Tax

Helping clients and companies adhere to taxation demands and laws.

Tax advisors play the role of consultants, supervising tax problems for clients and advising them on tax laws. Advice is dispensed in three broad areas: tax implications of business dealings, cost-effective decisions to taxation demands and the implications of changes in tax laws and the tax system.

Aside from major corporate tax issues, like compliance – tax returns – and transactions like M&A, there are other specialist areas in tax advisory, including employee issues such as stock options and CPF contributions, indirect tax services like advising on VAT, GST and import duties, as well as personal or business taxation services for high-networth clients. Many new hires start off as trainees in a tax department of a professional services firm as they study part-time for the professional qualifications needed to become a chartered tax accountant. From there, graduates may choose to move to a company that focuses exclusively on taxation issues, or specialise further in certain fields of taxation.

A full-fledged tax advisor prepares taxes for clients in such a way that it decreases the amount of tax that needs to be paid while still complying with government tax regulations. This includes research into previous tax filings, attending strategy meetings with clients and preparing presentations on their tax liabilities to keep them updated.

A finance degree is helpful but not essential, though the Chartered Accountant certification is a must. Moreover, all practicing tax accountants in Singapore are required to undertake 30 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) each year in order to maintain the quality of their work.

The course is offered by ISCA, the Tax Academy of Singapore, as well as selected tax and accounting organisations. SIAPT is an information institute about the tax profession. Life as a tax accountant is exciting as the role may constitute working in a proposal meeting one day, and on large tenders the next. Tax advisory is also intellectually challenging as its purview includes helping clients resolve difficult taxation issues.

Because tax professionals work in teams with varied backgrounds and specialisations, there is exposure to different aspects of advisory work as well.

Stress levels, however, are considerable from juggling multiple projects while pursuing specialised qualifications – all on tight deadlines. And every once in a while, professionals can still encounter difficult clients who can be frustratingly secretive of their business accounts.

General overview

Required skills

Graduates will also need to arm themselves with knowledge about the latest laws and regulations in regards to taxation matters to ensure advice is timely and accurate. More than that, familiarity with the international business scene and tax laws in other countries is essential for dealing with international investments on behalf of clients.

Moreover, coping with pressure and practising discretion when handling clients’ tax affairs is also important in this line of work.

Pros and cons

EMPLOYERS

Learn more about leading employers in the industry, as well as the vacancies and internships they offer.

NTUC Income

OCBC Bank 96

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NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Ltd (Income) is a leading composite insurer in Singapore, serving more than two million policyholders. Our ambition is to protect every life and every home by making insurance simple, accessible and personal for individuals from all walks of life. Income was established in 1970 and remains the only insurance co-operative in Singapore. Our financial strength and diversified investment portfolio is reflected by our strong credit rating which underpins the delivery of our commitment to customers. Income’s innovative, data-driven and omni-channel approach also puts us at the forefront of customer-centric solutions to meet rapidly evolving needs and help empower better financial well-being. For more about Income, please visit www. income. com.sg.

NTUC Income

Web https://www.income.com.sg/ careers

Sector

• Insurance and Risk Management

Jobs available

Graduate job Internship

Number of employees

1,000 – 10,000 employees

Minimum requirement Degree Diploma

Find out more at

OCBC Bank is the longest established Singapore bank. It is now the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets and one of the world’s most highly-rated banks, with an Aa1 rating from Moody’s. We are committed to creating a conducive work environment – one that is inclusive, welcomes innovation and encourages continual learning and development. Whether you are an Engineering major, IT expert, Math whiz, or a people-person, we see each of your individuality and potential to shine with us. We provide career mobility opportunities across our different business units, subsidiaries or even country offices; from Consumer, Corporate and Investment Banking, to Fintech and Innovation, so you can discover your career interests and niche areas, all within the bank. We want you to enjoy and take pride in your work, be passionate, driven and have fun – after all, joy does bring out the best in people. And we want nothing less.

We are hiring for:

• Graduate Talent Programme • FRANKpreneurship Internship Programme • STEM @ OCBC Internship Programme • Business Banking Managers • Customer Service Executives • Service Managers • Mortgage Specialists • Personal Financial Consultants

Find out more at OCBC Bank

OCBC Centre, 65 Chulia Street, Singapore 049513 Tel 1800 363 3333 Web www.ocbc.com/group/careers/ Email Weseeyou@ocbc.com @OCBC Careers @OCBC Bank

Sectors

• Banking and Financial Services • Investment Banking and

Investment Management

Jobs available

Graduate job Internship

Number of employees

10,000 – 50,000 employees

Minimum requirement

Degree Diploma