Meet Eirini Pipidi Kalogirou, Senior Tax Associate at ATOZ and a 2019 graduate with Master in European and International Tax Law at the University of Luxembourg. Eirini came to study in Luxembourg from Greece, and her passion for tax law led her to pursue advanced studies abroad. After graduating from the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF), she joined our partner ATOZ as an intern, benefiting from the support of the “ATOZ Chair in European & International Tax Law”. Over the years, Eirini has advanced to a senior position, applying her academic knowledge and managing a diverse portfolio of clients. We talked to Eirini to learn more about her life after graduation and her career at ATOZ.
Eirini, you came to Luxembourg from Greece. What made you choose to study tax law at the University of Luxembourg?
Having decided on the orientation for my Master’s degree already from my bachelor years, I had been looking for a Master’s abroad to specialize in Tax law. I decided to study at the University of Luxembourg due to the existence of a bilingual Master’s in European and International Tax Law following recommendations of friends in similar fields. After consulting a professor-mentor for me in Greece who had spent many years in Luxembourg, it felt like the right place and after research on the completeness and competitiveness of the studies provided in the curriculum, the decision was made!
Can you tell me about your journey from studying a Master’s in European and International Tax Law to your current role as a Senior Tax Associate at ATOZ?
My journey in Luxembourg, tax and ATOZ started simultaneously! I had the opportunity to benefit from the support of the “ATOZ Chair in European & International Tax Law”, held by Prof. Dr. Werner Haslehner which, was developed by Atoz in collaboration with the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance of the University of Luxembourg and established in July 2009. As part of the scholarship, at the end of my master’s degree, I joined Atoz for my first internship as a tax advisor. Throughout the years, I have been tutored, supported and guided to develop technical skills, interpersonal skills and navigate through all the aspects of being a tax professional. Here, I was able to apply my academic knowledge to real-world scenarios, working with a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from investment funds to multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals.
Over the years, through dedication, continuous learning, and taking on increasingly complex projects, I advanced to the position of Senior Tax Associate where now I take pride in continuing the tradition by helping younger professionals enter the world of tax.
That’s an impressive career path. How do you feel did your Master’s studies in tax law prepare you for your future career?
My Master’s degree was pivotal in shaping my career.
The Master’s degree strategically oriented towards the Luxembourg market provided me with key knowledge of not only international tax law and its application in Luxembourg but on national tax law.
Through specialized tax law modules focusing on the Luxembourg investment hub, practical experience through workshops in collaboration with major tax firms and shaping a rigorous academic environment that honed my research and analytical skills the Master’s degree laid a strong foundation that has supported my career growth and enabled me to effectively navigate the complexities of European and international tax law on my daily work at Atoz.
It’s great to hear that your studies were pivotal. What subjects did you find most interesting and useful, and why?
The most interesting and useful for my day-to-day work subject was one of the last taught subjects regarding the taxation of investment funds. Entering the world of tax in Luxembourg, being a hub for cross-border investments, the application of the knowledge acquired in this class was already useful since day 1!
What specific skills or knowledge from your Master’s programme do you find most valuable in your current role?
In my current role as a Senior Tax Associate at Atoz, several skills and areas of knowledge obtained from my Master’s program have proven to be particularly valuable. Beginning from a solid understanding of European, International and National Tax Law, the Master’s provided all the necessary weapons in a junior tax advisor’s arsenal to smoothly enter the professional world of tax. The extensive coursework on European Union tax regulations provided me with a thorough understanding of directives, regulations, and case law that impact cross-border taxation. This knowledge is crucial when advising clients on compliance and strategic tax structuring within the EU.
In addition, writing my thesis and various research papers during the Master’s program provided a “training field” for developing the capacity to articulate complex tax concepts clearly and concisely. Effective communication is critical in my role, whether, preparing reports or training younger members of the team.
Lastly, the multicultural and international setting of the University of Luxembourg allowed me to develop cultural awareness. This is beneficial when working with colleagues from various countries, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
Can you share any memorable experiences during your studies that have been particularly rewarding or challenging?
The moment of my graduation when alongside my peers and friends we concluded our journey in the University ready to enter the professional world where we would experience first-hand the ever-changing tax landscape, and its interconnection with the market and apply our knowledge to real-life cases.
Could you please describe a typical day or week in your role at ATOZ?
A typical day in my role is a combination of work organization, collaboration with the team, training and getting trained, preparation of deliverables and communication with the clients’ teams as well as their advisors.
My day starts with the preparation of a “to-do” list, reviewing the emails received and setting priorities.
During the day, working on several files and with several colleagues is rewarding on different levels, including a steep learning curve as well as the cultivation of a multitude of soft skills and project management skills, it also requires the ability to multi-task, process multiple information simultaneously and refocus to provide technically correct and client-friendly advice effectively.
At the end of the day, the process is vastly rich in knowledge and experience and thus feels rewarding.
What advice would you give current students or recent graduates who aspire to pursue a career in tax law?
I would advise them to apply for every position they deem interesting and not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone in their choice of working environment. As I am still experiencing myself, exposure to a diversified range of industries, colleagues and consequently tax problematics is pivotal in the first years of one’s career where one’s technical knowledge is acquired, consolidated and later leveraged.
Lastly, once in the working field, I would strongly advise them to cultivate their organizational skills, be rigorous and be upfront about what is clear to them or not, not be afraid to ask questions and spend time building their own knowledge through constant interaction with the law and its interpretation.
Finally, what motivates and excites you most about working in tax law?
My motivation is sourced intrinsically to the personal satisfaction in providing quality and relevant advice to assignors and extrinsically to the nature of the tax profession in Luxembourg which allows not only for first-hand exposure to the constant changes in the field of taxation but also for interaction with the rules, their interpretation, and finally their application in an international context.
From creating opportunities to problem-solving, tax is fast, it’s constantly developing, it’s compelling and this is what excites me most!