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Tax adviser

Alternative titles for this job include

Tax advisers help clients plan their finances to make sure they're paying the right amount of tax.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 42 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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

More Information

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

More Information

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.

More Information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • maths knowledge
  • customer service skills
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of economics and accounting
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a tax adviser, you could

  • discuss a clients financial situation with them
  • gather information to calculate taxes, using software
  • complete and file tax returns by deadlines
  • make sure work meets professional standards and legal requirements
  • explain tax law to clients and find ways to reduce their liability
  • produce financial reports or presentations for clients
  • negotiate with HMRC on your client's behalf

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • specialise in certain types of work, such as VAT, inheritance or corporation tax
  • move between the public and private sector to more senior roles
  • set up your own company to provide tax consultancy services to businesses or individuals

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Charity Audit Associate Graduate Apprenticeship (September 2025)

  • Wage: £32,000 a year Annually
  • Location: London

Apprentice Senior Accountant

  • Wage: £20,722.50 a year Annually
  • Location: Nottingham
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a tax adviser?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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