How long have you been a Chartered Tax Adviser?

I started working in tax in 1997 and qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser in 2002.

What company do you work for and how long have you worked for the company?

I have worked for Millar Taxation Limited since September 2010.

What is your background? How did you start out?

I left school when I was 16 and worked in farming until I was 28. I then did a 2 year Higher National Diploma in Business and Finance before starting work in the tax department of a firm of accountants when I was 30.

What previous experience is required to work in this industry?

Previous experience is helpful, but not essential. It is possible start as a tax trainee with no previous experience, as I did in 1997.

Why did you choose a career as a Chartered Tax Adviser?

I did not particularly choose tax as a career and was more interested in accountancy generally. However, an employment opportunity arose in the tax department of a firm of accountants. Although I did not particularly choose tax as a career, it is a career which I enjoy very much.

What do you do on a day to day basis?

The four main elements of my role are:

1. Providing tax advice - to generate fees now.
2. Business development, particularly networking - to generate fees in the future.
3. Reading tax material and attending tax update courses - to maintain my ability to provide tax advice as tax is subject to frequent changes.
4. Practice management - dealing with the administration that is common to all businesses.

What sort of rewards/ benefits/ perks can someone expect from this profession?

The rewards/benefits/perks that can be expected for a Chartered Tax Adviser are similar to those that can be expected for a Chartered Accountant and often vary from firm to firm and with seniority within firms.

Do you need any qualifications for this position and if so what and where can you get the qualifications?

It is common to start as a tax trainee with no previous experience or qualifications and train on the job. For example, a common route is to train as a Tax Technician and then progress onto the Chartered Tax Adviser qualification. Alternatively, some Chartered Tax Advisers have previously qualified as accountants or solicitors.

Working in tax can be mentally demanding so many employers will select candidates who can demonstrate good academic ability. A law degree may be particularly helpful as the tax rules can be complex and subject to frequent updates and changes. However, a college or university education is not essential.

How many hours do you work a week?

Approximately 35.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

I enjoy the mental stimulation of helping people and businesses resolve what can be complex tax issues.

What advice would you give someone considering a career like yours?

Being a tax adviser can very rewarding for people who enjoy mental stimulation and have good communication skills. I would recommend that someone considering a career as a tax adviser has a look at the following websites:
www.hmrc.gov.uk/index.htm
www.tax.org.uk/
www.taxation.co.uk/taxation/
www.millartaxation.co.uk/