Tax Advisory is a diverse and exciting career that looks to the future. On our Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) programme you will develop the key skills and knowledge you need to be successful.
If you are looking for a career with no two days the same and are willing to learn and develop the skills of a CTA, then Tax Advisory could be for you.
The Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification is the leading tax advisory qualification in Ireland and the international gold standard in tax advice.
Delivered in three-parts, the CTA qualification builds students’ knowledge and skills from fundamentals to an advanced level. So, if you do not have a background in accounting or finance, Part 1 will catch you up on what you need to know.
All you need to join the CTA programme is a Level 8 qualification in any area.
Having a training contract with a firm is not necessary to study the CTA.
There are exemptions available for those who completed relevant level 8/9 qualifications or professional qualifications.
You can see the list of recognised exemptions at taxinstitute.ie
The Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) programme is delivered online twice a year – summer and autumn courses. This allows students to choose when best suits them to study.
The lectures are recorded so you can watch back if you miss it live or when you’re revising.
For assessment, there are two exam sittings in a year – April/May and August. These are held online. At Part 2 and 3, there is an assignment to be completed during your studies.
Learn more about the opportunities being a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) offers here.
The only requirement to join the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) programme is a Level 8 qualification, such as an honours degree, in any discipline. See the CTA handbook for more details on routes into the programme.
It is important to know that to work and excel in Tax Advisory, you do not need:
Current CTAs come from a wide variety of backgrounds and qualifications. The diverse skillsets and qualities are required within the profession.
We offer a Third-Level Scholarship to a Leaving Cert student interested in a career in Tax Advisory who needs financial support to progress to college.
The successful scholar receives:
Applications open in spring. Learn more about the Third-Level Scholarship
“The Irish Tax Institute Third-Level Scholarship has been a transformative opportunity for me; it is something I am incredibly grateful for. The recognition as a recipient of this prestigious award has been pivotal in fostering connections and referrals as I progress with my goal of becoming a Chartered Tax Adviser. Beyond the invaluable financial support, the Irish Tax Institute’s ongoing mentorship and help has guided me throughout my college years, shaping and strengthening my career aspirations.” – Alisha Scollan, 2022 Scholarship Winner
We encourage you to see if Tax Advisory would suit you. There are many opportunities for you to encounter the profession before final year of college.
In your first few years of college:
There are many firms that offer trainee positions on their grad programmes. For the larger firms, applications typically open in September and close mid-October. Although keep an eye out all year long for other opportunities to apply.
Revenue created a Transition Year (TY) module to encourage tax to explored in schools. There are teacher notes and other materials to support the delivery of the module.
