What Companies Look For in a Tax Trainee

Tax trainees works alongside experienced tax professionals to learn the required procedures needed for a career in the industry. A variety of trainee positions are offered, with many coming as apprenticeships, although graduate tax trainees are also common. A tax trainee typically starts out with basic duties and moves on to other, more complicated problems as they become more accomplished.

With help from the CIOT, we’ve compiled a list of what companies are looking for in a Tax Apprentice and a Graduate Tax Apprentice, so you know what to get on that application that will help you get your foot in the door!

Tax Trainee:

  • You will either be looking for an apprenticeship in tax or you will already be in a similar role currently within an accountancy practice or involved in a more mixed accounts and tax role, with a desire to specialise in tax.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to prepare and present accurate, effective, complete and easily understood pieces of work
  • Strong PC skills and proficiency in Microsoft, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Ability to work independently and to deadlines
  • Ability to work in a team and show willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily

Graduate Tax Trainee:

  • Able to balance your workload with the pressures of studying for a professional qualification
  • Assist clients with their tax compliance regulations, complete tax returns and computations and undertake research into complex tax enquiries
  • Assist in providing tax advice on client portfolios and ad hoc assignments as they arise
  • Carry out analysis and draft reports to communicate recommendations to clients
  • To provide support on planning projects and research technical issues on advisory work such as asset/business sales, succession planning and non-residence issues.
  • Reviewing clients’ business structures, operations and personal financial arrangements to deliver solutions for their financial goals and business needs