Aniekeme Samuel, Tax Assistant, PwC

What does your job involve?

As a tax assistant I'm involved in drafting queries for the client. Sometimes I would have to correspond with Revenue or call them over an issue. We have loads of tax research that we have to do. I might be involved in a due diligence project and recently I've been really heavily involved in data analysis.

What skills are important to be successful?

Number one is time management. You are going to get loads of different projects from different people and just being able to manage your time and know you have to allocate this amount of time to one project and this amount of time to the other is important. And also you need to know basic Excel, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Office in general.

What do you love about your job?

I love the people. In my team in tax everyone is just amazing. You come to work with a smile and everyone asks you about your day. That's one of the things that stand out for me. Also having varied experiences – I get pulled into different projects and I like that as well.

How did you get your job?

I did a Masters in Accounting from DCU and after my Masters I joined the [?] process and applied and got the job.

What advice would you give a first year student?

I used to say I'm a very good multi-tasker but I'm not. So just being able to know I have to allocate this time to this project is really important. Being able to manage your time effectively is important. Leadership skills are also important. In my first year I have an intern that I look after and the intern asks me questions so being able to lead effectively is important.

How important is a professional qualification?

A professional qualification is very important in tax. Currently I'm working towards my ITA examinations. I have the option to also do my accounting qualification so by the time I'm done I will have both the tax and accounting qualifications. That's one of the pluses of working in tax. It's really important because it helps you develop the tax technical skills and also the professional skills you need in the job.