Madeleine Scott, Senior Consultant
Madeleine Scott, Senior Consultant, shares how Tax Academy microcredentials built technical capability, confidence, and real-world advisory skills from day one of her journey since 2023 through KPMG’s graduate training program.
From graduate to tax specialist
The Tax Academy microcredential units were embedded in KPMG’s National Tax Graduate Program. Madeleine completed 14 Professional microcredentials equating to CTA1 Foundations, followed by six Advanced microcredentials and the CTA2A exam. She then completed nine Advanced microcredentials and the CTA2B exam, before progressing to CTA3 Advisory in Corporate Tax. This structured progression aligned closely with her early career development.
“I enrolled in CTA1 Foundations in early 2023, so pretty much in tandem with the beginning of my professional career.”
Starting early allowed her to build technical knowledge while gaining practical experience in a high-performing team.
Building capability from day one
Entering a specialised tax team as a graduate highlighted the importance of strong foundations. While Madeleine had prior academic exposure, she needed practical capability.
“Engaging with the Tax Academy at the beginning of my career ensured I was equipped with foundational tax knowledge and concepts to excel in the team from day 1.”
Her day-to-day role now spans compliance and advisory. This includes tax returns, international restructuring, succession planning, and transaction support.
The breadth of CTA content supported this scope. It covered income tax, corporate tax, international tax, GST, and more.
Why microcredentials worked
The microcredential format matched both employer expectations and individual learning needs. Early stages followed a structured pathway, while later stages allowed flexibility and choice as she progressed to CTA3 through Higher Education.
The relevance of the CTA2B Advanced microcredential units to her role shaped her decision to continue into CTA3 Advisory. A key goal was to build deeper technical capability and improve her approach to complex client situations.
“Corporate tax issues are among the most common that I see come up for my clients, so it was relatively easy for me to choose this topic as my CTA3 elective in order to align my learning with real-life client situations and develop my skill set in this particular tax area. I had also already completed the corporate tax fundamentals, consolidation and CGT units, which I enjoyed learning given there was a direct crossover between content and client applications.”
The intensive format also enabled efficient completion without long study periods.
Real-world application and quality
The program stood out for its direct relevance to client scenarios.
“Personalised, relevant and engaging.”
“The case studies/problem questions and scenarios [were] at a similar level. This meant I was sufficiently challenged while engaging with the learning and could directly see the real-world application.”
High-quality resources and accessible support also improved the experience.
“I always felt there was support I could access if needed, which overall made the learning experience enjoyable.”
Stronger performance and confidence
Completing the CTA strengthened Madeleine’s ability to handle complex client issues.
“A key improvement that I’ve noticed since completing my CTA is confidence in approaching complex client situations.”
She draws a direct link between CTA3 assessment and client work.
“This scenario emulated the approach required to provide advice to clients in an in-person situation where clients are asking questions and we are required to provide solutions in real time.”
She now contributes more actively in discussions, including challenging ideas and shaping appropriate outcomes for clients.
Career growth and leadership
The CTA has also created new opportunities within her team. Madeleine now supports training and development for others.
“I’ve been asked to share my experience of the microcredential pathways with new graduate cohorts, as well as take on increased responsibility for running technical training.”
Being among a small group of CTA-qualified professionals has increased her visibility and influence.
Advice for future learners
Madeleine encourages early engagement with the Tax Academy.
“Definitely take the leap.”
She credits consistent planning for balancing work and study and recommends the program for firms and individuals seeking aligned, practical development.
“I think the Tax Academy’s program is great for professionals who are starting out in their tax career as the learning pathway is aligned from the outset.”