Tax senior associate Ziyad gained an Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) qualification while completing a higher apprenticeship on the School and College Leaver programme at PwC
What does your role involve?
“I assist companies in managing the tax implications of their globally mobile workforce. In simpler terms, I consult with global organisations to move their employees across borders in a tax compliant way.”
What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
“I’ll begin the day going out to meet with a client and discuss the key issues they are currently facing. I’ll share the solutions PwC has to offer and talk about how, as a business, we can assist. I’ll then go back to the office and catch up with the team, see what everybody is working on and talk about how we can ensure a consistent and high-quality delivery to the client. I’ll finish the day catching up on technical tasks such as working on analyses, spreadsheets and reporting.”
How have you used the knowledge and experience gained at school on your apprenticeship?
“My business A-level helped develop my business acumen. This in turn has helped me converse with clients and discuss their wider business issues as opposed to just their tax problems. Having this understanding allows me to bring the breadth of all of PwC’s services to the client, providing a complete solution.”
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
“I’ve always wanted to join PwC and work in the accountancy profession. I attended university for one year but realised it wasn’t the right path for me, so I left to join the School and College Leaver programme at PwC. I saw the value in getting into the workplace sooner and gaining practical hands-on experience.”
How did you find the transition from university to work?
“Going from university to a 9-5 role is a big change and one that is of course challenging. Although it was tiring, you very quickly adjust. It sounds quite daunting but in reality the transition was quick and helped me mature as a professional. Organisation is also important; managing my workload helps me complete my tasks on time and not worry about them once I leave the office.”
What advice do you have for someone who wants to do your role?
“Try to learn as much as you can, the technical and soft skills come by asking questions and picking up what those with more experience than you do.”
Visit pwc.co.uk/schools to find out more about an apprenticeship at PwC
