It’s a competency that appears in almost every job spec for tax professionals, particularly at the more senior levels, but increasingly across all commercial roles. It often sits alongside strong communication skills, but influence goes a step further.
At its core, influence is the ability to challenge constructively, build credibility and drive outcomes with stakeholders at all levels of an organisation.
So how do you demonstrate this on your CV or during an interview?
And why has it become such an important skill for the modern tax professional?
The Why
As tax continues to play a more strategic role within organisations, technical expertise alone is no longer enough. The ability to influence decisions, communicate complex issues clearly and gain buy-in from non-tax stakeholders has become a critical differentiator.
The How
How to demonstrate this on your CV or during an interview?
The key is to move beyond simply listing responsibilities and focus instead on how you impacted decisions, stakeholders, and outcomes.
On your CV, avoid generic statements such as “worked with the finance team” or “provided tax advice to the business.” Instead, highlight situations where you influenced a decision, drove a change or secured stakeholder buy-in. For example:
- Influenced senior leadership on the tax implications of a major acquisition, helping shape the transaction structure.
- Partnered with commercial and finance teams to implement a new operating model across multiple jurisdictions.
- Successfully challenged and improved existing tax processes, resulting in greater efficiency and reduced risk.
- Led discussions with Revenue authorities and external advisors to achieve a favourable outcome on a complex tax matter.
In interviews, be prepared to give specific examples. Think about times when you:
- Changed someone’s perspective.
- Navigated resistance from stakeholders.
- Delivered difficult messages or challenged decisions constructively.
- Built consensus across teams with competing priorities.
- Influenced an outcome without having direct authority.
Early Career Tax Professionals
For those earlier in their tax careers, remember that influence isn’t reserved for the most senior people in the room, nor does it require you to be the loudest voice.
Influence can be developed from day one.
Look for opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues. Sit in on calls and meetings, observe how they communicate, challenge and persuade stakeholders, and follow through to see whether their recommendations are ultimately adopted.
Pay attention to how they build credibility, navigate difficult conversations and bring others with them. Over time, you’ll begin to develop your own style and confidence.
The ability to influence is a skill, not a title. Like any skill, it can be learned, practised and refined throughout your career.
Final Word
For today’s tax professional, technical expertise gets you a seat at the table. The ability to influence is often what determines how much impact you have once you’re there.
Want to discuss your tax career?
Contact Kate Flanagan at kate.flanagan@Barden.ie or via LinkedIn to organise a bespoke advisory chat.
