Jun 9

Lorraine Nelson discusses the benefits of ADIT

We recently spoke to Lorraine Nelson, Tax Director at BDO Northern Ireland, about her experience with the Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT) qualification. We discuss her reasons for pursuing the qualification, the differences between ADIT and the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) exams, and the benefits of having an international tax qualification.

Why did you decide to study for the ADIT qualification? 

I initially pursued the ADIT qualification to gain knowledge and experience in transfer pricing. However, after completing the transfer pricing module, I decided to continue my studies and complete the other two modules to obtain the full ADIT qualification. The ADIT qualification gave me a broader understanding of international tax, which has proven invaluable in my current role as a tax director for BDO.

As well as being ACCA qualified, you are also a CTA in the UK and Ireland. What do you see as the differences between the ADIT & CTA qualifications?

While the CTA exams are more focused on the UK or Irish tax regimes, the ADIT qualification takes a more global perspective. The ADIT exams were more essay-based, focusing on taking knowledge and putting it into advice for clients, as opposed to the calculations-focused CTA exams. The ADIT qualification gave me a solid foundation in international tax principles, which has helped me to better understand and advise on cross-border tax issues.

What are the benefits of having an International Tax qualification?

Having an international tax qualification, such as ADIT, helps tax professionals to have a broader understanding of the needs of their clients. It enables them to ask the right questions and provide fully rounded advice that considers the global needs of their clients. Additionally, having an international tax qualification gives tax professionals a competitive advantage in the industry.

How has your ADIT qualification helped you in your career?

The ADIT qualification has given me a broader understanding of international tax, which has been incredibly useful in my current role as a tax director for BDO. It has enabled me to better understand and advise on cross-border tax issues, which is a critical skill in today's global economy.

Discussion on the ADIT qualification between Catriona Loughran and Lorraine Nelson

Catriona: Hi Lorraine, thanks for joining me today. Can you tell me a little about your experience with the ADIT qualification?

Lorraine: Of course, happy to be here. I initially pursued the ADIT qualification to gain knowledge and experience in transfer pricing. However, after completing the transfer pricing module, I decided to continue my studies and complete the other two modules to obtain the full ADIT qualification. The ADIT qualification gave me a broader understanding of international tax, which has proven invaluable in my current role as a tax director for BDO.

Catriona: That's great to hear. How did you find the ADIT exams compared to the CTA exams?

Lorraine: The ADIT exams were more essay-based, focusing on taking knowledge and putting it into advice for clients, as opposed to the calculations-focused CTA exams. I found that the ADIT qualification gave me a solid foundation in international tax principles, which has helped me to better understand and advise on cross-border tax issues. While the CTA exams are more focused on the UK tax regime, the ADIT qualification takes a more global perspective.

Catriona: That's interesting. Can you speak to the benefits of having an international tax qualification?

Lorraine: Having an international tax qualification, such as ADIT, helps tax professionals to have a broader understanding of the needs of their clients. It enables them to ask the right questions and provide multifaceted advice, taking into account the global needs of their clients. Additionally, having an international tax qualification gives tax professionals a competitive advantage in the industry.

Catriona: That's great to hear. How has your ADIT qualification helped you in your career?

Lorraine: The ADIT qualification has given me a broader understanding of international tax, which has been incredibly useful in my current role as a tax director for BDO. It has enabled me to better understand and advise on cross-border tax issues, which is a critical skill in today's global economy.

Catriona: Thanks so much for sharing your insights with us today, Lorraine.

Lorraine: My pleasure, thank you for having me.