• SKILL LEVEL:
  • Proficient

Indirect tax accountant

Specialism: Taxation

What is an indirect tax accountant and what do they do?

An indirect tax is a type of tax collected by an intermediary (eg a shop) from the person who bears the ultimate economic burden of the tax (eg the consumer). This is typically known as a sales tax, a goods and service tax (GST) or a value added tax (VAT). In the UK, with some specific exceptions, VAT is added to the cost of nearly anything purchased by a consumer.

It is common for indirect tax accountants to report in to the indirect tax manager or head of indirect tax, depending on the size of the organisation.

An indirect tax accountant provides advice to the business on general indirect tax liabilities, and specifically on the indirect tax implications of any transactions they are undertaking. They may also deal with management of the indirect tax compliance cycle, dealing with ad hoc indirect tax technical queries and managing the relationship with government tax bodies and other external indirect tax advisors. As well as sales tax, there are other areas of expertise in this field. In the UK this would include customs and excise duty, insurance premium tax and export control.

Capabilities

While the accountancy profession offers diverse career options and paths, the core capabilities required to perform at the highest standards remain the same - irrespective of skill level or job role.

Collaboration Digital Drive Ethics Expertise Insight Sustainability
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Continuing professional development at ACCA

A commitment to life-long learning is a vital part of your ACCA membership; it unlocks the full potential of your career choices - and drives forward the profession.

We deliver a wide range of CPD resources tailored to different areas of expertise - and an ever-changing profession. Our, and your, commitment to quality CPD ensures you will have the most up-to-date skills to perform at the highest standard. 

So, get started (or restarted) and take a look at our curated list of the most relevant CPD resources to secure and succeed in this role.

units 2

Online course

IAS 12 income taxes

Income tax payable derives from the taxable income. But taxable profit is not necessarily equal to accounting profit. What happens when the taxable profit is different from the profit of IFRS financial statements?

This course helps you understand what exactly deferred taxes are, when they arise, how current and future income taxes are recognised and measured, how taxes are presented, and which disclosures are required related to income taxes, according to IAS 12. In addition, the accounting of current taxes is also briefly discussed. The course includes practical examples and interim tests.

Further qualification

Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT)

This is a fantastic opportunity for ACCA members to prove their expertise in international tax and gain a specialist qualification from the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), one of the world's most respected professional bodies. The ADIT (Advanced Diploma in International Taxation) is particularly relevant to qualified accountants with a tax background who are looking to specialise further in international tax.
 

  • Globally recognised – valued by firms and organisations in industries and sectors around the world, ADIT is acknowledged globally as the leading qualification of its type
  • Challenging and rigorous – ADIT is an indicator of your quality and status, enabling you to differentiate yourself from your peers by demonstrating your commitment, expertise and employability
  • Enhanced employability – ADIT is a unique differentiator on your CV, marking you out as an international tax expert and enabling you to join the CIOT as an International Tax Affiliate for further career benefits
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Online course

Tax pick 'n' mix bundle

Stay up to date with these top tips for accountants from tax experts. Work your way through the scenarios deciding what best to do and find out what the experts would do, too.

The courses within this bundle are specific to the UK only.

Create your pick 'n' mix bundle from a range of bestselling tax courses (specific to the UK only):
 

  • 2023-24 update: UK tax
  • 2022-23 update: Finance Act 2022
  • corporation tax: refresher and update (UK only)
  • current pensions and finance issues
  • employment and payroll taxes
  • expenses and benefits
  • Making Tax Digital
  • national insurance contributions
  • property taxes
  • self-assessment for individuals
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Find more CPD resources on ACCA Learning

How does the ACCA qualification support this job role?

From a combination of exams, ethics and experience, the ACCA Qualification will boost your employability and performance at every stage of your career journey.

Here we have listed some elements of the ACCA Qualification that will help you perform at the highest standard in this job role.