R&D Tax Analyst Review

I am a Tax Analyst in the R&D tax team in Deloitte. My day to day role involves interacting with clients and analysing/manipulating data sets in order to quantify a client's R&D tax relief claim. I work in engagement teams with all grades (Partner down to Analyst) and have different responsibilities on different engagements.

I have developed my excel skills a lot since beginning this role as well as learning about general tax and accounting through my exam training. My team has also run internal training sessions for me.

I enjoy the team in which I sit and have developed a good relationship with my colleagues in all grades. Deloitte as a company has invested a lot of time, effort and money in my development and I have enjoyed a lot of experiences. It exceeded my expectations going into the job and I have found it to be much more relaxed and enjoyable than first expected.

As I work in a small team I feel valued and as though I bring a lot to the table in terms of both work ability and personality. As the only junior member of my team in London I am given a lot of responsibility which I try my best to uphold and for which I am rewarded and appreciated.

The programme from a work perspective has been very well organised and regular check ins have been set up to follow my progress. The exam side of exams, however, has been rather lacklustre and not a lot of information has been provided throughout my time on the programme. I have found myself being told about an exam with only a month to go to college and study.

Admittedly, I have had next to no contact from the training provider outside of physically attending college, however I have seen a few emails with contact details for students who require some assistance with studying. From a communication standpoint it is usually up to the student to reach out.

I have been assigned a coach within my team who has been incredibly supportive and we have a catch up every 2 weeks. She has been instrumental in my development and has looked out for opportunities best suited to me. The rest of my team has also taken on that same role, without the official title, by looking out for me both on the exam/training and work sides of the apprenticeship.

As I work in London, living on an apprentice salary is a struggle with rent and travel costing so much. The first year of my apprenticeship I struggled a lot with money, however after my first promotion I have found it a lot easier and more manageable - however, still not able to save any money.

My team holds a few social events every year where we go and do an activity or go for drinks etc.

Yes

I believe that Deloitte is very much active in supporting and developing the younger talent and invest a lot in ensuring that we are happy and progressing well. Deloitte also holds a lot of events for apprentices, allowing you to meet lots of other apprentices at Deloitte. Not to mention the experience and salary package.

Throughout the application process I would recommend being aware of the industry/service line to which you are applying - a deep knowledge is not required but a light read of Deloitte's online page will give you some knowledge as to what you will be applying to. In the interview, you will find that it is just as important, if not morose that academic ability, to show that you have good people skills. I would also recommend selecting a few opportunities you would like to get involved in and detail how you would bring something to the table.