Accounting, auditing and taxation students have a promising career path ahead as Cambodia’s General Department of Taxation opens new opportunities for future tax officers.

At the May 23 Conference on Careers in Accounting, Auditing and Tax, held at CamEd Business School, Eng Ratana, director of the Department of Large Taxpayers, emphasised the important role tax officers play in supporting national development and offered insights into the evolving digital tax landscape.

He called for students to consider a rewarding and respected career in the public sector that combines professional growth with the chance to contribute to Cambodia’s economic future.

“Our vision as a profession is to become a public entity that is trusted and respected, recognised for the quality of tax collection skills that promote economic growth and sustainable development,” he said.

Tax officers are at the forefront of delivering quality services and ensuring the fair implementation of tax laws with integrity and equality, he explained.

Ratana emphasised the General Department of Taxation’s critical responsibility in collecting revenue from individuals, enterprises and assets to fund national priorities such as infrastructure, defence and social programmes.

Large numbers of CamEd Business School students attended the conference. Hong Raksmey

“The tax system we have implemented correctly supports the Royal Government’s objectives, especially encouraging sectors that receive preferential treatment,” Ratana noted.

Over the past decade, Cambodia’s tax revenue has steadily increased in line with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, underscoring the system’s effectiveness.

However, Ratana acknowledged that the fiscal years 2024-2025 present unique challenges.

“The new government prioritises economic recovery and social support in response to Covid-19 and global economic impacts, which means tax collection may not align perfectly with previous plans,” he said.

He outlined the government’s five strategic pillars, spotlighting human capital development and the digital economy and society as critical to future progress.

For students of accounting, auditing and tax, he stressed the importance of law compliance and accounting knowledge as essential foundations for successful tax careers.

In keeping with Cambodia’s digital revolution, the tax department is advancing rapidly.

Ratana revealed plans to launch an AI-powered tax application that will streamline tax assessments and enable students and taxpayers to get immediate, accurate answers to their tax questions.

This initiative reflects the department’s ongoing digital transformation, which has already handled nearly 10,000 electronic cases in just three months.

Ratana also highlighted the attractive career prospects within the tax department.

Unlike many private sector roles, tax officers enjoy a solid, prestigious position with opportunities for scholarships both domestically and abroad.

“Don’t worry! If you prepare well, you will succeed. And success in the tax department means your salary and income will be competitive with private companies,” he assured students.

For Cambodia’s next generation of accounting, auditing and tax professionals, becoming a tax officer offers not only a stable and respected career path but also a chance to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic future in an era of globalisation and digital innovation.