Practice vs Industry – What Are Tax Professionals Really Thinking?

At Rutherford Cross, we speak with hundreds of tax professionals across Scotland each year, and one question consistently comes up: Should I stay in practice, or move into industry?

Rutherford Cross’ tax specialist Ben Jones, sits at the centre of this conversation, working closely with both accountancy firms and in‑house tax teams across the Scottish market. Rather than relying purely on anecdotal insights, Ben recently gathered feedback from over 30 tax professionals across practice and industry to better understand how individuals are really thinking about this career decision in today’s market.

The survey highlights a clear “tug of war” between practice firms targeting ambitious growth over the next 5–10 years, and in‑house teams continuing to invest in tax expertise to drive efficiency and add value.

Importantly, this work isn’t about promoting one path over the other. It’s about presenting objective, data‑led insight from professionals currently operating in the market and helping both individuals and employers better understand what’s driving career decisions, retention, and movement. The report captures a number of consistent themes around progression, exposure, work‑life balance, and long‑term career value.

Read the full report below:

The Big Question: Practice or Industry? – click to open

If you’re a tax professional considering your next move, or a business thinking about how to attract and retain talent, Ben would be delighted to have a conversation.

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