Direct Tax Associate Review

I work with various types of clients from large multional groups to smaller privately owned businesses to make sure that they pay the correct amount of tax so that they stay within the law but so that they also don't draw negative media attention. This involves looking at how the businesses are structured, including at a supply chain level, and seeing where their risk points are and how these risks can be mitigated.

I joined the firm having no prior tax knowledge or any experience working in an office. Since joining, I have had a lot of on the job, internal and external training which has allowed me to develop a wide ranging knowledge on all things tax as well as a lot of business soft skills such as having a professional attitude and networking skills.

I have always enjoyed my program as although it is hard work, it is very interesting work with some of the largest businesses in the world. The projects that I get to work on are large and often will be reported in the media, such as large mergers/takeovers, exposure to this type of work is very interesting and rewarding.

As it is a fairly new program, especially in tax (especially in the regions), the details can get a bit confusing, however so far, whenever I have had an issue, the central PwC teams have been very quick and efficient in dealing with any issues that I have had and I have never been worried or bogged down by any admin related issues to do with my school leaver scheme.

I receive a lot of internal and on-the-job training. This is also coupled with a great management system where you are assigned both a 'buddy' who is usually the year above you and a 'career coach' who is usually a couple of grades above you. Between those two positions, you will always have someone that you trust to talk about any personal or professional issues that you may have.

We get a lot of support from our training provide Kaplan. We are sent to college to study towards our professional qualifications with plenty of time prior to the exam which gives us enough time to prepare thoroughly. We also get revision sessions and a direct call line where we can contact tutors directly to ask for help on any specific issues that we have.

The professional qualifications that you do as a tax school leaver are all tax specific. They give you a great technical understanding of the tax law which is used day to day on the role. This coupled with the internal and on the job training which gives me the skills to apply the technical knowledge to my actual day to day role.

I personally take part in our weekly football league which is fully subsidised by PwC. I also enjoy our regular socials which occur regularly (at least once a month). In the past I have done escape rooms, cocktail making classes, scavenger hunts, etc with my colleagues. You are also available to build a strong peer group with the people that you join with in all service lines.

Yes

It is a great company to work for as they train you up well, there is a great working atmosphere and there are great opportunities for your personal and professional development. The school leaver scheme is especially good as you do a very similar role to any graduate, however you have no student debt and skip 3-4 years at uni.

I definitely would suggest that you research our key values online which are called the 'PwC professional.' Most of the questions will be based around these core values. I also suggest perseverance as the process can be quite long but it isn't as daunting as it may first seem.