Assistant Tax Advisor Review

I work as an Assistant Tax Advisor in Corporate Tax, which basically means that I'm part of a team that does tax compliance (working out how much tax companies should pay) and tax audits (checking that companies have worked out their tax liability correctly). On a day-to-day basis, this could involve working on a computation by looking through client analyses of legal and professional fees, administrative expenses or fixed assets to determine what the tax treatment should be, then putting this onto the tax software. I regularly draft emails and letters to clients or HMRC, typically to request information or to organise payments/refunds. There's also some client interaction, for example at seminars, or at meetings or on calls where I get to speak to clients face-to-face.

As part of my contract I'm sent on professional training where I study towards the ACA qualification, the industry standard for accountants. I'm also sent on internal training courses which are more job-specific and relevant to what I do every day. Both of these courses are very valuable and the teaching is excellent. I've also learned huge amounts through on-the-job coaching and gaining experience doing different tasks, particularly in how to use professional language when writing/speaking to people, and lots of technical tax knowledge too.

I am part of an amazing team, and everyone has helped me settle in. Everyone is approachable and willing to help, and the work is interesting and engaging. The company culture is excellent in that there is no heirachy, so I sit mere feet away from the most senior people and feel comfortable to go and speak to them at any time if needed.

I feel valued on various levels, from a simple 'thank you' when completing a task to formal feedback on how I've been doing. I feel like my contribution is recognised and people make an effort to show this. There's also extras such as £50 Impact Awards, which you can redeem for shopping vouchers, experiences, holidays etc. I also got the chance to go to a screening of the new Star Wars movie with a group of clients as part of developing relationships with them.

Very well - I receive regular communication on upcoming course content and dates. I've also been assigned a buddy (a kind of 'friend' with a year or so more experience than me) and a counsellor (a career coach and point of contact for any issues) which has really helped me settle in, and they have both been very supportive.

It's very good - I receive regular emails with course and exam dates, and have access to an online site with various notes, tests and mock exams etc. I've also got a question bank and study manual to refer to at any time, and people to contact if I ever have any problems or questions.

The culture in EY is excellent in that everyone is very approachable and easy to talk to, and I feel that my managers and colleagues are always looking out for me and happy to help in any way.

My salary is good - I'm very happy with how much I earn. I currently live at home and travel by train into work so my costs are quite low. This means I'm able to save towards a deposit for a house in a few years time, which is important to me.

Yes, for example going out for a meal/drinks on special occasions or after work one night. I also attended an NCASS ball which gave me the opportunity to network with other accountancy trainees at different firms. There's also chances to buy subsided tickets to the theatre, racing or football games etc, though I haven't taken advantage of these yet. I feel like it can sometimes revolve around alcohol which doesn't particularly appeal to me as I rarely drink, however appreciate the social aspect.

Yes

Amazing opportunity to learn while you earn with a great company.

Don't stress about the application process and be yourself, they're looking for your strengths. Sell yourself!