Why now is a great time to move back to practice from in-house as a tax professional

In the ever-evolving world of tax, career paths are rarely linear. Many professionals move between practice and in-house roles throughout their careers, each offering distinct advantages. However, a noticeable shift is occurring: a growing number of tax professionals are returning to practice after years in-house. And for good reason.

Whether you’re seeking intellectual stimulation, broader exposure, or a more dynamic career trajectory, now is an opportune moment to make the leap back into practice. Here’s why.

1. The tax landscape is more complex than ever

Global tax policy is in flux. From OECD’s Pillar Two implementation to digital services taxes, ESG reporting, and increasing scrutiny on transfer pricing, the complexity of tax compliance and advisory work has never been greater.

In-house teams, often lean and resource-constrained, are struggling to keep up. This has created a surge in demand for experienced professionals in practice who can offer strategic insight, technical depth, and cross-border expertise.

Why it matters:
Returning to practice allows you to be at the forefront of these developments, advising multiple clients across industries and jurisdictions. You’ll be part of shaping solutions, not just reacting to them.

2. Firms are actively seeking in-house experience

Top-tier firms are increasingly valuing professionals with in-house backgrounds. Why? Because you bring:

• a commercial mindset
• first-hand understanding of client pain points
• experience navigating internal stakeholders
• practical, business-aligned tax strategies

This blend of technical and commercial acumen is highly valuable in today’s client-centric environment.

What this means for you:
You’re not starting from scratch. You’re returning with a richer, more valuable skill set. Firms recognise this and are offering senior roles, flexible arrangements, and fast-track leadership opportunities to attract returners.

3. Career progression can be faster and more visible

In-house tax roles can sometimes plateau, especially in organisations where tax is seen as a cost centre rather than a strategic function. Budget constraints, limited headcount, and siloed structures can stifle growth.

In contrast, practice offers:

• clearer promotion pathways
• opportunities to lead client relationships
• exposure to board-level conversations
• the ability to build a personal brand in the market

The takeaway:
If you’re ambitious and want to accelerate your career, practice offers a more dynamic and meritocratic environment. This is especially true for those with in-house credibility.

4. The rise of hybrid and flexible working in practice

Historically, one of the biggest deterrents to returning to practice was the perception of long hours and rigid structures. But the pandemic permanently changed the way professional services firms operate.

Today, many firms offer:

• hybrid working as standard
• part-time or portfolio roles
• remote-first teams
• job shares and flexible hours

Why this matters:
You no longer have to sacrifice work-life balance to return to practice. In fact, many firms are now more flexible than corporates, especially for experienced hires.

5. You’ll reignite your technical edge

In-house roles often focus on managing risk, compliance, and internal reporting. While valuable, this can lead to a narrowing of technical exposure over time.

In practice, you’ll:

• stay sharp on evolving legislation
• work across multiple sectors and jurisdictions
• collaborate with specialists in VAT, transfer pricing, R&D, and more
• attend regular training and technical updates

The benefit:
You’ll future-proof your expertise and remain at the cutting edge of the profession. This is increasingly important in a rapidly changing tax world.

6. You’ll expand your network and influence

In-house roles can be isolating, especially in smaller tax teams. Practice, on the other hand, is inherently collaborative and outward-facing.

You’ll have the chance to:

• build relationships with CFOs, legal teams, and regulators
• join industry working groups and panels
• speak at conferences and contribute to thought leadership
• mentor junior professionals and shape the next generation

Why it’s powerful:
Your influence and visibility grow significantly in practice. This opens doors to future opportunities, whether in leadership, policy, or even back in-house at a more senior level.

7. The market is hot and compensation is competitive

Firms are in a talent war. The demand for experienced tax professionals far exceeds supply, especially those with in-house experience. As a result, firms are offering:

• competitive base salaries
• performance bonuses
• signing incentives
• equity or profit-sharing in some cases

What this means for you:
You can negotiate from a position of strength. The financial rewards of returning to practice are now on par with, or even exceed, many in-house roles. This is especially true when factoring in career progression and long-term earning potential.

8. You’ll have a bigger impact

In-house, your impact is often limited to one organisation. In practice, your advice can shape the strategies of dozens of businesses, from startups to multinationals.

You’ll help clients:

• navigate global expansion
• respond to regulatory change
• optimise their tax position
• build sustainable, ethical tax strategies

The result:
Your work has broader reach and deeper impact. This is incredibly fulfilling for many professionals.

9. You can specialise or diversify, your choice

Practice gives you the freedom to shape your career. Want to become a transfer pricing guru? A sustainability tax expert? A sector specialist in tech or real estate?

Or perhaps you want variety, working across industries, geographies, and service lines.

In practice, you can:

• choose your niche or stay generalist
• move between advisory, compliance, and controversy
• take on secondments or international assignments
• pivot into leadership, BD, or innovation roles

The flexibility is unmatched.

10. You’re not alone. There’s a growing community of returners

You’re part of a wider trend. Many tax professionals are making the move back to practice and thriving. Firms are building dedicated returner programmes, peer networks, and onboarding support to make the transition smooth.

You’ll find:

• mentors who’ve walked the same path
• training to refresh your technical skills
• supportive teams that value your experience
• a renewed sense of purpose and challenge

The message is clear:
You’re not going back. You’re moving forward with more experience, confidence, and clarity than ever before.

Final thoughts: is it time to come back?

If you’ve been feeling under-stimulated, under-recognised, or simply ready for a new challenge, now is the perfect time to consider returning to practice.

The market is ready for you. The firms are ready for you. And most importantly, you’re ready.

You bring a unique blend of technical expertise, commercial insight, and real-world experience that clients and firms desperately need. By returning to practice, you’re not just reigniting your career. You’re redefining it.

Ready to explore the move?

If this article resonates with you, consider contacting a member of the Brewer Morris tax practice recruitment team, or applying directly to one of our open tax jobs in professional services. The door is open. The timing is right. And the opportunities are better than ever.