tax associate Review

On a daily basis, my role involves preparing tax returns for people who have been sent on assignment to or from the UK by their client. It is my job to go through all the information provided and complete the return. Also my role can involve contact with assignees through email.

I have learnt many new skills involving effective communication as a large part of my work involves completing returns alongside others, especially with remote workers. Also I have learnt many job specific knowledge in a short time frame. A great skill I have learnt is to be more independent in my studies.

The other apprentices are what make the programme enjoyable. Having to go through the transition from school to work alongside your fellow apprentices makes it much more bearable and more enjoyable. The work itself I do not find very enjoyable, it is quite dull. The days at college are the best as it is a break from the office is much needed.

The programme is well structured. The first few weeks are all about acquiring the knowledge to complete returns and adjust to the working at the firm. Beyond that the first few months had very little in terms of development and passing qualifications. I feel this could be sorted to give a better balance between personal development and impact for the firm. Overall, not badly structured.

The fellow members of my team provide great support. All very friendly and willing to offer any help you may need whether this be work related or towards your qualification and exams. The programme itself I do not think provides much support to your development. Also, you do not feel much support towards exams as they fire those who fail. This provides unnecessary pressure towards exams.

The training provider has excellent tutors. They have been very helpful in the preparation for exams. The workbooks they provide for training are very helpful and are are filled with questions to test yourself as you go through. Away from the classroom, there are many ways to get help. I haven't had to use these yet but they seem to be a quick and easy access to a good source of information.

I do not believe my qualification provides any help to my job. The qualification is very generic to financial services and has not had much to do with taxation which is what my job is all about. So far I have not felt that I have gained anything to help me perform my job.

There are many opportunities to get involved with extra activities. The last Friday of every month is the social for the whole office. Personally I have not taken part in any of these activities. Each department has a social committee so you can recommend anything to them if there is something you'd like to do that is currently available.

Yes

I feel like it is a good opportunity so I would recommend it due to joining a leading firm. Joining PwC is a fantastic start for a career and it can lead you to achieving a top professional qualification, but the job is dull and there are a few issues. However, I would suggest a few changes to the scheme to make it better for apprentices.

Pay attention to the PwC values for any interviews. It's important to say something in group activities even if that is just backing up someone else's ideas - make your voice heard. For interviews as well, it is very important to have examples and lots of them. In every question relate to an example and then build your answer off from that. It'll help build structure to your answer and can lead to other stories and give you a more human side which can help you get more comfortable with your interviewer.