Building a strong foundation in tax law
Published: 24 Feb 2025
Riley Peake, Accountant, Broadley & Haydon Chartered Accountants, Orange, NSW was the dux of CommLaw1 Australian Legal Systems in Study Period 1, 2024.
We spoke with Riley about her journey into tax, her experience studying CommLaw1, and her advice for aspiring tax professionals.
A career shift into tax accounting
Riley took a unique path into tax, transitioning from business administration and bookkeeping into public tax accounting. After obtaining a Diploma in Accounting from TAFE Digital and completing certificates in bookkeeping, business administration, and information technology, she began working at Broadley & Haydon Chartered Accountants in 2022.
In her current role, Riley provides accounting and taxation services for individuals, partnerships, trusts, companies, and self-managed super funds. Her daily work includes business activity statements, payroll, and assisting clients with Xero.
“Working in public tax accounting exposes you to so many different people, businesses, structures, and business models. It’s an interesting and ever-changing field that demands constant learning and analytical problem-solving,” she says.
Strengthening legal foundations in tax
Riley undertook CommLaw1 Australian Legal Systems as part of the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law. As someone new to the tax profession, she saw the subject as a critical step in advancing her skills and understanding the legal frameworks that underpin tax practice.
“Reading and interpreting case law was something I really improved at. The language is difficult when you first start, but this subject helped me develop those skills,” she explains.
One of the most valuable aspects of the subject was learning how to investigate and research tax and commercial law topics and apply them to real-world situations.
Applying new knowledge in practice
The concepts Riley studied in CommLaw1 have been immediately relevant in her daily work. “Understanding how contracts are formed, upheld, and breached has made me more conscious of being thorough and accurate when dealing with business contracts and legal matters,” she notes.
Her studies also reinforced the importance of recognising legal risks, particularly in contract and tort law. “Being able to identify legal issues, including negligence and its implications, has been useful in my role.”
Studying with The Tax Institute Higher Education
For Riley, The Tax Institute Higher Education’s structured learning approach was a key factor in her success. “The study materials are clear, informative, and relevant. The study guides outline a manageable timeline, helping me track my progress and stay on top of coursework.”
She also found the flexibility of the program beneficial. “I get the most out of studying early in the morning when my mind is fresh, so I built my routine around that,” she shares. Her employer’s support also played a crucial role, particularly during exams.
Advice for aspiring tax professionals
Riley encourages tax professionals to embrace ongoing learning. “Never give up on studying, especially in a field you enjoy. The wealth of knowledge out there is incredible, and the learning experience is even more rewarding when you’re passionate about what you do.”
She also highlights the importance of consistency. “Don’t rely on last-minute cramming. Establishing a weekly study commitment helped me apply what I was learning in real time, reinforcing my understanding.”
Insights from the experience
Riley has since successfully completed all subjects for her Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law. “I love that The Tax Institute offers this hands-on program, which also serves as a pathway into the Chartered Accountants ANZ program,” she says.
Reflecting on her studies, Riley appreciates the structured and practical nature of The Tax Institute Higher Education’s approach. “The combination of study guides, structured timelines, and industry-relevant content makes this program a great choice for tax professionals looking to deepen their knowledge.”
Learn more about the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law
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