After more than seven years working in industry, Tara Payne made the decision to step away from familiarity and move into practice.
Today, she’s studying the ACA-CTA joint programme while building a career in tax, a specialism she didn’t expect to love but one that now defines her professional
purpose.
Having graduated in 2017 with a BA Hons in Accounting and Finance, Tara’s route into accountancy hasn’t been linear. But each step has helped her clarify exactly where she wants to be and why the ACA is central to getting there.
Starting out in industry
During her third year at university, Tara discovered tax through a module designed for non-specialists – she was immediately drawn to it.
Tara began her career in transactional finance, working across multiple organisations and industries. Over time, she gained broad experience, but something was missing.
While industry offered stability, Tara wanted to deepen her technical expertise and specialise within practice.
Choosing practice and the ACA
For Tara, the decision to move into practice was driven by clarity around what she wanted from her career:
“Practice is about respecting the profession. There’s constant momentum to improve, to learn and to do things properly and that’s what I wanted.”
Making the move wasn’t easy. It meant relocating to Bristol and starting again in a new environment. But for Tara, this was all part of the process.
The ACA felt like the right qualification to support this shift. Its rigour, relevance and professional credibility aligned with her desire to become a trusted adviser, particularly in tax where accuracy, judgement and ethics matter most.
Experience studying the ACA
Now studying the ACA alongside her role in practice, Tara describes the qualification as demanding but deeply rewarding. Tara made the move to tax and joined Azets, an authorised training employer, after meeting the Bristol office team at the ICAEW Annual West of England Ball. She has found support through being surrounded by like-minded professionals, partners and tutors.
ICAEW resources have helped her build confidence and reconnect with core principles she needed to develop a deeper understanding.
The qualification is so relevant to what I’m doing day-to-day. It really links back to real work.
Tara chose to revisit material from scratch rather than rely on exemptions, valuing the chance to strengthen her foundations and develop as a well-rounded
professional.
For her, education is a privilege and one she approaches with gratitude and commitment.
Why tax?
For Tara, tax is about people as much as it is about legislation. A personal experience involving inheritance planning showed her how thoughtful tax advice can bring peace during difficult moments.
“That peace, not having to worry about money at a time like that, is incredibly powerful.”
She’s motivated by tax’s real-world impact, helping families plan, protecting futures and contributing to a system that supports society. It’s this human side of tax that continues to inspire her.
Getting involved: student societies and representation
As an independent student, building a network was essential. Tara got involved with the Bristol and District Student Society (BADCASS) after attending a social event and now holds a role focused on diversity, inclusion and supporting students with non-traditional journeys.
I didn’t want anyone else to feel like they were doing this alone.
Drawing on her experience in both industry and practice, Tara values being able to represent students who might feel unsure where they fit. She’s particularly passionate about creating structures that support students at every stage of the ACA and leave a legacy.
Looking ahead
With a clear sense of purpose and a growing technical skillset, Tara feels she’s in the right place.
Her long-term ambition is to become a trusted tax adviser; someone clients can rely on during pivotal moments in their lives.
It took me a bit longer to get here but I wouldn’t change it. Every step led me to where I’m meant to be.
Advice to students
Tara’s advice is grounded in honesty and self-reflection. She encourages students to take time to understand what they truly want from work and not to be afraid of changing direction if something doesn’t feel right.
“If you don’t enjoy your work, you need to understand why. Once you know what you want, you can build a path to get there.”
And for those considering getting involved in student societies, her advice is simple: reach out, be honest about what you can commit to and don’t let nerves hold you back.
