In the UK, tax professionals have the opportunity to carve out rewarding careers in a variety of environments, such as professional services firms, legal services, or within the tax departments of large corporations. Choosing between industry and professional services can be a tough decision, but it’s essential to remember that it’s not a permanent one. Tax professionals can transition between these two environments throughout their careers. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of the key factors to consider when choosing between industry and professional services roles, to help you in your decision making process.
In both professional services and industry roles, tax professionals are tasked with providing tax advice, tax compliance, and tax planning services. However, there are subtle differences in the nature of these roles.
In professional services firms, such as the Big Four (PwC, KPMG, EY, Deloitte), tax professionals work closely with clients to offer consulting services on various tax-related matters. These roles often involve a higher degree of networking and relationship building, as tax professionals are responsible for acquiring new clients and maintaining existing relationships. Additionally, tax professionals in these environments often work on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong project management skills.
On the other hand, industry roles are typically more focused on the tax affairs of a single organisation. Tax professionals in these roles work closely with finance and legal departments to ensure compliance and develop tax strategies that align with the company’s overall business objectives. These roles often involve a stronger sense of ownership over tax-related issues and the freedom to expand a project’s scope without the constraints of billable hours.
The environment in professional services and industry roles can differ significantly, with implications for work-life balance and lifestyle preferences.
In professional services firms, tax professionals often work in fast-paced, competitive environments. Long hours and demanding deadlines can be common, especially during busy seasons such as tax preparation and audits. These roles are often based in city centres, like London, which can lead to lengthy commutes.
In contrast, industry roles can offer a more balanced lifestyle. Working hours may be more predictable, and the work environment can be less intense. Additionally, industry roles can be found in a wider variety of locations, potentially resulting in shorter commuting times and more flexibility for personal commitments outside of work.
Promotion and advancement opportunities can vary between professional services and industry roles. Professional services firms often have well-defined career paths and a structured approach to promotions, while industry roles may require a more proactive approach to career development.
In professional services, tax professionals can benefit from structured training programmes and access to a wealth of resources to support their professional development. The size and scope of these firms also provide opportunities for exposure to various tax disciplines, real estate, outsourcing, and even international assignments.
In industry, tax professionals may need to take a more proactive approach to their career development. Opportunities for advancement may be less structured, and individuals must actively seek out new challenges and experiences to enhance their skills.
To succeed in industry roles, tax professionals should:
Smaller in-house teams may offer unique career development advantages, such as exposure to a wider range of tax disciplines and business issues. This breadth of experience can be invaluable for tax professionals aspiring to take on a Head of Tax role or even transition into a broader finance position within the organisation.
When comparing compensation packages between professional services and industry roles, there are similarities as well as some notable differences.
In general, base salaries, bonuses, and fringe benefits can be comparable between the two environments. However, industry roles may offer certain advantages, such as a larger proportion of the overall package being allocated to bonuses and the potential for equity participation, which is typically not available in professional services firms.
For newly qualified tax professionals and those at the senior manager level, remuneration packages are generally similar when transitioning from professional services to industry roles. At the director level, however, the transition can be more challenging due to the broader range of skills required, including stakeholder management and project execution.
On average, partners in professional services firms earn more than Heads of Tax in industry roles. However, recent trends indicate that the gap is narrowing, with an upward trajectory in salary and bonus packages for both FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 Heads of Tax.
Choosing between industry and professional services roles is a ha decision for tax professionals in the UK. To make an informed decision, consider factors such as the nature of the role, work environment, career progression opportunities, and compensation packages.
Remember, the choice between industry and professional services is not a permanent one. Tax professionals can transition between these environments throughout their careers, leveraging their skills and experiences to excel in both settings.
Ultimately, the key to a successful tax career is proactively managing your own development and seizing opportunities for growth, whether in professional services or industry roles. By staying informed and adaptable, tax professionals can thrive in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.
Considering a transition between industry and professional services or seeking new opportunities in the tax sector? Our specialist tax recruitment services can help. We provide personalised career advice, industry insights, and access to exclusive job opportunities to help you make the best decisions for your tax career.
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