Advancing expertise in corporate tax with CTA2A Advanced
Published: 17 Feb 2025
Shana Soares, Analyst – Corporate Tax, Hall Chadwick WA, Subiaco was the Dux of CTA2A Advanced in Study Period 1, 2024. We spoke with Shana about her career journey, her experience with CTA2A Advanced, and her advice for fellow tax professionals.
Building a career in corporate tax
Shana joined Hall Chadwick WA as an Undergraduate Accountant in November 2021 while completing her studies at the University of Western Australia. After earning her bachelor’s degree in November 2022, she progressed into a Graduate Accountant role, where she broadened her skill set before transitioning to her current position as a Corporate Tax Analyst.
“In my current role, I’ve been able to dive deeper into the complexities of tax regulations in the corporate space,” she explains. “I find myself drawn to the dynamic nature of tax—laws and regulations are constantly changing, which keeps me on my toes.”
For Shana, working in taxation is more than just understanding legislation—it’s about engaging with a diverse array of clients across various industries and helping them navigate their unique tax obligations.
Strengthening technical tax knowledge
Shana undertook CTA2A Advanced as part of the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) Program, recognising the value of the designation in advancing her career. “The CTA designation signifies a high level of expertise and credibility, which can open doors to advanced career opportunities,” she says.
One of the most interesting aspects of the subject for Shana was the module on small business CGT concessions. “This module explored the intricacies of tax concessions available to small businesses, using real-world scenarios that closely mirror the challenges faced by my own clients. The detailed case studies provided valuable insights into how these concessions apply in practice.”
Beyond specific tax provisions, the subject also helped Shana develop a broader analytical approach. “It enhanced my ability to see the bigger picture when analysing transactions for clients, allowing me to provide more proactive and insightful advice.”
Applying new knowledge in practice
The knowledge gained in CTA2A Advanced has been directly applicable to Shana’s daily work. “There have been numerous instances where I’ve applied what I learned—almost daily, in fact!” she shares.
A recent example was preparing a letter of advice on the tax implications of a business sale, where she considered and applied small business CGT concessions to assist her client. “Having a strong understanding of these provisions allowed me to provide clearer, more strategic advice tailored to their situation.”
Studying with The Tax Institute Higher Education
For Shana, one of the standout features of studying with The Tax Institute Higher Education was the flexibility of the program. “It provided greater flexibility than my previous study experiences—perfect for someone working full-time. The lack of weekly deadlines meant I could take a short break during particularly busy weeks and catch up later without falling behind.”
She successfully balanced study with work by carefully planning and prioritising her commitments. “I set up a structured schedule, breaking tasks into manageable chunks. Clear goals kept me focused and productive, and I made sure to take regular breaks to recharge.”
Advice for aspiring tax professionals
Shana encourages tax professionals to embrace further study, reassuring them that it is manageable even alongside full-time work. “Although balancing study with work may seem daunting, the program is structured in a way that makes it very achievable. The skills and knowledge gained are highly valuable, making the extra effort well worth it.”
Her key advice? Plan ahead, stay consistent, and take advantage of the program’s flexibility to manage your workload effectively.
Next steps in professional growth
Shana’s next subject is CTA2B Advanced, with the ultimate goal of completing CTA3 Advisory and obtaining her CTA designation. “I’m looking forward to building on the knowledge I’ve gained and continuing to advance in my career.”
Interested in a formal qualification in tax? Learn more here.
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