Tax knowledge is becoming increasingly important across finance teams, not just within specialist tax roles.
As regulation, reporting requirements and technology continue to evolve, finance professionals are expected to recognise tax considerations earlier and understand how they affect wider business decisions. Building practical tax knowledge can help organisations manage risk, support informed decision-making and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Finance teams across organisations are encountering tax considerations in areas ranging from payroll and employment taxes to reporting requirements, business transactions and governance obligations.
At the same time, technology is changing the way finance teams work. Advances in automation, data analytics and digital reporting have created opportunities for greater efficiency, but they have also increased expectations around data quality, controls and compliance. Finance professionals must understand not only the technical aspects of tax but also how technology influences processes and decision-making.
For employers and finance leaders, the key questions are increasingly practical: does your finance team have the tax knowledge it needs to keep pace with change? Can team members identify potential tax risks before they become significant issues? Are they confident in responding to legislative changes? And is tax knowledge shared effectively across the organisation?
These questions matter because getting tax wrong can be costly. Getting it right can help organisations manage risk, make better decisions and respond more effectively to change.
Building tax capability doesn’t mean turning every finance professional into a tax specialist. It means ensuring people understand the tax issues relevant to their role and know when to seek expert advice.
That’s something Connor Whelan, Group Services Manager, Group Tax at Porsche Cars Great Britain Ltd, has experienced first-hand:
"The ATT has been a vital part of my development as a tax professional and has helped me build a strong technical foundation across a broad range of taxes, which gives me the confidence to apply that knowledge in the workplace,” said Connor.
“For example, my ATT knowledge has helped me when reviewing business-led projects, allowing me to identify potential tax considerations at an early stage. That means I can provide clear guidance to the business, help manage risk and make sure tax implications are considered as part of wider decision-making. The practical knowledge gained through the ATT continues to be valuable in supporting the business and navigating complex issues.”
“The ATT Qualification has supported me throughout my career, enabling me to add greater value to the business in my roles. I'd recommend the ATT to anyone looking to develop their tax knowledge and to build a strong foundation for a career in tax."
For employers, supporting tax training can help create stronger, more resilient finance teams. It can reduce reliance on a small number of specialists, improve confidence across the function, and support more informed conversations with advisers and stakeholders.
Keeping pace with change requires more than occasional updates. Continuous professional development, structured training and recognised qualifications all have a role to play. Qualifications, such as the ATT Qualification, provide a practical grounding in UK taxation and can support both aspiring tax specialists and finance professionals whose roles increasingly intersect with tax.
CIOT members are also eligible to join ATT without completing any further qualifications, giving them access to ATT member benefits and a wider professional community. Find out more about joint ATT/CTA membership
To find out more about the ATT Qualification, member benefits and how ATT could support skills development in your organisation, visit: www.att.org.uk/stepup-finance
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