Tax Assistant Review

I am a tax assistant working with both Corporate and Personal tax clients on a school leaver programme. My day-to-day role involves me preparing tax returns and reviewing tax return information such as checking HMRC PAYE codes. I also speak to clients on a daily basis to discuss their tax planning queries and advice them on the next steps to take.

I have learnt to be more organised through having my own client base that I am responsible for. Also, I have developed my phone skills from previous experience further through speaking to clients and other professionals in both meetings and over the phone. I feel more confident working on my own as a result of having more responsibilities.

I enjoy my school leaver programme very much as it has given me a more practical route into my career than though studying at university.It has given me a headstart as I will be qualified quicker than if I did choose higher education. My programme has been very flexible around my needs and I have learnt to balance work, studying and socialising respectively.

I feel an important member of a small team in a smaller office with RSM. The fact that my bosses have allocated me my own clients to work on and liase with has proved that I am a valued team member who can be trusted with many responsibilites. I feel that I am truly valued at my level.

My programme is studied with a third party provider. I have a structured yearly plan that shows the date of my college courses, my exam deadlines and any further revision courses I am required to attend. All my books are sent to me directly before my course starts which is impressive.

I received all my books in advance of my course commencing. I have access to online materials as well as all tutors at the college either by phone or when I come in to study. There is an excellent forum for me to ask not only my tutors but with other students at different stages in their study.

RSM provides so much support to me as a school leaver. My managers and colleagues are all willing to help me with any queries I have and give me tips along the way. I also have catch up meeting periodically with HR to discuss progress, concerns and new opportunities. My employer understands I need a lot of time to study.

My salary is excellent for a student living at home with family either rent free or on low rent, and is reasonable to cover the rent of a small flat locally. My work reimburse any fees I need to pay, therefore, I do not need to worry about my exam and travel costs to training. My pay is good for my age as well.

I have had the opportunity to represent RSM at careers events in the South East on several occasions. We have bowling nights, golfing sessions for school leavers, horse racing packages and many meals and drinks out with the team and current/ potential clients as well as having events with other local professionals to discuss how we could work better together.

Yes

It has been an excellent alternative to university, and the experience so far has been extraordinary. I have had many opportunities to shine in both day-to-day work and at special events. I feel a valued member of a close knit team, and I feel my managers really work to help me make the most of my study both inside and outside of work.

I would suggest being confident about your strengths, honest about your weaknesses and calm for your entry exams. I would recommend chatting at your interviews in between questions. Make sure your CV is up-to-date and look at all vacancies at different offices as each office has a very different environments, from large city offices to the smaller village teams.