Trainee Tax Associate Review

As a ttx specialist, my day to day role involves completing tax returns for individuals who work in multiple countries, ensuring they pay the correct amount of tax in each jurisdiction. This often means using tax legislation of multiple countries to make sure that tax is not over paid or under paid.

The new skills that I have learned mostly pertain to the practical skills of doing a tax return. Additionally to this, I have also been able to develop my soft skills such as time management to ensure that I complete tasks in a timely manner in order to avoid penalties.

I enjoy nearly every day of my programme. I feel appropriately challenged every day and that the firm has put a lot of thought into giving us tasks that are suited to our skill level whilst consistently increasing the difficultly so that I am always learning on the job and becoming better each day at what I do.

My programme is very well structured. There are two very well defined pathways. One includes continuing on a training contract with the firm to complete the level 7 professional level qualifications, whilst the other involves entering as a full time employee following the successful completion of the level 5 apprenticeship.

My employer provides multiple points of contacts outside of my department to offer support with any issues I might face should I not feel comfortable for what ever reason discussing with one of my immediate managers. They also provide excellent support with regards to our professional qualifications including dedicated hot lines to tutors.

Our training provider offers excellent support. Not only do we have amazing tutors who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the subject, we are also afforded a hotline to call should we ever struggle with any of the content during our revision outside of the classroom. The lessons are structured with deadlines for completing mock tests.

My professional qualification may not be the most suitable to my role in a technical sense. However it does afford me the opportunity to move into any other field of finance upon the successful completion of the course. The technical knowledge is limited, but the breadth of understanding that it offers is greatly appreciated.

Every month there is a social with all levels of the firm in attendance. The subscription is only £2 a month which provides two free drinks. The venues chosen always facilitate conversation and most definitely aid in the development of my networking skills by offering exposure to people I may not normally have contact with

Yes

It's a friendly, welcoming environment that fosters personal growth and development. Everyone who joins is assigned a mentor who takes a personal involvement in your career progression and who regularly checks up on you. Moreover, they operate a buddy system to ensure you never feel lost as there is always someone there to answer any question you may have!

Do you your research not on just what an apprentice should have but what qualities more generally the firm seeks to hire. The criteria is well published and a feasible should you want to test yourself against the main indicators the firm seeks to hire. I would also say do not be afraid to ask questions!