How to become a tax adviser
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
You could take a degree and then further professional training through a graduate scheme, to qualify.
Most graduate employers will be looking for a minimum of an upper second class degree. Some may also require specific UCAS points, gained through GCSE and A level or equivalent qualifications. This is to show how consistent your academic achievement has been.
Your degree can be in any subject. Though not essential, the following subjects can be useful:
- accountancy
- accounting and finance
- business and management
- law
- maths
During your studies look out for:
- insight days
- vacation schemes
- internships
- year placement opportunities
Your university careers service can help you to find work experience opportunities with business and finance companies, which will give you an advantage when you apply to graduate schemes.
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
The following higher apprenticeships are relevant to this role:
- Professional accountancy or taxation technician
- Accountancy or taxation professional
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 adviser with a company.
Some professional services firms recruit school and college leavers with A Levels or equivalent qualifications into trainee tax adviser roles. You would receive full training from your employer, including support to gain professional qualifications.
Direct Application
You can apply directly to employers if you've got some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this job. For example, you could transfer from another profession like accountancy or law.
You'll need to apply for membership of the Association of Taxation Technicians, or work towards the Chartered Tax Adviser qualification offered by the Chartered Institute of Taxation.
Other Routes
You can complete a professional qualification through the Association of Taxation Technicians or the Chartered Institute of Taxation.
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Registration
- you'll need to register as an 'approved person' by the Financial Conduct Authority
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Chartered Institute of Taxation or Association of Taxation Technicians for professional development and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a tax adviser from the Chartered Institute of Taxation and the Association of Taxation Technicians.