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Finance & Accounting

Tax Advisor

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A tax advisor in the UK provides guidance to individuals and organisations on tax matters. This includes helping clients understand their tax obligations, preparing tax returns, and developing strategies to minimise tax liabilities while staying within the law. Tax advisors need a strong understanding of UK tax legislation and keep up to date with any changes. They may specialise in areas such as personal tax, corporate tax, VAT, or international tax. Day-to-day tasks can include meeting clients, analysing financial information, and liaising with HM Revenue & Customs. The role requires good analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Tax Advisor

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Tax advisors in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £60,000 per year, with experienced advisors and those in managerial roles earning up to £80,000 or more.

Employment Numbers

There are over 30,000 tax professionals working in the UK, with many employed by accountancy firms, law firms, and large businesses.

Qualifications Required

Most tax advisors hold qualifications from bodies such as the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) or the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT).

🚀 Careers in this path

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Personal Tax Specialist

Works with individuals to help them manage their personal tax affairs, offering advice on income tax, inheritance tax, and self-assessment.

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Corporate Tax Consultant

Advises businesses on strategies to reduce their tax liabilities and ensures compliance with company tax regulations.

VAT Advisor

Specialises in value added tax, assisting clients with VAT registration, returns, and compliance with relevant legislation.

Build a Strong Foundation

Achieve GCSEs and A-Levels

Focus on subjects like Maths, Business Studies, and Economics for your GCSEs and A-Levels.

Most employers expect at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including Maths and English. At A-Level, Maths and Business Studies can be particularly useful, as they help build analytical and problem-solving skills essential for tax work. Work hard to achieve good grades, as this will improve your chances of entering further education or training programmes.

Consider a Relevant Degree

Pursue a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or Economics for a strong start in tax advisory.

While not always essential, a relevant university degree can open more doors, especially with larger firms. Many tax advisors have degrees in Accounting or Finance, but Law and Economics are also valued. Alternatively, some employers offer school leaver programmes or apprenticeships, so university is not the only route.

Gain Professional Qualifications

Complete Professional Training

Study towards a recognised tax qualification such as ATT or CTA.

The Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) is a widely respected entry-level qualification. Once you have some experience, you can progress to the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification, which is highly regarded. Many employers offer training contracts to support you through these exams while you work.

Gain Experience in a Tax Environment

Work in a tax department or firm to apply your learning and gain practical experience.

Many tax advisors start as trainees or assistants in accountancy or tax firms. On-the-job training allows you to develop practical skills, such as preparing tax returns, advising on legislation, and communicating with HMRC. This hands-on experience is crucial for your development and progression.

Develop Your Career

Specialise and Advance

Choose an area of tax to specialise in, such as corporate tax, personal tax, or VAT, and pursue further training.

As you gain experience, you may want to specialise in a particular area of tax, such as international tax, inheritance tax, or VAT. Ongoing professional development is important, so keep up with changes in tax law and consider joining professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT). With experience, you can progress to senior advisor or partner roles, or set up your own tax advisory practice.

Maintain Professional Standards

Keep your knowledge up to date and adhere to ethical standards in your work.

Tax law changes frequently, so continuous professional development (CPD) is essential. Attend courses, read industry publications, and stay informed about updates from HMRC and professional bodies. Ethical conduct and integrity are vital in this profession to maintain trust and comply with legal requirements.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Tax Advisor. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Tax Advisor and a Tax Advisor both specialise in providing expert advice related to taxation. They possess similar qualifications and skills aimed at advising individuals or organisations about tax obligations, strategies, and compliance.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could take a degree followed by further professional training on a graduate scheme, to qualify.

Most subjects are acceptable though some employers may prefer you to have a degree in:

  • accountancy
  • accounting and finance
  • business and management
  • law
  • maths

Look out for work experience opportunities during your studies, such as:

  • insight days
  • internships
  • work placements
  • Easter and summer vacation schemes

These can give you an advantage when applying for jobs or graduate training schemes. Your university careers service can help you to find opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Professional Accountancy or Taxation Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Accountancy or Taxation Professional Level 7 Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to a postgraduate qualification

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could start as an assistant in an accounting department and apply for a position as a trainee tax adviser with the organisation.

Some professional services firms recruit school and college leavers with A levels, or equivalent qualifications, into trainee tax adviser roles.

While working, you could study for the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification.

There are different ways to achieve this and your employer will help you to choose the best route for you.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to employers if you have relevant skills, experience and qualifications. For example, you might transfer to taxation from another profession like accountancy, finance or law.

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Registration

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a tax adviser from the Chartered Institute of Taxation and the Association of Taxation Technicians.

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