I completed a BA in NUIG and followed that with a Higher Diploma in Education. A qualified and practiced teacher, I changed my career path and moved into the private sector a number of years ago. I have a number of professional qualifications - the certificate of stockbroking from the Institute of Bankers and the Tax Technician qualification.

Tell us a bit more about your job?

I am the Head of the Middle Office in Goodbody Stockbrokers. As the name suggests, my department is in the middle of a large number of business streams throughout the company. As part of the general Operations area, we provide assistance, support and guidance to our Capital Markets, Corporate Finance and Wealth Management divisions to allow our clients prosper, whilst continuing to adhere to strict financial regulations.

Do you require tax knowledge as part of your job?

Tax knowledge is not a perquisite for my role, however it is desirable. Although Goodbody are not a tax adviser, some technical tax queries do come across my desk. Queries can range from income tax, capital taxes and inheritance tax and I have to ensure the assistance I provide internally is to an extremely high standard.

Why did you decide to pursue a tax qualification?

As a firm, Goodbody consistently support staff in their continuous personal development and training. I had a long-standing interest in tax so I decided to pursue a tax qualification to develop my tax knowledge and also to develop my career. I wanted to ensure I had more qualifications on my C.V. and to continue to ensure that in my current role I was able to consistently provide a high level of customer service and guidance.

John, why did you choose the Tax Technician qualification from the Irish Tax Institute?

Without a degree in finance or tax, I was looking for an entry level step into the industry. Another strong prerequisite for me was that the qualification I would choose was given by a market leader with a notable presence nationally and internationally. The Tax Technician qualification from the Irish Tax Institute delivered on both counts.

What aspects of the Tax Technician qualification did you find most beneficial?

The lecture content was of a high professional standard as were those providing the lectures. In addition, the online learning aspect of the ‘Blackboard’ application was an invaluable resource, particularly on the approach to the exams.

Are you integrating the knowledge you learned on the Tax Technician qualification in your current job?

Yes. I find the knowledge I learned during the qualification invaluable to my role. As mentioned earlier, although Goodbody do not provide tax advice, the knowledge gained through the Tax Technician qualification has provided invaluable for internal queries within my role.

What benefits have you seen from qualifying as a Tax Technician?

The tax technician qualification has helped to broaden my knowledge and confidence in tax. With this professional qualification, I am more comfortable in dealing with tax matters that may arise in my role. The qualification has also helped me become more aware of my own personal tax matters and reliefs available to me!

John, what advice would you give to someone considering the Tax Technician qualification?

Do it! It is an excellent qualification for those who have an interest in tax and are looking to make their first steps into the industry. The lectures and lecturers are of a high professional standard and are pitched at the correct level for new entrants.