How did you choose Mercer & Hole?
I studied a couple of tax modules throughout my degree and enjoyed them, so I decided this would be my area of focus in the search process. From there I was looking to train at a firm where I would be challenged and encouraged to develop professionally, not only in gaining a relevant qualification but also in the strength of their tax offering.
What are your main duties/ roles in your current position?
As a trainee, which for me involves partly working in the personal tax team and partly in the trusts team, I am given responsibility for a portfolio of clients each year. This will involve compliance related work, such as preparing a tax return or a set of accounts. I also get involved with advisory work on those clients and it’s a great opportunity to put into practice all that I am learning in my studies with support from a manager or partner. I am also a mentor to a graduate from the most recent intake.
What challenges have you come across and what support have you received?
In my first year, I would come across technical aspects I had not yet seen at college.
My colleagues have always been willing to take the time to teach me and I have one-to-ones with my training manager too. Another tough challenge is balancing work and my studies and it’s great to know that they want you to do well and they will be as flexible as they can in helping you achieve that.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to work at Mercer & Hole?
My top tips:
Try to identify the values that Mercer & Hole have and see if they are compatible with your own. Don’t place too much emphasis on what you studied in the past, it’s more important that you’re a good fit and you have a can-do attitude.
What is the culture like at Mercer & Hole?
The culture is all about taking a personal approach and building relationships, both with clients and colleagues. Working hard is always important, but there is also an emphasis on making sure people are engaged, enjoy where they work and have a work-life balance. There are social activities and a charity of the year to get involved with and all of these allow you to get to know each other a bit better.
