EY Tax Consulting Challenge

• Once you have completed the entry form, eligible application will be sent an invitation to respond to the case question via HireVue. You will only be able to enter the HireVue platform once (but don’t worry, once you’re in there, you will have multiple opportunities to submit your response). So, we suggest you prepare your response (either prepare your written response or prepare a ‘script’ for your video response) prior to accessing HireVue.
• Ensure you have good internet connection before you get started
• You can access the competition portal via smartphone, PC or tablet
• If you have any questions or need help, please email eytaxconsultingchallenge@au.ey.com

Participants in each country compete for the country’s national YTPY Award. Each country winner is then eligible to join other country winners during the International final in early 2024 to compete for the World WTPY Award.

The YTPY program started in 2011 and involved nine countries. The program was first launched in Australia in 2015. In 2018, New Zealand joined Australia in the Oceania local competition.

In 2024, 39 students and graduates competed, representing over 61 countries.

Each country winner will have an EY tax professional to act as a local coach, providing insight on tax technical and approaches to case analysis and presentation. At the international event, EY senior tax professionals will be present to provide individualised guidance and feedback.

In September 2020 Joshua Mok from the University of Sydney was named the Oceania winner of the EY Tax Consulting Challenge at a virtual awards ceremony.

Congratulations to the following winners:

• VIC: Anastasia Nikitaras, Monash University (3rd equal) and Janet Chhean, Monash University
• QLD: Jahan Patel, University of Queensland (3rd equal) and Ellie Conroy, University of Queensland
• NSW: Chloe Coorey, University of Sydney (2nd place)
• WA: Ashley Yao, University of Western Australia
• New Zealand: Sharon Xu, University of Auckland

In his words

"Coming in top 3 for this year's EY YTPY challenge has been a truly humbling experience. I have learnt so much from my peers and mentors and I will be cherishing these relationships for the years to come." – Joshua Mok, Oceania winner of the EY Tax Consulting Challenge 

What was the highlight of the EY Tax Consulting Challenge for you?

My highlight of the EY Tax Consulting Challenge was being connected with an EY professional while preparing for the competition. My calls with Sarah Stephenson were insightful and I was really able to get a better grasp of the tax industry and the challenges it was facing. After the competition, we also connected in person, meeting in the EY Sydney office for quick coffee catch-ups during my internship experience.

Did participating in the EY Tax Consulting Challenge change your perception of Tax? How?

The EY Tax Consulting Challenge opened up my mind on the international dimension of tax. Beyond tax compliance or tax controversy in a domestic realm, there is a whole new world relating to tax obligation of multinational companies and how conflicts of the taxing rights of two states would be resolved. As such, tax isn't necessarily geographically limiting, just look out for the right opportunities!

What advice would you give to those planning to participate in the competition?

If you're planning to participate in the competition, I would recommend being proactive with your research! Read broadly and engage meaningfully with any readings, podcasts, or videos you come across on tax. To this extent, the competition is really a learning opportunity, and don't lose sight of this as you become immersed in the atmosphere of the competition! 

In May 2019, University of Auckland student, Joyeeta Bhakta, took out first prize at the EY Oceania Tax Consulting Challenge. Joyeeta then travelled to Amsterdam to represent Oceania at the 2019 EY Young Tax Professional and took out 3rd prize.

Congratulations to the other EY Oceania Tax Consulting Challenge finalists:

• ACT: Jeremy Soh - The Australian National University
• NZ: Joyeeta Bhakta - The University of Auckland
• NSW: Michael Luu - University of Sydney
• NSW: Matthew Thrush - University of Sydney
• QLD: Spandan Das - The University of Queensland
• VIC: Jillian Chan - The University of Melbourne
• WA: Lachlan Rogers Uff - The University of Western Australia

In her words

What was the highlight of the Tax Consulting Challenge for you?

The biggest highlight has been the people. I was lucky enough to meet some of the team in EY Auckland and EY Melbourne. It was fantastic hearing from professionals at all levels - from graduate to partner and in between. It was particularly interesting hearing about the variety of backgrounds in tax, some taking very non-traditional paths towards tax. It was also great to see people genuinely excited for the work they do. Interacting with EY professionals in New Zealand and Australia has been a real treat - it is exciting to see such a fantastic and cohesive culture on both sides of the Tasman.

Has participating in the competition changed your perception of Tax?
If so, how?

The Tax Consulting Challenge has completely changed my perception of Tax. I knew very little about careers in tax, and I had a very traditional perception of the profession. From the case study to the insightful conversations - I was blown away by how increasingly dynamic, intricate and inter-related the world of tax is. From trends in taxation to global trends such as digitalisation and big data - right now is a fascinating time and I am very thankful for how much I have learned.

Would you encourage other students to enter the Tax Consulting Challenge?
If so, why?

I would wholeheartedly encourage other students to enter. University gives us a strong foundation on the basics, but some things you just cannot learn in class. Opportunities like the Tax Consulting Challenge provide invaluable insight into what the industry really looks like and where it is going. Best of all, you get to hear it from those who are driving the future!