Tax Associate Review

I prepare UK Tax Returns for people that work for companies that are considered my clients. This requires various forms of technical tax knowledge that I can apply not only in my work but outside work. I also speak to these individuals through email via the mailbox and sometimes calling them, but very rarely.

I have defiantly learnt new skills in my chosen area of work. I have gone from having very little tax knowledge to very good broad technical tax knowledge and advanced knowledge in my field of expertise, which is Expatriate Tax. This has been the best part of my apprenticeship because of how rewarding the learning is.

I really enjoy what I do for work and I am very happy with the team that I work in, the people you work with are the most important part. I love the culture at work. But the actual qualification is really not enjoyable I am looking forward to finishing it.

There was quite a heavy induction which was very structure but then you are thrown in the deep end without much support after. It can be hard to cope with this. We do have training a lot when we are not busy but it is very late notice and not very necessary.

Support from the team and people assigned to help you is good, e.g. my career coach and my buddy. But there is not much understanding from people higher up. Junior morale can be quite low due to a lack of compassion with some people higher up especially regarding personal issues.

There is very little support given from the college that we get the qualification from. They have been late with learning materials and we rarely ever get face to face contact from a tutor. the exams are very difficult and it can be hard to get through in the short time we have to prepare.

The qualification is a general accounting qualification which is not helpful to my job as I am quite specialist so it is not useful. It can help you realise what you want your career to be, for example now doing some exams it has shown me what I don't enjoy so I know not to move into that field.

There are many social activities for you to do and it is also very easy for you to make your own. Participation is not very common but there is always someone willing to join you. There is not much scope for you to meet higher up members of the firm but you can spend a lot of time with people in your team.

Yes

Because the job is really enjoyable despite myself not enjoying college and the exam policy at PwC as it is very harsh. But my view is that the qualification is only for a year or two but I could be in this job for many years therefore I do enjoy it.

Preparation is very important spending a few hours before interviews or assessment days is nothing in comparison to years working for a firm. I would also carefully read everything you are sent especially your contract and make sure you understand it. I would also advise for you to forget your expectations because your views will change.