Tax Analyst Review

I am a tax analyst. The role is varied and each day different. I may spend my time attending client meetings, taking part in client calls or writing reports/memos. I currently work in the Mergers and Acquisitions department and focus on the assisting private equity funds/corporate entities on the acquisition or disposal of companies and assets.

My communication skills have developed exponentially, I now have the confidence to write in a professional manner and communicate effectively with clients in a formal setting. I am also studying for the joint ACA/CTA qualification and have completed 12/16 exams so far. We have also been provided with a range of in depth tax training by Deloitte which has developed key knowledge for my day to day role.

The job and role that I am employed with are enjoyable, allowing me to take part in interesting work each day whilst working as part of the team that constantly seeks to develop and enhance my skills via extended responsibilities. There is a good team effort even if the hours we are required to work can at some points seem exhausting.

The graduate programme is very well structured. We were inducted onto the tax analyst pathway with a 3 week course in Warwick called "The Tax Analyst academy". We have received extensive support for the qualifications we are studying for including paid tuition and extensive paid leave. The support for the actual apprenticeship programme however is poor with the whole process overly complicated and reliant on admin.

The support received from Deloitte is excellent. We are allocated both Buddys and coaches to help us integrate into the team and to offer guidance on any issues we may have. There are of course more informal support systems and I feel able to go to senior colleagues with any concerns I may have.

We receive extensive support for our qualifications as mentioned in my answer to question 6. For our entry level exams (certificate level) we receive online tuition and 3 days off for each exam which is more than adequate. For the professional level exams we received 10 weeks off in total and all tuition paid for. The tutors were generally of a high standard.

The CTA provides crucial knowledge and skills required to operate effectively as a tax analyst. The knowledge developed through these exams is highly relevant to the day to day role and tests many concepts that we routinely see on client engagements such as the Substantial Shareholding Exemption. The ACA is not currently that relevant to my particular role in M&A but has been useful in prior departments.

I have taken part in many networking events, especially focusing on bright start (school-leaver) and graduate recruitment. I have also been fortunate to take part in Maths tutoring at the City of London Academy in Islington, working with both GCSE and A-Level pupils to help prepare them for their upcoming exams.

Yes

The career development opportunities are excellent, with constant opportunities to develop and enhance both your technical and soft skills. Your are given instant exposure to live engagements, working with some of the largest and most recognisable companies in the world. The company is highly respected and will enhance your CV, opening up many future opportunities to you.

Work hard on both your personal and technical skills. Evidence of team work and leadership are just as valuable as your maths and English skills. Look for opportunities to evidence these skills and try and speak to people already at the company to understand what is about the role /company you are interested in.