Initiative promotes careers in tax

A MAJOR drive has been launched by the Irish Taxation Institute (ITI) to encourage more people to pursue a career in tax.

The institute has organised a series of information evenings which are aimed at educating people who may be interested in gaining tax qualifications.

The number of people seeking to pursue a career in tax is growing steadily according to the Institute.

The comments come in advance of a careers evening in Cork city.

Cork-based tax adviser and ITI member Tom Philpott of O’Brien Cahill & Co said: “A career in tax has more possibilities than you might first imagine.

“Some tax advisers will advise on policy for our tax system, others will write the tax law. Someone else will administer the collection of taxes for the government. Others will act for businesses of all types including companies.

“Whatever way you look at it, a career in tax puts you at the centre of things. This reality is leading to a growing number of people seeking tax qualifications.”

The ITI is the leading representative body for taxation affairs in Ireland. Its membership is comprised of tax consultants, accountants, barristers, lawyers, and other corporate and business professionals.

ITI director of education Martina O’Brien said: “Student intake in Cork is growing and this is a trend we hope to continue.

“A career in tax is attractive to people not only for career reasons but also lifestyle reasons. Thecontinued strong growth in the Irish economy, new businesses developing in Cork and increased international dimension to Irish business has led to an even greater demand for qualified tax advisers.

“Major taxation and accountancy firms, financial institutions, legal firms, larger quoted companies, multinational corporations, small and medium consultancy firms and many government departments are all seeking qualified tax professionals,” she added.

The Cork evening will take place on August 29 at 6pm at the Gresham Metropole Hotel, Cork.