By Nojeem “Nudge” Yusuf
If you want to ‘break’ into tax and be successful at it, then you need to read this.
– A career in tax will always be relevant as long as people make and spend money. Even AI, and its brethren, can’t take away our jobs.
– A minimum of a 2:1 degree is all you need to start a career in tax. If you can, start with a Big 4 firm (Deloitte, KPMG, Pwc or EY), as that’s where you’re likely to get the best quality experience. If you’re unable to get into a Big 4, you should consider a large corporation that has a robust tax function, a revenue service, a mid-size tax practice, or any other robust tax practice that can afford you qualify learning experience.
– If you cannot join a Big 4 at entry level, you can join later as an experienced hire.
– Communication, analytical, numerical, problem solving, personal effectiveness, relationship management skills are some of the skills you will require to blossom in tax.
– Your ability to read and understand boring tax legislation, and being commercially aware are also critical skills.
– You need to take professional exams. ICAN is the primary professional qualification the market subscribes to, even though I think the CITN qualification is more relevant.
– Get a mentor, who will continually address issues that I haven’t addressed.
Nojeem is a Manager in the Tax Division of one of the Big 4
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