Business Tax Trainee Review

My average day would consist of getting into the office, catch up with colleagues, check and action emails. Then I will begin on my to do list, this can vary from preparing corporation tax computation provisions, finalisations, client engagement/disengagement letters, preparing emails for managers to send onto clients, phoning HMRC, etc.

Yes, through my ACA qualifications | have learnt a wide variety of skills, this includes business strategy, tax compliance, assurance, business law, accountancy, etc. Also through our learning provider we have regular 'soft skills' training which can range from confidence in the work place, to presenting, to managing your workload and diary. I would say my written and mathematical skills have both improved through this role.

I think that it is a great programme for driven individuals, with a strong mathematical background who are prepared to put the hours in when it comes to studying (often have to study 2-3-4 hours after work) in order to be able to take and pass the ACA qualifications. You can definitely still succeed if you do not have the strongest analytical background and this often brings a fresh side to your work if other areas are strong. But a strong mathematics background will help with the majority of the work for ACA's. It can be very tough at times when you have to keep yourself going and full of energy after a days work and then revision

Very well structured, we have regular soft skills sessions and training weekly which helps us work towards the hours required for our ACA qualification. Work is provided regularly to us through managers and other employees, therefore we are kept busy which is always a positive and can be very interesting. FI Learn (learning provider) are also very well organised

Everyone within Tilney Smith & Williamson have been amazing at supporting and helping the new (and existing) graduates and school leavers joining the team. Everyone makes time in order to help each other. I believe it is because everyone here was in the same situation with starting new jobs and having to do exams, therefore they understand how it can be difficult sometimes.

LOTS AND LOTS. First intuition have been amazing at supporting us. I haven't yet had a tutor on a course whom I have not liked! They manage to make online lectures fun, interactive and at times exciting (which I never thought I would say). They are all very supportive and provide additional help if struggling (which I have at times)

It definitely helps, I am in Business Tax and obviously the tax exams for ACA really help with this. Also areas such as Accountancy are of use to my work. Also an understanding of Audit and Assurance are great as we work with Audit on a regular basis when having to communicate about clients.

The team has been great at organising activities since covid, I will list ones I have been to below: - Played cricket for the company team 3 times in summer - Played 5 aside football with the company - Socials with the teams to the following venues: Racks (Clifton), Browns (Clifton) - Unofficial socials have been organised where we have gone to crazy golf, cricket matches, etc. Everyone has been very keen since Covid to organise social events where we can so we can interact and build relationships outside of work

Yes

The culture at Tilney Smith & Williamson is amazing! Everyone seems to say it and I can only agree. Everyone has been so welcoming and I really feel a part of the team. The age ranges throughout the office are great, there is a really good bunch of graduates/school leavers within the Bristol office and I have really enjoyed this. We have also had events with graduates from other offices which has been really nice to get to meet and interact with others around the country.

Don't hesitate to look on Linkedin and get in touch with current employees at the firm (you may not always get a reply), but if you do I am sure it will be very helpful! I have recently helped an individual with advice through his application process and it really does make a difference when you show that initiative that you are keen to progress! For the interview stage, try and talk about your passion, it doesn't have to be strictly relevant (although amazing if you can relate it to the job application), but TS&W want to see that you can be passionate about an area and excel here as we are here to build for the future! Good luck!