A member’s view: Diana Gajdosova

How did you find out about a career in tax?

My introduction into the world of tax began with the tax classes I took as part of my degree. After graduating, I accepted a support role within a GMS team. This opportunity was a turning point for me, as it revealed the exciting career possibilities in tax and introduced me to the ATT/CTA tax pathway. After a few months in this role, I wanted to challenge myself by learning more about corporate tax. Pursuing the ATT qualification became the natural and exciting next step in my journey.

Why is the ATT qualification important?

The ATT qualification provides you with essential knowledge of the UK tax system, serving as a solid foundation upon which you can build your expertise, while also offering you the opportunity to explore and discover the area of tax that may interest you. Moreover, holding the ATT qualification is an excellent grounding before pursuing CTA qualification, which is recognised as the leading industry standard.

Why did you pursue a career in tax?

Tax is constantly evolving. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just a set of rules. This dynamic nature provides me with the opportunity to learn and adapt to something new almost every day, making the field both challenging and rewarding.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Analytical, creative and resilient.

Who has influenced you in your career so far?

People around me. I am fortunate to work alongside colleagues from different teams and diverse backgrounds. The tutors at BPP and Tolley have also greatly influenced my career journey, providing invaluable guidance and support during my studies.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of doing the ATT qualification?

Go for it! Don’t worry too much if you fail any exams; each attempt brings you one step closer to success, and it’s all part of the journey.

What are your predictions for tax advisers and the tax industry in the future?

I anticipate that tax will continue to evolve in response to economic and political shifts. Tax advisers and clients will likely leverage AI tools to streamline routine tasks, enhance automation and use it as first point of call for tax technical analysis. Investing in in-house knowledge will increasingly become more important in keeping AI capabilities up to date. Additionally, with governments increasingly using tax policy to reach environmental and social targets, ESG tax will become an even more important topic, influencing tax strategies and decision-making processes.

What advice would you give to your future self?

Always question the why and envision the outcome.

Tell me something about yourself that others may not know about you.

I have a three year old golden retriever named Odi. His favourite game is to play hide and seek, and he’s surprisingly good at it! However, despite his intelligence, I have not been able to teach him to fetch.