Tax Assistant Review

I am a tax assistant in the Employer's Solutions team. I help with providing advice to clients, as well as preparing compliance papers (tax returns/P11Ds/etc.) for clients. On a day to day basis, I draft emails for clients or fill out compliance papers. I also draft letters to HMRC and am involved with some basic level calls.

During my time here, I have developed the skill of email writing, in which I have massively improved since I started. I am now able to form an email in a professional manner, include information which is vital to the client and present it in a clear and concise way. I have also learnt how to fill out a tax return for international assignees.

I enjoy that I am constantly being asked to do something different to what I am used to - as I am a school leaver, I have been asked to do all different things rather than having to specialise straight away. This means I get experience in all areas which will hopefully help me in the future. As I am still an assistant, I am also asked to do a lot of admin work, which can be quite repetitive.

I have been thrown straight into working full time - there wasn't really any kind of introduction course or anything similar which would have given me a base overview of the industry. My induction was 3 months after I joined - too late for it to be of any use to me. The computer based training I did was also useless, as you only really learn how to use the programs once you start to do it!

Whenever I have a question, I know I can ask it. I do not feel like there is a great barrier between me and my manager, and I know that if I am struggling with anything I am able to ask for help. Most things are explained in detail before I am asked to complete them.

I am not currently working towards a qualification, but I have heard from others that there is a lot of support in this regard. They get multiple days off for studying, as well as lessons at a local college and support online. There seems to be a good timeline to which they work, keeping them on track.

I do not yet have a qualification, so I am unable to comment in this regard. However, I have heard from others that a basic qualification enables you to understand the basics of the industry, and will assist in all areas. You will have an understanding of the questions being asked of you in day to day and won't need to look everything up.

There is a social committee which provides almost-monthly activities, either paid or free (depending on the activity). There is a yearly sports day, summer event and Christmas party which are all enjoyable. There are also regular quiz nights, bowling nights and meals for when employees leave. We also put on different charity events.

Yes

I would recommend RSM to a friend because it is a great working environment for anyone looking to start working in the tax field. There is a lot of support, and they are very good at training people up from the beginning (from school leaver to higher roles). There are many progression days you can go on to help with this.

I would advise you to do your research on the company and make sure that the role is something you want to do. Don't always think that you are certain about the role either - you may apply for a certain role but be given one in another team, which may suit you better!