Trainee tax advisor Review

I am a trainee tax advisor. My daily tasks involve working in teams on projects, communicating with other EY country teams about the work, providing tax advice to clients. I have attended internal and external conference calls and prepared presentations for clients. I recently worked on a big project where one company was merging with another, and they needed assistance with the immigration, tax and social security requirements of the employees transferring from one company to another.

I passed my first two exams that I had to take - Accounting and Assurance. These built up my technical knowledge. Being at work and interacting with senior colleagues and clients has given me a lot of confidence and developed my initiative. My organisation has also improved due to having to complete things to a deadline.

Starting work is difficult and it is a steep learning curve, but being on the EY School Leaver Programme means that I have always had support and guidance. Joining with an intake of people your own age is really fun and means there is always a social aspect to work. Being part of a big team means that there is always somebody to go to and ask questions.

Whilst being at work I have received two recognition awards, which are given by managers and above. This makes you feel really valued and means that hard work pays off! The culture of giving feedback shows that work is recognised and valued, and guidance is given where improvements need to be made.

The initial induction and training was well structured and put together. Although I feel that this should have carried on more once we started work in our separate teams in the office. The mentor system is well structured and means that you always have somebody to go to for guidance and help.

There are many training courses available on EY Leads which are great to complete in your own time. However, I feel that the training courses which are available should be better advertised so that school leavers can register for these.

As everyone in the firm has a counsellor, there is a chain of support available. There are also 'family counselling' meetings which are done in teams.

Starting salary is very good, although I am renting in London where prices are incredibly high, so at the moment I am not saving much money. However, as you progress through the programme and pass your exams, your salary rises.

There are numerous clubs and groups to get involved with outside work. There are also team socials and events which get organised regularly.

Yes

It is a well regarded firm with big growth plans for the future, meaning there are so many opportunities within EY and it can really take your career in many different paths.

Research well, know what you are applying for and make sure you are enthusiastic about it! Definitely throw yourself into as many activities and experiences as possible and enjoy them.