Tax - a foot in the door

Yuliya wrote:

A few years ago I was awarded an MBA by one of the top business schools in the UK. However, on successful completion of my course, I made a decision to redirect my career into accountancy and started an independent ACCA study.

I am now in the final stage of my qualification and, experience-wise, I have completed a 6-month training contract with a small accountancy practice in London which involved, apart from accounting tasks, assistance in preparation of individual tax returns.

I have an ambition to further specialise in taxation and aspire to procure a job in a bigger practice. Needless to say, I would be willing to undertake any additional study required, such as CTA. I am 32 and I also have experience in customer-focused (UK), client-facing (non-UK) and teaching (non-UK) roles.

What are my chances of getting into a practice with a tax team and what are the possible routes? Would temping be an option just to get a foot in the door?


A senior manager in Marks Sattin's tax team replied:

Dear Yuliya

I would suggest that you are on track as you are currently working in a mixed tax and Audit role. The MBA should also be a benefit as larger firms will be looking for individuals who have the commercial awareness and ability to forge lasting relationships with existing and new business. I would suggest getting yourself registered with the CTA so that potential employers can see that this is a rout that you are serious about undertaking. Try to bring your most valuable Tax experience towards the top if your career and actively seek tax work in your current position.

Hopefully that helps please feel free to contact the Tax team for more information.

All the best