Having left university with no idea of what my next steps were to be, I spent a few years trying different jobs until deciding that a career in tax was something that really appealed to me.
From my first correspondence I felt welcome, and even the assessment day was a fun experience where you were made to feel relaxed from the start. As a result I was delighted when I was offered a tax trainee position in St Albans, and knew it was the right fit.
I started with very little tax knowledge but having successfully passed all three written Association of Tax Technicians (ATT) exams I then began my Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) studies. Through on-the-job training, classroom teaching and a fair amount of home revision, it is incredible to think how much I have learned.
During my first 18 months, I had the opportunity to work in the London office, be a trainee’s mentor, and to get involved in tax advice and planning situations.
There were times when it was tiring working and studying, but the firm are very understanding, and it can be helpful to have a group of qualified people willing to help where possible and answer any last minute questions which arise.
I would thoroughly recommend applying to Mercer & Hole to anyone looking for the opportunity to gain technical skills and knowledge in a welcoming environment.