Navigating the Tax Talent Shortage: How to Secure a Senior Role

As I sit back and reflect on my journey to securing a senior tax position set to begin in November 2024, I can’t help but notice a concerning trend within the industry. Many firms seem to overlook the critical need for training newcomers to address the significant tax talent shortage. So what’s the secret to getting your foot in the door? Sometimes, it’s all about presenting yourself strategically.

While the prospect of lying about your level of experience may sound unethical, the reality is that firms may overlook your lack of credentials once you’re on board. The probability of being trained after being discovered in this way stands at around 95%, especially if you present an earnest desire to learn. To bolster your candidacy, consider aiming for positions within the lower end of the pay scale. This tactic can significantly enhance a firm’s willingness to invest in your development.

Before applying, take the time to brush up on your REG (Regulation) exam notes. If you possess the knowledge to pass the REG exam, you likely have the foundational skills necessary to navigate a role at the experienced associate or senior level—even if you need to assert a bit of bravado to get the position.

It’s disheartening to say, but firms often won’t terminate you upon realizing your inexperience. Instead, this increasingly common occurrence points to a desire to save face. By keeping you on, firms acknowledge their oversight without confronting the reality of having been misled during the hiring process. Ultimately, it creates a complicated dynamic where they maintain their ego rather than admitting they’ve made a mistake.

In a landscape where positions often remain unfilled for extended periods, why not capitalize on this reality? Understanding how to navigate the ego of seasoned professionals could be the key to securing training and employment in a market that desperately needs fresh talent. It’s time to leverage these dynamics to your advantage and open doors that were previously thought to be firmly shut.