Meet Ryan, a Transfer Pricing Consultant at RSM

Summary of role

I first joined RSM in November 2019 as part of the RSM Graduate programme as a Tax Associate following the completion of my undergraduate college degree. During the first year at RSM, the experience I had was varied across all tax heads including income tax, VAT, and corporation tax. 

In my second year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was given the opportunity to go on secondment for a large Irish based multinational client in their international indirect tax team. I was responsible for the preparation and submission of VAT, Intrastat, VIES, GST and Excise returns for subsidiaries around the world as well as gaining experience in tax technology and its implementation. 

Following my secondment, I joined back at RSM where I returned to a specialised role in the transfer pricing team where we assist large multinational companies to achieve tax efficient structures and assist with their local and master file preparation and advisory projects. 

No two days are the same working with such a variety of companies in a broad range of industries. Further to my transfer pricing role, given my prior experience with tax technology, I am also responsible for the implementation of certain tax technology within RSM Ireland.

What’s been the highlight so far?

There are many memorable moments over the years, more recently a highlight for me would be a part of a growing transfer pricing team. It allowed me to really take pride in the work I do in gaining a deep understanding of our client’s businesses through the interactions and discussions that take place with their key personal within the given business and then ultimately the development of these relationships. 

What’s been your biggest challenge so far?

The biggest challenge that I have had was the transition back into RSM following my secondment and into the transfer pricing team. With no prior experience in transfer pricing there was a steep learning curve required in gaining a greater technical knowledge as this is the area that I decided to specialise in. In gaining this technical knowledge I was also caught with balancing time commitments to my FAE exams that were approaching as well as client commitments. Overall, I knew that the technical knowledge gained would be setting a good foundation for my future career and be worthwhile in the long-term. 

What’s surprised you most about working at RSM?

What’s surprised me most with RSM is the opportunities that have been presented to me. I’ve had the opportunity to represent RSM on two secondments, as well as take part in the 2023 RSM Forward Sprint. I take value in the ability to decide my career and the area I want to specialise in and appreciate the support that has been provided for exams that has allowed me to achieve academic aspirations.

What’s next for you at RSM?

The next step for myself is taking part in the 2023 RSM Forward Sprint which is a creative problem-solving training event for the newest generations in RSM Member Firms in Europe. Further to this, I look forward to the constant learning journey that is ahead and the challenges that they present as well as the progression within the transfer pricing team here in RSM Ireland and development of relationships across the RSM Member network. 

What’s your top tip for someone looking to apply to RSM?

Highlight your diversity. RSM values diverse perspectives and experiences, so emphasize how your unique background can contribute to the team and client interactions.

Describe RSM in 3 words

Dynamic, Professional and Supportive.