The Tax Institute has launched an online training platform for accountants and professionals in response to strong demand for specialist instruction that goes beyond standard tertiary education.
The newly opened Tax Academy currently offers 27 units across professional and advanced streams, with each subject area taking around 10 hours to complete through self-paced online learning.
Modules, which include both theory and assessment components, can be purchased directly from the institute’s website and cover tax issues in relation to individuals, small to medium and large businesses, trusts, capital gains, superannuation, investments and practitioner ethical obligations.
Tax Institute education executive general manager Murray Cassar explained the launch was driven by recent industry research showing a clear need for upskilling among both early-career and senior professionals.
“At The Tax Institute we are committed to bringing state-of-the-art training and upskilling programs to tax professionals at any stage of their career. We are launching Tax Academy at a time where the industry is demanding quick and effective ways to upskill,” Cassar stated.
The research found 72 per cent of tax professionals felt unprepared for their current roles despite having university qualifications, while 82 per cent believed new entrants to the field also lacked adequate preparation.
A majority of respondents (80 per cent) indicated a need for upskilling beyond their existing qualifications and almost all (99 per cent) recognised the value of specialised learning for career advancement.
The survey also highlighted a trend towards career flexibility, with nearly half of respondents indicating plans to shift their area of specialty, suggesting a growing need for ongoing training.
A preference for flexible, online learning was also apparent, with 25 per cent of respondents favouring self-directed study. However, most indicated they could only dedicate one to four hours a week to continued education.
The Tax Academy is designed to accommodate learners at any stage of their career, with all modules available online.
