Tax Advisor Review
at EY
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Birmingham
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
4.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I work in small teams to deliver international tax advice to a number of multinational clients. When they want to implement new arrangements they will look to us to understand the tax consequences. I am also involved in a digital initiative, introducing and developing new technologies. I run training sessions for my colleagues and pitch tech to clients.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really love my job. The people I work with are friendly, patient and highly accomplished individuals who inspire me every day. I also really enjoy discovering new technologies and talking about what the future of our jobs could look like - it's very exciting. The exams are hard work and can be stressful, but they're absolutely worth it.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I had no technology skills when I joined EY, but since starting my apprenticeship I have developed a good understanding of agile methodology and software development, even leading my own team of programmers for a short time. I have also learned how to communicate in a professional manner with colleagues and clients, use tax legislation and present confidently.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
There are lots of teams to support us through our qualification. We have a dedicate apprenticeships team and exams team, and an apprenticeship coach each. They help us with any queries we have and help to keep us on track. We also have an internal website which has a personalised record of all of my exam and apprenticeship progress.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Alongside the qualification support mentioned in the last response, I have a counsellor who helps me with career development, mental health and general work queries. She's been the most amazing sponsor of my career. Everyone at EY also has access to physical and mental health support through the firm's Health EY scheme.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Kaplan have a website called MyKaplan with all of my resources, extra support videos and the ability to contact a tutor via live chat or email. We also have college courses (although these are online at the moment). I also have all the books I need in an online portal called Bibliu.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
The two are largely unrelated. My tax role is highly specialised and involves a much larger focus on technology than the ACA. I am still grateful to be getting a masters-equivalent, internationally-recognised qualification, however, as this will improve my career prospects in future and provide greater flexibility in my options.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
So. Many. We have social events with our teams on a regular basis (pre-covid this included lots of drinks and meals out!) and there's also the option to get involved in lots of societies and networks. I'm involved in the women's network, unity network (for LGBT staff), mental health network and the arts partnership. The partnership is particularly cool because we get free entry to exhibitions at the Tate and V&A which would otherwise be pretty pricey.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EY to a friend?
Yes
Why?
EY has given me everything I have. I bought my first house when I was 20, having saved up my apprenticeship salary, and I've developed so much as an individual during this time. They listen to my ideas, encourage me to pursue my interests, and I feel like I have a really exciting career ahead of me.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to EY?
The only tip you really need to know is this: do your research. Reach out to EY apprentices on LinkedIn with questions about their role, attend one of our work experience or insight programmes, read up on our website, do some research into the services we offer, etc. It becomes far easier to answer the question 'why do you want to work here' when you're armed with a number of things you're genuinely excited about.
