- Written by the Tax team at PwC
When Michael joined the Tax team in Bristol straight from university, he would not have believed the variety and scope of the client projects he would have worked on in his first five years at PwC.
Looking back he credits the challenging clients with helping him develop his technical understanding quickly.
"During my first year on-the-job I found it stretching and very technical but over the years I’ve really developed my understanding and knowledge. During the third year working for a particular client, I became acting Manager. I took ownership for the relationship between this large life insurer based in London and the PwC Tax teams; responsibility which I’m very proud of."
And this isn’t the only surprise Michael’s had during his career.
"The Altitude trip to Cyprus was unexpected – I didn’t know about it when applying but you get four days of leadership training in a holiday resort in Cyprus with a range of PwC people from across Europe, which was very cool!"
When Michael isn’t helping his clients with Tax Advisory work, such as international tax support, structuring and transactions, you’ll find him and his fiancé Emma (and Fleur the cat!) planning their upcoming wedding. The Covid-19 crisis impacted their original plans, but they’re taking it in their stride and putting Michael’s leadership training into practice to re-schedule.
He’s no stranger to a challenge either, from working on some of the largest FTSE/NYSE companies to smaller owner-managed businesses right from the Bristol office, Michael admits that some of the work has been really tricky and detailed.
"Working with these clients can be stressful at times but also a real sense of satisfaction once completed, and it makes you learn a lot, very quickly. We have global, complex clients who have ever increasing compliance and regulatory requirements to be met, and the job continues to evolve – so you certainly don’t get bored."
Since joining PwC’s Tax practice, Michael’s seen a huge development in the technology available to him. Cloud-sharing programmes now allow teams around the world to simultaneously work on the same client project. It’s this knowledge sharing through PwCs Digital Academies that has allowed Michael to become a Google Guide within his wider team.
"We’ve adopted a number of data analysis/automation tools and data visualisation tools, including Alteryx, Tableau and PowerBI. These tools have helped us manage big data and change the services we can offer clients. The great thing is that training is offered to all staff members to allow us to become digitally competent."
And it’s this investment in people which Michael’s really proud of, describing his career at PwC as Enjoyable, Dynamic and Rewarding. Having completed his ACA qualification without any fails, he also got the chance to lead the induction for the Graduates in 2017.
"I feel like what I do at PwC matters, I’m continually helping our clients and my impact is valued. At the same time, I have many opportunities to learn, develop, and try new things; just like the Altitude Senior Associate training in Cyprus."
So what’s next for Michael? Keep an eye out for him at some of the vintage record shops across Bristol;
"I collect funky coloured vinyl records and have an ever-expanding collection. My favourite record is probably the special edition of Foals’ recent “Everything not saved will be lost” due to the cool hardcover book it came in, or Genghar’s ‘Sanctuary’ because of its deep blue colour."
To find out more about career in Tax, click here.
