Are any of you a tax technican or advisor?

[micegg]

Is this the sort of career you could get into as a mature (ahem!) person? If so, how?
I have a science degree and 8 years experience working in a science based field. Requires lots of attention to detail, thorough approach, working with numbers, etc. I thought this would maybe make me a good candidate. Also, is the pay and opportunities good? Part time work possible? Part of all this is to find a better paid job. I like the sound of tax and HR! Weird combination.

I work for HMRC.

Hi,

I started off at HMRC then went to one of the Big 4 and subsequently to industry. Might be worth considering HMRC if they have any openings (they are very flexible so part time definitely a possibility) otherwise would need to consider industry or a smaller accountancy firm (the big ones tend either to take fresh grads or experienced tax professionals). You might want to consider studying for ATT (Association of Tax Technicians) a good qualification. I think website is just www.att.org.uk they also have a forum for students and I seem to recall that there were posts similar to yours so you might be able to get some more help from that or try www.tax.org.uk which is the Chartered Institute of Taxation's website (you can sit their exams after ATT).

Tax and HR would be possible if you were looking at the employee benefits side of things or payroll. Job prospects generally ok - after all there are only 2 certainties in life aren't there?

P.S. I have a degree in modern languages and hated maths!

Thanks . Could you give me a rough idea of pay?

If you go in at Officer Level in HMRC in London the starting pay (2007 pay scales)is £23255 rising to £29151 after 5 years.

Part-time and term-time only working are possible. 25 days annual leave, 10 1/2 days public holidays, pension etc.