Tax Assistant Review

I was in both the VAT team and the Corporate Tax team. In VAT I completed VAT returns and assisted senior members of the team with VAT advisory work. In CT I assisted with computations as well as working within specialist teams to advise clients. I also assist with client take on procedures.

I have developed a number of skills since starting at RSM. I have developed my Excel skills and both written and verbal communication skills - purely by practising. I have developed a new skill in note taking by attending client meetings and writing up notes.

I was given a good amount of responsibility throughout my placement. I was able to draft and send client emails, reports as well as completing VAT returns and CT computations. It did not feel like too much responsibility, however, as everything was reviewed by a manager. I felt like I had responsibility without fear of messing up real client work.

I received a lot of support on my placement. My line managers were very helpful and I could go to them for help often. The main people who offered me help, however, were the experienced graduates in the firm (had joined as a grad a year or two before me). They were familiar with the type of work I was doing and were able to offer a lot of help and guidance.

The company culture was overall positive. You are very rarely expected to work more than your contracted hours and people are social. They enjoy going for drinks and there are socials which take place with activities where you get to know people on a more personal level.

I have enjoyed my placement a lot. I have also learnt a lot about the way in which I work and what I enjoy doing. Although I would note, it has been a great experience where I have gotten to know a lot of different types of people but have found that tax is not the ultimate line of work for me. I do however recommend RSM for a placement.

Yes

I would say, keep in mind RSMs values as they put a lot of importance on these as they form the main part of their culture.