A member’s view: Joseph Oliver Eloi

How did you find out about a career in tax?

I first chose an organisation that I wanted to work for – EY. From there, tax felt suited to my interests and my long-term ambitions in and out of work.

Why is the CTA qualification important?

As well as developing technical knowledge, professional qualifications like the CTA demonstrate the ability to manage your time and a willingness to invest in your future, and provide a stable foundation for your career.

Why did you pursue a career in tax?

I’ve always been interested in economic policy and the political economy, and tax is a policy area whereby subtle changes can have a significant knock-on effect on our day-to-day behaviour and the wider economy. Coupled with this, it is a career that provides the security and flexibility to achieve your goals outside of work.

How would you describe yourself in three words?  

Dedicated policy nerd.

Who has influenced you in your career?

Friends, family and colleagues. The best advice I have received has always been from those I trust, respect, and who know me best.

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

Thinking about where you see yourself in five years still only represents 10% of your career. I would focus on the long term and invest in yourself! Deferred gratification is often better than instant.

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

A shift towards indirect tax technology. Rising geopolitical tensions and on-shoring may lead to a rise in cross-border indirect taxes. Ageing populations may require government support, increasing the need for higher tax revenue. As a greater proportion of the population will not be in the labour force, the opportunity to collect tax through workers’ income will be reduced. Governments are likely to turn to other forms of taxation, like indirect taxes. Digitalisation will give us more tools to trace taxable activity but will make the nature and place of that taxable activity harder to define.

What advice would you give to your future self?

To remember that I have achieved more than I ever expected, so keep working hard and always be proud of individual and team accomplishments.

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

I can do a backflip.

You can also hear from Joseph later this month as guest speaker in the ATT/CIOT employer webinar series, ‘Develop and retain your tax talent’, on 22 February at 11am. Register here: www.tax.org.uk/develop-and-retain-your-tax-talent

Contact
If you would like to take part in A Member’s View, please contact Jo Herman at:
jherman@ciot.org.uk