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Taxing Success: Belinda Spence's Path to Chartered Tax Adviser
Written by: The Tax Institute
Published: 4 Oct 2024
Belinda Spence, National Dux for CTA3 Advisory, 2023.
National Dux for CTA3 Advisory, 2023, Belinda Spence, Senior Manager at EY’s Melbourne office, didn’t begin her career in tax.
With a Bachelor of Communications, she initially worked in digital marketing for three years before realising her true passion lay elsewhere. “I knew I wanted something more,” she recalls, which led her to pursue a Juris Doctor degree at Bond University. It was during her studies that she discovered tax law. “I took tax as an elective and instantly fell in love with its complexity and variety.”
After completing her law degree, Belinda started her tax career as a graduate in Deloitte’s corporate tax team in Brisbane, later moving to Melbourne. Over her career, she has worked in both professional services and industry, including roles at RACV and MYOB. Today, at EY, she advises multinational clients on tax structuring, compliance, and advisory matters, helping them navigate both domestic and international tax landscapes.
The Appeal of Tax Law
For Belinda, the ever-changing nature of tax law is what makes it so rewarding. “Tax never stands still,” she explains. “There are always new laws and regulations, which means you’re constantly learning. I wanted a career that would challenge me and allow me to keep growing.”
One of the most fulfilling aspects of her role is helping clients solve complex tax problems. “It’s incredibly satisfying to provide solutions that help businesses thrive and achieve their goals.”
Becoming a Chartered Tax Adviser
Belinda’s commitment to continued learning has been key to her career success. She completed the CTA3 Advisory subject as part of the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) program with The Tax Institute. “The course was incredibly practical, and I gained valuable insights into areas of tax law I hadn’t encountered before, like the newly enacted equity-funded dividend rules. I apply this knowledge daily in my work, advising clients on these issues.”
Balancing work, study, and personal commitments, including raising a young family, wasn’t easy. “It takes planning and flexibility. I set aside dedicated time each week for study, but I also had to be adaptable when urgent client work or family matters arose.”
Advice for Aspiring Tax Professionals
For those considering or already working in tax, Belinda’s advice is clear: “Embrace continued education. Tax is a field that’s always evolving, and the more you invest in developing your technical expertise, the more opportunities will open up for you.”
Looking ahead, Belinda plans to continue her education by pursuing the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law. “Given how fast the tax landscape changes, staying up to date is essential.”
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Read time: 2 minutes
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