Analyst Jenny and Consultant Conor are part of a new generation of tax consultants, fusing strategy, technology, compliance and tax advisory. Read about their take on life in this ever-evolving industry. 

Jenny Armstrong’s story

What was your biggest misconception before working here?

I think a lot of people have preconceptions about tax advisors, myself included. I didn’t really understand the job before I started. I thought tax would be really numbers-based, but it’s not at all. It involves research, proposals, and a lot of direct work with clients, advising them.

I was also worried that the job would be a bit overwhelming – in terms of all the information I’d need to get to grips with – and that I wouldn’t pass the exams. We only get two attempts at each one; but so far so good. And I’m really enjoying the challenge of the work I do.

I would definitely recommend doing the Summer Vacation Scheme in your penultimate year at university. I found it such a good indication of what the job is really like, and the firm get to know you before you go through the application process too.

Tell us something you didn’t know about your business area before you started?

There are so many rules in tax. There is a lot to learn, and people specialise early on in their careers because it’s not possible to learn everything. Tax is also constantly changing; new legislation every year keeps everyone on their toes. 

This means there are lots of opportunities in tax. I love that I get to try lots of different things and different projects at the beginning of my career so that I can build up an understanding of what I enjoy and am good at. That will help me know what to specialise in further down the line.

Conor Neary’s story

What do you do? And what’s the most exciting thing about it?

I work with individuals who are being sent to work in a different country and we advise them on the tax implications of their move. Our main goal is to make sure the individual and company are both being compliant with the UK and local laws. We work with global businesses and international employees, which means there are many different opportunities, including working abroad. Be that with another Deloitte office or on secondment with a client.

My most exciting project so far is one I’m working on right now: the Business Traveler tool. This allows employees to complete a pre-travel assessment to see if they’re ok to take a business trip to a particular country, looking at the tax, immigration and social security implications of the move. It’s something completely different and I’m excited to see this new proposition grow.

Is there life at Deloitte beyond the day job?

There’s a lot going on here other than client work. I’ve been able to take part in Deloitte’s One Million Futures programme, for example, and have signed up to be a mentor this year. There’s a good social side too. We have regular client, team and wider group socials. That’s on top of the various seasonal, summer and Christmas parties. Also, I occasionally work from home, whenever I need to get away quickly or have anything planned in the evening near home.

Everyone is really flexible and accommodating. They understand we all have lives too.

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