Tax Associate Review

My role involves working on client projects across a range of teams, such as Transfer Pricing, Indirect Tax and Corporate Tax to assist clients with Tax compliance and queries. On a day to day basis, I usually am working on VAT returns, assisting PwC’s compliance centre with the preparation of tax returns, and drafting advice to clients on technical queries.

I have developed my communication skills as this is a key area of my role. It is important to be able to communicate in a professional manner to clients, and be able to adapt your communication depending on the audience. Sometimes it is not appropriate to use technical language when explaining issues to clients.

I have enjoyed studying for the ACA/CTA qualification as is a key part of my Apprenticeship, and I have also enjoyed seeing how this is applied in practice at work. I would enjoy it more if I had the opportunity to get involved in more technical work and less admin tasks.

My programme is well structured, our training provider Kaplan organises our review meetings and liaises with my employer to arrange our college tuition for our professional qualification. From the start of my programme, I had a clear timeline of when exams are to be sat, and when key dates for my Apprenticeship are, such as the end point assessment.

My employer provides us support in terms of ensuring we are given study leave for exams, and tuition is in our work time rather than free time. However, the Apprenticeship tasks are largely left for the employees to complete independently and this is not given as much support, and our training provider does instead.

My training provider provides a lot of support when working towards our professional qualification, as they have several academic helplines in which tutors respond to questions 7 days a week. This has been very helpful for me when studying at home and on weekends. In addition, they provide health and wellbeing support too.

I feel that the tutors that teach us from our training provider have all had practical experience, which is useful as they highlight areas we learn in theory that are very useful in practice. Therefore, my qualification definitely helps me to perform better in my role as I have a understanding of the technical queries clients are asking for help with.

Yes, there are lots of extra-curricular activities. There are lots of sports teams you can join, there are always social events being organised by teams and lots of networking meetings in the office. Social events are also varied so not always centered around drinking or sports, there is a focus to make the socials as inclusive as possible.

Yes

They are a reputable employer that provide lots of benefits to employees, such as flexible working arrangements which is highly valued post pandemic. In addition, they are supportive if you want to study for a professional qualification are there are endless opportunities within the firm, there is a role for everyone.

Be prepared for lots of exams and study days if you are studying towards the ACA/CTA qualification. I would say my top tip would be make lots of connections. Everyone talks about networking, but it doesn't have to feel pressured and forced. Building relationships with colleagues you work alongside is so important for opportunities.