About Tax Advisory
Tax Advisory is a diverse and exciting career that looks to the future. Regardless of the economic climate, Chartered Tax Advisers (CTA) are in demand and at the heart of client relationships and business decisions. From helping individuals to large multinational companies navigate the ever-evolving business landscape.
On our Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) programme you will develop the key skills and knowledge you need to be successful in Tax Advisory. While you study, you will apply what you are learning to your work.
Having developed the skills as not only a strategic business adviser, but a good communicator, an analyst, and a savvy technologist, a qualified CTA may:
- consider the tax impact on business decisions and advise on how such decisions can be more efficiently structured;
- sit at the centre of key strategic decisions of their business;
- help shape Ireland’s tax system and develop tax law or policy;
- act on behalf of businesses, ensuring they are tax compliant and availing of supports they are eligible for.
Still wondering is Tax Advisory for you?
Learn more below about what qualifications/background you need, what a typical day might look like, who your employer(s) and clients could be, and your opportunities for working abroad.
Your Background
The only requirement to join the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) programme is a Level 8 qualification, such as an honours degree. See the CTA handbook for more details on routes in.
So, if you are looking for a career with no two days the same and are willing to learn and develop the skills of a CTA, then Tax Advisory could be for you.
It is important to know that to work and excel in Tax Advisory, you do not need:
- a business, accounting or law degree, or
- a professional accounting or law qualification.
Current CTAs come from a wide variety of backgrounds and qualifications. The diverse skillsets and qualities are required within the profession.
Your Typical Day
From your first day in Tax Advisory, you will have responsibility and will work with cutting-edge technology and experienced mentors. Throughout your career you will, for example:
 |  |  |
| advise businesses on how to arrange their affairs in a tax efficient manner | add value to organisations by ensuring they avail of the tax reliefs and supports they are eligible for | interpret tax legislation so your clients can make informed choices for themselves and their business |
 |  |  |
| communicate your knowledge with colleagues and clients to find the best solutions | make decisions and provide innovative solutions to complex problems across the entire business | ensure compliance and that those you advise pay the correct amount of tax and on time |
Your Employer(s)
Working in Tax Advisory as a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) opens a lot of doors, including the sectors you could work in.
As a CTA, you could join:
- a Professional Services firm and advise a number of clients on a particular tax head.
- Industry where you will sit within the finance function and advise internally on key business decisions.
- a Private Practice and advise your clients across all tax heads. You may even set up your own practice in the future.
- a Legal firm and head cases on tax law.
- the Public Sector, such as Department of Finance and Revenue.
No matter where you work, you will collaborate with colleagues right across the organisation, or that of your client, such as scientists, engineers or other professionals to really understand the business processes. This need to understand the business and its transactions is key to the work of a CTA. It enables you to assess the tax impact of the business’ undertakings.
CTAs are always in demand. See current tax vacancies in Ireland.
Your Clients
As a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), your expert advice will get you a seat at the table with the key business decision makers. Your clients could be:
 |  |  |
| Large Multinationals, in Ireland or abroad | Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs) | Start-ups |
 |  |  |
| Public Sector Bodies | Your Own Company | High Net Worth Individuals |
Your client base will provide you with interesting and varied projects as you work closely with them, legal advisers, finance teams, senior management and specialist experts, to find the best solutions to deal with real-life commercial circumstances.
International Opportunities
Tax Advisory is an international career and as a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), your qualification will be recognised around the world.
You will apply the knowledge and skills you gained as a CTA in Ireland to interpret the tax legislation in other jurisdictions and to advise businesses across the world.
You could work in exciting international cities on secondment or for a permanent role. We have members based in locations such as New York, London, Sydney, Dubai, Toronto, and Hong Kong.