I am often asked what made me want to become a Tax Adviser
and the simple answer is that I never specifically wanted a career in tax.
Fresh out of college with good A-levels I set my sights on becoming an
accountant however the only vacancy I could find was as a trainee tax
technician. I got that job, and I am so glad I did.
My own experience, and the experiences of others I have
spoken to bares out the truth that most tax advisers initially intended to
become auditors, bookkeepers or accountants but fall into a tax role by chance.
But why?
In my opinion this is not because tax is a horrible or
undesirable job (far from it!) but purely because it is not an ‘obvious’
choice.
That’s why this month I am pleased to have been involved in
a couple of local events aimed at helping young people find a career that suits
them.
Uxbridge College
At Uxbridge college I met with a small class of students to
talk to them about the day to day ins and outs of my job, the ATT and Chartered
Institute of Taxation’s (CTA) exams and CV writing. The students were happy to
participate in a short tax facts quiz and I am due to return in February.
Brunel University
Brunel run an ‘Accountancy Uncovered’ event each year aimed
at helping their undergraduates, graduates and post graduates learn more about accountancy
careers and the different options that are available to them. Representing tax
I gave a 15 minute presentation to around 40 attendees after which
representatives from CIMA, ICAEW and CIPFA had time to speak. Our own corporate
tax trainee, Matt Mansell, was also called upon to address the students and
comment on his own entry into the profession.
After the session it was encouraging to speak to many of the students
who are now thinking of a career in tax and to see their enthusiasm for
studying!
I am thoroughly proud to be able to demystify the profession
for those who would like a career in Accountancy but I am even more proud to
open up the door to a career in specialised tax. If you or anyone you know would like to know
more about becoming a Tax Adviser then please get in touch.
robyn.milstead@wardwilliams.co.uk
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