Accountancy or taxation professional (L7)

Accountancy or taxation professionals are recognised around the world as respected leaders in accountancy, taxation, finance and business. From providing strategic business advice to audited financial statements or driving mergers and acquisitions, a career as an Accountancy or taxation professional can be diverse and challenging; it’s not just about putting numbers into a spreadsheet. Accountancy or taxation professionals use technical knowledge, skills and experience to lead organisations and people to make responsible and sustainable financial decisions. They are required to act in the public interest and must therefore maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and competency; upholding ethical behaviour and integrity at all times. Accountancy or taxation professionals provide financial information and advice to organisations of all types and sizes; from owner managed businesses to multi-national organisations; from private enterprises to public sector institutions, from entrepreneurs to charities. Examples of roles as an Accountancy or taxation professional include, but are not limited to, Financial accountant, Management accountant, Tax accountant, Tax adviser, Tax specialist, External auditor, Internal auditor, Financial analyst, Management consultant, Forensic accountant and Business advisor.

External Auditor
An External Auditor independently examines financial statements and records to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and transparency, providing assurance to stakeholders and the public.

Financial Accountant
A Financial Accountant prepares statutory financial statements, manages financial reporting, and ensures compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst evaluates financial data, performance trends, and investment opportunities to support strategic planning and informed business decision-making.

Forensic Accountant and Business Advisor
A Forensic Accountant and Business Advisor investigates financial irregularities, fraud, and disputes while providing expert advisory services to support risk management and business integrity.

Internal Auditor
An Internal Auditor evaluates internal controls, governance processes, and risk management systems to improve organisational efficiency, compliance, and accountability.

Management Accountant
A Management Accountant provides financial analysis, budgeting, and performance reporting to support managerial planning, control, and strategic decision-making.

Management Consultant
A Management Consultant advises organisations on strategy, operations, and organisational improvement, helping to enhance performance, efficiency, and competitiveness.

Tax Accountant
A Tax Accountant prepares tax computations and filings, ensuring compliance with tax legislation while optimising tax positions for individuals and organisations.

Tax Adviser
A Tax Adviser provides strategic advice on taxation matters, helping clients manage tax risks, comply with regulations, and plan efficiently within legal frameworks.

Tax Specialist
A Tax Specialist offers expert knowledge in complex tax areas, supporting organisations with advanced tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution.

Baker Tilly, BDO, Costain, Dains, Deloitte, Government Finance Profession, Ernst & Young, Flemmings, Grant Thornton, Hall and Woodhouse, Harvey & Son, Hazlewoods LLP, Health Education East of England, Kingston Smith, KPMG, Lentells Chartered Accountants, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, NHS Employers, PwC, Solid State Solutions, Warrington and Halton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)

K1: Provide an appropriate level of assurance that enables stakeholders to trust organisational information, both financial and non-financial, as relevant to their role. Exercise professional judgement by identifying risks and evaluating suitable risk management approaches.

K2: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key business objectives and the measures used to assess organisational success.

K3: Prepare, analyse, and interpret an organisation’s financial information for both internal and external purposes, in line with professional responsibilities.

K4: Understand, interpret, and apply relevant legislation, standards, and principles applicable to professional practice. This includes, but is not limited to, accounting standards, auditing principles and standards, taxation legislation, ethical codes, and internal organisational policies.

K5: Apply professional judgement to make sustainable business decisions, including recommendations for good governance, using financial and non-financial information. Support strategic decision-making through robust financial analysis and project appraisal, presenting balanced conclusions supported by internal and external evidence.

S1: Build trusted and sustainable relationships with individuals and organisations. Consistently support others and collaborate effectively to achieve results as part of a team.

S2: Influence business decisions by considering their impact on relevant and affected communities, based on an understanding of different organisations and the environments in which they operate.

S3: Communicate in a clear, articulate, and appropriate manner, adapting communication style to suit different situations, individuals, or teams.

S4: Identify ethical dilemmas, understand their implications, and behave appropriately. Demonstrate awareness of legal responsibilities, both in the letter and the spirit of the law, and understand procedures for reporting concerns about potentially unethical activities.

S5: Take ownership of allocated projects and manage personal time and the time of others effectively. Apply sound project management skills to deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timelines, acting as a role model and motivating others to achieve results.

S6: Evaluate information efficiently and draw accurate conclusions. Assess problems from multiple perspectives to ensure all relevant issues are considered, gathering appropriate facts and evidence to support effective decision-making.

B1: Anticipate the future needs and requirements of individuals and organisations. Identify opportunities that add value for both the individual and the organisation.

B2: Take responsibility for personal professional development by proactively seeking opportunities to enhance knowledge, skills, and practical experience.

B3: Adapt approaches to support organisations and individuals in managing competing priorities as circumstances and business environments change.

B4: Apply a questioning and sceptical mindset to conditions that may indicate possible misstatement of financial information arising from error or fraud.