Junior Tax Associate Review

I am currently pursuing a graduate scheme under the Tax Disputes Resolution stream under Private Client Services. Alongside the graduate scheme, I am also studying to obtain the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification. My work varies with different client cases but can include forensic analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, researching information, drafting tax disclosure reports including all computational aspects, and preparing documents for court cases. I also assist with the preparation and follow up of client and HMRC meetings, and engage in general administration and correspondence. I have been allocated and following up to a few Code of Practice 9 (COP9) investigation cases and have recently taken part in Alternative Dispute Resolution. I have also worked at the Family Private Wealth stream to gain exposure to trust organisations and offshore funds, assisting generally with tax returns, the preparation of working papers and ad hoc calculations.

There are frequent internal tax training courses at BDO to equip trainees with tax knowledge for the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) exams, but lack on the job training of transferable skills such as professional writing, client-facing skills and others. This is partnered with Level 7 apprenticeship programme but the training for those skills are rather short.

I enjoy the people in my team and all senior staff have been approachable and understanding towards trainee's needs and concerns, creating a supportive environment. The workload varies, but there is generally not enough delegation of work to junior trainees, leaving a lot of us idle most of the time. In terms of training for the qualification, I would say it has met my expectations. I enjoy the advisory aspects of the work.

It is a very well structured programme with a lot of timetabled week-long courses. There is a specialised professional qualifications team and the Director of tax training is very approachable and he will answer trainees any questions. There is a lot of support towards your studies and BDO is not harsh on trainees who sometimes fall behind in their studies due to personal circumstances. It is an overall very supportive environment for gaining your qualification, especially in comparison to a lot of Big 4 firms.

I have a counselling manager and a 'buddy' who is a trainee from the year above, but everyone else in the team can be approached if I have any questions, and are always very willing to take time out of their day to help me. Although there is a team hierarchy, everyone respects trainees and make themselves accessible for any support we need.

The training provider is internal (i.e. BDO internal training team) so there is a lot of support in respect of the qualifications as this is seen as a priority in this 3 year programme. The venue of choice is always close to work/in the office. We know who to contact when there are problems and there is a lot of homework and feedback.

I seen some correlation in obtaining the qualification and my current role, but I would not suggest that the correlation is huge. I feel that the qualification is more of a recognition than to meet actual needs from the job. Overall I think the qualification can help but it is not the main factor that help trainees perform better in their roles.

There are some social activities like drinks, networking events, yoga classes and company parties like the christmas ball. There are 10 paid volunteering days available each year at BDO which I really appreciate. Our team has a charity lead that organise group volunteering days, and these seem to be both good for bonding and contributing towards meaningful social initiatives.

Yes

It is a good sized corporation that is big enough - having also gone through a industry-known merger with Moore Stephens - to maintain international and national presence and retaining the best clients, but also small enough to help every individual to succeed. It is a supportive company overall, well located in central London.

The application process consisted of online application, aptitude tests, video interviews and assessment day. Once you have passed through the tests, research the company thoroughly focusing on the values. Relax, be your best self, show off what your strengths are. The assessment day is fairly relaxed compared to other companies.