Tax associate Review

My role as an associate within the investment management team in PwC involves completing compliance and giving advice to clients regarding off-shore funds. This usually includes working with large clients and providing advice and tax returns to them. This will include tasks like writing emails but can also involve specific advice giving to clients.

I feel like I have really learnt a lot about leadership, technical abilities and relationships. I have learnt not only to lead others but, how to lead myself in a professional manner also. I have built on my tax capabilities in the last year and I can really reflect on this growth. I have learnt the importance of building relationships and how to use these to your advantage.

I have really enjoyed the programme I have been on. Throughout the whole process I have seen no division between Happs or grads on different schemes and we have all had equal opportunities. I have been well supported as a Happ with monthly meetings to discuss any issues I may be having within the workplace.

PwC has made me feel really valued over my time here. I feel as if they had an amazing way of integrating me into the team and this can be seen by the way they interact with new joiners. This was seen for me in my second year when more new joiners came in and they made them feel the same way also.

The programme is very well structured and explained to you. From the get go you know what exams you will be taking when and when your college dates are. There is always some misconceptions (due to Kaplan and communication) however, for the most part the programme is helpful in developing talent.

Kaplan are ok at providing a service. I will comment and say that the study material they provide is excellent and can be used in many different ways (e.g providing a study manual, question bank and a memory jogger) meaning, if the student can use this right they are almost guaranteed a pass. However, as mentioned previously they offer a limited support from the tutors and can sometimes fail to communicate college dates and mock exams which can be frustrating.

I have received a limited amount of support. They have set up sessions with other Happs meaning people who have been through the programme can explain and help you while you are doing it however, in terms of exam support and things of that nature it is very limited. They should look to offer more days study leave then 2 days before the exam as it is very unfair.

The salary is a lot higher then most people my age and therefore is more favourable. I have never felt this has been an issue while at PwC and you can see the steady increases over the years. They also offer other benefits such as a work phone and medical insurance which are helpful also.

PwC offer many platforms outside of work. There is many social clubs outside which are very quick and easy to get involved with (Most of the time they are just an email away). There is many posters around the building and they even have an app in which you can see what activities are on which date.

Yes

I would recommend it to a friend as I would like them to have the same experience that I have had. Throughout my whole time here I have been made to feel valued and you don't feel like a small fish they always make sure that you see the underlying effect you are having from your work.

I would recommend doing extra reading (seeing what is in the news) depending on which team they are looking to join. They should try and think of how they have shown examples of each compentice when applying and the most important factor is to be yourself! as that is one thing that PwC values most is individuality