Junior Tax Associate Review

My role is very varied and many different tasks make up my role. This can include using Alphatax software to prepare provisional computations, preparing finalisation tax computations, submitting computations, drafting various letters, engaging with client via email as well as other ad-hoc tasks. I have also worked with a range of different team members on many different clients from small single companies to large multinational companies.

At BDO there are many opportunities to develop new skills as I have been studying for the CTA qualification alongside my work I have been able to learn about many different taxes already including Income Tax, Capital Gains taxes and Inheritance tax as well as many more scheduled in. BDO also offer a range of different courses to develop key skills whether that is excel development or presentation skills.

The programme has been challenging although the content so far has been very enjoyable and with the amount of support offered I feel I can develop and manage my workload. The programme is structured very well with many courses included helping to ensure there is enough time for graduates to develop the relevant tax knowledge.

The programme is very well structured and there is always opportunities to provide feedback to ensure improvements can be made. I have also been keeping up to date with the BPP apprenticeship side of the programme where I need to submit monthly log of tasks and have bi annual meetings with BPP to discuss my progress.

BDO ensure there are many different points of contact regarding different aspects of my role for my daily tasks and general my Line/People manager is the point of contact having regular catch ups ensure I am keeping up to date and giving feedback on how I am finding the role. For the internal courses I am able to contact the relevant course leader and discuss any topics I am unsure about.

For the CTA qualification there are a total of 7 exams (3 Computer based examinations or CBEs and 4 written papers) for the CBEs BDO provide extra study days to help prepare for these exams. For the written exams alongside time provided for attending the relevant courses BDO also provide study leave in the build up towards the exam. Again there are many different people to contact for support.

I am still developing my tax knowledge and I can see different aspects of what I am learning about being applied at the tasks at work whether that is capital allowances and other reliefs (Rollover relief, Gift relief, etc). As the programme continues and my tax knowledge develops alongside it I can see the qualification and training provided being applied my regularly to my tasks.

There are many different opportunities to get involved with at BDO we have regular social activities and different sports activities. There are also different professional networking events to get involved with including BCASS Ball, and other events. These are helpful to understand team better and have time to network with others in industry.

Yes

BDO offer a great opportunity of work and securing a professional qualification depending on the stream/role chosen. The work life balance is also considered and BDO do provide plenty of study leave more than many firms. You are also working alongside many other graduates and professionals who have many years of experience and different specialties to learn from.

The most important tip is to keep organised it can be a lot of work and to ensure you are not overwhelmed ensuring you are organised and plan out revision early and tasks this will help to ensure you maintain a consistent level of work and remain motivated. Make sure to ask as many questions as possible if you are unsure of any tasks you are completing ask your team they are all friendly and have been in your position before and are happy to help.