Ethan Nguyen: How Professional Development and Tax Expertise Shape a Rewarding Career

Published: 28 Apr 2025

   

Julie Abdalla speaks at the Senate Hearing

Ethan Nguyen, Manager in the Business Services division at Slomoi Immerman Partners, Melbourne 

The National Dux of CommLaw3 Property Law for Study Period 2, 2024, shows us the importance of personal and professional development in his accomplishments.

Ethan Nguyen, Manager in the Business Services division at Slomoi Immerman Partners, Melbourne  

The National Dux of CommLaw3 Property Law for Study Period 2, 2024, shows us the importance of personal and professional development in his accomplishments.  

Ethan’s career in tax is built on a strong academic foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s in professional accounting from RMIT University. Over the past eight years, he has honed his skills in business services, with a strong focus on tax advisory and compliance. 

“Taxation accounting is a fundamental and highly transferable skill that applies across all industries,” he told us. “I enjoy the intellectual challenge it presents, as it requires analytical thinking, problem-solving, and staying up to date with constantly evolving tax laws.” 

While Ethan’s career has always been in accounting, taxation has consistently played a key role in his work. His passion for the field led him to pursue further education to sharpen his expertise and stay ahead of the curve.

Studying CommLaw3 Property Law  

Ethan undertook CommLaw3 Australian Property Law as an elective in his Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law. He said the subject gave him valuable insights into property classifications and their tax implications. 

“The most engaging aspect of this subject was gaining a deeper understanding of Australian Property Law and its connection to taxation. I found it particularly insightful to explore how different property classifications influence tax obligations and business transactions.” 

Through this study, Ethan enhanced his ability to distinguish between real and personal property, broadened his knowledge of intellectual property taxation, and gained a firmer grasp of consumer law’s role in shaping Australia’s competitive market. 

Advancing expertise through further study

Ethan said The Tax Institute Higher Education “provided a highly practical and industry-relevant learning experience. In addition to my previous academic studies, which were largely theoretical, this program emphasised real-world applications and case studies, making it more engaging and directly applicable to my work.” He also commented that he liked the flexibility of studying with The Tax Institute Higher Education, which allowed him to balance his professional and personal commitments.

A challenging and rewarding career

Ethan tells us he finds fulfilment in developing long-term relationships with his clients, something that’s of great importance when working in the industry. “The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to help clients navigate the complex tax system.”  

Further, Ethan doesn’t shy away from helping others elevate their skills, “Additionally, I take pride in mentoring and training junior staff, helping them develop their skills and grow in their careers.”  

Ethan’s advice to tax professionals wishing to continue studying 

We were keen to hear Ethan's insights for other tax professionals considering further study. His recommendations are to: 

  • Choose a program that aligns with your career goals and provides practical, industry-relevant learning. 
  • Apply what you learn in your daily work to reinforce knowledge application. 
  • Stay curious and proactive in keeping up with evolving tax laws to remain competitive in the field.  Seek mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals; learning from others can be invaluable in accelerating professional growth. 
  • Ethan’s education journey and ambition to excel in his career don’t end here.  

“I plan to further expand my expertise by completing the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification. Additionally, I aim to remain actively engaged in professional development programs, industry networking opportunities, and staying updated with ongoing changes in tax legislation to ensure I remain at the forefront of tax advisory."