Assistant Tax Advisor Review

As an Assistant Tax Advisor, I deal with the monthly/quarterly compliance of various clients as well as ad-hoc pieces on an as and when basis. Not only this, but I also deal with a number of advisory pieces for many different clients. My usual interactions include the Reading VAT team, Cambridge VAT team and many overseas offices (whether it be to ask a query or just to see how everything is going on their end). I have been involved on many projects, including an audit assist for a large group.

I have completed the assurance module of the CFAB qualification and am currently working towards completing the accounting module. I have attended many internal David Coleman specific VAT training, which has broadened my knowledge about technical VAT application and helped me to be pro-active and identify other clients where a similar issue could arise, attempting to mitigate it.

I abolsutely love the programme. I feel that it has exceeded all expecatations, everyone is friendly, supportive and I've made some amazing friendships.

Everytime that I do a piece of work/project, I ask for feedback. The positive comments keep me on the straight and narrow, confirming that I am continuing to grow my VAT knowledge and think outside the box. The constructive criticism helps me to further improve and get to where I would like to be. I am being involved in many tasks (excluding compliance) by various managers/senior managers and directors, which shows that I am being recognised for the work that I have previously completed.

The induction was a lovely idea and helped me to meet all of the other 2013 SL's. This meant that when I went to Wales 2 days later for my CFAB training, I had people who I could instantly talk to, bond with and grow a freindship with. The mentor system is something that has been grately appreciated, someone is always there whether you need help, a chat or just to let off a bit of steam.

I haven't really seen my tutor apart from when an exam is coming up on a one-hour study basis. She is a very lovely lady, very busy, so I do feel bad asking her to help me, although I am sure that this feeling will subside eventually.

I feel that my buddy and counsellor are the best that anyone could ever ask for. They are always there and willing to give up some of their time to help me out, sit and have a chat with me when things are getting tough and always put my mind at ease. The VAT team are very friendly, and everyone is always available should I need help with a piece of work, or have something personal going on outside of work. It's very flexible.

As I still live at home, I don't have many outgoings. My salary is sufficient for me to pay what I need to each month and still save for future plans.

As a VAT team, we don't go out much. I have helped at a local external careers fair to promote the School Leaver and Grad programmes and wish to continue doing things like this.

Yes

I applied to every single Big 4 firm, many medium sized firms and industry. Out of all of the ones that I got offered, EY just seemed like the right choice. The people were very friendly, the application process was quick and easy, and I knew that this is where I wanted to be.

Make sure that you read and re-read your application as this gives the recruitment team a brief overview of you. Take your time with the tests, and when you have your assessment centre, strike up as many conversations as you can (I still have contact with a few people from my assessment centre, and we meet up periodically). Make sure that you do your research and, if in doubt, follow the EY Schools Twitter/Facebook page and ask a question. I wish I had done this, as my college was solely focused on university, so I had to make choices off of nothing.