Ever thought about a sales tax officer career path? Highly respected in society, this could be a great choice for those who love numbers! From daily life as a sales tax officer to job prospects, here’s all you need to know before selecting this profession.
1. Sales Tax Officer Career Path: What Does a Sales Tax Officer Do?
I am employed as a public servant as an officer in the Department of Finance, Government of West Bengal.
An officer in my field of job tries to study data and uses his investigating sense to detect leakage of government revenue in terms of taxes under GST. Hence, we should have knowledge pertaining to GST laws. Apprehend areas where various tax evasions are present and also analyze data filed online, so knowledge of computers is compulsorily required.
Contents: Jump to Section
1.2 Social Image
1.3 Reasons to Become a Sales Tax Officer
2.2 Physical Demands
2.3 Psychological Demands
3.2 Related Hobbies to Take Up
3.3 Related Movies/ TV Shows
3.4 Related Fiction to Read/ Novels
4.2 Traveling Required
4.3 Average Workday/What to Expect
5.2 Threats from Automation
5.3 Common Reasons for People to Quit
1.1 Industry/Sector
Government
Since I am a public servant, I am employed by the government. Only the government can employ people in my field.
1.2 Social Image
Highly respected
A public servant is considered a very reputed profession. The public highly respects officers in my profession. They aspire to become one of us professionally. Thus most students consider this as an appealing career choice and prepare to take up the profession.
1.3 Reasons to Become a Sales Tax Officer
Challenging, respectful, benefits from the government, good work-life balance
The job is challenging. It involves a lot of brainstorming work to overcome the challenges. Moreover, I wanted to work as an assistant commissioner in sales tax because it attracts respect and power. The salary and benefits received by the governments also play a part in motivating one to take up this job. I usually have a decent work-life balance. Sometimes when I am transferred to another city for work, it may become challenging as I have to stay away from my family.
2. What It Takes to Be a Sales Tax Officer
2.1 Personality Traits Required/ Preferred
Mental aptitude, communication skills, knowledge
To be a successful officer, one has to be meticulous, have mental aptitude for numbers, and good communication skills. An overall bright mind and good academic background are prerequisites. Knowledge in computers and excellent analytical as well as time management skills are very much required.
2.2 Physical Demands
No
There is no such physical demand as we don’t have long-standing hours or excessive traveling involved.
2.3 Psychological Demands in the Sales Tax Officer Career Path
Calm, compose, strong-willed
The mental pressure is tremendous. A person has to be calm, compose, and strong-willed. There is not much scope of socialization as we don’t get too much time for that. We are usually involved with work and social time is limited. Daily target pressure to some extent is indeed there, as the work needs to be done and updated on time for smooth functioning.
3. How to Build Interest in a Career in Sales Tax
3.1 Extra-Curricular Activities Recommended
Debates, quizzes
Preparation for being an officer in government jobs requires an alert mind with a strong IQ and academic prowess. So, students must be physically fit as well as competitive. Moreover, they must participate in debates, quizzes, and various sports to prepare themselves for this job. This will not only make them competitive and sharp-minded but prepare them to overcome challenges that are thrown at them.
Students should also develop an interest in reading and mathematics by reading extra-curricular books, and solving math & logic puzzles, respectively.
3.2 Related Hobbies to Take Up
Football, chess, computer games
I would recommend both indoor and outdoor games. A combination of outdoor sports of various types such as football, basketball, etc. will make students active and help them learn all about teamwork. Whereas indoor games like chess, computer games, and others will make them sharp and compel them to think out of the box. Moreover, sports are a great way of learning how to bring oneself out of a situation and mentally relax, which will be very helpful as an officer.
3.3 Related Movies/ TV Shows
TED Talks
I would recommend TED talks as they can help you get the views of various successful professionals. There are many TED talks on almost all existing professions as well as on new professions, which will be around in the future. The best thing about TED talks is that it is first-hand knowledge as experienced professionals in a particular field talk about it.
3.4 Related Books to Read
John Grisham, Paul Coelho, Jeffery Archer
Good literature will not only help in building vocabulary but also make a person more expressive. Novels by authors such as John Grisham, Paul Coelho, Jeffery Archer may increase the sense of understanding of an individual.
4. Life as a Sales Tax Officer
4.1 Part-Time Options
No
My job is a full-time vocation. Hence, there is no scope for part-time or freelance options in this field. However, officers may choose to teach students during their free time. However, this does not form a part of the profession or is linked to it. It depends on the officer and the availability of free time apart from the main profession.
4.2 Traveling Required
Not too much
It is a desk job so too much traveling is not required. However, it may happen than an officer is transferred to a different city. In such a case, one will have to travel to the city for work but no such day to day extensive traveling is required.
4.3 Average Workday/ What to Expect in the Sales Tax Officer Career Path
A minimum of 8 hours is required every day to dedicated to the job. It is a desk job. We look into the business audit and assessment of suspicious dealers. We have to assure that dealers file their return and pay their taxes on time. Furthermore, an officer in the investigation branch or deputed for investigation on a particular case has to carry out a raid on dealers’ premises for potential tax invasion.
5. Future of the Sales Tax Officer Career Path
5.1 Retirement Prospects
The retirement age is 60 years.
After retirement, an officer can take over a career as a consultant. Moreover, institutions recruit officers to train students in this field. This benefits both students and the officer in my opinion. The officer uses his or her knowledge and skill whereas the students benefit by learning from the officer. They can guide them correctly as they have many years of experience.
5.2 Threats from Automation
No
My profession currently does not face any threat from AI or automation. In my opinion, officers will be needed in the future too.
5.3 Common Reasons for People to Quit the Sales Tax Officer Career Path
Occasional job transfers
The sales tax officer career path requires the occasional transfer and posting far from home districts. This becomes a deterrent for some, as not everyone is comfortable with settling in new places, especially if it is not similar to their original place. This also includes staying away from their family for extended periods of time. Hence many quit their job.
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Curated & Edited by Sadaf Naz (CareerNuts Staff)
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How to Become a Sales Tax Officer in India: Qualifications, Salary, etc.
Have you ever wondered how you can become a sales tax officer? Here is an article that not only breaks down every step that you need to take but also includes courses, salary, and more to become a successful officer.
Talib Zahid Hussain work as an Assistant Commissioner with the Finance Department, Govt of West Bengal, Kolkata. Talib has 15 years of experience in government jobs. He is a graduate of Jadavpur University, Kolkata. He enjoys reading in his free time.