Corporate Tax Associate Review

Tax advisor. Tax compliance- preparation of tax computations, delivering tax advice, researching tax legislation, client meetings and communicating with clients as to information required. Professional scepticism as to information received and deciphering information in order to deliver tailored advice. Coordination with the audit team to deliver tax workings for the audit work.

I have gained an insight into different areas of tax law which I had minimal understanding of prior to enrolling on the apprenticeship- but I would have learned this without the apprenticeship in any event as this is my job. I have developed no new skills as a result of the apprenticeship requirements such as leadership and communication- I had these skills anyway and would have developed these further through my job role without the apprenticeship.

I don't enjoy being on an apprenticeship. I was not on an apprenticeship before and now I am enrolled on this, I have to meet extra requirements to qualify which are irrelevant to my skill set/knowledge. For example, an essay on how I have met certain professional skills and a test on how I have a basic level of english and maths- this is quite patronising considering I have a degree.

Not well. The exams are fine as we just need to book them in and tick them off, but the apprenticeship requirements are not well communicated and it is difficult to track the job work for the tracker. It just adds extra stress on top of exams. I don't feel like the requirements of the apprenticeship have been well communicated and so it is difficult to plan.

I receive study leave but nothing in addition to this. I feel this may be the same question as question 6? I do receive support when unwell such as being directed to the employment support helpline and am able to have time off sick. I don't feel we were that well supported through covid in terms of extra time off for childcare.

I have time off for college but no additional time- but I am able to take annual leave for study. There is some level of understanding of the stress involved but my workload is not alleviated to help with this. I don't think the PQ support team are easy to speak to and they often respond after significant delays.

The ACA qualification itself is helping me perform better by improving my accounting knowledge which then in turn allows me to understand the tax treatment. However, I work in tax and so it's usefulness has a limit. The apprenticeship requirements are not in the slightest bit helpful- but this is not BDO's fault. For example, one of the short essays I had to complete was on 'british values' and politeness. It can be quite patronising.

Yes in a pre covid world but circumstances at the moment make it difficult- although they do try and have us socialise through zoom quizzes. The wellbeing events pre covid were good- yoga, running club and a book club. There is some professional networking- but these are limited events and tend to be for more senior grades.

Yes

Generally the work/life balance is good and the work quality is good. There is an element of flexibility towards staff to balance their lives and interests, but there is still a lot of pressure (although this is to be expected in any professional services environment). The team is nice and friendly and are welcoming of people from different backgrounds.

Be yourself! I think everyone has a base line of knowledge/intelligence, but personality is important and you don't need to fit a certain professional image to fit in here. I think BDO values the experiences and viewpoints that different people can bring to the table. Be prepared to work hard at exams.