Trainee Tax Advisor Review

My role as a Trainee Tax Advisor in their first year involves a range of tasks from admin to client work. It is a very varied role. On a daily basis I have internal calls such as team calls and one to one catch ups, complete online learning and a range of tax related client work.

Since the start of my apprenticeship I have already gained/ developed a plethora of skills. I have sat my first ACA Certificate Level exam and an due to sit my second in less than two weeks. I have participated in a number of internal Corporate Tax training courses alongside the admin, firm background and technical web-based learning courses. My relationship-building skills have been expanded, especially due to joining a new firm in a virtual environment.

I definitely enjoy my programme, I find the work even more varied than I had first anticipated. My team is great, very welcoming and each member is easily approachable for help etc. The culture at EY is very much people-focused which really resonates with me, their values align a lot with my own.

With the unprecedented circumstances of Coronavirus, the firm have done amazing at ensuring inductions, training, college and studying etc still go ahead. I had a few day induction to start and then a week of college with the learning for my first exam. I work monday to Friday 'in office' and then every so often will have either internal training for Corporate Tax or college for one of my ACA exams.

In terms of support, there are plenty of platforms which we have access to for support in a variety of circumstances, also you are made aware of external support platform for things such as your qualification. Everyone is also assigned a buddy and a counsellor so we have people we can turn to for support if needed.

The support received from the tutor definitely depends on the tutor, you are made aware that you can contact them if needed but the amount they reach out to the class post-college days depends. There are a number of ways you can gain support including a team you can ask questions too accessible through the website. There is a definite positive attitude about reaching out if you need help and the content they provide is great. There is a multitude of practice questions available.

What I am learning in my qualification does not yet directly relate to the work I am doing on a day to day basis (mainly because I haven't done any tax exams/ college yet). However, it definitely helps to develop my understanding around the firm and what they do, other service lines and work I do on tax audits.

There are a number of extra-curricular activities to get involved with at EY, even with the current situation (covid) there are a number of networks eg the women's network which you can join. Once legally allowed, there are a number of small social events my team has started to plan to get to know everyone in person.

Yes

I would recommend EY to a friend because of just how far I have come since joining the firm; the amount of personal and professional development which I have undergone over the past 6 months is immense and it is largely attributed to EY and its people. I feel valued and supported in the work that I do and think that many others would feel the same way. You are supported to take your career down the path you want to take it and really make the experience anything you want it to be.

Look into the firm and what it stands for and make sure that it aligns with your own personal values and is the right place for you. After that, just make sure you have done some research into the role you have applied for, know why you want it and why you would be suitable for it. Ensure that you convey your passionate about the role and be yourself.