Assistant Tax Advisor Review

My role involves a mixture of admin (billing, recognising opportunities for work), and technical work (reading legislation, applying the legislation and writing up memo and slide decks for clients laying out the analysis). Through the years, I have also started pushing admin down to our admin assistances and managing the work they do, making sure it is done on time.

I have developed many skills since joining EY. As this was my first office job, I picked up some of the less obvious skills such as how to use outlook emails, excel, word, teams and powerpoint to the fullest extent, as well as writing emails for different audiences. I have also picked up writing and and reading skills from the legislation, and starting to understand the technical aspect of things.

The progamme is hard work however you get out of it what you put in. I enjoy the achievements and the success that you can get from the industry, as well as receiving a paycheck while I learn. The technical reading can be very taxing at times but equally very rewarding once you click.

The program has a structure to it, however this is flexible. At times it doesn't feel the most organised thing in the world, as often college dates can be received very last minute, however exam dates are consistent and can be found on the ICAEW website. There are certain targets we have to meet and this does bring more structure.

I receive a lot of support, through colleagues on the same scheme as me, through my work manager as well as through the exams team (split out into exam focused and apprenticeship focused). This doesn't even include the support we receive from the college tutors and college itself too.

My training provider provides a lot of support including an online chat function, a generic email, asking for a call back. The list feels quite endless. I have used a few of these services and they have always been very friendly and quick to respond which has been ideal. Highly recommend.

My training provider helps me understand the basics of tax and accounts which makes certain elements of work less intimidating. Although work and college are quite contrasting in many ways, this provides a larger learning opportunity and means I have a larger horizon. Therefore I wouldn't say it helps particularly for my role because my role is very specialised.

We have monthly socials, which included escape rooms, pizza making and the races to name a few. Since lockdown, we have done quizzes, online escape rooms, online races, and online murder mysteries. We also have a womens network who put on events every month too, largely sessions with inspirational people talking to us.

Yes

The team is friendly and the pay is reasonable. You come out with a good qualification and you don't have to pay for it. There are multiple support systems and it all sets you in good stead for the future. We also have multiple departments to choose from, so there is something there for many people.

Take advantage of the online resources, especially when it comes to the assessments. Reach out and get in touch with the recruitment teams and get on the mailing lists. Join the events available which give you hints and tips. Know abuot the company and make sure it is definitely the right thing for you and that you're applying for the right role.