Trainee Associate Review

A main function of my role is to take UK tax briefing calls with overseas assignees - either arriving into, or leaving the UK on a secondment with their employer. I am responsible for arranging these calls as well as providing input, together with a more senior colleague - and following up with any actions required. In addition to the above, my team are responsible for coordinating UK personal tax compliance for these assignees. At various stages throughout the tax year, we will gather information from the individual and their employer and issue the return once prepared. On a day-to-day basis, my role can involve interaction with colleagues in my office and others - including overseas; calls to HMRC and communication to assignees.

I have learnt and developed a variety of skills including communication, team work, professionalism along with tax technical knowledge. From starting in this role, my understanding of UK personal tax and the technical details which apply to individuals has increased significantly. I am also much more confident in taking calls and building relationships with clients.

I enjoy my programme to the extent that I expected to - and perhaps slightly more. The reasons for this being that I knew starting work straight from school might mean that I miss out on some other experiences. However, the team within which I work makes the programme more enjoyable - with flexible working and a relaxed dress policy adding to the benefits of the programme.

The programme is fairly well organised and structured. Whilst the high level, firm wide introduction made expectations very clear, some grey areas still exist in terms of the role each team plays and therefore your day job in that team. This can be expected in the first instance - however with time, the organisational structure, expectations and career progression all become much clearer. Tasks are delegated in a fair way and Manager's generally consider your capacity/ abilities when giving you work to do.

Each colleague is assigned a 'Career Coach' who essentially is a first point of contact when considering you aspirations and can also act as a support when facing issues in the workplace or at home. Also, on joining the firm, a 'Buddy' is assigned to allow perhaps more informal questions to be asked without judgement. Support is generally good, however given the size of the organisation, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to direct specific questions.

I am studying towards the Level 4 ATT qualification. The support provided by the Training provider is very good and there are several ways to seek support (call/ email a tutor/ request a call back from a tutor). The only downfall is that the number of days spent being physically taught by a tutor is quite low.

The qualification certainly aids my understanding of technical tax details which I am then more comfortable to relay to a client. The theory which I have learnt is in context when considering my day job and is also very relevant to the work that I do. The qualification hasn't increased my knowledge of the industry - however I definitely know more about my job.

Social activities take place quite frequently (every 2/3 months) - paid for 'socials' after work. Self-funded team lunches take place even more frequently. A variety of sport teams are available to be involved in as well. It is more common to socialise with your peers and team members as oppose to the wider firm and more senior staff.

Yes

The work is interesting and challenging. The people make the day job more enjoyable and there are many perks to being an employee (salary, iPhone, paid for socials and the odd bit of free merch). You will also receive internal training and access to professional qualification courses and other opportunities to develop.

Don't be too cautious around which role you apply for - joining the firm is the first step and there will be opportunity to branch out. Apply as early as possible to have the best chance of getting the role that you want and be yourself at each stage of the process.