Dan had a pretty solid question.

“In your opinion, is a masters in taxation beneficial in a tax professional’s career? Does it substantially improve expertise and career prospects? Or does a tax professional learn everything they need to know on the job?”

I want to re word your question a bit, because I think it’ll make what I’m about to say resonate a little better.

1) Is a masters in taxation beneficial in a tax professional’s career?  Does it substantially improve expertise and career prospects?

2) Can you substantially improve your expertise and career prospects as a tax professional by learning as you work only?

I’d say definitely yes to question 1, but not so much for number 2.  Here’s the problem – in this scenario you could acquire the tax knowledge you need to improve your expertise and career prospects.  But there’s no certainty.  It’s always best to learn purposefully.

And on the job learning will largely be up to you.  You`ll definitely pick up things as you go, but no one will be on you to read legal acts, tax bulletins, trade agreements or tax treaties.

If you know you want to be a tax guy then go for the masters – or at least some form of directive learning.

Hope that helps.

In the meantime, read this article at the bbc on how swine flu is turning people into zombies.