tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25016686878697033332024-03-19T22:43:37.881+11:00Careers in taxUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-74292455581120224402019-04-09T17:28:00.000+10:002019-08-29T11:37:40.763+10:00Are you too young to worry about work-life balance?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9wUK5O4Y02XslstcZ38XtMpSeodXVXESVnY0nfeJGvZqKMvBztGq-Us0OAqVYkZWjCr1Cp9bjLkfrd0J46TigrZZ-8ToRDKffU_93Jf0b7MyvQvPt36nXR4j7lkE9rZnkBjaioOYy1Y/s1600/Work-life+balance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9wUK5O4Y02XslstcZ38XtMpSeodXVXESVnY0nfeJGvZqKMvBztGq-Us0OAqVYkZWjCr1Cp9bjLkfrd0J46TigrZZ-8ToRDKffU_93Jf0b7MyvQvPt36nXR4j7lkE9rZnkBjaioOYy1Y/s400/Work-life+balance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you’re new to the workplace, there’s perhaps an expectation that you should be clocking in early, enduring late nights and taking lunches at your desk.<br />
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Why?<br />
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To prove your worth, with the expectation that the ‘reward’ of downtime will duly come as you move up the ranks.<br />
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While many young guns (and even seasoned veterans) are happy to jump at the opportunity to prove themselves with additional work, it begs the question: Do you need to sacrifice your personal life for the sake of your career, or is that an antiquated notion?<br />
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‘Personal hours’ and ‘work hours’ can become increasingly blurred in a new role, especially when you’re trying to make headway in your career. According to a <a href="http://www.afr.com/leadership/worklife-balance-blurs-as-half-of-aussie-workers-on-call-20150831-gjbqne" target="_blank"><b>report by Randstad</b></a>, over 51 per cent of workers are now expected to answer work calls outside traditional work hours. This expectation also extends to annual leave, where 41 per cent of workers believe they should be available despite being on holiday.<br />
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Does being available and ‘on call’ make you a better worker?</h3>
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The same report found that, if there was a greater expectation on employees to work beyond traditional hours, the likelihood of them also dealing with personal matters at work would increase. It also suggested that the difference between ‘strictly work’ and ‘strictly personal’ matters was now obscured because of the intrusiveness of technology such as social media.<br />
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So, work-life balance (or lack thereof) could actually interfere with your work productivity more than you might think.<br />
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The case for work-life balance</h3>
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Contrary to the work ethos that many senior executives expect of young recruits, a study published by HR Magazine in the United Kingdom found that <a href="http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/article-details/junior-employees-value-work-life-balance-more" target="_blank"><b>two in five</b></a> junior-level employees believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance actually helps them to work more productively.<br />
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While this doesn’t necessarily mean set-in-stone hours should be the only option, it does encourage the belief that your routine work hours should comfortably and healthily fit into your overall ‘life’ schedule – no matter which rung of the career ladder you’re on.<br />
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According to the same study, a larger portion of junior workers would prefer to mix their personal and work lives, while this was only true across a much smaller cross-section of senior managers and directors.<br />
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For example, while you may be interested in networking and consider it an out-of-hours activity, such a mantra might be difficult to encourage among senior employees, who tend to consider this activity to be an additional ‘work-hours’ commitment.<br />
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The solution</h3>
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Work-life balance is about creating and maintaining supportive, healthy work environments, which should in turn strengthen employee retention and productivity. While, for younger employees, this might include activities such as networking, older employees are interested in seeing quantitative results.<br />
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As with most things in life, moderation is key, so it’s a balancing act between what is expected of you as a new recruit and which tactics will most impress your new employers.<br />
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Work-life balance is the first step to having a tax career that soars. While certain parts of the year will call for overtime, it’s important to keep it all in perspective. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, be sure to communicate your situation to your manager.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com334tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-19245799511811174942018-07-17T12:28:00.000+10:002018-07-17T15:45:06.054+10:00Why mentoring is important for young professionals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most people who are successful end up that way because they’ve sought out mentors to show them how to reach the top. In this blog, we will provide you with the valuable resources and information about why a mentor is so valuable to your career progression.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Mentor </b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>advantages</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A mentor can be viewed as a kind of workplace parent – someone who can warn you against making short-sighted moves that could damage your career and instead encourage you to do those things that may be uncomfortable at first but will reap great rewards in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Experience is a valuable thing. And while there’s no substitute for earning it the hard way, there’s also no rule against leveraging the wisdom of others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A true mentor will provide honest feedback on how you’re performing and offer suggestions on how to improve your performance. They may also introduce you to people in their own network who can further your career.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2. When to search for an mentor</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is an old saying that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. The 21st century version is that when you feel you have something to learn – be it technical skills, management skills or even life skills – you’re ready to seek out a mentor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3. How to find a mentor</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People often agonise over where to find an appropriate mentor, but it’s really not that hard. In fact, if you think about it, you’ve almost certainly been mentored throughout your life by relatives, former teachers and sports coaches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The best way to find a mentor is to simply contact someone you admire – even if you don’t know them – and ask them if they would be interested in mentoring you. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are no hard and fast rules about what makes a good mentor. If the individual in question is someone you respect, can teach you what you want to know and help you get where you want to be, they’re almost certainly good enough for your purposes, regardless of their location in the org chart, industry reputation or educational qualifications.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4. The mentor–mentee relationship</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like any other relationship, mentor–mentee relationships go through phases. In the early days, there may be a lot of enthusiasm on both sides, with the mentor flattered that someone is so interested in what they have to say and the mentee eager to learn all they can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over time, that initial enthusiasm will fade and interactions might become less frequent. And, if the mentor has done his or her job properly, at some point the mentee will have learnt all they can. At this stage, the parties involved may decide to stay in touch or go their separate ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However the relationship unfolds, the mentee should always show the appropriate gratitude and respect towards the person who has chosen to help them out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Tax Institute offers a Young Practitioners Mentoring Program for its member. Speak to a membership adviser on 1300 829 338 now for more information, or contact an adviser <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/membership/contact-an-adviser" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com239tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-24941251798077795162018-07-16T13:24:00.000+10:002018-07-16T13:24:58.647+10:00Calling all Young Tax Professionals in QueenslandTo help nurture the future of the tax profession, the Young Tax Professionals (YTP) stream at the upcoming <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/professional-development/key-events/queensland-tax-forum" target="_blank">Queensland Tax Forum</a> has been specially designed for those who have less than five years’ experience in tax, and need to build and further develop their technical skills.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiMmX9KGtUvPCw_L3JbYSCb_QvsIqHYkTxtoZjO74cTYaEAHR8Npq0amcYB5Euwn1mjGT8149Kg5E0hsLIvCuqdFkIUzeen6r13PtxRyRNup32DHk122b1ArAnuRP_7ogDyGRRyNG9ec/s1600/2018-qld-tax-forum-hero-1600x680+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1600" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiMmX9KGtUvPCw_L3JbYSCb_QvsIqHYkTxtoZjO74cTYaEAHR8Npq0amcYB5Euwn1mjGT8149Kg5E0hsLIvCuqdFkIUzeen6r13PtxRyRNup32DHk122b1ArAnuRP_7ogDyGRRyNG9ec/s320/2018-qld-tax-forum-hero-1600x680+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This specialised stream includes three technical sessions, and a session from the ATO, as well as the chance to mingle with colleagues and meet leaders from the profession during the breaks and over a drink at the end of the day.<br />
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Kicking off with some lunch and the opportunity to catch up with your peers, the stream’s first sessions is ‘<b>Issues and challenges for revenue vs capital</b>’, from Trevor Pascall, CTA (Crowe Horwath).<br />
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The revenue/capital distinction is an important part of every practitioner’s knowledge base. <br />
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Recent issues in practice, and matters arising in ATO audit activity, keep revenue/capital at the forefront of our minds. Trevor will revisit the core concepts of the revenue/capital distinction, and look at the practical actions and behaviours of clients which will influence whether something gives rise to a revenue gain or a capital gain.<br />
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Following Trevor is Leisa Rafter, CTA, (BDO), with ‘<b>GST concepts all tax practitioners should understand</b>’. The GST is a multi-stage transaction tax relevant to all businesses operating in Australia. Accordingly, it is fundamentally important that all tax practitioners have a working knowledge of the law. This session considers in detail core concepts and some key areas of the law.<br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong>Education:</strong> <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education" style="color: #f57e20; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Our programs and single subjects help you achieve your full potential in your career, your workplace, and in the profession. </a></span></div>
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Leisa said “Attendees will develop a practical and theoretical knowledge of the GST law and how it applies to the property industry, and leave with sufficient knowledge to provide basic GST advice to clients in the property space.”<br />
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In particular, Leisa will cover: the categories of supplies under the GST Law, GST treatment of different types of real property, a consideration of the margin scheme, and GST compliance concepts. <br />
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Finally, Matthew Burgess, CTA, (View Legal) presents the ‘<b>Trusts intensive</b>’ session.<br />
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The income tax treatment of trusts can be complex and is often misunderstood. Matthew’s session will explain some of the confusing aspects of trust taxation and is designed to give YTP attendees some context and background to some of the common issues that they might need to consider in practice. <br />
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Key topics covered by Matthew in this session will include an overview of the nature of “trusts”, the way in which beneficiaries are defined, trust-to-trust distributions and perpetuity rules, and implications of failed distributions.<br />
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Following Matthew’s session, YTP attendees will re-join the rest of the Forum’s delegates for some afternoon tea, and then hear from the Australian Taxation Office’s Nicole Dykstra about ‘<b>The ATO’s Tax Gap Research program</b>’.<br />
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There has never been as much focus on whether taxpayers are paying the right amount of tax as there is today. The ATO’s Tax Gap Research program provides a quantitative basis to ensure that we have an informed discussion on these issues.<br />
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Nicole’s session will cover the what, why, and types of tax gaps – definitions and descriptions, challenges and benefits, different approaches for different gaps to deliver reliable, credible and meaningful gaps, quality and assurance – independent expert reviews, and some insights and observations.<br />
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The Young Professional’s Stream represents excellent value and an ideal training and development opportunity, at only $175. Find out more about the stream and the rest of the Queensland Tax Forum program <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/professional-development/key-events/queensland-tax-forum" target="_blank">on our website</a>, and join us 23-24 August, in Brisbane.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com142tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-42300166754957404172018-06-26T09:30:00.000+10:002018-06-26T12:46:41.816+10:00How to prepare for your first tax season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgfRVGwx9BI51b_yfcN3mYStrJRGD-JJ5nht2balouHBQF1niqKnbmQkwt-8qrOojETIgXV1lb2bjfErnge_oHLeGMB-jqTU9LmXrErzjfY-edjoqHly1rgue1LAj5ROcnUkbwTXb3V8/s1600/agenda-appointment-business-1020323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgfRVGwx9BI51b_yfcN3mYStrJRGD-JJ5nht2balouHBQF1niqKnbmQkwt-8qrOojETIgXV1lb2bjfErnge_oHLeGMB-jqTU9LmXrErzjfY-edjoqHly1rgue1LAj5ROcnUkbwTXb3V8/s320/agenda-appointment-business-1020323.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Staring down the barrel of your first tax season? Avoid the anxiety from the get-go with these top tips for getting through what’s likely to be the most demanding period of your work year.<br />
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<strong>Find a time-management system that works for you</strong><br />
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Work out what works for you when it comes to time-management technology. That could be an app on your phone or tablet (<a href="https://evernote.com/" target="_blank">Evernote</a> is a popular option), your trusty Outlook or Gmail calendar, or even an old-school paper wall planner. Whatever method you choose, make sure you use it religiously as you won’t be in a position to squander your most precious resource.<br />
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<strong>Maintain a work-life balance</strong><br />
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This one seems counterintuitive until you accept that even high-performance engines can’t run at top speed for too long without overheating. Sure, minimise any unnecessary distractions during your busy periods, but make sure you also allow yourself some time to recharge. Schedule a run in the morning or dinner with your partner at night, or just get out of the office and go sit in the park for half an hour at lunchtime.<br />
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<strong>Learn to say “no”</strong><br />
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If someone – a client, colleague or even your supervisor – asks you take on something unimportant or non-urgent, simply say “no”. Or, more diplomatically, palm them off with a statement like, “I’d love to help you out with that, but would you mind if we came back to this down the track? It's a busy time of year and I’m not confident I’d be able to devote the time and attention I’d like to it.”<br />
<strong><br />Make use of the resources at your disposal</strong><br />
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The <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Tax-professionals/" target="_blank">Australian Tax Office</a> has an entire section of its website dedicated to helping new tax professionals get on their feet. Take the time to read about everything from the tax-lodgement program to keeping your clients’ details private and protected.<br />
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<strong>Get up to speed beforehand</strong><br />
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You can think of your first tax season as a very long, real-world exam. And what do you do if you want to do well in exams? You study. In this instance, you want to be up to date on any tax changes well before your inbox starts resembling Mount Everest. One way to keep on top of things is to check out The Tax Institute's Taxation in Australia journal, published 11 times a year. The journal is available to Institute members online or as a hard copy.<br />
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Keep these tips in mind when entering tax season and not only will you survive, you'll come out a better and more valuable employee, ready to take on whatever else the industry throws at you.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #757575; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 16.4067px;">Education:</span></b><span style="color: #757575; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 16.4067px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px;"><a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #f57e20; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 16.4067px;">Our programs and subjects help you achieve your full potential in your career, your workplace, and in the profession. Enrolments close Monday, 16 July.</span></b></a></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com152tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-91390351808995067982018-06-18T09:30:00.000+10:002018-06-19T11:03:06.226+10:00Four tips to prepare for a career in corporate tax<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw8L2WHH4ZRs92A0PJk-eRE836f9JTLQTXmjYK-qVp2DIL4MOXiMXkjOg9nUii814WKb26-sTlFG2rMTbT6qjxlS4cxz9VQuUZ7efV9TnwF51KvvDzqBmsD4SmQC7ykgNSyFeD19PTK0/s1600/office-1209640_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw8L2WHH4ZRs92A0PJk-eRE836f9JTLQTXmjYK-qVp2DIL4MOXiMXkjOg9nUii814WKb26-sTlFG2rMTbT6qjxlS4cxz9VQuUZ7efV9TnwF51KvvDzqBmsD4SmQC7ykgNSyFeD19PTK0/s320/office-1209640_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's never been a better time to conquer the area of corporate tax. Here are some tips for those interested in doing so.<br />
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<strong>1. Get the right qualifications</strong><br />
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Needless to say, an organisation facing a tax bill in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars isn’t going to hire any old suburban accountant to take care of their books. The right tax-training course can set you up with the know-how you'll need and ensure you stand out from the graduate crowd. Aside from all the other facets it covers, the <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/graduate-diploma-of-applied-tax-law" target="_blank">Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law</a> at The Tax Institute <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/subjects/corporate-tax/corporate-tax" target="_blank">includes a subject</a> that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how public companies, private companies and corporate groups are taxed in Australia.<br />
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<strong>2. Line up an internship</strong><br />
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Getting your foot in the door is often half the battle when it comes to a career in corporate tax. While the big firms like KPMG and PwC offer well-regarded internship programs, it's also worth looking at the <a href="http://www.destination.ato.gov.au/" target="_blank">Australian Tax Office</a> and the finance internships offered by many of the nation's largest companies, such as <a href="http://au.gradconnection.com/employers/telstra/#internships_banking-and-finance" target="_blank">Telstra</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/about/careers/search?_ga=1.126179209.589013224.1430642219#t=sq&q=j&li=10&jc=SALES&jc=PRODUCT_SUPPORT&jc=PARTNERSHIPS&jc=SALES_OPERATIONS&jed=BACHELORS&jex=PURSUING_DEGREE&je=INTERN&na=JOBS_SEARCH&" target="_blank">Google</a>.<br />
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><strong>Education:</strong> <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education" style="color: #f57e20; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Our programs and single subjects help you achieve your full potential in your career, your workplace, and in the profession. Enrol before 25 June and save $100.</a></span></div>
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<strong>3. Know how to network</strong><br />
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What you know is undeniably important in the field of corporate tax law, but so is who you know. It’s wise to establish relationships with people working in the industry well before putting the hard word on them for an internship or graduate position. You can do this by asking individuals if they’d be willing to meet you for coffee, joining LinkedIn groups and attending industry events, of which <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/professional-development/upcoming-cpd-events" target="_blank">The Tax Institute has a great list</a>.<br />
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<strong>4. Do your research</strong><br />
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You don’t want to be left speechless when a potential employer starts quizzing you on your thoughts about the pros and cons of a “Google tax” or be caught searching the buffet for that “double Irish Dutch sandwich” you overheard someone talking about. If you’re willing to put in the effort – both before and after being offered a position – you can enjoy an interesting and well-salaried career in the field of corporate tax.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com189tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-33555642226202784262018-06-12T09:30:00.000+10:002018-06-12T16:06:35.922+10:00Soft versus hard skills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you dream of a career in tax or accounting, you’ll need to be a master at identifying fiscal inconsistencies, understanding government legislation and balancing your clients’ books. But although these technical (or hard) skills are intrinsic to succeeding in your future profession, soft skills, such as your ability to form good relationships with customers and your willingness to work as a team, will make you more attractive to prospective bosses.<br />
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Cultivating both your hard and soft skills while you study isn’t as challenging as it might seem. Here are four top ways to supercharge your employment potential by proving you’re a candidate with the total package.<br />
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<strong>Get a customer-facing part-time job</strong><br />
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The idea that accountants and taxation professionals crunch numbers without customer interaction is a thing of the past. These days, working in the accounting industry means communicating with clients, resolving their problems and learning to respond to their social cues. Getting a part-time job in hospitality, retail or customer service while you study can help you understand the art of anticipating and responding to customer needs. Once it’s time to put those soft skills into practice, it’ll be second nature.<br />
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<strong>Obtain a further qualification</strong><br />
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An undergraduate qualification in taxation or accounting is not enough to make you stand out. Whether it’s learning a piece of up-and-coming financial software or brushing up on your knowledge of new legislation by enrolling in The Tax Institute’s <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/programs/graduate-diploma-of-applied-tax-law" target="_blank">Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law</a> program, investing in your hard skills can be a shortcut to competitive advantage.<br />
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><strong>Education:</strong> <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education" style="color: #f57e20; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Our programs and single subjects help you achieve your full potential in your career, your workplace, and in the profession. Enrol before 25 June and save $100.</a></span></div>
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<strong>Take up a team sport</strong><br />
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From collaborating with IT vendors to working with senior management, taxation professionals must be increasingly equipped to meet individual deadlines while working as part of a larger team. Taking up an after-hours sport such as soccer, football or tennis can help you learn how to work with colleagues, anticipate co-workers’ strengths and weaknesses and thrive in a team environment – an all-important soft skill that’s bound to put you ahead of the pack.<br />
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<strong>Study a second language</strong><br />
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A career in accounting can set the stage for international opportunities, but a working knowledge of audit procedures isn’t enough. Signing up for an after-hours class to learn a second language can seriously boost your set of hard skills while broadening your professional horizons.<br />
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Although hard skills are critical if you want to establish a career in taxation or accounting, teamwork, communication and customer service play an indispensable role as well. What moves have you recently taken to boost your hard and soft skills?<br />
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Find out more about our <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education" target="_blank">education program</a> and <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/professional-development" target="_blank">professional development</a> subjects.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com280tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-27190013019811211132018-05-29T09:30:00.000+10:002018-05-29T15:43:47.084+10:00Career options for tax professionals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhcSRXnRYwj7UXKKa3SH2v5Koy1v3bHUJeHNN4cIFlpLObhZjfwu2U1PnunBMMEfDT1cHXF2mED5CLV5YsF68zhrSqM5nVN2lcasyj_BBN1tYMsPN0JTzQ8eAyJqq3V29oQWPL9CYlh0/s1600/concept-idea-innovation-212286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhcSRXnRYwj7UXKKa3SH2v5Koy1v3bHUJeHNN4cIFlpLObhZjfwu2U1PnunBMMEfDT1cHXF2mED5CLV5YsF68zhrSqM5nVN2lcasyj_BBN1tYMsPN0JTzQ8eAyJqq3V29oQWPL9CYlh0/s320/concept-idea-innovation-212286.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The assumption often made about students pursuing a degree in tax is that they’re on the fast track to a certain career in accountancy. Considering, however, that there’s only a finite number of graduate positions available in accountancy firms each year, it’s clear that not every tax graduate will follow suit. So what are some other career options?<br />
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Tax-based education grants you a unique skill set: the ability to be a team player, the ability to not be a team player, communication skills and commercial awareness. The junction of these skills means you’re equally well versed in a numerical, analytical or communication-heavy role. In reality, after completing your postgraduate tax training, you are spoilt with a unique spread of career options. Here are five paths you may consider conquering.<br />
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<strong>Accountancy</strong><br />
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There is no denying that the most well-trodden career avenue for recent tax graduates is a role in an accountancy firm. The most attractive roles being those in the ‘Big Four’ firms: Deloitte, PwC, KPMG and Ernst & Young. Large and mid-tier accountancy firms offer roles that cover a large range of tax areas and an opportunity to specialise from an early point in your career. Your tax specialty could lie in financial services, corporate tax, employment tax or tax for private clients, so it’s within reason that this is by and large one of the most alluring prospects for a tax graduate.<br />
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<strong>Law</strong><br />
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Law and tax are often considered to be complementary degrees; many tax lawyers pursue tax qualifications, and tax accountants a law degree. Obviously, this career path is only available to experienced tax professionals, however an additional education resource for the law-inclined is the <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/subjects/cta2a-advanced" target="_blank">CTA2A Advanced</a> subject. This postgraduate qualification can be undertaken while working full-time, and works to explain the rationale behind tax laws.<br />
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<strong>Government financial advising</strong><br />
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With a qualification in tax, it’s safe to say that you’re proficient in numbers. Government financial advising merges your analytical and communicative skills to ensure you can best mentor people through financial decisions. For success in this field, work experience as a registered tax agent or tax financial advisory are looked upon favourably.<br />
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<strong>Teaching</strong><br />
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Moving between industries doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your hard-earned skills, clocked hours and valuable industry connections. In fact, you could strengthen your industry ties and reputation by returning to academia. For experienced tax accountants, there are often opportunities for positions from educational bodies, as well as in corporate training companies or specially designed educational roles in large-tier companies.<br />
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<strong>Entrepreneurial</strong><br />
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For the tax graduates who dream of running their own business, the opportunities are endless. Beyond running your own firm, there is also an opportunity to marry two unique specialties into one business venture: environmental accounting, international accounting and entertainment accounting are all niche self-employment routes that offer you a market difference.<br />
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Taxation knowledge can be your golden ticket to any number of roles that cross traditional industry barriers. Browse our <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education" target="_blank">range of programs and subjects</a> to get qualified for a career in tax.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com114tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-27181138432876353972018-05-15T07:30:00.000+10:002018-05-14T16:20:15.764+10:00Which area of tax is right for you?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOa3_RJraujHQvQ4irDzE7uOS9WGZOqsYXZzmZzGew3twvSnURbJcJNublO7fh0Q3X91p92rkreByeJ1xfidxrjEaNH3I9JBS1-qRruu0txL2SQiXADLsHgnEpw1w341a4QEoGriWh2k/s1600/doors-1767562_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1600" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOa3_RJraujHQvQ4irDzE7uOS9WGZOqsYXZzmZzGew3twvSnURbJcJNublO7fh0Q3X91p92rkreByeJ1xfidxrjEaNH3I9JBS1-qRruu0txL2SQiXADLsHgnEpw1w341a4QEoGriWh2k/s320/doors-1767562_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a>A career in tax can be dynamic, versatile and open up rewarding opportunities both locally and abroad. A multifaceted profession, there are many areas in the industry you can choose to specialise in when you've finished your further tax education.<br />
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But how do you know which is the perfect fit for your natural abilities? Here are four areas you can focus your tax training in, the skills and experience you’ll need to get there and the type of personalities primed to excel in them.<br />
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<strong>1. SMEs</strong><br />
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With the growing number of small-medium businesses in Australia, a business tax specialist will always be in high demand.<br />
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As a business tax specialist, you’ll need to be abreast of capital gains implications, the latest GST changes and depreciation schedules, as well as the special exemptions and deductions relevant to each business structure and industry.<br />
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Many tax specialists find this work rewarding, as it helps local businesses grow and remain sustainable. Keeping up with the constant federal regulatory changes impacting SMEs also means working in an area that is dynamic and always evolving.<br />
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<strong>2. SMSFs</strong><br />
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An increasing number of people are choosing a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) to provide their retirement benefits because it offers more control over investments. Consequently, this has opened up a complex new arena for tax agents to specialise in, providing superannuation advice.<br />
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SMSFs are a legal tax structure regulated by the ATO and with strict reporting and compliance obligations. So as a superannuation specialist, you’ll need to stay abreast of any new developments in order to provide your clients with timely advice on the right structure and planning.<br />
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With severe penalties for non-compliance, an SMSF tax specialist has considerable responsibility and therefore needs to have good attention to detail and outstanding communication skills, along with a comprehensive understanding of superannuation law and practice.<br />
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<strong>3. Property investment</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOa3_RJraujHQvQ4irDzE7uOS9WGZOqsYXZzmZzGew3twvSnURbJcJNublO7fh0Q3X91p92rkreByeJ1xfidxrjEaNH3I9JBS1-qRruu0txL2SQiXADLsHgnEpw1w341a4QEoGriWh2k/s1600/doors-1767562_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>A property tax specialist provides advice for investors about asset protection while minimising tax liabilities. You will need to consider issues such as various tax structures, capital gains implications, deciding between holding and selling, renting, cash flow issues, renovations, transferring property and international tax implications as well as tax minimisation.<br />
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Property tax can be a highly complex area and laws and regulations can vary widely from state to state. One of the rewarding challenges of providing specialist property tax advice is helping clients find viable and sustainable solutions to maximise their opportunities and return on their investment. Specialists in this area will enjoy liaising with people who are interested in asset and wealth creation, including high-net-worth individuals and wealth-creation institutions.<br />
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<strong>4. Corporate advice</strong><br />
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The corporate tax path may be well trodden, but for good reason – there are many rewarding specialisations in the larger corporate arena, including audit, compliance, consultancy and advisory work, which can open up exciting opportunities for specialists working in this sector.<br />
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If you’re one to thrive when given the opportunity to share ideas and collaborate with your colleagues, large-scale corporate advisory work will often have you working cohesively in a team environment, often across multinational channels.<br />
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You’ll need an understanding of international corporate tax implications, as well as great time management and effective communication skills, as you’ll be communicating across different time zones with your firm’s offices around the globe. But be warned: late nights and early mornings may be required!<br />
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<strong>Stand out from the crowd</strong><br />
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Tax is a dynamic profession and in order to provide great specialist advice, practitioners must remain up to date with the changing landscape. As a member of The Tax Institute you will be equipped to provide the timeliest practical and sound advice in the area of specialisation of your choice.<br />
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Led by tax experts to benefit tax experts, The Tax Institute is the only body in Australia devoted exclusively to tax, and when you join its 13,000-strong community of the most knowledgeable practitioners, you’ll gain access to powerful resources, progressive education and influential networks.<br />
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<a href="http://taxinstitute.com.au/education/graduate-diploma-of-applied-tax-law" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://taxinstitute.com.au/education/graduate-diploma-of-applied-tax-law" border="0" height="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDrpXzThONEGAWVSvxBnKIgBspj-JwZtuYcmY2Z6vBLJn0vNPQVr1DdQ4tjT7DaBONdYrROqsMELUjEDZ_szasgSspAClgrra9-9z-rOGMC0IgxTuZ2iI5MEPd5iheQBHnuUPHV1nS9A/s1600/BlogBanner_515x100_GradDip.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Take the next step in your tax career with the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law <br /><br /><a href="http://taxinstitute.com.au/education/graduate-diploma-of-applied-tax-law" target="_blank"><span style="color: #34b5d0;">Find out more</span></a> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com141tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-2168209823804937402018-05-14T09:30:00.000+10:002018-05-14T15:46:41.453+10:00Building rapport with your colleagues<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDEpScsYEXbzeb-vJRx4WuWAQJjePosdt8hrGZJ40NvAIiLOZZTtgjycpvkQ_JWRMeaDKlKI8sIlURX642gbnAMDJZDYFiDtZobEBX0Jbf8PMPdWi_pPXJQq2-tcW1X10zMB71oq4ysk/s1600/adult-american-analyzing-1059111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1600" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDEpScsYEXbzeb-vJRx4WuWAQJjePosdt8hrGZJ40NvAIiLOZZTtgjycpvkQ_JWRMeaDKlKI8sIlURX642gbnAMDJZDYFiDtZobEBX0Jbf8PMPdWi_pPXJQq2-tcW1X10zMB71oq4ysk/s200/adult-american-analyzing-1059111.jpg" width="200" /></a>Having the ability to get along with your colleagues – and create long-lasting professional relationships with them – is essential for any tax professional.<br />
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Whether you are new to the numbers game or a seasoned accountant, fostering positive relationships with co-workers creates a richer work environment and can help your future within the industry. While it's par for the course that some personalities may clash, garnering the skills to cope in such situations is key for any career-driven individual. Here are four great ways to build rapport with your colleagues and show your team your good side.<br />
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<strong>1. Communicate effectively</strong><br />
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Things can go awry when there is miscommunication, especially when office stress and multiple deadlines are added to the mix. Learning to be clear when communicating with colleagues about collaborative projects, your workload or the expectations of your role will help you avoid any unnecessary conflict. If you are ever in doubt about a task or project, following up with questions is the best way to side-step confusion. Professional relationships thrive on open and honest communication.<br />
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<strong>2. Be positive</strong><br />
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No one likes a Negative Nancy. So even if you think you are innocently venting about problems, if you do so too often people will peg you as a pessimist.<br />
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Having a positive, can-do attitude puts other people at ease and also shows that you are capable and interested in your work. Next time you feel the urge to complain about something work related, take a step back and look on the bright side. Positivity is infectious, so your vibe will rub off on your colleagues, leading to a more positive work environment for everyone.<br />
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<strong>3. Learn to listen</strong><br />
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Often when we have conversations with colleagues, our minds are focused on the long list of other things we need to get done, meaning you miss important information. Making a conscious effort to focus on what the other person is saying is called <a href="http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm" target="_blank">active listening</a>.<br />
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To be successful with active listening: </div>
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<li>Pay attention to what the other person is saying.</li>
<li>Show them you are engaged in the conversation with signals like nodding and eye contact.</li>
<li>Provide feedback on what they have said by paraphrasing.</li>
<li>Try not to interrupt them while they are speaking.</li>
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Practising this type of listening can really help you understand your co-worker's needs and build trust with them.<br />
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<strong>4. Be reliable</strong><br />
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To make your colleagues trust and admire your work, make sure you are a reliable employee. Get to the office on time, produce high-quality work and be there for your team when they need you. Later down the track when your superiors are determining who best to promote or entrust with the next big project, your hard work will pay off.<br />
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These four tips are great ways to improve rapport with your co-workers, but they work best when combined. Create a positive work attitude built on effective skills and you will be the go-to worker in the office.<br />
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Read more about the communication skills you need to succeed in tax by <a href="http://education.taxinstitute.com.au/communication-skills/" target="_blank">downloading our free ebook</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-80946412074069932432018-05-02T15:30:00.000+10:002019-07-26T11:50:57.361+10:00Five resume red flags to avoid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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According to a <a href="http://cdn.theladders.net/static/images/basicSite/pdfs/TheLadders-EyeTracking-StudyC2.pdf" target="_blank">recruitment study</a>, your resume has mere seconds in front of a senior associate, hiring manager or recruiter before they make a decision about your application.<br />
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HR staff are trained to look for disqualifying factors. With just seconds to impress, here are five glaring red flags that vex recruiters and see them weed out candidates at a glance.<br />
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<strong>Messy formatting</strong><br />
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Little to no white space on the page, decorative or small type and the complete absence of page margins signal to HR that you may not be their ideal candidate. Beyond your apparent lack of organisation and overgenerous data selection, this may suggest that you don’t have a clear vision or, worse, that you’re imprudent. <br />
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Your resume needs to be reader-friendly, but it also needs to be deliberate. This isn’t the time to get experimental with font types or test your Microsoft Office artistry – and your resume certainly shouldn’t act as your memoir. Professionally prepared resumes are considered and highlight only the most esteemed aspects in a career history.<br />
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Steer clear of graphics, too many colours and too much information to create a resume that will speak clearly to your prospective employer.<br />
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<strong>Gaps in your employment history</strong><br />
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While HR may anticipate that most resumes will show at least one substantial gap (i.e. over six months) in their employment history, unexplained periods of career inactivity are cause for concern. This is one of the times where things should not be left unsaid. It’s perfectly acceptable to include a short sentence that will explain any gaps of multiple years, such as “Left position to further my education by undertaking a course” or “Left position to travel for a set amount of time”.<br />
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In the same vein, too many short-term jobs to a scrutinising eye can suggest you lack the commitment or stamina to persevere in a position. In this instance, it’s worth explaining that your career movements instead reflect a desire for continued professional development.<br />
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<strong>Using time-worn phrases</strong><br />
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It seems tired and clichéd that this particular red flag will always make the ‘do not’ list, however it’s still something job recruiters find in resumes. Such terms include “hard worker”, “forward-thinking”, “dedicated”, “detail orientated” and “driven”.<br />
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Hiding behind time-worn phrases can appear evasive and will encourage HR to question your talents, work ethic and your own viewpoint on what you can offer the company. Get creative with your resume and <a href="http://careersintaxblog.taxinstitute.com.au/2014/07/cv-writing-advice-using-language-to.html" target="_blank">use language</a> to frame your strengths.<br />
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<strong>Lacking results</strong><br />
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One step towards making your resume easier to read for time-poor hiring managers is to convert your data from qualitative to quantitative. Numbers, metrics and percentages can often be more impactful than words. Without such data, your resume can appear haphazard or altogether too vague. Would you hire a candidate without seeing hard facts on their successes?<br />
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<strong>Unprofessional details</strong><br />
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A resume is a package deal. While the content is critical, so too are the finer details such as the file name, your email address or your Skype handle. With hundreds of applications for any one job, make sure you include your name on the file to ensure you don’t get lost in the masses. Emails are free, so don’t let your sentimental attachment to an older email address hold you back in your career. Lead with your best professional foot forward.<br />
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For a fruitful career in tax, mastering the art of writing a professional resume is the first step to success.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-48467394688300691022018-04-11T16:21:00.002+10:002018-04-11T16:22:29.942+10:00A mentor can be a helping hand up the career ladder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz07OQUAeaIJgEKsrnOKQk9oJcXwNup1lZDLANo8KLg5X5XzoDOucMq4QC3k4RjQBUbHzC6NQ_dH9moQYdMD3gF3TJLCRf7HPVvu6Su7fs-At-E1ylp7A2BauqK3tllw3vxaubKlqolg/s1600/Mentor+career+ladder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz07OQUAeaIJgEKsrnOKQk9oJcXwNup1lZDLANo8KLg5X5XzoDOucMq4QC3k4RjQBUbHzC6NQ_dH9moQYdMD3gF3TJLCRf7HPVvu6Su7fs-At-E1ylp7A2BauqK3tllw3vxaubKlqolg/s400/Mentor+career+ladder.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nineteenth-century American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson once declared: “What I need is someone who will make me do what I can.”<br />
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As it turns out, it’s not only poets who need a helpful push to reach their potential.<br />
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How a mentor can help you</h3>
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"The first step to finding a good mentor is, of course, coming to terms with the fact that you actually can benefit from having one," <b><a href="https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/the-importance-of-having-a-mentor-in-business" target="_blank">says billionaire Richard Branson</a></b>.<br />
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Undertaking the right tax course is a necessary prerequisite to a successful career in the tax profession, and a mentor can then help that career evolve from good to great.<br />
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A wise, experienced mentor can:<br />
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<ul>
<li>save you from making novice mistakes</li>
<li>provide a network of contacts that you can tap into</li>
<li>reassure you and motivate you when you experience setbacks</li>
<li>offer advice on how to improve both your technical proficiency and people skills</li>
<li>act as a sounding board when you need to make big decisions, such as whether to invest in more tax training</li>
<li>diplomatically point out your weaknesses and show how to improve them</li>
<li>identify your strengths and suggest how you can best leverage them</li>
<li>provide the kind of perspective that comes only from age and experience.</li>
</ul>
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Finding a mentor</h3>
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The good news is that finding a mentor has never been easier. Many companies (including the 'Big Four' firms) have mentoring programs, and you can find a mentoring match through the <b><a href="http://www.sbms.org.au/" target="_blank">Small Business Mentoring Service</a></b> or <b><a href="https://herbusiness.com/" target="_blank">HerBusiness</a></b> (formerly the Australian Businesswomen’s Network).<br />
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The Tax Institute has also launched a <b><a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/mentoring" target="_blank">Young Practitioners Mentoring Program</a></b>. While registrations for this program have closed for 2018, members can now submit their application to participate in 2019.<br />
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If you want to identify and approach someone without going through a ‘middle person’, you can always attend the networking events featured on <b><a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/professional-development/upcoming-cpd-events" target="_blank">The Tax Institute's calendar</a></b> and see if you run into someone who inspires you.<br />
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It can even be as simple as picking up the phone, reaching out via LinkedIn, or sending an email to someone you admire to ask them to mentor you – they're likely to be flattered you asked.<br />
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How to be good a mentee</h3>
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Unless they are retired, your mentor will probably be someone in a senior position with many demands on their time. Respect the time they selflessly give you by punctually turning up to appointments and being well-prepared with a list of issues you’d like to discuss.<br />
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Mentor–mentee relationships can take many different forms, but keep in mind that it’s meant to be a business-focused relationship. Your mentor may not wish to hear about, or provide advice on, your personal life.<br />
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Finally, always show your mentor gratitude and respect, especially when it comes time to bring the relationship to a close.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-59533067583177535792018-04-06T15:13:00.000+10:002018-04-06T15:20:44.616+10:00A forum for emerging leaders in tax<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9dA_uCM6csfSyTVQFMK0Zeyj9ZX8d0THUeW0TqlYsFrErrgBMggm3MAexB2FLfknTVQr6V97UG8wlf1aOK6f0GgMenFOHrzyVikdddhtI4cV7WILAm_cztgL03TB0zDR_eEDzr9SBns/s1600/NSW+Tax+Forum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1600" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9dA_uCM6csfSyTVQFMK0Zeyj9ZX8d0THUeW0TqlYsFrErrgBMggm3MAexB2FLfknTVQr6V97UG8wlf1aOK6f0GgMenFOHrzyVikdddhtI4cV7WILAm_cztgL03TB0zDR_eEDzr9SBns/s400/NSW+Tax+Forum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On Friday 25 May, the technical program of The Tax Institute’s 11th annual NSW Tax Forum will feature a new, dedicated ‘Emerging leaders’ stream.<br />
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It’s a four-hour program designed to help nurture the future of the tax profession.<br />
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Practitioners will benefit from attending if they:<br />
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<ul>
<li>have less than 5 years’ experience in tax</li>
<li>need to build their tax-related technical skills</li>
<li>have not attended the NSW Tax Forum previously</li>
<li>would like to interact with like-minded professionals.</li>
</ul>
<br />
The stream encompasses four sessions that cover issues relevant to emerging tax advisers.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>In the first session, Pitcher Partners’ Jake Berger will present on ‘Current issues and challenges for revenue vs capital’. Jake will revisit the core concepts of the revenue/capital distinction. Just as importantly, he will look at the practical actions and behaviours of clients, which will influence whether something gives rise to a revenue gain or a capital gain.<br />
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The second session will feature Robert Campbell CTA, from McLeod Campbell & Associates, offering ‘Tips and traps in relation to structuring for business or investments’. Robert will provide an overview of structuring and why you would use certain entities. He will offer case studies, with examples of why you would use a particular structure over another, focusing on the more tax-effective options. He will outline issues that arise due to certain structures (e.g. possible section 100A reimbursement agreement, Division 7A or UPE issues, and stamp duty if you need to move property to another entity etc). He will also explain how you can change your structure once you set it up.<br />
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Allens’ Jay Prasad will present an ‘Update on trusts’ in the third session. He will explain some of the confusing aspects of trust taxation and will provide some context and background to some of the common issues that you might need to consider in practice, with key topics including:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>an overview of the nature of trusts</li>
<li>‘distributable income’ and ‘taxable income’</li>
<li>the concept of ‘present entitlement’ (and specific entitlement)</li>
<li>a brief overview of widely held trusts.</li>
</ul>
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The final session in the ‘Emerging leaders’ stream will be a discussion panel comprising EY’s Antoinette Elias CTA, the ATO’s Gavin Favelle CTA and Evora Legal’s Jennifer Yeo. The panellists will offer advice on ‘How to make the most of your career in tax’, including the many pathways and opportunities you do not want to miss. It will be an interactive session that will cover areas such as:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>training and development goals</li>
<li>becoming a successful leader in your industry</li>
<li>how to network and build your personal brand</li>
<li>dealing with work-life balance.</li>
</ul>
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If you attend, make sure you bring your burning career questions.<br />
<br />
The cost of attending ‘Emerging leaders’ stream of the NSW Tax Forum is just $195. For more information, please check out the <b><a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/professional-development/key-events/nsw-tax-forum" target="_blank">event page</a></b> on The Tax Institute website.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Find out about </span><a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/member-centre/student-membership" style="color: #6459c4; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Student Membership</b></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-28897373648789714372018-03-21T12:11:00.000+11:002018-03-21T12:13:50.427+11:0010 reasons to consider an intensive course with The Tax Institute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOptbf0B0m7p9Vrwk_Q8EK2MVi8rVbbmD2mexwYs4w4opMyMDFLfPvvNkJuXb-jcKXLtb-s9l1GUzTwh_FF9mClBJkHyUPbPJeADm1NkTV_g3DlqYFOZxE3kaVpMAxkc17qBwxDlBDYLA/s1600/10+reasons+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOptbf0B0m7p9Vrwk_Q8EK2MVi8rVbbmD2mexwYs4w4opMyMDFLfPvvNkJuXb-jcKXLtb-s9l1GUzTwh_FF9mClBJkHyUPbPJeADm1NkTV_g3DlqYFOZxE3kaVpMAxkc17qBwxDlBDYLA/s400/10+reasons+02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Education providers sometimes offer intensive, compressed versions of their courses. It’s an alternative that’s becoming increasingly popular with students, who report higher satisfaction levels because of the time they save with this study mode.<br />
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Moreover, researchers over the past 20 years have concluded that intensive courses do no disservice to students’ educational outcomes and, in fact, offer many advantages.<br />
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The Tax Institute’s fast-tracked ‘CTA1 Foundation intensive’ subject provides students with tax fundamentals in just 6 weeks, as opposed to the usual 14. Students can accelerate their professional growth and can update their knowledge of Australian tax basics in record time.<br />
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Here are our top 10 reasons to enrol in The Tax Institute’s CTA1 Foundation intensive.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
1. Achieve results faster</h3>
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The Australian tax environment is complex and varied. If you’re only familiar with a narrow portion of the tax profession, our foundations tax course – delivered in a 6-week intensive format – bridges the gap. You can broaden your tax knowledge without an onerous investment of time.<br />
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<h3>
2. Convenience and flexibility</h3>
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The online learning mode means you have the freedom and flexibility to structure your days the way you want. The foundations course is run five times each year and all content is available from day one, including lectures and webinars, so you can study anytime, anywhere and on any device.<br />
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<h3>
3. Practical, applied learning </h3>
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Developed and delivered by experienced tax experts, CTA1 Foundations is a thoroughly practical subject – you can apply your learning immediately to real situations. The course materials are current up to one month prior to the commencement of each study period and the examples are often based on the experiences of our expert lecturers in their workplaces today. <br />
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<h3>
4. Recognition for your learning</h3>
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Credit recognition acknowledges the skills and knowledge you bring to your study and may reduce the time it takes to complete your qualifications. Our tax courses are also accredited with important regulatory bodies such as the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA). We are also recognised by the Tax Practitioner Board.<br />
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<h3>
5. Extend your career options</h3>
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Through the tax foundation course, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of Australian tax issues, such as structures, deductions, GST, capital gains tax, fringe benefits tax and an introduction to the Australian tax system, so that you build your skills, capabilities and experiences to extend your career options.<br />
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<h3>
6. Enhance your professional status</h3>
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The Tax Institute’s qualifications can lead to the prestigious Chartered Tax Advisor designation, an internationally recognised and respected mark of technical excellence. The post-nominals CTA represent the highest standards for tax advisers who have extensive experience and a commitment to being at the forefront of the profession. Those who carry the designation have proved themselves to be of the highest calibre and are equipped to provide the best tax advice.<br />
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<h3>
7. Expand your tax knowledge </h3>
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You can be in a position to provide clients with comprehensive advice by expanding your tax knowledge. Learn all the required tax compliance tasks and their legislative foundations, while gaining the knowledge and skills you’ll need to properly advise clients on managing their tax affairs.<br />
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<h3>
8. Keep up-to-date with changes in tax</h3>
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Gain access to complimentary published technical papers each month and weekly tax policy updates, which provide the latest technical information on topical issues, and accumulate CPD points through our extensive event schedule, developed and presented by dedicated and senior members of the profession.<br />
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<h3>
9. Membership – access a range of benefits</h3>
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One of the biggest benefits of studying with The Tax Institute is that you become a member. As such, you gain access to products, services and offers specially developed for tax practitioners’ ever-changing needs and support for all stages of your career.<br />
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<h3>
10. Network with like-minded professionals </h3>
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The Tax Institute has over 12,000 members, so you join a network of tax agents, accountants, lawyers and other professionals. Engage with students, academics and practitioners (from your course, at events, or in discussion groups) who share your interests, enabling you to build an invaluable professional network.<br />
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<br />
Fast-paced online courses can be a more convenient, practical way to attain an accreditation. <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/single-subjects/cta1-foundations" target="_blank"><b>Learn more here</b></a> about how you can achieve your goals faster and get tax fundamentals in just six weeks.<br />
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<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />If you're a tertiary education student, <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/" style="color: #6459c4;"><b>The Tax Institute</b></a> can help you progress in your career.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Find out about </span><a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/member-centre/student-membership" style="color: #6459c4; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Student Membership</b></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-50432177591300369942018-03-16T14:09:00.000+11:002018-08-13T12:20:22.696+10:00The X factor – 4 ways to stand out in your firm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
So, you’ve blitzed the competition and have landed a role at the professional organisation of your dreams. Congratulations!<br />
<br />
But don’t get too comfortable.<br />
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Winning over a hiring manager is just the first phase when it comes to proving your worth. Taking the initiative and making regular contributions will help you stand out as your firm’s newest shining star.<br />
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Here are four tried-and-tested strategies for stepping up from the first rung on your career ladder.<br />
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<h3>
Be proactive</h3>
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When you’re a new recruit at the start of a learning curve, it can feel daunting to take the reins – you don’t want to appear like you’re overstepping your rank.<br />
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However, whether you offer to help an overworked colleague, volunteer for a new project or voice your opinions in a meeting, taking decisive action will show your employer that you want to be considered a future asset rather than a liability.<br />
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<h3>
Invest in your professional development</h3>
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Few things impress a boss more than an employee who is committed to improving their knowledge and learning new skills – even if they already have a good degree under their belt.<br />
<br />
Enrolling in a <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/programs/graduate-diploma-of-applied-tax-law" target="_blank"><b>Graduate Diploma</b></a> with <b><a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/" target="_blank">The Tax Institute</a></b> or applying to become a <b><a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/programs/tax-agent-program" target="_blank">registered tax agent</a></b> is proof that you’re willing to continually invest in your professional development. It sends the message that you’re unwilling to be complacent, and increases your value as an employee in the process.<br />
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<h3>
Flag issues as they arise</h3>
<br />
Although it’s tempting to take on tasks without thinking about the consequences, the ability to anticipate and articulate obstacles and issues is a powerful quality that will put you ahead of the pack.<br />
<br />
From a bottleneck sparked by a client project or a resourcing shortfall that will put your firm behind a deadline, flagging potential problems with your manager isn’t just testament to your skills as a communicator – it’s also proof of your commitment to doing the best job.<br />
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<h3>
Execute on a new initiative or system</h3>
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Star employees don’t just follow instructions – they’re team players who are unafraid to bring new ideas to the table and reinvent the status quo.<br />
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Implementing a working method that eliminates reconciliation errors, coming up with a project-management system that leads to greater collaboration or simply suggesting a social activity that your colleagues can enjoy together are potential ways to set yourself apart.<br />
<br />
It’s important not to rest on your laurels if you want to prove you’re the kind of employee who is prepared to do whatever it takes to master your role.<br />
<br />
Whether it’s showing you’re willing to make effective decisions or mustering the courage to talk about problems, stepping out of your comfort zone can help establish your professional credentials in a way that could see you climbing your career ladder sooner than anticipated.<br />
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Give yourself the edge with free student membership</span></b><br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />If you're a tertiary education student, <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/" style="color: #6459c4;"><b>The Tax Institute</b></a> can help you progress in your career.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-74598009935263938892018-03-09T11:51:00.000+11:002018-03-20T14:24:59.387+11:00The rise of a tax star – Elissa Romanin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Elissa Romanin didn’t originally choose a career in tax. Instead, she says, “tax found me.”<br />
<br />
Imagining her future in a commercial role, Elissa completed a law degree, “because it was a good thing to have,” she says.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>At university, Elissa found the tax subjects “interesting and challenging”, which made it all the more appealing to her. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she also became more exposed to the prospect of working in a law firm.<br />
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“I went down the usual path; did vacation work at a number of law firms, one of them being MinterEllison, and I loved it. I knew MinterEllison was where I belonged.”<br />
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Elissa began her career at MinterEllison as a graduate, where newcomers can do three rotations in different areas of practice.<br />
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“By the time I came to my third rotation, which was tax, I knew I had found something I was especially interested in. It is technically challenging and it changes all the time.”<br />
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<h3>
If you build it…</h3>
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“MinterEllison is a fantastically supportive place to work. Unlike many other law firms, we see tax as a real growth area. It’s a great place for people wanting to build a career in tax. I might be biased, but I would have to say that real evidence of this is my recent promotion to partner,” Elissa says.<br />
<br />
MinterEllison has offices in every Australian capital city, as well as in London, Hong Kong, Auckland, Wellington, Beijing, Shanghai and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia. In the 2016<br />
Acritas brand index, the firm was named in the top 10 law firm brands in the Asia Pacific region, being regarded for “top-level litigation” and for “high-value work”. MinterEllison was also recognised in the Best Lawyers (2018 edition) as Law Firm of the Year in Taxation Law.<br />
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The attractions of a career in tax are many to the young lawyer.<br />
<br />
“It touches on everything. With a career in corporate tax you are involved in M&A deals, property transactions, employment-related issues and financing arrangements. You also have the opportunity to be involved with many different types of clients, industries and matters, which is exciting as it creates a variety of opportunities.”<br />
<br />
She says an important aspect of being a tax adviser is being on top of everything (or trying to be on top of everything!)<br />
<br />
“There are so many different things to think about in tax, so many different rules and principles and just as many exceptions; it is one of the challenges. You need to be able to competently spot issues and advise on many aspects of tax law. This requires an ability to see the bigger picture and look at a transaction from a holistic and commercial point of view, not limited to raising just tax issues.”<br />
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<h3>
Variety is the spice of tax</h3>
<br />
To young women thinking about a career in tax, Elissa says she would highly recommend it as a field of study and work and has this advice to offer.<br />
<br />
“The first thing I would say is to find something you are passionate about and get involved. Don’t wait for someone to ask you to do something. Don’t wait for an opportunity to be given to you. Put your hand up, even if you know nothing about it.<br />
<br />
“If you see there’s an announced change to tax, volunteer to write something about it. Be on top of what’s going on, look for those opportunities. Often, when a new law is made, no one knows about it, because it’s new. Be the first one in your team to write a news alert or a summary.”<br />
<br />
She continues: “Be prepared to make mistakes. When you are developing, and even all the way through your career, just know that you’re learning every single day. You will get challenged, you will get questioned, you will make mistakes, but you can learn from that to develop yourself going forward.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Nerds no more</h3>
<br />
“Tax is just a really interesting part of the law, I think, for young people, for young women, because it means you can get brought in and get exposed to all different types of matters and clients, big or small. If you come into tax, there are so many opportunities and you can find your niche.<br />
<br />
“I think tax used to – and maybe it still does – have this stereotype of being dry or boring. This seems to be changing. A lot of young, energetic people are coming into the field. People are seeing it as an exciting part of the law.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
No exact formula to work-life balance</h3>
<br />
We asked Elissa what work-life balance means to her. She says she thinks it means making sure that, whatever you’re doing, you’re doing what you want to do, what you are passionate about and what you enjoy doing.<br />
<br />
“If you’re working very hard for a long period of time, if you’re enjoying it, and you’re passionate about what you’re doing, that’s okay, knowing that you need to make sure you make time for yourself. To me, work-life balance means doing things outside of work that keep you connected and make you a more well-rounded person in living your life. I don’t think there’s a formula, or even a way you should split your day. It is different for everybody, but it’s about making sure you’re doing the things you want to be doing,” she says.<br />
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<br />
<h3>
Leadership and mentoring</h3>
<br />
Having had such a fast career trajectory and becoming a leader to others at MinterEllison, Elissa says she believes being a leader is about “empowering the people around you and giving them the tools, the freedom and support to develop and to become their own person in what they are doing.”<br />
<br />
Because of the fast-paced, constantly changing laws around tax, she believes one challenge is instilling a culture and approach in the team that it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep on top of the changes and for each person to take the initiative to read, summarise and educate others on the key changes.<br />
<br />
“I have also been the recipient of invaluable guidance and support from the leaders I have worked with. I would recommend to anyone coming through to seek out those around you and to ask questions.”<br />
<br />
Outside of work, Elissa says she and her husband – who was a professional chef for 18 years – enjoy trying out different restaurants, good food and wine, travelling and spending time with family.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-59749355471255056782018-02-27T16:18:00.000+11:002018-02-27T16:18:59.269+11:00Graduate attributes that boost your employability<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBrxpHcTjx45meTPkNkTvSKW7CqNJDKaf9yosYYepIgIX-Wyc_aN-bBMrayopanzOuRKI5J0L0EDEAFX3XBtU5iOyx_sciy8BrObjJ83Hw8YxFrq8_lQ6ay1QidJog9tr8so_AZYW5lo/s1600/Graduate+attributes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBrxpHcTjx45meTPkNkTvSKW7CqNJDKaf9yosYYepIgIX-Wyc_aN-bBMrayopanzOuRKI5J0L0EDEAFX3XBtU5iOyx_sciy8BrObjJ83Hw8YxFrq8_lQ6ay1QidJog9tr8so_AZYW5lo/s400/Graduate+attributes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Do you have a graduate (or even postgraduate) tax qualification? Are you looking to land a prestige tax, accounting or legal position?<br />
<br />
To separate yourself from the pack of other candidates in the eyes of prospective employers, it pays to demonstrate the following four attributes.<br />
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<h3>
An inquiring mind</h3>
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American writer John Maxwell famously observed that a person who knows ‘how’ will always have a job, but that the person who knows ‘why’ will always be the boss. Your tax qualification will, hopefully, have encouraged you to constantly ask that crucial ‘why?’ question.<br />
<br />
James Collacott, a former dux of the Tax Institute's <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/single-subjects/cta2a-advanced" target="_blank"><b>CTA2A Advanced</b></a> course, notes: "After having completed <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/single-subjects/cta1-foundations" target="_blank"><b>CTA1</b></a>, I knew that I needed to move my knowledge to the next level if I was going to be able to progress my career in taxation. The Australian tax system is complicated and the <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/single-subjects/cta2a-advanced" target="_blank"><b>CTA2A Advanced</b></a> course allowed me to apply my new knowledge immediately and apply the principles I’d learnt to the tax affairs of the firm’s clients.”<br />
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<h3>
Connections</h3>
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Most jobs are never advertised. This means that, if you aren’t in the know, you’re not in the running. What’s more, hiring managers are more comfortable taking a punt on a candidate who comes recommended by someone they trust.<br />
<br />
Granted, having a large network isn’t in itself proof of competence, but at the least it demonstrates that a candidate is likely to have the ability to work well with others.<br />
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It’s never too early (or too late) to start growing your network. A postgraduate tax course is a great place to begin forming relationships with others in the profession.<br />
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<h3>
Ability to communicate</h3>
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If tax matters were simple, you wouldn’t have had to spend years studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level to master them. Nonetheless, you’ll be in hot demand if you possess the communication skills to explain what you can do, or have done, for clients who have little interest in the intricacies of the Australian tax system.<br />
<br />
Nicole Chromy says of her <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/single-subjects/cta2a-advanced" target="_blank"><b>CTA2A Advanced</b></a> course, “[It] built my confidence to break down and tackle complex scenarios. Furthermore, it has assisted me in working out how to take these conclusions and explain the outcome in an understandable manner to my clients.”<br />
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<br />
<h3>
The capacity to not be a team player</h3>
<br />
It may sound counter-intuitive, but the ability to cope with and, where appropriate, provoke discord is something every graduate should have, at least according to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-qualities-get-you-hired-sir-martin-sorrell/?trk=tod-posts-post1-ptlt" target="_blank"><b>Sir Martin Sorrell</b></a>, founder and CEO of public relations firm WPP.<br />
<br />
He argues: “If a leader is surrounded by ‘yes’ people they learn nothing. Good people know how to stand their ground and make their case – even when others don’t want to hear what they’re saying.”<br />
<br />
As necessary as they are, qualifications aren’t likely to be sufficient to land you that dream job. To have your pick of potential employers, you’ll need to demonstrate you have the attributes (such as those listed above) that others don’t.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-15229461224949236192018-02-12T16:34:00.002+11:002018-02-12T16:34:18.739+11:00How to make the most of your Mondays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Nothing sends your productivity into overdrive like getting a flying start to the week. You might think of each Monday as the ‘weekend hangover’, but it’s better to use the day as an opportunity to establish your priorities and beat your deadlines.<br />
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Whether you’re facing five days filled with client meetings or completing the last phase of a project that requires your analytical skills to be razor-sharp, here are four top tips for making the most of your Mondays.<br />
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Get an early start</h3>
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A directly-proportional relationship exists between waking up early and getting the most out of your day.<br />
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According to <a href="https://hbr.org/2010/07/defend-your-research-the-early-bird-really-does-get-the-worm" target="_blank"><b>research</b></a> published in the <i>Harvard Business Review</i>, those with a tendency to wake up early were found to feel happier, more productive and more energetic than those who rose at an average time.<br />
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It’s a finding that can work wonders for your productivity. From avoiding caffeine after midday (on the day before) to bringing your alarm forward, there are many things you can do to rise early on a Monday and prepare yourself for the week.<br />
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<h3>
Factor exercise into your schedule</h3>
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Do you find yourself spending long hours hunched over reading documents or staring at spreadsheets on a screen? Making exercise part of your Monday schedule can supercharge your concentration levels and help you focus on the task at hand.<br />
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Whether you attend an early-morning yoga class before commuting to the office or forgo the train to cycle or walk into work, upping your endorphin levels after the weekend can make you more efficient in the days to come.<br />
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<h3>
Build a buffer into your diary</h3>
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We’ve all arrived at work on a Monday only to find there’s been an issue with a client’s financials or some other obstacle that will delay a project. But setting aside time to troubleshoot on a Monday – even if it turns out you don’t need it – can help you sail into Tuesday calm, cool and prepared.<br />
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<h3>
Prioritise the week’s most important tasks</h3>
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When you’re staring at a week shaped by round-the-clock deadlines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Unfortunately, this can give rise to the kind of reactive mindset that can create stress over the next five days.<br />
<br />
On Monday morning, spend some time looking at your diary, re-evaluating your goals and prioritising the week’s most important tasks. That way, you know when you’re hitting your professional targets and can change your course when you start to drift.<br />
<br />
From fast-tracking your wake-up call to setting aside time to resolve issues that will inevitably arise, committing to making the most of your Monday can work wonders for the rest of your week.<br />
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What do you do to get the most out of your Mondays?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com245tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-72792403276924761082018-02-06T12:02:00.001+11:002018-02-06T12:21:02.881+11:00Build your resume while you study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
A ‘Catch 22’ situation exists for many younger graduates – employers often require that you already have relevant work experience before they’ll consider hiring you, but you need to secure that first job to gain experience.<br />
<br />
Achieving a high-distinction average in your undergraduate studies or mastering your taxation law units is likely not enough to help you land the job of your dreams. While recruiters and hiring managers seek candidates who show academic rigour, many also require that you demonstrate passion, focus, drive and initiative in a practical environment.<br />
<br />
There’s no reason to despair, however, if you’re still studying for your degree. There are countless ways to begin proving to your potential employer that your contribution to their business will go well beyond balancing the books.<br />
<br />
Here are four strategies for building your résumé while you study – because it's never too early to begin your career in a ‘real world’ sense.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Volunteer</h3>
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If, for example, you’re a third-year accounting student, you could be a valuable asset to an organisation that may not otherwise be able to pay for your skills.<br />
<br />
From under-resourced charities that grapple with financial administration to not-for-profits that could benefit from simple bookkeeping services, there are many opportunities for you to offer pro-bono services that would seriously bolster your résumé.<br />
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Volunteering in this way also shows employers that you have a social conscience to match your commercial instincts.<br />
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<h3>
Start a side project</h3>
<br />
Extracurricular passions aren’t necessarily a distraction from your career. They can actually make you more attractive in an employer’s eyes.<br />
<br />
Most companies seek well-rounded individuals who have a range of interests and passions, rather than workers who live only for the daily grind. Whether you’ve always dreamt of designing a mobile app, starting a fundraising initiative to help disadvantaged students or planting a community garden, a side project can show your future boss that you have the talent and commitment to devise interesting plans and follow through in terms of practical execution.<br />
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<h3>
Land an internship</h3>
<br />
An internship may be the obvious, well-trodden avenue, but this is for good reason.<br />
<br />
Finding an internship with a company in your profession or industry can accelerate your path to employment and help your résumé reach the top of the pile. By working with professionals in your sector, you don’t just gain valuable industry experience and a network of contacts – you’re also better placed to pursue a path that interests you once it’s time to start applying for jobs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Learn something new</h3>
<br />
Although future tax professionals are often meticulous and numbers-oriented, this doesn’t mean you can’t explore the other side of your brain.<br />
<br />
Learning a new language, taking a writing class or enrolling in a professional communication course can enhance your value to employers looking for candidates who can connect with their clients. Acquiring new skills also demonstrates that you’re committed to your personal growth.<br />
<br />
Alternatively, it can be just as useful to train yourself in the latest financial software, take advanced Excel tutorials, or brush up on a much-hyped app that businesses are likely to start using.<br />
<br />
From taking a short course to launching a side project, there’s no shortage of steps you can take to build a sparkling CV. What steps are you taking to make your résumé stand out?<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />If you're a tertiary education student, <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/" style="color: #6459c4;">The Tax Institute</a> can help you progress in your career.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Find out about </span><a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/member-centre/student-membership" style="color: #6459c4; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Student Membership</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-32911466426015279182018-01-29T16:00:00.002+11:002018-01-29T16:01:11.840+11:00Which area of tax should you specialise in?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI7l_Mlpgg6zRiNMAxwTvvdgcmGu-aHOhrd4B0o-HLf3DcJH-th5BUkUFxl-oBxp-yhHQvhnxMclsE-a-OUmLLcFBqOq8RzHwvq3jwMF7SoKCXqtqArOcl7U3VkRKNPNQrbILQ4W6Uac/s1600/Which+area+of+tax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI7l_Mlpgg6zRiNMAxwTvvdgcmGu-aHOhrd4B0o-HLf3DcJH-th5BUkUFxl-oBxp-yhHQvhnxMclsE-a-OUmLLcFBqOq8RzHwvq3jwMF7SoKCXqtqArOcl7U3VkRKNPNQrbILQ4W6Uac/s400/Which+area+of+tax.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A career in tax can open up rewarding opportunities. It’s a multifaceted profession, with areas you can choose to specialise in once you've completed your postgraduate tax education.<br />
<br />
But how do you know which discipline is the right fit for your mindset and abilities?<br />
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Here are four areas you might consider focusing on in your tax training, along with the skills and experience you’ll need to succeed and the types of personalities that tend to excel in them.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
1. SMEs</h3>
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With the growing number of small-to-medium sized businesses in Australia, a business tax specialist will always be in high demand.<br />
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For this, you’ll need to be abreast of capital gains implications, the latest GST changes and depreciation schedules, as well as the special exemptions and deductions relevant to each business structure and industry.<br />
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Many tax specialists find this work rewarding, as it helps local businesses grow and remain sustainable. Keeping up with the constant federal regulatory changes impacting SMEs also means working in an area that’s dynamic and always evolving.<br />
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<h3>
2. SMSFs</h3>
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An increasing number of people are choosing a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) to provide their retirement benefits, because it offers more control over investments. This has opened up a complex field for tax agents to specialise in – providing superannuation advice.<br />
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SMSFs are a legal tax structure regulated by the ATO. They have strict reporting and compliance obligations. As a superannuation specialist, you’ll need to stay abreast of any new developments so as to provide clients with timely advice on the right structure and planning.<br />
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With severe penalties for non-compliance, an SMSF tax specialist has considerable responsibility and therefore needs to be attentive to detail and have outstanding communication skills, along with a comprehensive understanding of superannuation law and practice.<br />
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<h3>
3. Property</h3>
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A property tax specialist provides advice to investors about how to protect assets and minimise tax liabilities. You’ll need to consider issues such as different tax structures, capital gains implications, deciding between holding and selling, renting, cash flow issues, renovations, transferring property and international tax implications, as well as tax minimisation.<br />
<br />
Property tax can be a highly complex area and the laws and regulations can vary widely from state to state. One rewarding challenge of providing specialist property tax advice is helping clients to find viable, sustainable solutions to maximising their opportunities and return on their investment. Specialists in this area enjoy liaising with people who are interested in asset and wealth creation, including high-net-worth individuals and wealth-creation institutions.<br />
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<h3>
4. Corporate advice</h3>
<br />
The corporate tax path may be well trodden, but for good reason – there are many rewarding specialisations within the larger corporate arena, including audit, compliance, consulting and advisory work. These open up exciting opportunities for specialists working in this area.<br />
<br />
If you tend to thrive when given the opportunity to share ideas and collaborate with colleagues, large-scale corporate advisory work can have you working cohesively in a team environment, often across multinational channels.<br />
<br />
You’ll need an understanding of international corporate tax implications, as well as effective time management and communication skills, as you’ll often be communicating across different time zones with your firm’s other offices around the globe. But be warned: late nights and early mornings may be required!<br />
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Give yourself the edge with free student membership</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />If you're a tertiary education student, <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/" style="color: #6459c4;">The Tax Institute</a> can help you progress in your career.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Find out about </span><a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/member-centre/student-membership" style="color: #6459c4; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Student Membership</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-3532375489546033382018-01-12T13:54:00.002+11:002019-07-26T11:28:30.058+10:00How to build rapport with your professional colleagues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDFLLA6Q0SexxQA6jpeYplZpongB9bVyGK5-AWdhUN5G6S0UFaJA0yU9VI4eckC5Ru-nFVKaCfTUKaLg33xS2Og0CDNakbb2xGPfNaprbJo8aQOHWUICUO4TpFiI8xPs_VXGqi4QgYVM/s1600/Building+rapport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDFLLA6Q0SexxQA6jpeYplZpongB9bVyGK5-AWdhUN5G6S0UFaJA0yU9VI4eckC5Ru-nFVKaCfTUKaLg33xS2Og0CDNakbb2xGPfNaprbJo8aQOHWUICUO4TpFiI8xPs_VXGqi4QgYVM/s400/Building+rapport.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The ability to get along with your co-workers – and create long-lasting professional relationships with them – is an essential skill for all tax practitioners.<br />
<br />
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, developing positive relationships with colleagues creates a richer work environment and can help your future.<br />
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Here are four key skills that expert rapport-builders focus on to enhance their relationships with colleagues.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
1. Communication</h3>
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Things can go awry when there is miscommunication, especially when office stress and multiple deadlines are added to the mix. Learning to be clear when communicating with colleagues about collaborative projects, your workload or the expectations of your role will help you avoid any unnecessary conflict.<br />
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If you’re ever in doubt about a task or project, following up with questions is the best way to side-step confusion. Professional relationships thrive on open, honest communication.<br />
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<h3>
2. Positivity</h3>
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No one likes a ‘Negative Nancy’. Even if you think you’re innocently venting about a problem, people will peg you as a pessimist if you do it too often. Next time you feel the urge to complain about something work-related, take a step back and look on the bright side.<br />
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A positive, ‘can-do’ attitude puts other people at ease and shows you’re capable and interested in your work. Positivity is infectious, and your vibe will rub off on your colleagues, leading to a more positive work environment for everyone.<br />
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<h3>
3. Listening</h3>
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Often when we have conversations with colleagues, our minds are focused on the long list of other things we need to get done. This can lead to missing important information.<br />
<br />
Consciously focusing on what another person is saying is called <a href="https://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm" target="_blank"><b>active listening</b></a>. It involves:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>paying attention to what the other person is saying</li>
<li>showing them you’re engaged in the conversation with physical signals such as nodding and eye contact</li>
<li>providing feedback on what the person has said by paraphrasing</li>
<li>trying not to interrupt them while they are speaking.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Practising active listening can help you understand your co-worker's needs and gain their trust.<br />
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<h3>
4. Reliability</h3>
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To encourage your colleagues’ trust and admiration of your work, try to make sure you are reliable.<br />
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Get to the office on time, produce high-quality work and be there for your team when they need you. Later, when your managers are determining who best to promote or entrust with the next big project, your hard work is likely to pay off.<br />
<br />
These four tips are great ways to improve rapport with your co-workers, and they work best when combined. Create a positive work attitude built on effective skills and you’ll soon be the ‘go-to’ person in your office.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-1176149583936848292018-01-04T12:00:00.001+11:002018-01-04T12:09:10.471+11:00Why tax is a great career choice in 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
What do you want from your career? A new challenge every day? The opportunity to make a difference? Intellectual stimulation? Financial security?<br />
<br />
It’s worth giving the question some genuine thought, especially if you have an eye on working in a competitive field such as accounting, the law or tax.<br />
<br />
There are many reasons that tax is increasingly appealing to contemporary graduates. Here we outline several benefits of entering the numbers game.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Expansion of advisory services</h3>
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According to Stephen Holmes CTA, partner at WMS Chartered Accountants, professional services firms are expanding their knowledge and skill-sets so they can provide more complex advisory services in addition to helping clients with tax compliance.<br />
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“You need extra skills to ensure clients stay with you and have confidence in your abilities,” he says.<br />
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For you, this can mean more interesting, challenging work, and the chance to develop your potential.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Specialist expertise</h3>
<br />
Holmes adds that a major challenge facing entry-level tax practitioners is how to become – and have clients accept you as – an indispensable expert.<br />
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Every challenge, however, is also an opportunity. You can learn to specialise in a specific industry or technical area that interests you. You’ll invariably find that, when you get to know your niche really well (and can demonstrate this knowledge), clients will soon recognize and value your specialist expertise.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Variety</h3>
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If you're seeking variety in your career (and in life), the tax path may be for you.<br />
<br />
Holmes suggests there is really no ‘typical day’, especially once you reach partner level.<br />
<br />
“Early on, your days are similar, but doing the same thing over and over is a good thing for your future career.”<br />
<br />
Your days become more varied as you climb the ranks of your organisation. You’ll then appreciate that the repetition you experienced at a junior level was necessary, and extremely valuable, as it will have helped you to build your technical skills and your ability to liaise effectively with clients.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
How to kickstart your tax career today</h3>
<br />
You can quickly stand out from the crowd by demonstrating your abilities in various facets of your profession.<br />
<br />
One way to do this is by undertaking the <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/education/programs/chartered-tax-adviser-program" target="_blank"><b>Chartered Tax Adviser program</b></a>, which will help you increase your knowledge and bridge the gap between the theoretical and practical aspects of tax practice.<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />If you're a tertiary education student, <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/" style="color: #6459c4;">The Tax Institute</a> can help you progress in your career.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Find out about </span><a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/member-centre/student-membership" style="color: #6459c4; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Student Membership</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-24051755337156041652017-12-06T11:49:00.000+11:002017-12-06T11:50:39.444+11:00How to shine at a networking event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITyS9mB05oF0uaXNYUbJsMGrMKPdusof0bJbBS1lYp8xNTc-YRX0ef9OjClAM0t0M0eFCaVAUZdH8aqG8O0TxKIok1vubAxsPptRf50HKoHFD6R-E-jGQ79CHEU1nE6HgOR_6aTAWyy4/s1600/How+to+shine+at+a+networking+event.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITyS9mB05oF0uaXNYUbJsMGrMKPdusof0bJbBS1lYp8xNTc-YRX0ef9OjClAM0t0M0eFCaVAUZdH8aqG8O0TxKIok1vubAxsPptRf50HKoHFD6R-E-jGQ79CHEU1nE6HgOR_6aTAWyy4/s400/How+to+shine+at+a+networking+event.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Whether you’re a seasoned tax professional or junior practitioner, few activities have as much potential for business development and career advancement as networking with peers, influencers and prospective clients.<br />
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A networking function can help you forge real-world connections with people you might otherwise only know via email or social media. It enables you to represent your organisation to potentially valuable, influential contacts. However, making and nurturing contacts at such occasions can be challenging if you don’t take the time to prepare.<br />
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Here are some ideas on how to best represent your firm at a networking event.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Reach out on social media</span></h3>
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If you’re going to represent your employer at an event, the use of social media beforehand can be powerful.<br />
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For example, you can tweet about the fact that you plan to attend, using the event’s hashtag. You might also register your interest in meeting new people on the relevant Facebook or LinkedIn page.<br />
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This can encourage fellow attendees to seek you out. It also shows that your organisation prioritises industry engagement and participation.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Put your best foot forward</span></h3>
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Although networking functions sometimes take place at informal venues, that doesn’t mean you should cast aside your professionalism. It’s important to dress for the occasion, ensure you have plenty of business cards and take the time to introduce yourself and thank your host.<br />
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Industry events can feel more laid-back than a meeting in the office, but it’s also worth monitoring your alcohol consumption and reminding yourself that you’re still ‘on the job’.<br />
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At the same time, don’t be afraid to relax when talking about yourself and your employer’s service offering. Letting your personality shine through is often the best way to build relationships.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a clear strategy</span></h3>
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There’s no point attending a networking event if you’re clueless about what you plan to achieve. Are you hoping to meet potential clients, promote a specific service that’s new to your firm, or simply expand your professional network? If you’re unsure about what your employer expects you to do, it might be worth scheduling a meeting with your manager beforehand to talk it through.<br />
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Networking events can provide powerful opportunities to grow a business, so it’s worth your while to use them to your advantage.<br />
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Once the event is over, ask yourself how well you represented your organisation and whether you met your goals. And don’t forget to nurture the relationships you built by making continuing to connect with your new contacts on a regular basis.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />If you're a tertiary education student, <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/" style="color: #6459c4;">The Tax Institute</a> can help you progress in your career.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com98tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-8163441816638374512017-11-30T11:08:00.001+11:002017-11-30T11:09:35.554+11:00Résumé red flags to avoid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseUA5nkRxjVJhsYqVmzI0wwaZMnBYTCPXGoXCucwQjULjo7n5DeIvYGe90wI3Z-VkZSrsqPV2Kpu7cn4DEVLAI1P5pNWDnyYUwuguO4NTvjlQkOjO4sIaf6fMp7lFT7PWNMjP9JmAEvE/s1600/Red+flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseUA5nkRxjVJhsYqVmzI0wwaZMnBYTCPXGoXCucwQjULjo7n5DeIvYGe90wI3Z-VkZSrsqPV2Kpu7cn4DEVLAI1P5pNWDnyYUwuguO4NTvjlQkOjO4sIaf6fMp7lFT7PWNMjP9JmAEvE/s400/Red+flags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
A recruiter or hiring manager may look at your résumé for only a few seconds before they make a decision about your application.<br />
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Human resources staff are trained to look quickly for disqualifying factors. With just seconds to impress, you need to ensure your résumé doesn’t contain mistakes that may harm your chances of selection.<br />
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Here are four glaring red flags that tend to vex recruiters and may prompt them to weed out candidates at a glance.<br />
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<h3>
Messy formatting</h3>
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Little to no white space on the page, decorative or small type and a complete absence of page margins can signal to HR that you may not be an ideal choice for their advertised position.<br />
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They may perceive these factors as indicating an apparent lack of organisation and overgenerous data selection. It may also suggest that you don’t have a clear vision or, worse, that you’re imprudent.<br />
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Your résumé needs to be both reader-friendly and deliberate. This isn’t the time to get experimental with multiple font types or to test your artistry in Microsoft Office. And your résumé certainly shouldn’t serve as your memoir. Professionally prepared résumés are considered and highlight only the most relevant aspects in a career history.<br />
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Steer clear of graphics, too many colours and too much information to create a résumé that speaks clearly to your prospective employer.<br />
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<h3>
Gaps in your employment history</h3>
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While HR may anticipate that most résumés will show at least one substantial gap (i.e. over six months) in a candidate’s employment history, multiple unexplained periods of career inactivity can be a cause for concern.<br />
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This is one of the times where things should not be left unsaid. It’s perfectly acceptable to include a short sentence that will explain gaps of a year or more, such as “Left position to further my education by undertaking a postgraduate course” or “Left position to travel for 18 months”.<br />
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In the same vein, too many short-term jobs may suggest, to a scrutinising eye, that you lack the commitment or stamina to persevere in a position. In this instance, it could be worth explaining that your career movements instead reflect a desire for continued professional development.<br />
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<h3>
Insufficient results</h3>
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One technique that can help ensure your résumé is easier to read for time-poor hiring managers is to include quantitative rather than qualitative data.<br />
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Numbers, metrics and percentages can often be more impactful than words. Without such data, your résumé can appear too vague. Hard facts on successes can make for compelling reading.<br />
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<h3>
Unprofessional details</h3>
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A résumé is a package deal. While the content is critical, so too are the finer details such as the file name, your email address and even your Skype handle.<br />
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With potentially hundreds of applications for any one job, including your name on the file will help to ensure your résumé doesn’t get lost in the crowd.<br />
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For a successful career in tax, mastering the art of writing a professional résumé is an important first step to success.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />If you're a tertiary education student, <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/" style="color: #6459c4;">The Tax Institute</a> can help you progress in your career.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-38170472316158917962017-11-17T14:31:00.001+11:002017-11-17T14:34:01.172+11:005 essential business skills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Recruiters in the tax profession look for a range of skills in candidates that apply for entry-level positions.<br />
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Academic achievement in your taxation course at university is just a starting point. Companies are on the hunt for well-rounded, business-savvy practitioners who can see beyond just the technical information.<br />
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Here are five key qualities that tax employers value in their people.<br />
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<h3>
1. Creative problem-solving</h3>
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How would you design a phone for deaf people? How many piano tuners are there in Melbourne? How heavy is the Sydney Harbour Bridge?<br />
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These seemingly impossible questions have been asked in actual job interviews. They invite interviewees to demonstrate their creative ability to overcome workplace challenges and problems, and adapt to changing circumstances or the unexpected.<br />
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Thinking about instances in your life where you have been flexible in solving a problem can be a good starting point when it comes to showing employers you can think on your feet.<br />
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<h3>
2. Organisation</h3>
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Effective organisational skills are key to managing projects. They are, therefore, fundamental for any new recruit to demonstrate.<br />
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The ability to break down a large project into separate stages, to estimate the work and time required, to delegate work and keep projects on track, on time and on budget is a core competency, especially in larger firms.<br />
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<h3>
3. Digital savviness</h3>
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A basic requirement among management recruits is proficiency in a range of core software.<br />
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Spreadsheets are fundamental to tax and accounting, and understanding shortcuts and being able to manipulate data quickly will help you stand out as a future high-flyer.<br />
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Database management and the ability to use data-visualisation tools have also emerged as important skill sets as data becomes more central to every organisation.<br />
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<h3>
4. Commercial smarts</h3>
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Understanding what makes the wider profession and business environment in which you work tick, and where the sector is going, demonstrates your ability to look beyond your tax training and can marks you out as someone capable of progressing in your chosen field.<br />
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It shows initiative, appreciation of the bigger picture and engagement with the tax and accounting world beyond just your taxation education.<br />
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<h3>
5. Communication</h3>
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<a href="https://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/CommunicationIntro.htm" target="_blank"><b>A survey of 50,000 company recruiters</b></a> revealed that communication skills were the most important factor in selecting people for management positions. Learning to work effectively by listening carefully and speaking and writing clearly is a skill you can consciously improve.<br />
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Mastering your ability to work with clients and colleagues is just as important as mastering your taxation education to ensure you enjoy a long, successful career.<br />
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<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />If you're a tertiary education student, <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/" style="color: #6459c4;">The Tax Institute</a> can help you progress in your career.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Find out about </span><a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/member-centre/student-membership" style="color: #6459c4; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Student Membership</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com181tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2501668687869703333.post-87851662788012424492017-11-02T14:26:00.001+11:002017-11-02T14:27:06.153+11:00Surviving first-day-itis at work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloZvFA1ebbet1vhJtRS8g1yKyTO1w2WV8vN-FclkDAdsq9LomuzCo629b2bdMj6ma3LTsMhZyp6mqaDnIK0St-BedWlk1-MSQJI0SWA6lt4491SKPMB3D23IJO2OEPUwsi93Us5bs740/s1600/entrepreneur-593352_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloZvFA1ebbet1vhJtRS8g1yKyTO1w2WV8vN-FclkDAdsq9LomuzCo629b2bdMj6ma3LTsMhZyp6mqaDnIK0St-BedWlk1-MSQJI0SWA6lt4491SKPMB3D23IJO2OEPUwsi93Us5bs740/s400/entrepreneur-593352_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
When you land your first job or work-experience position at a tax, accounting or legal firm, you’re likely to be nervous about settling in.<br />
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Don’t worry – the feeling is totally normal.<br />
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Here’s a brief survival guide on how to make a great impression in your first week.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Remember, you’ve already been hired</h3>
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David McKellar, an experienced chartered accountant, taxation services specialist and director at Allied Business Accountants in South Melbourne, points out that the first thing to remember is that the interview is over. This means you’ve already succeeded in convincing your employer you’re made of the right stuff.<br />
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“Relax, because you are now a part of the team. The people you’re meeting are your colleagues and will, in time, become your friends,” he says.<br />
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<h3>
Be confident and ask questions</h3>
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Everyone had their own first day at work, so you will probably find your co-workers going out of their way to make you feel welcome. Confident body language, such as a smile and a firm handshake, will help put them at ease too.<br />
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Show yourself to be a good student. This doesn’t mean you’ll be expected to remember everything – just that you’re willing to listen and learn from others.<br />
<br />
McKellar stresses that you shouldn’t be too shy or scared to ask questions:<br />
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“Listen carefully to instructions, and if you don’t completely understand, ask for more explanation or assistance. No-one will mind if you don’t understand, but they won’t be impressed if you waste your day trying to figure things out."<br />
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<h3>
Be punctual</h3>
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In the first week, on your way to work, it can feel like every car on the road is trying to get in your way. To avoid arriving late on your first day, a good strategy is to rise 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to – just in case anything unexpected slows you down.<br />
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It’s also a good idea to plan your route ahead of time, and do a ‘test commute’ to get an idea of the traffic conditions you’ll be up against.<br />
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Final impressions also count, with McKellar suggesting it's important for new starters to leave their co-workers with a glowing impression of the new kid on the block.<br />
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“When finishing for the day, thank your supervisor and other people around you for their help and tell them you will see them tomorrow. Whatever you do, don’t be that person who sneaks out of the office.”<br />
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Give yourself the edge with free student membership</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />If you're a tertiary education student, <a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/" style="color: #6459c4;">The Tax Institute</a> can help you progress in your career.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Find out about </span><a href="http://www.taxinstitute.com.au/member-centre/student-membership" style="color: #6459c4; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Student Membership</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span><br />
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