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Salary Range
€70k - €150k
Career Zone
Job in Demand

In Brief...

Advises businesses and private individuals on taxation issues.

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Economics and Accounting Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Law and Government Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Knowledge areas are ranked by their importance to this career

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Skills are ranked by their importance to this career

Work Environment

Taxation Consultants typically work in the following Career Sectors:

Taxation
Accountancy & Taxation
the Big 4
Accountancy & Taxation
Consulting
Business Management & Human Resources

Videos & Interviews

Sinead Lew, Senior Tax Manager

Sinead Lew works as a Tax Manager in the Domestic & International Outbound Market group in PwC. She completed a Degree in Accounting and HR at the National College of Ireland (NCI). She then went on to study a Masters in Accounting at Smurfit Business School. Sinead is also a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA).

Lorcan Kelly, Tax Consultant

Lorcan Kelly is a Tax Consultant with Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard. He studied Commerce and French in NUIG and also completed a Masters in Accounting. Lorcan is responsible for managing the Corporate Tax and VAT obligations of the group, as well as its domestic and international tax strategy and planning.

Videos on the Web

Most commonly reported Work Activities

  • Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

 

 

The Work

Taxation Advisers are involved in all aspects of tax work. Their duties range from preparing tax returns for clients (both personal and corporate) and agreeing tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners, to advising on the tax implications and structuring of major commercial deals. A keen commercial awareness is a considerable advantage to an aspiring Tax Adviser.  
 
Taxation has now attained the status of a profession unit on its own right. This is largely due to the work of the Institute of Taxation in establishing a system of professional examinations.  
 
A person who passes the Institute of Taxation examinations is qualified as a Tax Adviser and this qualification is recognised by the state and the European Commission, thus, enabling Institute members to practise both in Ireland and in other EU member states, on meeting certain criteria.  
 
It is expected that the demand for taxation expertise will continue to grow and provide very worthwhile career opportunities for individuals trained in taxation. Recent developments include the specialisation of individuals or teams within a tax department to deal with the taxation of particular industries (such as the computer industry, construction industry, etc) or specific areas of taxation - for example, international tax and corporate tax.  
 
The advent of self-assessment and the on-going harmonisation of European taxation systems have increased the need for taxation specialists.  
 
Typical work duties include:  
 
- Researching, analysing and interpreting changing tax legislation.  
- Meeting with clients and collating information  
- Working with tax law and revenue provisions  
- Preparing and submitting compliance (tax) returns.  
 
The Institute of Taxation in Ireland  
The Institute of Taxation in Ireland is a corporate body limited by guarantee. Its members are persons specialising in taxation practice or professionally interested in the study of fiscal legislation or in the administration and practice of taxation. The institute aims to facilitate the exchange of information and views on fiscal legislation, taxation and related matters and to create a well-informed public opinion on the subject.  
 
The Institute provides opportunities (through seminars and other events) for the acquisition

 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

  • Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
  • Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
  • Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
  • Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
  • Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
  • Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
  • Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
  • Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
  • Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
  • Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.

Further Information

Qualities - Taxation Consultant

Tax advisers must keep up with changes in tax legislation. You must be able to explain complicated issues such as tax law in simple terms. Sometimes this involves analysing large amounts of information. Tax advisers must also be highly numerate. You'll need a broad understanding of the business world, an analytical mind and a methodical way of working.  
 
Good communication skills both written and oral are a desirable feature as is the ability to explain complicated matters in simplified terms. Negotiation skills are also desirable in a tax adviser.

Interests - Taxation Consultant

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Entry - Taxation Consultant

The most relevant degree subjects include business, finance, and management. 

Training & Development Pathways

Training can also help you progress and there are both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and management which can support you in your career.

FET Centre Traineeship: Certified Accountancy Pathway, Accounts Executive, Management available around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Business Management, Sales, Marketing, Commerce, and Accounting available around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Accounting, Finance, Apprenticeships NFQ levels 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Commerce, Economics, Maths & Statistics, Accounts & Finance, Law and Taxation available around Ireland at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

To register with one of these bodies you must meet their minimum educational requirements. If you exceed the minimum entry requirements you may be exempted from certain professional accountancy exams.  

Postgraduate Study Options Business, Accounting, Financial advice, Taxation NFQ level 9

The Institute of Taxation in Ireland relevant to those wishing to pursue a career in Taxation Consultancy. The Institute of Taxation in Ireland provides a choice of options. It is also possible to enter the profession as a qualified accountant or solicitor and register directly for the Institute of Taxation in Ireland professional examinations. Certain exemptions are available in these circumstances.

The relevant professional bodies are:

  • Chartered Accountants Ireland
  • Chartered Institute of Management Accountants  (CIMI) 
  • The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
  • Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland  (CPA) 
  • Accounting Technicians Ireland

To register with one of these bodies you must meet their minimum educational requirements. If you exceed the minimum entry requirements you may be exempted from certain professional accountancy exams.  

International Financial Services Skillnet Network 

Financial Services Union

The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity 

Last Updated: October, 2023

Pay & Salary - Taxation Consultant

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €70k - €150k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Morgan McKinley/ Brigthwater/ Sigmar/ Azon/ Lincoln

Last Updated: August, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

Labour Market Updates - Taxation Consultant

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment in this occupation has been growing annually since 2019, resulting in an above average annual employment growth rate. The professional activities sector accounted for the largest share of employment at 46%, with industry and the financial activities sectors combined accounting for a further 26%. There was a 4% increase in the number of online job adverts for this occupation in 2022 and a sharp rise in the number of employment permits issued from 336 in 2021 to almost 1,000 in 2022 (this was in line with a significant increase in total permits issued in this timeframe); most permits issued were for the financial sector in auditing roles.

The Recruitment Agency Survey identified issues with recruiting various accountancy roles (e.g. financial, tax, practice, insurance) in the financial sector. With such a large occupation, demand is likely to be strong for this role due to replacement demand alone. Upskilling/reskilling will be required for many of those currently employed to adapt to changing skills profiles as a result of digitalisation/AI, climate change (e.g. understanding environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices/criteria), and changing regulation (e.g. Brexit).

Useful Contacts - Taxation Consultant

Career Articles

My career as a CTA in the Cayman Islands
My career as a CTA in the Cayman Islands
Posted by Irish Tax Institute
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