How to Get a Job in Tax

To work in tax, you need to be a fast learner. Not only will you be managing tight work deadlines whilst simultaneously studying for tough professional qualifications, you also have to get used to a lot of technical language and understand complex rules that are changing all the time.

Still think it could be the career for you? We’ve compiled the best advice from all of our tax professionals’ profiles to bring you these top five tips on how to make it in the industry.

Don’t be put off if you don’t know anything about tax yet – in the tax industry employers fully expect to train employees from scratch, as long as you are enthusiastic and willing to learn.
Apply as early as possible graduate schemes fill up fast, so don’t miss out – always aim to get your application in well before the deadline date date if possible – to find out when closing dates are, take a look at our deadlines calendar.
Research – take some time to find out about different companies in tax in order to find out what they do and where you could fit in. When choosing the right company, make sure you strive to work in an area that really interests you. You can start your career in tax with a specific tax qualification, or enter the industry with a more general accountancy qualification before specialising, so think about which option would suit you best. You can find out more about the exams involved on our ICAEW qualifications and CIOT qualifications pages.
Network – talk to companies in person at recruitment events and get to know as many people in the industry as you can – this will help you gain useful insights into the industry as well as turn up possible career opportunities. Social media is also increasingly important, so make sure you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile and start to connect with relevant groups and individuals online.
Do an internship – you should be applying in the first term of your second year (or third year if you’re on a four year course) for internships to take place in the summer before your final year. Not only do tax internships increase your industry understanding and offer proof of your commitment to the profession, they give you direct experience to draw on in interviews and applications. Sometimes you will even be offered a place on the company’s graduate scheme for when you graduate – a privileged position to be in, which means you can spend your final year concentrating on your exams free from career worries.