|
Level |
Average salary (UK) |
|
Graduate/entry-level CTA trainee |
£25,000 – £35,000 |
|
Qualified CTA (2–4 years post-qual) |
£40,000 – £60,000 |
|
Senior CTA / Manager |
£65,000 – £85,000 |
|
Director / Partner level |
£100,000+ |
What is a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA)
Thinking about a career in tax? Wondering what a Chartered Tax Adviser is and why so many ambitious professionals choose this path? You're in the right place.
The Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification is the gold standard in UK tax. It unlocks advanced knowledge, respected status, and powerful career progression. If you're aiming to make a real impact in finance, accountancy or business, this is a title worth pursuing.
In this guide, we break down what a CTA does, how to become one, how much you can earn, and whether it’s the right move for you.
What does a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) do?
A Chartered Tax Adviser is a tax expert. They offer strategic advice to individuals, businesses and organisations, helping them manage tax obligations legally, efficiently and often, creatively.
You might find a CTA:
Advising multinational clients on international tax law
Helping SMEs maximise reliefs and incentives
Representing clients in disputes with HMRC
Leading M&A tax planning or restructuring deals
Delivering high-level consultancy in areas like inheritance tax, VAT or corporate tax
What’s a CTA compared to a general accountant? In a word: depth. A CTA specialises in tax to a level beyond standard accountancy qualifications. It’s a sign of mastery — and it’s why they’re in demand across sectors.
How long does it take to become a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA)?
Becoming a CTA doesn't happen overnight, but it is achievable with the right training and commitment.
There are two common routes:
1. Direct CTA entry
This route is for those with a relevant professional qualification (like ACA, ACCA or CIMA). You can skip the ATT and go straight into CTA studies.
Time to qualify: approx. 18–24 months
Whichever route you choose, you’ll need to pass a series of demanding exams, meet work experience requirements and uphold professional ethics. It’s rigorous, but respected.
Learn more about the CTA route
2. The ATT-CTA pathway
Ideal if you’re newer to tax. You start by qualifying as an Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) member, before progressing to the Chartered Tax Adviser qualification.
Time to qualify: approx. 3–4 years
Learn more about the ATT-CTA pathway
How much does a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) earn?
What’s a CTA salary like? In short, competitive and often lucrative.
Here’s a rough guide:
Of course, your location, sector, and specialism play a part. Corporate tax in London? That could easily mean six figures. Niche advisory roles? Even more.
The real takeaway: CTAs don’t just earn good money, they build long-term financial security and status.
Is Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) a good qualification?
Yes, and here’s why:
Recognition: ‘Chartered’ status carries weight. CTAs are backed by the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), the UK’s leading body for tax professionals.
Specialist knowledge: You’ll stand out in a crowded finance field with advanced technical expertise.
Career flexibility: Work in practice, in-house, consultancy or the public sector. A CTA opens doors.
Earning potential: As we’ve seen, salaries are strong and rise rapidly with experience.
Prestige: Clients and colleagues alike know the letters ‘CTA’ signal credibility.
What’s a CTA if not a career accelerator? For ambitious professionals, it’s a chance to specialise, excel, and make an impact.
Final Thoughts
So, what is a Chartered Tax Adviser? In simple terms, a CTA is the highest qualification in UK tax. But in reality, it’s so much more.
It’s a mark of excellence. It’s a career-maker. And it’s a journey, one that demands focus, grit and ambition.
If you're ready to raise your game, we’re here to help. BPP offers expert-led CTA training designed to get you qualified faster, smarter, and with total confidence.
Explore our CTA course options
Let’s unlock your potential.
Prepare for your future in accounting and tax
Explore BPP’s CTA courses and apprenticeships and start your journey towards a globally recognised qualification today.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not exactly. While many CTAs are also accountants, being a CTA means specialising in tax. Some CTAs have an accountancy background (like ACA or ACCA), others come through tax-specific routes like ATT. Think of a CTA as a tax specialist — often working alongside accountants, but with deeper expertise in tax law and planning.