Build your resume while you study

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.

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.

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.

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.

Should you consider work experience this summer?

From volunteering to internships, work experience is a feature of many student summers. So how can you use work experience to enhance your career prospects in the tax sector?

If study commitments have prevented you from applying for a work experience placement during the year, it may be worth looking to the summer holidays to gain key professional skills.

Tempting as it is to head to the beach instead, work experience can accelerate your career and help you stand out from the pack of less motivated undergraduates.

It’s usually better to apply for work experience while you’re still at university. Firms tend to be more amenable when you have the backing of a degree program.

Finding work experience

If you’ve already decided the tax profession is the right career for you, you can start by searching for positions that require specific tax-related skills.

You can also look for broadly relevant roles on career sites and list recurring selection criteria in the various job advertisements. The closer your experience matches those required attributes, the easier it will be to transition from graduate to employee.

Don’t have a clear vision of your future? Consider roles that will enable you to experiment in a few areas. This will help you find your niche. Any related work experience – that shows you've worked in a tax environment – is beneficial.

Five ways to make work experience count

The value of work experience correlates directly with the skills you gain. In any position you should, therefore, aim to:

1. build technical expertise – particularly in terms of the applied technical skills you can only get on the job
2. network – you’re in the perfect position to meet influential people in the profession
3. observe – secure an understanding of the work environment and the different roles that contribute to the organisation
4. be curious – ask questions and be open to different experiences
5. add the experience to your resume – in subsequent job interviews, you can talk about how it prepared you for the ultimate role you seek.

Your summer holidays are a great time to ease into working in the tax profession. The busiest period has passed for most firms, which means your allocated supervisor or mentor can give you more attention.

Work experience can make a big difference to your career prospects. Not only will it give you a better understanding of the role you desire, you’ll also build the skills and contacts that will help you secure it.

Taking the initiative while others laze around is a positive career move. How will you make the experience count?

Give yourself the edge with free Student Membership

If you're a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you in your career journey. Find out about Student Membership.

Life after university: what to expect from your new career

If you've undertaken work experience or a graduate program in a professional firm, you’ll know there’s a big difference between life on campus and what’s required when you start work in the real world. Here’s how to make the transition from student to a full-time tax professional as easy and pain-free as possible.

What to expect

Your first job is an essential step in shaping your career journey. Each new experience offers an opportunity to learn, build practical skills, establish rapport with your team members and expand your knowledge of taxation. So try to pick up as much as you can by asking questions and seeking assistance as you need it. Your new colleagues will be much happier to help you learn the right way from the outset than fix problems later.

Your role

In a graduate or entry-level role, you’ll most likely be given a variety of tasks to perform. Depending on the organisation, this could range from carrying out research to practical tasks like preparing tax returns and business statements. In addition, there could be formal training, workplace mentoring or coaching by senior staff, as well as opportunities to attend client meetings and industry events. Use these experiences as an opportunity to gain a firm grounding in best practice for preparing work, building communication skills and understanding business etiquette and due diligence.

How to behave

In the early stages of a new job you’re continuing to prove your worth to the company. Make sure you prepare your work carefully, adhere to processes and ask questions if you’re not sure. Remember that the early stages of your career are about learning to work as part of a team, so be flexible and see your colleagues and your manager as people to assist in achieving a common goal. Even if the work doesn't initially meet your expectations, your efforts will be rewarded and you’ll quickly learn about the company’s clients and business, which will hopefully lead to opportunities for progression. Don't forget that networking is an important part of a career. Read more about the do's and don'ts of networking as a graduate. 

Client management – learn from others

When you have the chance to attend meetings, use these experiences to learn from your colleagues. Observe how they explain issues to clients, manage expectations, set clients at ease and solve problems.

Keep studying and stay up to date

A solid technical base and knowledge of tax law will help you progress your career and distinguish you from others in your field. Formal training programs offered by The Tax Institute and other professional bodies, combined with on-the-job training are invaluable to young professionals. It’s also important to keep up with developments in the sector – tax is a specialised area and one that’s often subject to changes in law and practice, so continuous reading is required to stay up to date.

Making a successful transition from university life to the workplace is all about being prepared, taking the time to understand the experiences of others in the industry, getting to know more about the organisation and treating each opportunity and task as one to learn from.

Looking for that competitive edge? Look into completing The Tax Institute’s Programs, Single Subjects or Short-Courses.

Find out more.

How to use semester holidays to boost your career

You don’t need to veg out to relax these semester holidays. Doing something different can be just as effective. Why not use the time to help your future career?

Ever heard the expression “change is as good as a rest”? In short, it means learning new things can be a great distraction from the semester you’ve just been through, equating to a holiday. You can use this time to catch up on bad TV, or you can make a small investment towards your career or internship prospects.

1. Work experience

One or two weeks is plenty of time to make headway either at an organisation that might take you on as an intern in the future, or one that will look good on your résumé because of the skills and experience it affords. Start ringing around at least two weeks before you want to start.

2. Volunteering

Along similar lines is volunteering. If you don’t usually have time to spare during the semester, use the break to do an intensive volunteer stint. Some volunteer roles can give you what you need to secure an internship or an entry-level position while others are just a good way to do something different to recharge your batteries. Any form of giving time is well regarded on a résumé.

3. Picking up complementary skills

If you have a few skill gaps that won’t be met through coursework, semester break is a good time to focus on bridging those gaps through external training or, because you now have the time, simply practising what you need to. Don't forget that hard skills and softs skills are both important in the business world. Read our blog post about why both skills are so important when landing your ideal job.

4. Looking for prospects

Time poor while studying? Semester break gives you the chance to do some career research. While you’re investigating the job market and taking a closer look at different organisations, pursue any promising prospects you come across. Being proactive during this period could pay off by summer break.

5. Refining your résumé

Having an up-to-date résumé on hand means when an unexpected opportunity comes your way, you’re ready to take it. Prepare yourself by spending time refining this crucial document in the semester break so when the job-hunting season opens you’re first out of the blocks. Have a quick read of our blog post detailing how to build your résumé while you are studying. 

6. Enhance your digital footprint

A digital footprint is the trail of data that users leave on digital services. From websites to social media profiles, your digital footprint can be used to showcase your career – so make sure you know how to optimise it. Visit our blog post about 5 ways to enhance your digital footprint. 

Your mid-year break needn’t be idle time. There is plenty you can do to boost your career prospects while still catching some R&R from semester one, so make sure you use the time to prepare. When you’ve set yourself up, it makes for a less stressful second semester!

Looking for that competitive edge? Look into completing The Tax Institute’s Programs, Single Subjects or Short-Courses. 

Find out more.

5 aspects to help you choose your ideal career

Choosing a career is among the most important decisions you’ll ever make, so how do you know what your ideal career is? You've already narrowed down the options by selecting your degree, but the planning doesn't stop there.

Next, you need to think about which practice area interests you, what kind of organisation you want to work for and which industry you ultimately want to work in.

As a tax professional, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, from financial services to fashion. There are plenty of opportunities, so how do you decide? Here are five fast tips to help you identify your ideal career.

Assess your skills

When it comes to choosing your profession, it’s critically important to know where your strengths and talents lie. By aligning your natural skills with your chosen profession you’ll have a greater chance of success and career fulfilment. For instance, if you have a thirst for knowledge and are always looking for ways to improve things, it might be worth thinking about a career in tax, since tax laws change constantly.

Survey your family and friends

Often your family and friends represent a wealth of insight into your habits, behaviours and the areas in which you excel. That’s why it’s worth asking them to list your skills and talents as well as the character traits that they admire – you may be surprised at what this process reveals.

Take the time to write down your top 10 strengths and abilities. Be honest and list everything you’re good at. You might also like to make a list of qualities you’d like to improve upon. How does this match up to the options you’re considering?

Pay attention to what excites you

Often, the things that excite us offer powerful clues into the career that will fulfil us the most. So next time you feel a charge of excitement when you achieve something, don’t ignore it – that feeling is a clue to the kind of work you’ll find fulfilling. Make a list of all the things that interest you and that you enjoy doing. Then compare it to the list of your strengths and abilities. Where do they overlap?

Establish your priorities

It’s important your chosen career reflects your lifestyle aspirations and personal goals. If you value a work-life balance, it pays to pick a job that doesn't demand to toil around the clock. If you require a solid, steady income that will allow you to thrive financially, make sure you pick a stable speciality for which you'll encounter regular demand. As a tax professional, you can expect your specialised knowledge to be in high demand from business, government and private citizens, leading to steady employment.

Embrace internships and work experience

Internships and work experience will give you a powerful insight into what you love and what you loathe. Throughout your studies, take the time to approach companies you’d like to work for and offer your services for free – it’s an investment of your time that’s bound to pay professional dividends. Try working for organisations of different sizes to reveal what type of workplace you are most comfortable with.

Finding the right career takes time, as well as a good understanding of your own strengths, interests and priorities. Once you have a clear picture of what’s most important you’ll be on track to finding your ideal career.

Take the next step in your tax career with the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law. 

Find out more

Surviving first day-itis

Landed your first part-time summer job or work-experience position at a tax and accounting firm, and nervous about settling in? Don’t worry – that feeling is totally normal. Here’s a survival guide on how to make a great impression in your first week.

Remember that you’ve already been hired

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, which means you’ve already succeeded in convincing them you are made of the right stuff.

“Relax, because you are now a part of the team, and the people you are meeting are your colleagues and will, in time, become your friends,” he says.

Be confident and ask questions

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.

It’s also important you show yourself to be a good student. This doesn’t mean you’ll be expected to remember everything – just that you are willing to listen and learn from others. McKellar stresses that you shouldn’t be too shy or scared to ask questions:

“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."

Be punctual

In that first week, 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. 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 will be up against.

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.

“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.”

Give yourself the edge with free Student Membership

If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.

Find out about Student Membership.

How to use semester holidays to boost your career

You don’t need to veg out to relax. Doing something different can be just as effective. Why not use the time to help your future career?

Ever heard the expression “change is as good as a rest”? In short, it means learning new things can be a great distraction from the semester you’ve just been through, equating to a holiday. You can use this time to catch up on bad TV, or you can make a small investment towards your career or internship prospects.

 

1. Work experience

 

The formal intern rounds have closed, but you can still angle for short-term work experience. One or two weeks is plenty of time to make headway either at an organisation that might take you on as an intern in the future, or one that will look good on your résumé because of the skills and experience it affords. Start ringing around at least two weeks before you want to start.

 

2. Volunteering

 

Along similar lines is volunteering. If you don’t usually have time to spare during the semester, use the break to do an intensive volunteer stint. Some volunteer roles can give you what you need to secure an internship or an entry-level position, while others are just a good way to do something different to recharge your batteries. Any form of giving time is well regarded on a résumé.

 

3. Picking up complementary skills

 

If you have a few skill gaps that won’t be met through coursework, semester break is a good time to focus on bridging those gaps through external training or, because you now have the time, simply practising what you need to.

 

4. Looking for prospects

 

Time poor while studying? Semester break gives you the chance to do some career research. While you’re investigating the job market and taking a closer look at different organisations, pursue any promising prospects you come across. Being proactive during this period could pay off by summer break.

 

5. Refining your résumé

 

Having an up-to-date résumé on hand means when an unexpected opportunity comes your way, you’re ready to take it. Prepare yourself by spending time refining this crucial document in the semester break so when job-hunting season opens you’re first out of the blocks. Remember to compose your résumé in a way that will make it easy to update when you have more skills and experience to add, and don’t forget to get started on platforms such as LinkedIn.

 

Your mid-year break needn’t be idle time. There is plenty you can do to boost your career prospects while still catching some R&R from semester one, so make sure you use the time to prepare. When you’ve set yourself up, it makes for a less stressful second semester!

 

Give yourself the edge with free Student Membership

If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.

Find out about Student Membership.

Small firm or corporation: What’s right for your tax career?

Taking that very first step in your tax career requires many decisions. One of the most important is whether your initial role should be with a small firm or a corporation.

There are countless firms that can provide you with your first foray into the tax world, and the size of the business can be a clue to the type of workplace you can expect. Here are some general guidelines.

Working for a small firm

Because there are fewer people in a small firm, you will get to know everyone and will probably work directly with most of them. This is great if you feel more secure when you’re familiar with the team members who are driving the business.

• Day-to-day functions: Employees in small firms tend to work across a number of clients and usually perform some ancillary tasks to support their job, including administration. Prepare for variety and expect to wear a number of hats.
• Skills: Multitasking and being a quick learner are two skills you should already have. If not, you’ll pick them up swiftly in a small-firm environment.
• Personality traits: People who like being part of a team and being able to see how their contribution directly adds value to the business will enjoy this environment.

Working for a corporation

Working for a corporation, such as one of the Big Four, has many benefits including established career development programs and opportunities to work internationally. This situation is ideal for ambitious employees.

• Day-to-day functions: Corporate employees generally have specific roles and are assigned tasks appropriate to that role. Your work will be guided and may focus deeply on specific areas. This may be repetitive for some, but could also lead to specialisation.
• Skills: Being able to work autonomously and follow process is a key skill. Those who have leadership skills tend to move into management positions. 
• Personality traits: Those who are ambitious can make their mark through high performance and good networking. By the same token, those who are content to be a cog can also find the anonymity of being in a big company attractive.

These are just some of the generalisations related to small firms and corporations. Of course there will always be some crossover, with small firms taking on corporate traits and vice versa, as well as medium-sized businesses that may be a blend of both.

The key is to figure out what you want and then find the workplace most likely to give you what you seek. As you and the nature of the workplace change, this will more than likely affect your choice.

Give yourself the edge with free Student Membership

If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.

Find out about Student Membership.

The essentials of professional email etiquette

You only have one chance at a first impression as your tax career advances, and if that chance comes via email you’ll need to know how to conduct correspondence in a professional manner.

Whether you’re applying for a job, work experience or a position in a graduate program, chances are your initial contact will be via email. These days, cover letters, requests and applications are often conducted in writing to be delivered to the recipient’s inbox.

Smarten up your email correspondence by remembering these dos and don'ts.

DO

• Use the subject field to summarise the contents of your email: This helps with categorising your email.
• Address and sign off formally: Err on the side of formal rather than familiar. Start with ‘Dear Mr/Ms/Dr [Surname]’ and end with ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Kind regards’. Their reply (usually less formal) will indicate the level of engagement. Try to stay one notch more formal than that.
• Start a new paragraph for each new idea or action item: Each paragraph should be one to two sentences long and serve a purpose. Don’t waffle, and be as concise as possible. It should be clear who you are/what you want if the recipient only scans the email.
• Check your email before sending it: Make sure your spelling, punctuation and grammar are up to scratch, and also check if attachments are actually attached. You may want to read the email aloud in a neutral voice prior to sending to ensure it makes sense without the context of tone.
• Use an email signature: Even a basic signature with your contact details looks professional. This keeps your contact details at the ready for the recipient.

DON’T

• Use an email address that may reflect badly on you: Remember that email address you had when you were 15? Don’t use that one for your professional correspondence. 
• Use emoticons, slang or curse words: Even if you know the recipient very well, the email may need to be forwarded to others who don’t know you at all. Keep all correspondence as formal as possible.
• Forget why you’re sending the email: The email has a purpose. Make sure everything in it serves that purpose, whether supporting you for a desired role or trying to elicit an answer from someone.
• Pester the recipient: Just because an email is easy to send doesn’t mean you should repeatedly ask for updates. If you are concerned at the lack of response, especially if the recipient said they would get back to you by a certain time, pick up the phone. If the recipient is unavailable, you may be able to talk to someone else.

Learning to use email in a professional manner will serve you well beyond the application stage. Developing good habits now will help you communicate to clients and colleagues in a more effective way.

Give yourself the edge with free Student Membership

If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.

Find out about Student Membership.

Lessons from high achievers in the tax profession

Last week, The Tax Institute celebrated three high achievers at the Tax Adviser of the Year Awards. What can you learn from them?

The Tax Adviser of the Year Awards honours three members of The Tax Institute at various stages of their careers. They exercise best practice and show excellence in their role as a tax professional. However, it’s not enough to be good at your job. These three winners go above and beyond in various ways. Here are some lessons to take on board for your career.


Emerging Tax Star: Matthew Andruchowycz, CTA, Wallmans Lawyers

It is unusual to have someone with less than five years’ experience reach senior associate level. The judges called Matthew “extremely proactive” and praised his “great range of independent and complex work ability”. The clincher, however, was his dedication to the industry outside his job, taking voluntary positions in various committees with The Tax Institute, showing “a strong commitment to professionalism and ethical standards”.

Lesson: Show commitment by getting involved with the industry outside your day job.

Tax Adviser of the Year: Wayne Plummer, ATI, PwC Australia

Wayne’s accolade came from his “leadership, collaboration, impressive technical work, technical excellence and impressive references,” according to the judges. As well as his top-level performance on the job, he also contributed to the development of tax law and administration through authoring and presenting a number of technical papers and “has continued to help and support others in their careers and the development of their tax knowledge”.

Lesson: Focus on your areas of strength and build a reputation on this foundation. Share your expertise where you think it will be of benefit to others.

Chartered Tax Adviser of the Year: David Russell, CTA AM RFD QC

David’s notable track record of contributing to the tax industry and having held leadership positions in many areas – including as president of the Asia-Oceania Tax Consultants’ Association, International Tax Specialist Group and The Tax Institute – impressed the judges. It was his commitment to listening and advising, however, that cemented the win. One reference stated, “David is a mentor for junior members of the bar, and a valuable sounding board for senior members.”

Lesson: Develop a reputation for consistent high performance. Hone your soft skills, including your leadership and mentorship skills.

While technical excellence is a key part of every tax professional’s skill set, it is what the professional offers in the way of giving back that distinguishes him or her from people who are merely ‘good at their job’. There are a number of ways to contribute to the tax industry, from volunteer work to authoring and presenting papers, from mentorship to leadership, with different opportunities available at different times in your career. If you want to excel, find these opportunities and pursue them.

Give yourself the edge with free Student Membership

If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.

Find out about Student Membership.

Turn your travels into a career opportunity

Whether it’s a summer holiday or gap year, travel can expand your horizons and boost your career prospects. You can have your fun in the sun (or snow) while adding some serious clout to your CV. Here are three ways to take your career to new places.

1. Work placements and internships

Spending a few months doing work experience may not seem particularly appealing, but what if that work experience was in the Bahamas? Work placements and internships help you get ‘on-the-job’ experience in a supportive environment, and help you find out whether a role or career path is right for you. It’s also a great way to live like a local at your destination.

Internship placement agencies or the Australian branch of a multinational company may be able to help you secure work experience in another country.

2. Volunteering

Working abroad as a volunteer is another valuable way to give your career a boost. Building houses in Cambodia has little to do with tax, but it shows initiative and a willingness to undertake hard work. Be mindful of the complementary skills this experience offers. Did you show leadership? Did you solve problems? Did this show your ability to collaborate?

Do your research and you’ll find a number of public, private and not-for-profilt organisations offering international volunteer programs, such as Australian Volunteers International. Pick a project that interests you and if it directly adds to the skills you need for your career, all the better.

The government’s Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program also provides skilled young Australians with the chance to volunteer in Asia, the Pacific and Africa, so it’s worth checking out whether you’re eligible.

3. Networking opportunities

You’ll meet a lot of new people when you travel and they will come from all walks of life. Don’t squander the opportunity to have a chat; the HR manager of the company you want to work for could be gazing at the Mona Lisa at that exact same moment.

Be friendly and polite, but also be prepared to leave them alone if they just want to get on with their holiday. Most people are more relaxed when they’re away, though, so you’re likely to gain an insight you wouldn’t otherwise. If you’re really prepared you might even have a contact card on you. Otherwise, it’s all good practice for dealing with a range of different people.

From acquiring international experience for your next role to simply showing a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, directly or indirectly, travel is a great addition to your CV; so don’t forget that what you’ve learnt while away can help your career. If nothing else, it’s a talking point that could help you bond with an interviewer – or your new colleagues.

Give yourself the edge with free Student Membership

If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.

Find out about Student Membership.

Life after university: what to expect from your new career

If you've undertaken work experience or a graduate program in a professional firm, you’ll know there’s a big difference between life on campus and what’s required when you start work in the real world. Here’s how to make the transition from student to full-time tax professional as easy and pain free as possible.

What to expect

Your first job is an essential step in shaping your career journey. Each new experience offers an opportunity to learn, build practical skills, establish rapport with your team members and expand your knowledge of taxation. So try to pick up as much as you can by asking questions and seeking assistance as you need it. Your new colleagues will be much happier to help you learn the right way from the outset, than fix problems later.

Your role

In a graduate or entry-level role you’ll most likely be given a variety of tasks to perform. Depending on the organisation, this could range from carrying out research, to practical tasks like preparing tax returns and business statements. In addition, there could be formal training, workplace mentoring or coaching by senior staff, as well as opportunities to attend client meetings and industry events. Use these experiences as an opportunity to gain a firm grounding in best practice for preparing work, building communication skills and understanding business etiquette and due diligence.

How to behave

In the early stages of a new job you’re continuing to prove your worth to the company. Make sure you prepare your work carefully, adhere to processes and ask questions if you’re not sure. Remember that the early stages of your career are about learning to work as part of a team, so be flexible and see your colleagues and your manager as people to assist in achieving a common goal. Even if the work doesn't initially meet your expectations – for instance, it isn't as challenging as you’d like – your efforts will be rewarded and you’ll quickly learn about the company’s clients and business, which will hopefully lead to opportunities for progression.

Client management – learn from others

When you have the chance to attend meetings, use these experiences to learn from your colleagues. Observe how they explain issues to clients, manage expectations, set clients at ease and solve problems.

Keep studying and stay up to date

A solid technical base and knowledge of tax law will help you progress your career and distinguish you from others in your field. Formal training programs offered by The Tax Institute and other professional bodies, combined with on-the-job training are invaluable to young professionals. It’s also important to keep up with developments in the sector – tax is a specialised area and one that’s often subject to changes in law and practice, so continuous reading is required to stay up to date.

Making a successful transition from university life to the workplace is all about being prepared, taking time to understand the experiences of others in the industry, getting to know more about the organisation and treating each opportunity and task as one to learn from.

Give yourself the edge with free Student Membership

If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.

Find out about Student Membership.

An insider’s guide to getting a job in tax

There are many pathways into the tax industry so whether you’re after a role in a multinational firm or want to set up your own practice, it’s good to know the skills and qualities you need to make yourself attractive to clients.

For the inside scoop on what tax industry recruiters are looking for, we spoke with Janna Fikh, the Principal of Fletcher Tax Accountants, a boutique Sydney practice specialising in tax for small businesses. She deals with a number of clients on any given day and loves making a difference to clients when they see how to be more efficient and more effective going forward.

Janna says a career in taxation is a process of learning and suits people who are not just good with numbers but have the social skills to understand clients’ issues and address them.

How did you become a tax accountant?

Janna Fikh

Never did I ever think accounting, let alone taxes, were for me. I was quite good at maths and I had to select another two units as part of HSC, so I decided to complete a Certificate II in Accounting via TAFE. After obtaining 98% for the subject, I thought this might be a good path to continue on. So I undertook a Bachelor of Taxation at UNSW.

What do you think is the 'ideal' pathway for a career in taxation?

I would first recommend work experience in an accounting firm to see what type of accounting a person might be interested in. It may be audit, it may be business services or it may not be right for them at all. I would also recommend finding a part time role in an accounting firm to be done at the same time as studies in order for everything to gel together more efficiently at the end of the day.

How have perceptions of the ideal taxation graduate evolved over the years?

These days, social capabilities are worth more than their weight in gold. Firms as well as clients seek out team players and/or those who can make a seemingly dry topic more approachable and comprehensive.

You use contractors, what are the attributes you look for in a contractor?

Contractors are great as they run their own businesses hence it is in their interest to be on time when it comes to set deadlines as well as skills they bring to the table. For example, all of my current bookkeepers are BAS agents, thus ensuring they abide by the harsher requirements as set by legislation.

What are the biggest mistakes a potential candidate can make?

Not wanting to learn or improve themselves, not taking the opportunity seriously.

What tips would you give a graduate looking to embark on a taxation career? 

Try different sections of accounting and find the right one which suits you in terms of remuneration, autonomy, skill set, location and niche. What suits one person may not suit another. You don’t want to do 40 hours plus in a job you don’t understand or won’t be able to personally excel in.

Give yourself the edge with free Student Membership

If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.

Find out about Student Membership.

Five networking tips to help your tax career

In an effective network, a good connection serves two purposes: as a source of job leads and as an implied recommendation for said role. Being able to name a person in common is a good way to warm an interviewer and puts you front of mind.

How do you build an effective network? Don’t wait until graduation; you can start while you’re studying. Here are five tips.

1. Network as a student

Get friendly with your fellow undergraduates; you never know when they will have the chance to recommend you for a role or vice versa. Also be aware that professors, lecturers and tutors are professionals too and may be able to put you in touch with industry contacts.

2. Do work experience

We’ve already mentioned the value of work experience, which includes the ability to network within your host organisation. Don’t forget they also have connections in the industry, so take every opportunity to meet new people in the sector through people you already know.

3. Attend industry events

Whether it’s for the tax industry or a related sector such as business, attending conferences and networking events is a good way to make connections. Your alumni association and organisations such as The Tax Institute are easy places start.

4. Find connections via social media 

Social networking platforms, such as LinkedIn and industry forums are a great way to make initial contact with people who may turn into professional connections. Make sure your profile is professional and up-to-date, then join relevant groups. Be active by asking questions and participating in discussions.

5. Apply for a formal graduate program

A number of organisations in the public and private sector offer formal graduate programs that include networking components. You will network with other program participants and industry professionals, and may even have a mentor.

The best way to network is through people you already know, but if you don’t know anyone, the key is to have confidence to introduce yourself. If you find yourself alone at a function, approach people in groups of three or more (so you’re not interrupting a deep discussion). Introduce yourself and show interest in the people who are in the sector you want to get into.

It’s a good idea to have some kind of professional contact card to swap for a business card as well. Don’t forget to follow up with a polite, personal email: “It was nice to meet you at [event]…” Good luck!

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Should you do work experience this summer?

From volunteering to internships, work experience is the mainstay of many student summers, so how can it boost your career prospects in the tax sector?

If study prevented you from applying for a work experience placement, look to the summer holidays to gain some key skills. Tempting as it is to head to the beach instead, work experience will fast-track your career compared to less motivated undergrads.

It’s much easier to undertake work experience while you’re still at university, as you’re usually legally covered for workplace insurance by your institution (check with your provider), plus it’s easier to approach firms with the backing of a degree program.

Finding work experience

If you know the path you want to take, seek a position offering skills required for employment in the tax industry. If you’re uncertain of the specifics, search for the role on a career site and make a list of the recurring traits in job advertisements. The closer your work experience matches those attributes, the easier it will be to transition from graduate to employee.

Don’t have a clear picture of your future? Try for a role that will allow you to experiment in a few areas to help you find your niche. Any related work experience is valuable if you can show you've worked in a tax environment.

Five ways to make work experience count

1. Build skills: Particularly skills you can only get on the job.
2. Network: You’re in the perfect position to meet people in the industry. 
3. Make key observations: Secure an understanding of the work environment and the different roles that contribute to the organisation.
4. Be curious: Ask your supervisor/mentor questions and be open to different experiences.
5. Add it to your CV: In an interview, talk about how it prepared you for the role you seek.

Your summer holidays are a great time to ease into working in the tax industry. The busy period has already passed for most firms, which means your supervisor/mentor can give you more attention.

Work experience makes a big difference to your career prospects. Not only will it give you a firmer understanding of what role you desire, you will also have the skills and contacts to help you secure it. Taking the initiative while others laze around will always be a career-positive move. How will you make your work experience count?

Give yourself the edge with free Student Membership

If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.

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Insider’s guide to getting a job in tax

If you’re applying for work experience or your first job in taxation, you’re probably wondering exactly what companies’ are looking for in a candidate. What are the skills, attributes and attitude that will make you stand out above the field?

For the inside scoop on what tax industry recruiters are looking for, we spoke with Richard Knox, the head of people (tax and audit) at KPMG.

He says landing a dream job in taxation hinges on a candidate’s passion, commercial acumen and ability to think outside the box. Having a traditional background in law and commerce is not as important as your ability to understand the issues and communicate effectively with clients. Read on for more insights on how to score your dream job.

What are the most important attributes you’re looking for in a candidate?

Richard Knox, KPMG

RK: KPMG is heavily focused on diversity at the moment. We’re really looking for a diverse range of candidates with a diversity of thought, a diversity of background and a diversity of experience – all attributes that could benefit our clients.

We also think that problem-solving ability is central, and value graduates with the ability to work around a problem and communicate an idea with conviction and passion.

We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about taxation, but can apply that passion to particular commercial sectors. If someone is really passionate about the mining industry, automotive industry or financial services sector, and can offer a deep knowledge of that area, then they’re a good candidate.

What’s the ideal pathway for a career in taxation?

RK: People often assume that taxation is generic, when it’s not generic at all. Although a Commerce and Law double degree is the traditional background for a taxation career, arts students do really well in both corporate and expat tax space.

Also, research and development groups often hire engineering and science graduates, while candidates with an economics background are the most qualified for a job in transfer pricing. Again, it all depends on the type of tax that someone is interested in doing.

If you come from a non-conventional background, what is the best path towards a career in tax?

RK: Firstly, it’s important to be passionate about taxation as a career regardless of your background. Understanding the most pressing issues and being able to explain them to a client in a convincing way is key. Secondly, I would suggest completing a work placement with one of the firms in the area, or entering into a vacation program at a major firm.

How have perceptions of the ideal taxation graduate evolved over the years?

RK: These perceptions change in line with the external market. More than ever, a broad commercial view is really important. It’s no longer about the technical skills, it’s about being able to apply those technical skills in a commercial context, to help clients solve problems.

What are the biggest mistakes a potential candidate can make?

RK: The common mistake that we see is a lack of preparation. We often notice candidates failing to do due diligence and follow basic business etiquette. It’s important to understand the fact that you’re no longer on campus, but in a very different world.

What tips would you give a graduate looking to embark on a taxation career? 

RK: The tips that I’d give to any graduate to set them up for success would be previous work experience, even if that doesn’t relate to taxation. It’s also important to demonstrate the ability to network and to come and meet us at various recruitment fairs. If you can network with me, you can network with the client – it’s a valuable skill.

Give yourself the edge with free Student Membership

If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.

Find out about Student Membership.