Tax Advisor Review

I work in private client tax, and my client base are high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals. Every day I deal with a variety of different clients and a variety of different tasks. This can include technical analysis of the tax consequences for a client due to a certain transaction and client meetings/calls. I normally work in the office everyday, and I will go out if needed for client meetings, or clients will come to our offices to meet. I am at a level now where I have several more junior members of the team working with me, and who I can delegate to, as well as train on the job.

My soft skills have improved greatly whilst being at work, this includes my ability to write clear, concise and accurate emails and other written advice to clients, as well as communicating effectively with my colleagues, both orally and in writing. My ability to multi task and juggle several pieces of work and other commitments at the same time has also improved tremendously - I have become a lot more efficient.

I enjoyed the school leaver programme. When I joined the programme was for 5 years, however by working in tax I was also offered the opportunity to do the joint ACA / CTA qualification which has helped to cut down on the time I will spend doing exams, as I was going to proceed to do the CTA after my programme anyway. I was also able to qualify for early promotion 9 months early as I passed all my exams first time.

There is a clear order of which exams will be completed first. EY also pays for college attendance and the exam fees. I get allocated days off for college, so I don't have to use up any of my annual leave which is good. The team are very considerate when you are in the office in between college and sitting the exam - i.e. I am able to leave on time or flex my working hours if needed.

When you join you are allocated a buddy, which helps with dealing with day to day queries on joining, i.e. how to work the printer, where the facilities are etc. This was a big help and made sure I didn't feel that any of my questions were silly. You also have a counsellor who you catch up with frequently to ensure you are meeting your goals, and on track with the career progression you want.

We get sent to college to learn for the exams, which is useful to learn with your peers. A few of the smaller modules are self study - but not many. If you have any queries you can ask the tutor in class, or email them at any point. They are also able to set up calls/face to face meetings if you want to go through something in more detail when you're not at college.

It has helped me to develop a greater understanding of the business that I work in, as well as my clients and the issues that my clients face. The qualification also helps you to build on other non-technical skills, such as building up your professional scepticism which is a really important skill to have.

Yes - EY has many different networks that you can chose to become a part of if you wish, and they each organise their own activities to do. Additionally, within the team we are also very good friends and will organise things to do together outside of work, such as drinks or other activities.

Yes

I have enjoyed my time at EY greatly, and I do not intend to leave any time soon. I am satisfied in the work that I am undertaking and see ability for me to grow further here, and be promoted through the ranks. Additionally I really enjoy the people who I work with, who I consider not only colleagues but also close friends.

The online assessments etc. are important to practice first. There's lots of free online material that can help you with these types of tests. When you come to do the interviews, make sure you are relaxed - especially with the partner interview, they want to ensure you are a good fit for the team and a fun personality, as well as ensuring you are capable of performing the job.