Tax Technician Review

I'm a tax technician, specialising in corporation tax. My day-to-day role involves preparing corporation tax computations, arranging for tax returns to be sent to clients, communicating with internal departments to deliver exceptional client service and corresponding with HMRC. The main part of my role involves analysing financial documents in order to ascertain which expenses and income are relevant for corporation tax and how much tax relief can be claimed on these. The role is varied and challenging, which I like very much.

The nature of the work means that you have to have a good eye for detail and strong analytical skills and I feel I have developed both of these during my time in my role so far. Coming into the role, I said that I was a good communicator and had good interpersonal skills, which I feel have developed considerably since joining BDO due to, not only the client focus, but also due to having to liaise internally with audit and accounting departments.

I enjoy the programme very much because it offers great variety and challenge. I am never bored in my role because there always seems to be something happening. It was a steep learning curve at first as I had little experience of accounts/tax, but I find I have progressed so much since I started and now find I can get involved in many tax cases of varying complexity.

I think generally BDO does value its employees, evidence of which can be seen through the firm's attempts to maintain a healthy working culture. Internally, I feel that I receive adequate feedback from my team, but they are often so busy that it can be a struggle to fully reflect on work. Nevertheless, the processes in place so that progress can be discussed are very efficient e.g. monthly catch ups, 360 Appraisals.

The programme has a good structure and I feel particularly glad that I had experience of working for the firm for 10 months before starting my study contract as this enabled me to gain a strong grasp on accounting and taxation principles. The study courses I have attended have all been of a high standard. As my work has progressed, I feel that the team are more likely to regard me as 'a safe pair of hands' and as such I have gained greater responsibility and independence, which I like very much.

It is difficult for me to comment on the level of support received as I have been fortunate enough not to encounter any problems or issues while studying. Generally, however, tutors have ensured that students can approach them at any time with issues or queries and seem to be accessible. I am also aware that there are additional provisions for more personal issues.

Support from my employer has been very good. Progress and study are always topics of discussion at monthly catch ups/reviews. Where I was unsuccessful in completing an e-assessment, I only received support and understanding, rather than pressure and stress, which I was very grateful for. I also get the impression that there would be extra support available were I to find that my study was having an adverse impact upon my health or similar.

The salary for the role far exceeded that of the other entry level roles I applied for before joining BDO, therefore I would say that this is extremely reasonable. I live relatively close to the Ipswich office and as such do not have too many travel costs to meet. I am also currently living at home while I save to buy a house, so my rental/utilities expenses are currently minimal.

There often seems to be something going on outside of work, such as sporting events (BDO's annual football tournament), charitable or volunteering opportunities (see BDO's corporate social responsibility page) or quizzes (for those of us that aren't so sporty like me!). I have attended several of the latter and have found these to be well organised and enjoyable. I have also taken part in the firm's fantasy football league, which has been a source of humorous discussion every Monday. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and going to the cinema.

Yes

The firm has an excellent, positive culture where employees are encouraged to thrive and enjoy a balance between work and life. The opportunities for graduates/school leavers are also very good as the firm will support you in studying for professional qualifications. These qualifications really help graudates and school leavers to progress and develop in their career while gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

The best advice would be to be confident and be yourself. BDO will be looking at you as an individual and will take into account your own personal qualities and talents rather than just your relevant work experience/academic qualifications. The application progress is reasonably lengthy with two assessments, an online interview and an assessment centre so be prepared to shine at every opportunity. When discussing with other candidates, many of them said that BDO's assessment days have been much better organised and less pressurised than at other firms, so this is definitely something to bear in mind.