Tax Associate Review

I work across the northern tax line of service and I get work from a wide array of areas. This includes corporate tax, private business/ private client, transfer pricing and indirect tax. No two days are the same and the work varies from day to day and week to week.

I joined PwC with no prior accounting knowledge and have learnt a lot during my time at the firm. I am on a level 7 apprenticeship doing my exams for my ACA qualification, and also receive lots of internal firm and on the job training. I have sat 12 out of 16 exams so far.

I enjoy the work that I do and the people that I work with. The exams can be very stressful at times, but they are worth it in the end. The people I work with are also a credit to the firm and are always happy to help with queries.

The professional qualifications team who sorts the exams side of the apprenticeship aren't the best. They put us on a very intensive exam pathway compared to a traditional route where you would get more time. They have also changed their plans for our pathway a few times in 18 months.

A lot. The training is all paid for through the apprenticeship scheme, and so is all internal training. We are reminded to complete mandatory trainings by deadlines and the exam courses are all booked for us, as well as some of the ACA exams. Some exams we are required to book ourselves.

A lot. We have designated tutors for each course and designated tuition days where we are not expected to be in work. We also all have a talent coach through kaplan who helps keep us on track with the apprenticeship admin that needs to be completed. We meet with them every couple of months.

The knowledge, skills and behaviours learnt on the programme can definitely be applied in the day to day role. Some exams are also useful day to day, such as the tax exams, as I work in the tax line of service. Other exams are not too relevant to my role.

Yes there are some social committees for different religions, ethnicities and sexual orientations. There is also the opportunity to network across the firm and attend ICAEW balls for trainee accountants to broaden our network. I think we do have some sports teams too, but I am not a part of any.

Yes

The firm is keen to look out for its staff, whether that be training, wellbeing, cost of living support payments for the lowest earners, etc. The people are all great and I feel part of a team and wider community at the firm. They also provide the best quality training in this sector.

Do your best! It is hard work but worth the rewards. Having a qualification from a big 4 firm will take you a long way in your career, either within professional services firms or in industry. It is also common for people to have imposter syndrome, even people at the very top of the firm and more senior staff appreciate that.