Corporate Tax Assistant Review

The role involves using tax software to prepare tax returns and assisting clients and colleagues with miscellaneous work where necessary. The main task for my role is the preparation of tax returns and associated planning and documents, with other work being performed as and when necessary. Client contact is varied and frequent, communicating via a variety of email, phone call and meetings.

Developed skills in relation to confidence, social speaking, client contact and general tax knowledge. The employer makes provisions for multiple training courses to be available and puts in place a training plan to focus on the networking, client service and overall development in addition to the technical training and development package.

The program is in general enjoyable, with a wide variety of work and clients being available. The workload is manageable with some more stressful periods, as to be expected in the profession. Office colleagues are friendly and helpful with social events being frequent. Support is given from other colleagues including various training when and where required to support continuous improvement.

Office events are frequent and repeated. The salary is significantly lower than competitors in similar location and role, although benefits package is respectable. Pension contributions are a good perk and salary sacrifice scheme is beneficial to long term workers. The training courses available to all grades of staff are useful in improving and developing, being able to be taken at no cost when staff feel are necessary.

The program is well structured on paper, but due to high staff turnover development managers are not always available. When concerns are raised about this, RSM is quick to respond and rectify, following through on ensuring a basis is put back in place to improve. Having the apprenticeship structured by one company (BPP) and the training run by another (Tolleys) can be confusing and deadlines/requirements are hard to keep track off.

Support is frequently given by the training provider, but things feel rushed (the first training session for the paper 4 exam is sat two months before the exam). Due to the intensity of the deadlines the process feels stressful and not productive, as you work to meet the practice exam due dates rather than taking time to improve in real terms.

The employer provides good support, giving time off to attend Tolley training courses where applicable. Various other updates and training courses are also provided on developing non-technical soft skills. There is a good variety of colleagues who have already gained the qualifications who are willing to help with any questions or discuss efficient training timetables.

The salary package meets the costs in terms of location and travel, but is still significantly lower than competitors in the same location / role. Salary reviews are performed in September each year, with continual increases each year under a training contract. Expenses are paid for but parking is not given which adds to travel costs.

Social events are fairly frequent and the business hosts formal networking events for clients also, as well as attending various formal charity networking events and other opportunities. Professional networking events between RSM and other local businesses also take place on a semi-frequent basis, providing a benefit through the expansion of professional networks and contacts.

Yes

RSM provide a good training contract with flexible and variable benefits. The workplace culture is good and the office itself is kept in good repair. Social events are frequent and interesting and colleagues are friendly. Training support and help is available from multiple colleagues and the business is constantly expanding.

Attend as many events as possible pre-application (RSM run various open evenings and event days for potential applicants to improve their skills and display some of the opportunities within the firm). Make sure CV and any information sent with the application has no spelling errors or other mistakes and include everything requested.