International Tax advisor Review

No day is the same in the international tax team. One day I will be carrying out some in depth technical research, and applying it to a client, while the next day, we will only be required to provide a high level overview. Deliverables can be anything from a slide deck, to a short or long memo or a quick email. We also go out to client sites and do presentations to clients, or just chat to the client to get to know them and their business better.

I have learned a huge number of skills, including best practice for dealing with different situations as well as the internal systems. I have developed standard skills such as excel and formatting within word as well as my writing skills and different styles of writing for the different deliverables. This includes presentation skills and general public speaking.

The programme has pros and cons as with everything. The people around me are lovely and very supportive. The ultimate qualification is very well respected but it is a lot of hard work. The college can be tiring but is very rewarding, and thus enjoyable at times (especially when receiving positive results). I have been to some very enjoyable client meetings as well, and have had the opportunity to get to know London and Reading better in my programme. Team lunches are also a great asset.

My team are very supportive and I have been provided with a lot of adjustments throughout my programme. However, while I was provided with a clear breakdown of exams, I was only provided with the first year of when exams and revision would be which made it hard to plan for annual leave. Once dates were provided, college was well organised and structures and items inside the office were well structured.

I have received significant support from my employer including support on technical work in the office, as well as support on my exams. Everyone around me is also happy to help wherever possible. My employer also paid for external assessments to be done in order for me to receive the correct adjustments during exams and in the workplace.

My training provider provides me with significant support as well. There are college tutors available most days who will respond quickly to any email queries as well as call you if that is the method which works best for you. Online chat panels exist too. Therefore as long as you go looking, and are prepared to put the effort in, the training provider will support you.

My training provider has helped me to have a basic understanding of accounting and has given me a good basis to start on. However I am studying accounting while working in international tax which is incredibly specialised. Therefore, other training providers for more specific exams may be more helpful down the line, but it is good to have a broad basis.

I have been to many social events including lazer tag, bowling, darts, clay pigeon shooting, and mini golf as a team. We have also been to the races and had Christmas and summer parties as a whole office. During lockdown we did online escape rooms and had a celebrity host out Christmas party.

Yes

They pay for you to get a well known qualification, the environment you work in is very positive and supportive and you are provided with an environment in which you can thrive in. The progression opportunities exist and unlike some of the smaller firms, you can progress at your own rate (rather than waiting for someone to leave in order to progress). When there have been items in the press, EY has done their best to put in calls and inform us of everything which is happening and keep us in the loop.

Make sure you have done your research on the role and company before applying. Be up to date with the latest financial news and show your enthusiasm for the role. Note, you do not need any prior experience in accounting or similar to apply as you will be taught everything you need in the role (however any prior experience is a bonus).