Tax

We all know the saying about how only two things in this life are certain. Well it may be a cliché but the upside is that tax expertise will always be in demand, adding up to a secure and high-paying career path. Everyone needs tax planning and know-how on their side, from governments and big banks to non-profits and individuals and families, not to mention every corporation under the sun. For those with an affinity for numbers and analysis, research, problem-solving and planning, becoming a tax specialist can be a highly rewarding career move in more ways than one.

All over Canada you’ll find a wide range of tax courses of varying length and complexity, from certificate programs to master’s degrees offered at universities, public and private colleges, and even tax service providers like H&R Block. The more basic courses arm you with a solid grasp of the fundamentals of Canadian taxation such as the differences between a T1 and T2, calculating expenses and deductions, preparing corporate returns, compliance, understanding financial statements and other key concepts for a career in accounting or bookkeeping. More advanced courses will still cover many of those basics while also digging into more sophisticated concepts including corporate reorganizations, international tax law, dispute resolution and taxes and benefits for Indigenous peoples.

Given the versatility and universal need for tax experts, a tax education can take you almost anywhere: accounting firms such as Deloitte, EY and KPMG; government organizations like the CRA or Department of Finance; financial services firms; law firms and many more, with potential career tracks in mergers and acquisitions, estate planning, corporate taxation, transfer pricing, bookkeeping, accounting, payroll and a laundry list of other specialties.

According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for a tax specialist is $67,499 per year, and can range north of $100,000 depending on your career path and areas of specialization.