The graduate training programmes instituted by the top firms in the late 1990s are now a firmly embedded part of the indirect tax world and medium sized firms are also adopting a formal training strategy.
The CTA (Chartered Tax Advisor) qualification is still most widely used as part of graduate training programmes, but the numbers taking the examinations towards the AIIT (Association of the Institute of Indirect Tax) have increased, and at the moment one large firm send all their trainees on the course, with others considering it. Commonly, those aiming for the CTA will initially take the ATT (Association of Tax Technicians) examination. There has been more talk of including the ACA as part of the training offered, in part to compensate for the widening gulf between audit and consultancy services, but this qualification remains a rarity amongst those specialising in Indirect Tax.
Our dialogue with commercial organisations has revealed their increasingly stringent demands regarding qualifications, as there is a feeling that candidates should hold a professional qualification, especially as in most instances they will be physically situated in a finance function and therefore must be able to hold their own amongst their peers. To be credible professionally and intellectually therefore requires legal or accounting training. This is especially true in financial / City organisations.
This said, it must be remembered that the majority of Indirect Tax specialists have carved out very successful careers (whether in practice or commerce) unhindered by their lack of formal qualifications - it seems that ultimately there's no substitute for great experience and attitude!
