Assistant Tax Advisor Review

I am a Assistant Tax Advisor in the Transaction Tax team, and therefore I provide tax advice on transactions and more general tax matters. My day to day role includes reviewing tax information, preparing question lists/tax agendas, writing up reports. I also prepare/review tax returns and any correspondence with HMRC.

Yes - I have significantly developed and learnt skills during my apprenticeship. I think the skills can be separately identified, for example firstly I have really developed my soft skills (team work, confidence, communication) but I also have learnt a vast array of new knowledge including tax technical during my apprenticeship.

I really enjoy the programme, and this includes both aspects of it i.e. the learning with Kaplan and also the work I perform in my role as an assistant tax advisor. I have been fully supported in my exams and also in my day to day job with people developing my knowledge.

I feel relatively valued by EY, I feel as those the people I work with value by additions to the team and want to see me succeed and how they can help with that. I state relatively as there have been times I may feel more of resource than a really valued individual in the business but generally feel valued.

I would definitely have to rate the organisation/structure of the programme high. I find it clear what my expectations are as part of the apprenticeship and have always been provided the resources I need to complete my apprenticeship whether these be exam resources or office furniture to work from home.

As mentioned above, the training provider is very supportive especially the tutors I have had that work for the training provider. They have always gone beyond general requirements to teach and explain any points that were not as easy to understand. Also, generally the resources have been very good and have always be delivered on time.

My employer gives support whenever requested and has always been understanding of any additional requirements when working from home, outside of work more personal commitments or requirements around the exams. I have not required significant support from my employer outside the standard expectations, however, when I have, has always been helpful.

The salary/package is good, sometimes I feel as those the bonus may not completely support the work performed during the year, especially because the bonus may be shared amongst a wider team rather than specific on what the team has worked/performed that year. However, generally the package covers the costs.

As I am aware, there are many opportunities outside of the standard day to day work requirements, whether it may be overseas secondments or internal secondments. Also, if you are interest in something specific like teaching the next generation or maybe being involved in a specific area of tax, EY are very open and helpful to support this.

Yes

Good company to work for, great opportunities to both pass exams and gain your qualification but also support and career progress following the apprenticeship. Develop all different types of skills and there is a key focus around all levels having good technical knowledge and therefore again not just focus on now but how can perform in the future.

My advice would be to read around the company, not just facts but more specifically what the main goals are, what the beliefs are and really consider how these, firstly fit with your goals and beliefs and also how you can help EY achieve these. Separately, I would also say that it is difficult but to really develop your skills and also yourself it is always going to be difficult but is worth it.