Junior Tax Associate Review

I work as a junior tax assistant in the corporation tax team. We help to prepare tax computations and returns for a wide range of clients and provide other tax advice and services where necessary. I usually prepare the computations/other documents for manager's review but i also complete other activities such as contacting HMRC on behalf of a client.

My communication and team work skills have improved significantly due to the wide range of people you work with as well as a wide range of clients which offer different challenges and experiences. I have also gained more self confidence and have more faith in the work that i do and that it is to a high standard.

I really enjoy the programme as i get to perform a wide variety of tasks as well as working with numerous different people within BDO, as well as clients. There is also a good balance of working, college and study leave which help to not make the weeks too monotonous.

The structure of the programme at BDO seems to be fairly well organised with everything being put in place to help us balance work life and college / study leave. However, the communication for when dates are for attending college, sitting exams etc. has been pretty poor- this can be improved.

I receive a lot of support from my employer and they have a lot of processes in place to ensure that there are people there to help if i need it. I have weekly calls with my line manager, as well as bi monthly calls with a 'buddy' and also my partner.

The training provider provide us with all of the relevant resources to pass our exam as well as teaching us where necessary. They repeatedly email you to check in and make sure that you are happy with your studies and that everything is going well. There is a lot of support.

It depends on the exam. Some of the exams are more audit based and i find that these aren't very helpful for my job, although it does help slightly to know all of the terminology / understand how things work when i need to contact the audit team. However, a lot of the content in the tax exams is relevant and i believe it will help me to develop further in my role.

Pre covid we tried to have work drinks/events every month or 2 with our whole team as well as numerous other activities you can attend (5 a side football team etc.). Post covid of course this has been more difficult but there are lots of teams meetings you can join such as workout sessions which help to keep in touch.

Yes

BDO have offered me a lot of support ever since i joined and they are a really good employer to work for. I always feel safe and comfortable at work and am confident that i have the support there should i need help. It is also a very friendly team environment.

Embrace the whole experience as there are so many opportunities available to you at work which could help you to develop as a person or it can help with other skills outside of work. There are opportunities for secondments into other teams as well so if you are looking to diversify then definitely take these options.