Tax assistant

gvw121

Hi guys,

I am a newbie on this AAT website, and I was wondering if you guys could advise me on how to become a tax assistant. I am very interested in doing tax returns for self employed people and sole traders. I am currently in my final year of university studying accounting and finance, and im on route for a 2.1 providing I do well in my last 2 modules. Can somebody point me in the right direction of what would be the best qualification to go with either being ACCA, AAT, or anything else?

I would do ACCA but the only thing that puts me off if is the 3 years work experience plus the studying on the side, but that doesn't mean I have ruled it out. Im interested in taxation but sadly I didn't take any taxation modules as other students in my university warned me to stay clear of that module because it was difficult and could dent my chances of getting a 2.1

I would appreciate everyones advice now that I am coming to the end of university and need to choose a career path which is rewarding as well as enjoyable.

Andypandy

KPMG are taking on graduates this year & one of the areas is tax. There's a phone number on their website to contact their recruitment people on weekday lunchtimes, & an asessment test thing to help decide whether or not it's the right job for you. PWC are similar, but I wouldn't leave it too long - there might soon be alot of ex-E&Y employees looking for jobs

gvw121

Hi Andy,

Thanks for your swift reply, but with KPMG recruiting for graduates they have a very difficult graduate scheme whereby the numeracy tests are hard. I saw my girl friend do the test and you have to do like so many questions in such a short space of time which she failed. I want to avoid the graduate schemes if possible, I know that sounds weird but I've had mates who have completed university who even advised me to avoid graduate schemes because of the rigorous tests involved

Andypandy

If you're sure tax is 'for you', have you looked at the ATT course?

shawn michaels

Try practising those "tests" . There are psychometric test books available, sample tests online from DHL. They are difficult and I failed so many but eventually passed one which led to a job after 2 job interviews. I think accuracy is far more important in those tests than how many you can answer (But I would make sure I answer at least 60% of the questions available. Using scientific calculators coupled with % calculations tricks, and fast mental arithmetic are a big help). If you want to become a tax assistant then you would have to do these tests to join a big firm, maybe try a smaller medium sized firm that dont use these tests or use an agency to get experience. Do the Inland Revenue have such jobs ? I dont know but it may be worth a look. Good luck with your degree.

NeilH

Hi

If you want to get into tax work, a role in a public practice would be the usual route with study for ACCA, ICAEW, ATT or perhaps CTA/Chartered Institute of Taxation.

If you're put off from KPMG (or other big 4) try a mid tier firm. They often have graduate intakes but can be more flexible and apply less pressure but still have good training provision.

Neil

A-Vic

was just looking at the kpmg web site and would i be right in thinking they also have an experienced route not just graduate in recruitment ?

Bluewednesday

gvw121 wrote: »

Hi guys,

I

I would do ACCA but the only thing that puts me off if is the 3 years work experience

Believe me you would need 3 years relevant work experience at least before you could tackle all but the simplest tax returns.

Gem7321

ATT possibly alongside ACCA for a Tax Assistant then if you want to progress to a managerial role CTA/CIOT