Tax trainee Review

On a daily basis I prepare tax computations in the Corporation tax department. This involves using the data that clients have sent to prepare the return that is sent to HMRC. I also take part in data team work using specific methods and software for data manipulation. I rarely communicate with clients myself as it is the relationship teams who mainly correspond. There are opportunities to get involved with large client work, especially within the data team where there can be 80 entities within a group. Overall, the work I do on a daily basis is enjoyable, there is just little opportunity to interact with clients and meet new people.

I have learnt how to use specific software for data manipulation as well as improved my excel skills by a huge amount. There are training courses throughout the apprenticeship for corporation tax and income tax that each focus on specific areas, although sometimes the training may be just to develop knowledge and isn't specific to the job role.

I enjoy working at PwC as there are many perks although like any job there are downfalls. PwC provide many work benefits such as a company phone and lots of social events after work. Many people are very friendly and want you to do well so will support you through everything but working in such a large team can sometimes make it hard to actually speak to everyone and build relationships. However, the pressure of exams on this apprenticeship can sometimes make the job less enjoyable. The very strict exam policy (which I was unaware of just how strict it was) means that if you fail an exam twice or 'bad fail' you are liable to dismissal. It is hard to balance work life with studying as for some exams you only get 2 weeks to revise for it with very little days off work. It was beneficial joining PwC on the September intake as this is the main intake of apprentices, so it made it very easy to make friends and atleast feel as if you are all in it together through the dreaded exams.

The induction process to PwC is very well organised and helps you to settle in extremely well. There are welcome events with all of the new apprentices and graduates from across the country, aswell as initial training days and a volunteering day. You get to meet your career coach, which is essentially a manager who has been assigned to help you through your time at PwC. My career coach is extremely supportive, especially when it comes down to exams. I found it hard settling into the actual job as we received training for the software quite late meaning we had already been taught by others around us how to carry out the job. Although, the ongoing training that is received throughout the 2/3 years provides a nice break to working life and is an opportunity to further your knowledge in corporate tax and income tax. When it comes to getting work, it was hard to begin with as there was little work that could be given to us so we spent time sitting around. However, since then it has picked up and I have a very steady workflow, of work I enjoy doing.

Everyone at PwC is extremely supportive without a doubt. You are assigned a buddy and career coach when you first join. Your buddy is a second year apprentice who was in the same position the year before, so they are more like a friend and can help with all your annoying questions that you may not want to go to someone more senior about. Your career coach is more formal support, although I feel like I can talk to mine about many issues and are very comfortable going to them.

I will be completely honest, I have not received much support from the college throughout my exams. The first exam we sat, we were left completely to self teach and study which meant I failed at the first attempt and had to resit. The second exam we actually visited college and had classroom sessions which I benefited from way more (the tutor was very good too), proven when I passed first time. The last exam I have sat, we had 'live online' sessions which was sort of like a skype call but the tutor couldn't see you? I found it hard to learn this way as you had to listen to him all day and basically take notes. There are also mistakes in the materials the college provide you so sometimes it can be hard if you don't spot the mistakes yourself. This apprenticeship involves alot of self teaching and revision as there is no way you can fluke the ACA exams!!

The topics in the CFAB exams are business and finance, accounting, tax, law, assurance and management information. So they cover a wide range of subjects which all help the job. The accounting and tax exams help particularly as they teach you how to understand financial statements and prepare tax computations for both income and corporation tax.

PwC offers alot of social activities. Our team has thank you events where we have lunch and drinks. There are also many events like this that come from being a BCASS student, such as the BCASS ball and gin tasting. PwC has many different groups such as sports groups, religious groups and health and wellbeing networks. There is alot you can get involved in.

Yes

Altough there is ridiculous pressure to pass your exams, working at PwC is enjoyable and is a very good place to start your career. There are many opportunities to move to other departments internally and go on secondments to other teams. PwC also pays very well which always does help!

Make sure you have the motivation to study alot! It can be so tiring doing a full day at work and then having to go home to revise. Just know what you are getting yourself in for. When going through the actual application process there is nothing to worry about as the people you meet are all friendly, so just be yourself as they are looking for people who are willing to learn rather than someone extremely clever!