Training programmes
CTA training structure
In order to become a tax practitioner you may study to be a Chartered Tax Adviser
(CTA) as an alternative to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (ACA). The CTA qualification
is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), the leading professional
body for taxation in the UK. Obtaining membership of the CIOT is recognised as the
gold standard achievement for tax specialists.
At BDO Stoy Hayward, in following our CTA Tax Training programme, you will learn
how to be a skilled tax adviser. In addition to the CTA qualification, you will
also obtain an accounting qualification (awarded by the ICAEW) and the Professional
Skills Certificate (awarded by City University). As part of your CTA studies, you
will first become a member of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT).
The programme runs over a period of approximately three years. Its aim is for you
to learn and develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes that are
not only essential for passing the exams, but that are also necessary for you to
lay the foundations on which you are able to build a successful tax career with
us.
Our CTA programme is designed and delivered by our dedicated in-house team of qualified
tutors. You will benefit from a generous amount of classroom-based learning accompanied
and supported by your peers, along with the opportunity for private study and work-based
experience in the office. Additionally, you will have your own personal tutor who
will, throughout the three years, support your learning.
Our approach to your education as a tax adviser has proven to be very successful.
We regularly achieve a 100 per cent pass rate in the ATT examinations and our CTA
pass rate is at least twice the national average. In the November 2006 ATT examinations,
our students won four of the six prizes awarded and six students obtained distinctions.
This is what some of our students have had to say about the programme –
‘No other firm offers such a high standard of training and support to their
students. From day one every student is not only provided with the material to pass
the exams but is also trained in the skills required to be an all round competent
tax adviser.’ - Laura Bowle (joined Reading Office in 2005)
‘The BDO internal training programme goes further than preparing you for exams.
It prepares you for a career, teaches you how to work smart and have a work life
balance, and gives you the tools to tackle any situation you may encounter in both
your exams and the office.’ - Brad Norris (joined London Office in 2003)
For further details on the CTA qualification please visit
www.tax.org.uk