Insight – What it’s like working in tax

Some people choose to specialise in Tax for others it just seems to happen. Once you are in the world of Tax an employer can’t, like us, really stand out from the crowd because let’s face it, tax is tax. What we can do though is share what it will be like for you to work and join our team here at Mark Holt & Co.

So let’s begin…

Clients know they have to pay tax but want to ensure they pay the right amount and not a penny more within the rules.

Our job is to steer clients through the maze of complex regulations so that they stay on the right side of the line, but knowing they have someone on their side looking for the opportunities.

Most advisors will simply report information after the event by putting the right numbers in the right boxes and tell clients what they have to pay.  Our role is to understand their plans and ambitions and to plan in advance how they can be implemented to pay the right and lowest tax possible.  Whilst we can often help with tax matters after the event, we add the most value by being involved right at the start. All advice is tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, and there is 100% transparency on benefits, risks and costs, so they are able to make an informed decision.

Here’s a glance from the team at the type of work and projects you will get involved in.

To really show you what it’s like working here, hear from the team in their own words below.

What attracted you to Mark Holt & Co?

Mark Forshaw, Tax Senior “Previously I was working in a smaller accounting firm. It was comfortable but it didn’t offer me the opportunity to progress in tax when I was ready to. Your Tax Partners and Mark Holt & Co offers not only the opportunity but the ability to achieve it in a tax team with a breadth of experience. Knowing I would get exposure to more advisory work instead of just reacting to compliance tax was the win for me.”

Paige Rowe, Tax Senior “I finished my degree and was looking to stay in Plymouth. I came across Your Tax Partners and Mark Holt & Co and thought that they looked fun and friendly. I was right!”

Chloe Grantham, Tax Assistant “I had insight to what it is really like from Lottie (Tax Assistant), who I know outside of work, and hearing about how nice everyone is, the fun events the team gets up to, and the culture were all ticks in the boxes for me. In my previous role I was restricted on my study options but here the options are available along with trust to allow you to achieve your goals.”

Ruth McCalley, Tax Compliance Manager “What attracted me the most was that it would be a hands on tax role looking after a wide range of clients across all elements of tax both personal and corporation.”

What made you choose tax?

Mark Forshaw, Tax Senior “To be honest I didn’t. It started with a 9 month temporary contract with HMRC and I ended up staying for 10 years! I then moved to the private sector and as they say ‘the rest is history’.”

Chloe Grantham, Tax Assistant “I completed an accounting and finance degree at university and there was a tax module which I enjoyed and wanted to explore further.”

What do you like most working at Mark Holt & Co?

Mark Forshaw, Tax Senior “I like that we are proactive with our clients. We plan for their future to ensure they benefit immediately but also in the long term.”

Paige Rowe, Tax Senior “Every day is different. We don’t get pigeon holed into one area like tax returns or personal tax. We get involved in different jobs and are able to work within every area of tax.”

Chloe Grantham, Tax Assistant “I like how we get involved in a variety of work. How every day is different even as an assistant I’m working on anything from tax returns to trademark reports. You get to see and be involved in so many business scenarios that your insight into business is incredible.”

Ruth McCalley, Tax Compliance Manager “Meeting and working with a variety of clients, helping them through situations, some being difficult and explaining how they can achieve their goals by presenting all of the options available to them.”

What surprised you most about Mark Holt & Co and the team?

Mark Forshaw, Tax Senior “I was surprised about the amount of advisory work we do and how proactive we are to taking ideas to clients. We’re encouraged to speak to clients rather than waiting for them to approach us. I was also surprised by the relationship directors and managers have with clients. It means our client knowledge is so great that the details are passed to us so we can support them with tax opportunities.”

Paige Rowe, Tax Senior “Talking to friends at other firms it seems common to be another cog in their machine but here you are a person who has ambitions.”

Ruth McCalley, Tax Compliance Manager “The main surprise to me was the size of clients we have for a one office firm. It shows how the team truly have a breadth of experience and knowledge that can really help clients.”

What is it like being at Mark Holt & Co?

Mark Forshaw, Tax Senior “There’s a good mix of experience and knowledge within the whole team. We bounce off each other, we share knowledge with each other and we talk together as a team.”

Paige Rowe, Tax Senior “Your working life is not boring, you are kept on your toes as there is always something to do whether you are having to react quickly to a last minute query with a client to reviewing and planning ahead with ideas.”

Ruth McCalley, Tax Compliance Manager “You’re exposed to so much work and the amount of SDLT transactions we do is amazing for the size of the business.”

Would you recommend working at Mark Holt & Co?

Mark Forshaw, Tax Senior “If you’re looking for interesting and varied work and/or opportunities to develop in areas you want, then this is the place. You are in control of your development and there is support if you want it. You are not under any pressure to do anything you don’t want to, that includes the fun events too. However the fun events are a great way to break up the day and it’s great to see other members of the wider Mark Holt & Co Group team.”

Paige Rowe, Tax Senior “Yes! The team are friendly and it’s not just ‘work friendly’ the culture and team spirit make it an enjoyable place to be. If culture is not your thing or a priority for you then work wise you are stimulated because you get to work on a diverse range of work for a variety of clients too.”

Chloe Grantham, Tax Assistant “I would because I have worked at another accounting firm and can see what a difference a culture that is worked on and managed for all of the team can make to your day. If you are having a bad day, no matter if it is work related or personal we can openly speak to Kerri (Practice Director). Having someone to go to who listens, cares and wants to help is refreshing.”

There you go, we hope this gives you an insight into what it is like working at Mark Holt & Co.

We hope this gives you an insight. If you do have any questions please get in touch, call 01752 220979 or email recruitment@markholt.co.uk 

If you don’t think we are the perfect fit for you, please get in touch with us anyway. Let’s meet for a coffee and take the opportunity to see if we are the firm for you.

If it is our culture and fun events that might not be suitable for you, we hope hearing from members of the team will help you see that there is no pressure to get involved. Ultimately, for us, we will always hire the right person with the right skills.