Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Working Life

Taxation Advisers are involved in all aspects of tax work. Their duties range from preparing tax returns for clients (both personal and corporate) and agreeing tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners, to advising on the tax implications and structuring of major commercial deals. A keen commercial awareness is a considerable advantage to an aspiring Tax Adviser.  
 
Taxation has now attained the status of a profession unit on its own right. This is largely due to the work of the Institute of Taxation in establishing a system of professional examinations.  
 
A person who passes the Institute of Taxation examinations is qualified as a Tax Adviser and this qualification is recognised by the state and the European Commission, thus, enabling Institute members to practise both in Ireland and in other EU member states, on meeting certain criteria.  
 
It is expected that the demand for taxation expertise will continue to grow and provide very worthwhile career opportunities for individuals trained in taxation. Recent developments include the specialisation of individuals or teams within a tax department to deal with the taxation of particular industries (such as the computer industry, construction industry, etc) or specific areas of taxation - for example, international tax and corporate tax.  
 
The advent of self-assessment and the on-going harmonisation of European taxation systems have increased the need for taxation specialists.  
 
Typical work duties include:  
 
- Researching, analysing and interpreting changing tax legislation.  
- Meeting with clients and collating information  
- Working with tax law and revenue provisions  
- Preparing and submitting compliance (tax) returns.  
 
The Institute of Taxation in Ireland  
The Institute of Taxation in Ireland is a corporate body limited by guarantee. Its members are persons specialising in taxation practice or professionally interested in the study of fiscal legislation or in the administration and practice of taxation. The institute aims to facilitate the exchange of information and views on fiscal legislation, taxation and related matters and to create a well-informed public opinion on the subject.  
 
The Institute provides opportunities (through seminars and other events) for the acquisition

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
• Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
• Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
• Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
• Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
• Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
• Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
• Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
• Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
• Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.

Further Information

• Tax Adviser- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Tax adviser/consultant- from: GradIreland
• Trainee Tax Consultant (Video)- from: Deloitte

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

The most relevant degree subjects include business, finance, and management.

Training can also help you progress and there are both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and management which can support you in your career.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: accountancy, accounts executive, management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: business management, sales, marketing, commerce, accounting.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Accounting, Finance.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business, commerce, economics, maths, statistics, accounts, finance, law, taxation.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: business, accounting, financial advice, taxation.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

The Institute of Taxation in Ireland relevant to those wishing to pursue a career in Taxation Consultancy. The Institute of Taxation in Ireland provides a choice of options. It is also possible to enter the profession as a qualified accountant or solicitor and register directly for the Institute of Taxation in Ireland professional examinations. Certain exemptions are available in these circumstances.

The relevant professional bodies are:

• Chartered Accountants Ireland
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants  (CIMI) 
• The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland  (CPA) 
• Accounting Technicians Ireland

To register with one of these bodies you must meet their minimum educational requirements. If you exceed the minimum entry requirements you may be exempted from certain professional accountancy exams.  

• International Financial Services Skillnet Network
• Financial Services Union
• The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €70k - €150k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Morgan McKinley/ Brigthwater/ Sigmar/ Azon/ Lincoln

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chartered and certified accountants and taxation experts.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Accountants and tax experts are the second largest occupation in this grouping, with above average employment growth over the five-year period; this was particularly pronounced between 2023 and 2024, with an additional 9,700 persons employed.

Employment was spread across sectors but particularly in professional activities, financial and industry. This occupation had an above average share of women employed and a below average share of non-Irish citizens.

Most of the employment permits issued related to auditors in the financial sector. Despite the strong growth in employment, the share of OJAs for accountants (for the total business and financial group) has fallen since 2023.

Difficult-to-fill mentions (RAS and Skills for Growth) related to accountants, including cost accountants, across financial, tax, insurance, practice and the manufacturing sector, with both newly and part-qualified accountants in demand. In addition to accountancy-related skills, employers were seeking candidates with experience, especially in manufacturing, as well as digital (Excel) and organisational skills.

While demand is evident at present, artificial intelligence is likely to play a transformational role in the tasks associated with this occupation with some highlighting the likely decline in employment numbers for accountants in the long term. However, given such a large occupation, job opportunities will persist.  

• Irish Tax Institute

  • South Block, Longboat Quay, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2
  • (01) 663 1700
  • Click Here

• Chartered Accountants Ireland

  • Chartered Accountants House, 47 - 49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 637 7200
  • Click Here