Trainee Tax Advisor Review

I work within one of the tax teams (VAT) in the Reading office. The nice thing is about the apprenticeship role within tax is that no two days are the same and you always have a really nice mix of work to complete. I have been lucky enough to attend lots of meeting, contribute to large reports, help work on bids for large pieces of work and loads of other really interesting pieces of work.

I have learnt loads since joining EY - some practical skills but I would say most importantly improving some soft skills. For example, jumping into the working world at the age of 18 teaches you discipline, respect and how to correctly communicate effectively in a business environment. There is a large emphasis on improving networking skills and this is something I have found extremely useful since joining

I have really enjoyed the degree apprenticeship programme at EY since joining, it is such a well run and organised scheme. EY being part of such a large company means that there are endless opportunities. The fact that you join as part of a large group of apprentices was also extremely important

The programme is extremely well organised and run. You are given loads and loads of detail about the programme and there is always someone to help if you are unsure about anything. Each apprentice is given an apprenticeship expert buddy who is always there to answer any questions you have which is definitely very helpful.

EY offer loads of support - I have a buddy, a counsellor and an apprenticeship coach. That's already 3 people looking out for your wellbeing and your progression. Let alone the fantastic support you receive from your peers and the team in which you are working in. I would say there is always someone you can talk to.

First Intuition have been great, especially during this COVID-19 period. All their courses are very well run. They provide you with all the resources and support you need to pass your exams first time. The exam booklets they provide you with are really helpful and the teachers are excellent as well.

I mean not every exam is relevant to your role as they cover different aspects of a large professional services firm but they definitely provide you with a great understanding of all aspects of the firm and of accounting requirements. For example I work in tax but a number of the exams relate to audit, but its definitely still relevant and interesting.

There are loads of extra-curricular activities that you can get involved in at work. For example the EY football team, the season was cut short by COVID-19. There is a great social crowd with drinks occurring religiously every Friday which are great to get involved in and to meet other people in the teams

Yes

EY is a fantastic place to work. They are not wrong when they say that EY is the people's firm, it is definitely the thing that stood out to me most when I joined. Everyone I have met at EY has been friendly and approachable making it an enjoyable place to work

My main piece of advice is to be yourself in an interviews you have. Don't try to be someone your not, large companies like EY want individuals that are different and have different perspectives, so focus on what makes you YOU and what you can bring to EY as a result of that