Acquiring international tax knowledge

Abstract

Accounting programs and tax course offerings have been evolving in recent years, and one concern is the coverage of international tax topics. Although international tax is of prime importance to multinational corporations and Congress, little research has addressed the extent to which accounting programs cover international tax topics and whether demand for such coverage exists. This chapter presents the results of surveys about how students desiring a career in international tax services (ITS) can obtain international tax knowledge and what topical areas are most important. Many graduate accounting and taxation programs offer stand-alone international tax courses. Recruiters and professors characterize foreign tax credits, transfer pricing and treaties as the most important areas to emphasize in these courses. Though not essential to a career in ITS, taking an international tax course while in school exposes the student to this career opportunity, and a significant percentage of new hires come from programs offering such a course. Our results provide accounting educators with information to evaluate their coverage of international tax topics, and to make changes if needed.