After my degree, I undertook studies in law but subsequently decided the law path wasn’t for me. I had however, studied some tax during the courses and enjoyed it from a technical perspective. Corporate tax seemed like a good fit for me as I had developed a strong commercial awareness through studying law and also had a familiarity with legislation, which is the basis for a lot of corporate tax work.
How did it tie in with your overall career plans and what has your progression been at Saffery?
Working with businesses was a key career objective for me and being in the accountancy industry is a really great way of getting exposure to varying businesses across different industries. This is particularly true at Saffery where we have such a broad range of clients.
My progression at Saffery has been at the pace I have felt comfortable with.
What are your main duties/roles?
I drive the corporate tax compliance on a portfolio of clients. I review the work of more junior team members and liaise with the other teams to complete client’s tax returns.
What would you like to achieve in the future?
My aim is always to be the best at what I do and to become someone who is a relied upon and trusted specialist in their field.
What skills are useful in this sector/profession?
Problem solving, communication, critical analysis, organisation and balancing competing demands.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to enter the profession?
Be open minded to opportunities and challenges. Research the possible avenues you think would interest you and weigh up which options align best with your skillset.
What was the application process like - any advice?
For me, it was a smooth process and the people I met were welcoming and brought the best out of me. I would advise to think outside the box when preparing for interviews and think about what sets you apart from others.
What are the most challenging parts of your role?
Sometimes there are competing demands which all appear to require fulfilment at the same time. It can be technically challenging to get your head around some of the rules but this is also rewarding when conclusions are reached.
What is the social life like at Saffery?
A few examples would be the teams going on nights out, bowling, having dinners out together and undertaking charity runs. It is all quite casual so you can be involved as much or a little as you like and have time for.
What else can you get involved in at the firm?
There are various committees and groups across the firm. For example, I have been the office’s Corporate Social Responsibility champion which involved liaising with colleagues across the firm to discuss national strategies and also organising events and projects at a local level to get the office thinking about our footprint in the community.
Advice/tips on how to manage your time with studying towards a professional qualification?
The key is to keep at it on a regular basis rather than leaving a lot of work until the end. Just a little at a time to keep your brain engaged will help enormously. It’s also really important to communicate with the team if you need help, whether from a time perspective or if you are struggling with technical aspects of study.