Tax Advisor Review

Preparation of advice, technical update notes, billing summaries and meeting decks; client correspondence; client take-on and internal administrative procedures; business development work involving targeting new businesses/sectors; working with the juniors in the team to support their development; secondment to client firm to assist with reviewing their group VAT return

I have developed a better understanding of the working world and businesses make strategic decisions in practice, including the interaction of technical and commercial considerations. I believe my communication skills have also improved through interactions with clients and various other members of the firm. Finally, I have begun to learn the skill of delegation and managing teams/projects.

Not a great deal. I find the potentially enjoyable parts of the role are interrupted by tedious and monotonous administrative processes. I also find the pressure of utilisation targets difficult to manage given that I do not always have control of what work gets allocated to me - particularly if I am involved in business development projects which are non-chargeable but nevertheless important.

The internal/external training courses themselves have been well run but the dates thereof are not always communicated very far in advance which impedes planning.

The team is very supportive when approached but it can sometimes be difficult to bring stuff up without it coming across as complaining. They also refused to give us more than 1 day off for an important exam which led me to take 6 days of annual leave and still fail the exam (probably - results pending) - this was a very stressful experience.

The training courses were run well and provided plenty of opportunity for Q&A. I also understand that the tutors made themselves contactable out of hours, though I never followed up on that.

Very little. The training is very broad whereas the role is somewhat specific/niche so a lot of the training is superfluous. The parts that are relevant have been useful though.

Yes - I have been involved in the rugby and tennis teams. There are also various 'enhance your experience' events which seem to be run on an ad hoc basis and are usually decent.

Yes

Its not great but its also not too bad all things considered and I think the team and the opportunities for progression make the other tedia worthwhile. Its also nice to work with clients that are household name brands.

Don't set unrealistic expectations - its a big firm with great clients but work is work at the end of the day.