Analyst Review

I am in the Real Estate Transactions Tax team at Deloitte. We advise on both buy-side and sell-side Transactions involving UK and Pan-European Real Estate deals. This involves Vendor / Tax Due Diligence, as well as Structuring and Third Party Lending. I focus on primarily private equity clients. I also work on ad-hoc compliance and advisory work (e.g. advising clients on the impact of legislation changes, such as the new capital gains rules for non UK-residents (NRCGT).

My tax technical knowledge has vastly improved. Whilst I did an Accounting degree at university, my tax knowledge is now considerably improved. I am comfortable with various facets of Corporation tax. My soft skills have also improved hugely. My professional writing is now much better, and my ability to use the full suite of Microsoft Office products is far more advanced.

I enjoy the programme quite a lot. I like the mix of working and studying for the ACA and CTA qualifications, which gives a nice mix of work-study-life balance without ever becoming stale. The ability to move departments within Tax is also very appealing, As I've now worked in an advisory and Transactions team, so see both sides of the coin.

The programme is very well structured. All study leave, exams, and internal training are put in place ahead of time. The internal rotation scheme is very well organised, giving the opportunity to try a different department within tax. We are all given buddies and coaches to help as points of pastoral care whilst on the programme.

We get a considerable amount of support from Deloitte. We are issued with a buddy to help with day to day questions and support, no matter how trivial they may seem. We also get a coach who helps in a more long-term 'shaping our career' position. Both of whom are hugely valuable and approachable.

Deloitte support us a lot in working towards the combined ACA / CTA qualification. We get ample time off to study for the ACA exams, and have classroom revision courses in the lead up to the exam. They are also very receptive to external circumstances which may affect exam preparation and are always willing to accommodate for this.

Our exams are all at least somewhat relevant to our day to day role. Although I work in tax and don't necessarily use my accounting knowledge directly every day, it is always useful as background knowledge and can help put a lot of things in to more context - which can help your understand more complex topics.

There is a lot to get involved in at Deloitte outside work. Most departments have a football team which play in an intra-mural league. There are many societies for a wide range of groups, including an LGBT society, Muslim Society, and a Cheese and Wine club! Deloitte also has a modern on-site gym which also provides an extensive timetable of classes.

Yes

I would absolutely recommend Deloitte to a friend. It is a great place to kick start a career in Professional Services. The rare opportunity to take the combined ACA/CTA qualification is invaluable, the recognition on your CV is amazing, and there are a wide range of perks available to employees. It is also very much a meritocracy - if you are good, you will be promoted quickly, regardless of background.

Apply early! I applied literally on the day applications opened, and by the time I got to interviews, some service line & location combinations were already full and no longer taking applications. Be yourself in interviews, not who you think the interviewer wants you to be - they will see through this otherwise. Likewise on interviewers, when asked at the end if you have questions for the interviewer - be prepared with some interesting/thoughtful questions! The interview isn't over, and this is a good way to show you've thought in-depth about the role & firm, to differentiate yourself from other applicants.