

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.ey.com/uk/careers

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/tax/employer/ernst-young-tax/

Jobs & deadlines l Latest industry news l Advice

Like us on FAcebook /insidecareers

FoLLow us on twitter@insidecareers

FoLLow us on Linkedin /company/inside-careers

https://twitter.com/InsideCareers

https://www.facebook.com/insidecareers

http://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-careers

68

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

How to applyOnline via www.graduates.mazars.co.uk

Contact [email protected]

Application deadlineOngoing

Scan for Mazars’ live jobs

No. of graduate vacanciesc. 100

No. of work experience vacanciesc. 10


Disciplines recruited fromAny


Min. UCAS points280


Benefits20 days holiday, pension scheme, study support, season ticket loan, life assurance, bike scheme, gym membership and social events

No. of employees1,250 (UK) 13,500 (Worldwide)

No. of partners116

Locations17 offices in the UK


Go from trainee, to qualified accountant, to the top of your game!Mazars is an international, integrated and independent organisation specialising in audit, advisory, accounting, tax and legal services. The Group operates in 71 countries, and draws on the expertise of 13,500 professionals to assist companies – major international groups, SMEs, private investors – and public bodies, at every stage in their development.

We make a differenceOur work is at the heart of business. And our purpose is to make the difference, to help our clients achieve success by providing the very best advice and support.

However, we not only make a difference for our clients, we can also make a difference for our staff. We work across a broad range of sectors, including banking and insurance, public sector and charity, and we work throughout the UK and on international assignments too. This means we offer a fantastic range of opportunities and experiences for all our staff to experience!

From the first day you arrive at Mazars, you will be welcomed with rewarding work, a good client list and supportive colleagues – all the crucial ingredients you need to inspire and educate you as you study for your qualification. As a fully integrated international firm, we can give you the opportunity to work in one of our offices overseas, if you’d like to gain international business experience. We offer a diverse range of client services, so there are plenty of routes your career can take. Whichever path you decide is right for you – we’ll be on your side.

You’ll make a difference.If you do decide to join the firm, you can be certain there is plenty of scope for you to make a difference too!

We want driven professional individuals who excel at working with others, who have the ability to communicate at a high level and who share the same values as Mazars. Alongside this you must be able to demonstrate analytical skills, commitment, drive, commercial awareness, flexibility and creativity. As future leaders of the firm......together we’ll make a difference!

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.graduates.mazars.co.uk


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/tax/employer/mazars/

70

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

Mercer & Hole is a modern firm but with roots established in 1905 by the founding partner, William Mercer. Whilst Mercer & Hole initially provided just audit and accountancy services, linked to the necessary tax calculations and returns, we now work with business and private clients on many varied aspects of their financial affairs, for example, offering taxation and trust services, business development, financial services, corporate finance and rescue, recovery, and insolvency services. One of the top 50 firms of accountants in the country, we are also one of the top 20 firms for taxation services. Two of our number are former presidents of The Chartered Institute of Taxation and another is a leading UK lecturer in this field.

In response to the increasingly international nature of business, Mercer & Hole became a founder member of The International Accounting Group (TIAG) and through this network and its sister network of legal firms TAGLaw, we can recommend firms to provide accounting and legal services abroad.

As well as offering you the opportunity to work for an expanding and reputable firm, trainees are offered the following:

• Full training, sponsorship and support for professional study (ATT, CTA) or (ACA, CTA)

• Study leave• Competitive salary • Company pension scheme• Life Assurance• Childcare vouchers• Career progression.

We also offer trainee opportunities in audit/accountancy and rescue, recovery and insolvency.

Registered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales to carry out audit work. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

How to applyApplication form via email or post

Contact informationwww.mercerhole.co.uk/graduate-programme

[email protected]

Application deadline31 January 2014

Scan for Mercer & Hole’s live jobs



Disciplines recruited fromAny, although Law would be an advantage


Min. UCAS points260


Benefits23 days holiday, pension scheme, study support, flexitime, season ticket loan, life assurance, bike scheme and social events

No. of employees153

No. of partners18

No. of trainees25

LocationsLondon, Milton Keynes and St Albans

International opportunitiesNo

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.mercerhole.co.uk/


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/tax/employer/mercer-hole/

Head online and find the tools you need to help you get ahead in your tax career.

Stand out, get noticed

TAX



72

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

How to applyOnline at www.pwc.com/uk/careers – apply early to avoid disappointment

Contact informationPwC recruitment helpline: T: 0808 100 1500

Application deadlineDeadlines apply in some areas. Please visit our website for details

Scan for PwC’s live jobs

Type of work experience offeredInsight days, talent academy, shadow a female leader, internships and work placements

No. of work experience vacanciesc. 45

No. of graduate vacanciesc. 110

Disciplines recruited fromAll degree subjects


Min. UCAS points300


Benefits25 days holiday, bike scheme, gym membership, healthcare scheme, interest-free loan, life assurance, pension scheme, season ticket loan and study support

No. of employeesc. 17,000 (UK) c. 180,000 (worldwide)

LocationsOffices across the UK

International opportunitiesVisit our global site for more information – www.pwc.comYour career is just that; yours. You choose it. You

live it. You make it happen. To get the best from it, you need the best opportunities. That’s why opportunities are at the heart of a career with us. Opportunities to grow as an individual, to build lasting relationships and make an impact in a place where people, quality and value mean everything. And we’re proud, based on the op-portunity we offer, that students have voted us the number one Graduate Employer in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for the last ten years.

Tax opportunities with PwCAs a member of our tax practice you’ll be part of a great team of people. You’ll work alongside global and rapidly emerging UK businesses, as well as private individuals, to bring them the value they need. You’ll be involved in projects from the very start of your career and will work with your clients to under-stand their business aims and address their challenges.

in Corporate Tax you’ll be advising or supportingour clients by tackling a broad range of workthat includes: multinational advisory projects, audit, tax compliance, and researching business issues that affect clients’ tax affairs – all the while keeping pace with regularly changing tax rules.in Human Resource Consulting Services you’llhelp some of the world’s leading employers makethe most of their biggest asset – their people. You’llwork on everything from international pensions tocommunications, employment law and employeeincentives to tax compliance.in Indirect Tax you’ll advise businesses on VAT and other indirect taxes, including the international trade issues linked to Customs and Excise Duties. It’s a highly commercial, ever-changing and extremely wide-ranging field. You’ll be given responsibility early in your career and you’ll have the opportunity to test your strengths and abilities.

Take the opportunity of a lifetime.www.pwc.com/uk/careerswww.facebook.com/PwCCareersUK

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.pwc.com

http://www.pwc.com/uk/careers


http://www.facebook.com/PwCCareersUK

http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/tax/employer/pwc/

73


EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Can you describe what you do?I work in the international assignment services team within tax. I deal with really big companies that may have offices and operations in different companies, so they’ll send employees from one office to another. I’ll advise on complex tax issues that arise from this activity. There are so many tax changes at the moment that people aren’t aware of and my role is knowing what these changes are and advising on what the impact will be.

What do you enjoy most?Having an international aspect is really interesting. It also helps expand my network. Whenever I’ve had a problem, I use the relationships I’ve developed throughout the world. It’s really interesting as I’ve been able to broaden my knowledge of global tax restrictions.

Do you have any challenges?I have to juggle lots of projects with different timeframes or deadlines falling on the same day, which can be challenging. I’ve learnt to work on multiple projects where sometimes I’ll need to delegate to others while simultaneously coaching them, and this can

be busy at times, but it’s given me a great sense of achievement, and helped develop my project management skills.

What was your favorite thing about the role? Even though I’ve only been here for two years, I’ve already been given a lot of responsibility which is one of my favourite things about the role. For example, with one client, I was put in charge of the UK compliance that involved a lot of project management and making sure everyone knew their role, so everything could be delivered on time. The recognition is also great at PwC, as I’m always thanked for the hard work I’m putting in.

So what do you think is the best opportunity that PwC has given you?As well as gaining a professional qualification I’d say the wealth of experience that I’ve gained in the last two years has been outstanding. I’ll regularly speak to people with different levels of responsibility, from Partners to Associates, my peers, team members and clients. All this has given me the opportunity to develop my communication skills and build my network.

Trainee Profile

NAmE

lOCATiON UNIVERSITY

DEGREE

rOlE

layo

London

Imperial College

Chemical Engineering

Tax Associate

BACK TO CONTENTS


74

EMPLOYER DIRECTORY

Ap

pl

icA

tio

n d

et

Ail

sv

Ac

An

cy

de

tA

ils

co

mp

An

y d

et

Ail

s

What do you want from your career? It’s a big question and you might not yet have the answer. You have lots of opportunity in front of you and choices to make.

For exceptional people who are talented, ambitious and have aspirations to build a successful career in our industry, we want to help you make that choice.

RSM Tenon is one of the most progressive and entrepreneurial professional services firms in the UK with over 2,400 people across 38 offices. As the 7th largest accountancy firm, we are big enough to be noticed, and our service range is comprehensive, covering virtually every area of professional practice.

Make contributions from day oneFrom the very start you will make valuable contributions, including direct contact with owners, stakeholders and decision makers. You will quickly find yourself working with clients, who are relying on you to understand their business, and to give practical support and informed advice. We offer opportunities across all of our service lines – in Audit, Accounts, Outsourcing, Tax, Financial Management, Corporate Finance, Restructuring and Advisory.

Comprehensive trainee programme The quality of your professional training will be your first consideration and it should be. Alongside the professional training you will be given, you will be supported by the RSM Tenon Academy. The Academy team help people be the best they can be. For trainees we actively support professional qualifications, through a mix of internal courses, external training and active mentoring.

The Academy’s trainee programme will complement your experiential learning with the key technical skills, commercial awareness and personal development required in current and future roles.

Once qualified, the sky is the limit. RSM Tenon offers you a career full of opportunities, challenges and rewards, including the opportunity of rapid progression internally and secondments abroad. Please visit www.rsmtenon.com/careers

How to applyOnline with application form, CV & covering letter. We recommend early application

Contact informationwww.rsmtenon.comRecruitment contact details: T: 01952 231 [email protected]

Scan for RSM Tenon’s live jobs




Disciplines recruited fromWe accept applications from candidates from any degree discipline


Min. UCAS points280


Benefits20 days holiday, pension scheme, study support, life assurance and social events

No. of employees2,400

No. of partners200+

No. of trainees400+

LocationsNationwide

International opportunitiesNo

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.rsmtenon.com/careers

http://www.rsmtenon.com


http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/professions/tax/employer/rsm-tenon/

ding you d-

Are you interested in a career in finance, tax or accountancy?

At RSM Tenon, you have the opportunity to develop a professional career and gain valuable hands on experience whilst studying for your accountancy or tax qualification.

If you require further information please contact our National Recruitment Team:

T 01952 231 190

www.rsmtenon.com

Targeting excellence


Reference Table

BACK TO CONTENTS

BACK TO CONTENTS

78

reference table

com

pany

no.

of e

mpl

oyee

s

no.

of p

artn

ers

no.

of t

rain

ees

loca

tions

Inte

rnat

iona

l op

port

uniti

es

type

of w

ork

expe

rienc

e of

fere

d

no.

wor

k ex

perie

nce

vaca

ncie

s

no.

gra

duat

e jo

bs

Min

. deg

ree

requ

ired

Min

. Uc

aS

poin

ts

Star

ting

sala

ry

no.

of d

ays

holid

ay

Additional benefits

How

to

appl

y

app

licat

ion

dead

line

furt

her

info

- pg

Pens

ion

Sche

me

Hea

lthca

re S

chem

e

Stud

y su

ppor

t

Perf

orm

ance

bon

us

Seas

on t

icke

t lo

an

Soci

al e

vent

s

BDOwww.bdo.co.uk/graduates

3,500 (UK) - - Nationwide -Internships and insight

days- 200 2:1 280 Competitive 25 l l Apply online - 64

Deloittewww.deloitte.co.uk/graduates

14,000 (UK) 890 - Nationwide 4

Internships and

industrial placements

500 1,200 2:1 300 Competitive - l l l lOnline application

form - 65

EYwww.ey.com/uk/careers

167,000 (worldwide)

549 (UK)

c. 1,500 (UK)

Nationwide 4

Internships and


- 700 2:1 300 Competitive 25 l l l Apply online Ongoing 66

Mazarswww.graduates.mazars.co.uk

1,250 (UK) 116 Nationwide 4

Internships and


c. 10 c. 100 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l l l Apply online Ongoing 68

Mercer & Holewww.mercerhole.co.uk/graduate-programme

153 18 25London,

Milton Keynes and St Albans

6 - 0 5 2:2 260 Competitive 23 l l l lApplication form by

email or post

31 January

201470

PwCwww.pwc.com/uk/careers

c. 17,000 (UK) - - Nationwide - Various c. 45 c. 110 2:1 300 Competitive 25 l l l l Apply online Check

website 72

RSM Tenonwww.rsmtenon.com 2,400 200+ 400+ Nationwide 6

Internships and


20 130 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l lOnline application

from - 74

BACK TO CONTENTS

http://www.bdo.co.uk/graduates


http://www.ey.com/uk/careers


http://www.mercerhole.co.uk/graduate-programme




79

reference table

com

pany

no.

of e

mpl

oyee

s

no.

of p

artn

ers

no.

of t

rain

ees

loca

tions

Inte

rnat

iona

l op

port

uniti

es

type

of w

ork

expe

rienc

e of

fere

d

no.

wor

k ex

perie

nce

vaca

ncie

s

no.

gra

duat

e jo

bs

Min

. deg

ree

requ

ired

Min

. Uc

aS

poin

ts

Star

ting

sala

ry

no.

of d

ays

holid

ay

Additional benefits

How

to

appl

y

app

licat

ion

dead

line

furt

her

info

- pg

Pens

ion

Sche

me

Hea

lthca

re S

chem

e

Stud

y su

ppor

t

Perf

orm

ance

bon

us

Seas

on t

icke

t lo

an

Soci

al e

vent

s

BDOwww.bdo.co.uk/graduates

3,500 (UK) - - Nationwide -Internships and insight

days- 200 2:1 280 Competitive 25 l l Apply online - 64

Deloittewww.deloitte.co.uk/graduates

14,000 (UK) 890 - Nationwide 4

Internships and


500 1,200 2:1 300 Competitive - l l l lOnline application

form - 65

EYwww.ey.com/uk/careers

167,000 (worldwide)

549 (UK)

c. 1,500 (UK)

Nationwide 4

Internships and


- 700 2:1 300 Competitive 25 l l l Apply online Ongoing 66

Mazarswww.graduates.mazars.co.uk

1,250 (UK) 116 Nationwide 4

Internships and


c. 10 c. 100 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l l l Apply online Ongoing 68

Mercer & Holewww.mercerhole.co.uk/graduate-programme

153 18 25London,

Milton Keynes and St Albans

6 - 0 5 2:2 260 Competitive 23 l l l lApplication form by

email or post

31 January

201470

PwCwww.pwc.com/uk/careers

c. 17,000 (UK) - - Nationwide - Various c. 45 c. 110 2:1 300 Competitive 25 l l l l Apply online Check

website 72

RSM Tenonwww.rsmtenon.com 2,400 200+ 400+ Nationwide 6

Internships and


20 130 2:1 280 Competitive 20 l l lOnline application

from - 74

BACK TO CONTENTS


the only graduate career guide to

the tax profession

the tax Pro

fession

2013/14

2013/14

graduate jobs l internships & placements l career advicewww.insidecareers.co.uk/tax

%What’s inside

all about the professionNEW Internship profiles

Graduate & senior profilessalaries & career paths

Professional qualificationsemployer directory

in PartnershiP with








the tax profession 2013/14 - Inside Careers · our members work – large and small firms,...

Documents

Transcript of the tax profession 2013/14 - Inside Careers · our members work – large and small firms,...