Thomas Sheerin - KPMG
The main reason I decided to join Tax was the diversity of the day to day work and the opportunities it offers. I have always had an interest in business and particularly into how the taxation system operates. I wanted to gain exposure to working with some of the biggest companies in Ireland and gain an understanding of how taxation planning plays a role in how they structure their operations.
I work with a number of high profile individuals and companies across many different industry sectors and have been involved in a number of complex transactions, ranging from personal tax planning for high net worth individuals to mergers and acquisitions projects for a number of Irish plcs. The work involved is very challenging and it provides an interesting insight into how businesses operate. We work closely with the key decision makers in organisiations and often critical decisions are based on the advice we provide.
The main tasks include fulfilling the day to day tax compliance needs of your clients. This can range from various ad hoc queries from the client to preparing and filing an income tax or corporation tax return. It is important to be able to translate difficult concepts and explain them to clients to enable them to make appropriate decisions. Therefore, as well as providing various tax advice, a good understanding of the client's needs, good communication skills and business acumen is required. Other responsibilities include working with the partners, directors and managers on various projects and providing solutions to client’s problems.
The role of a taxation senior provides new challenges all the time and also offers real variety. I really enjoy this aspect of my work. No week is the same as the other. I particularly have enjoyed working on a number of projects that have involved implementing various structures in a tax efficient manner for our clients.