James C.

Corporate Tax Manager
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted

About me

James C.
History
History
Undergraduate
Halifax
2013
United Kingdom

My employment

Corporate Tax Manager
PwC
United Kingdom
Finance and consultancy
Large business (250+ employees)
2014

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A day in the life of a Corporate Tax Manager in the United Kingdom

Take the time to try different things and work out what you actually like doing with your time.

Briefly describe the organisation you work for

A multinational network of professional services firms operating under one brand.

What do you do?

I advise a range of clients on matters relating to their corporate tax affairs, from advisory to compliance and accounting.

Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?

A desire to work in a social organisation in a role that combined intellectual challenge with deep specialist knowledge on a defined career path offering progression and a decent salary.

Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?

While I was at York, I imagined I would go into a history-related field. I decided between becoming a lawyer or becoming an accountant by the end of my degree - tax combines elements of both, so a good fit.

Describe your most memorable day at work

Social gatherings and celebrations with people you spend a large amount of your time around everyday!

Are there any challenges associated with your job?

Managing multiple commitments and people at once, prioritising, understanding what will help others in their roles and learning the importance of switching off.

What’s your work environment and culture like?

Collaborative, respectful and positive but demanding and performance-driven. Very much a focus on building your own path and opportunities.

What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?

History society, museum work and documentary production, theatre and panto. Many different skills gained including treasury / managing resources, public performance and articulating a position to others.

What would you like to do next with your career?

Become a Corporate Tax senior manager and a deeper subject matter / knowledge specialist. Potentially move abroad with the same organisation.

What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?

Take the time to try different things and work out what you actually like doing with your time. The skill in applications is more in drawing our the experience and skills you already have from everything you do (study, extracurricular, part-time jobs) than ticking any particular boxes - and how to express this in a convincing manner.

What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?

Anything. Professional services / accountancy / tax. Working in a large organisation. Transition from arts degree to another type of career. Remote working. Application advice and the value of a History degree / a degree from York.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

Nothing in particular. Open to questions!

Next steps...

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