Tax Investigations Consultant Review

I am involved in reviewing the different historical sources of income received by a taxpayer and using this to determine their tax liability. Should they have underpaid tax in previous years, we advise on how to make a disclosure, and prepare that disclosure, as well as any accompanying letters or reports.

I have developed: - Analytical skills of numerical figures; - The preparation of different written correspondence such as emails, memos, letters, and reports in a professional manner; - Communication with different stakeholders, to colleagues, HMRC, and clients who have a range of needs; - Financial management of case portfolios to ensure work is completed efficiently and on budget.

I enjoy the program greatly, as it challenges me to think about difficult concepts in tax and use this to assist in making creative arguments that best portray the client's individual circumstances. Whilst the deadlines can sometimes be stressful, I always think I have the support of other members of the team to help me through these.

I have always been given a clear description of each stage of my training contract, and I have a timeline of my route to qualification throughout. The team leadership is honest and open about what you need to do to progress to the next level, which is extremely helpful in my personal development.

The learning and development team in HR is always there to support you with your qualification and will deal with the training provider on your behalf. Within the team, I have been supported throughout in my professional qualification, and my personal development, at all levels, from the other grads, to management.

I began my training with Tolley and, whilst the tutors, materials, and courses were good, I think some aspects were not as helpful as they could have been (particularly with regard to the mocks, where the feedback was not in depth, and these would often take a while to be marked). I have since moved to Kaplan - it took some time to get used to the new system, and there were delays in receiving my materials, but the quality of the tuition, courses, and mock feedback has helped me greatly.

The background knowledge I gain from my ATT and CTA qualification gives me the technical basis with which I can develop my Tax Investigations work. However, other skills which can only be obtained through practical experience have had to be learnt through the work I do.

There are multiple team and firmwide social events throughout the year, for both all members and specific groups such as trainees. These range from the annual dinner and dance and firmwide quiz, to the trainee festive party or golf social, to team away days and quarterly socials. There are also firmwide networks for different groups (e.g., Jewish Network) who offer events, and sports team such as netball and cricket.

Yes

Buzzacott is a growing firm based in central London, and there is a bright future ahead. I think the skills I have developed are invaluable, and I have grown as a person throughout my time working here through the support of my colleagues.

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