Tax Institute appoints Todd Want as 2024 president
William Buck’s head of tax says there will be a “renewed focus” on member voices during his term.
The Tax Institute has appointed Todd Want, head of tax at William Buck, as president for 2024 following his term as vice president last year.
Mr Want had sat on the institute’s national council, NSW professional development committee and state council for several years, the institute said.
He would succeed Hobart-based tax expert Marg Marshall, whose 12-month term as president concluded this week.
Mr Want said he was “delighted and honoured” to be named president.
“The institute and its fantastic community have made a significant impact on my own career over the years, and I’m excited to give that experience to a whole new generation of tax practitioners,” he said.
Member voices would be a “renewed focus” for the institute in 2024.
“Our members are a diverse community of intelligent, talented professionals who know what support they need,” he said.
“They want us to listen and assist in meaningful ways. Whether it is educational opportunities, our advocacy work, the resources we produce or the events we hold, we are committed to hearing members’ voices and reflecting them in all we do.”
He also recognised the institute’s role in addressing the “shortage of high-quality tax practitioners”, which he said was “more acute than ever”.
“It is crucial for those managing teams to prioritise engagement and high performance. We are assisting the profession in finding new learning pathways to invest in their team’s future and develop the skills needed by Australian businesses.”
Mr Want obtained a diploma of advanced tax from the institute in 2009 and has been a chartered tax adviser (CTA) member since 2022.
He was excited to continue the institute’s “legacy” of providing “high quality, relevant and highly tailored tax education”.
“A lifelong desire to continue learning, developing and growing is the thread that connects all our members, no matter where or what they practice. I’m excited to continue this legacy, and to build on it in future-focused ways,” he said.
Mr Want joined the mid-tier accounting firm William Buck in 2008, becoming a director in 2015.
The institute said he was an expert in small to medium enterprise taxation matters, CGT as well as tax issues around Division 7A loans, trusts, restructuring, acquisitions and divestments.
Additionally, he provided specialist consulting services to individuals working in professional services by presenting papers and training sessions on changes to tax legislation and interpretations.
The Tax Institute has a membership of almost 11,000 tax professionals across boutique, mid-tier and big four firms as well as members from government and academia.
A full schedule of professional development opportunities for tax practitioners was planned for this year, including 27 major CPD events and three intake opportunities for structured learning, the institute said.
Last year, it launched a micro-credential learning suite called Tax Academy to help employers “engage staff with learning and development opportunities”.
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