From trainee to manager

Meet Evie Procter

Evie tells her story about her time so far, how her journey has brought her here today, her reflections of working for our tax team, and why she would recommend us to anyone looking for a career in tax.

Her story starts in August 2017... “I joined the tax team straight from Ripley Sixth Form College in Lancaster and from day one I felt that I was trusted with the responsibility of working with clients, and communication with them being actively encouraged."

“In December 2017 I began studying for my ATT which I completed quite quickly, obtaining distinctions in two out of three exams, which placed me within the top 5% of the country."

“From there I began my CTA of which I became a chartered tax advisor in July 2022.”

Clearly from joining the firm’s tax team Evie progressed steadily and is today a tax advisory manager, Evie reflects on this:

“From joining the firm, the progression felt very natural and not rushed or forced. It just built over time as I was given more and more exposure and responsibility."

“When I joined at 18, I initially started working on personal tax and doing tax returns for individuals, but as my confidence and skills grew, I began working on more complex tax returns."

“Tax advisory was then also introduced and so, I began producing more reports and advising clients on matters such as trusts and inheritance tax. This support, wider knowledge and exposure also really helped greatly when it came to my exams.”

On the topic of trainees and having originally joined the firm as one, Evie continues:

“Each year I see more and more trainees wanting to join the firm as we have a growing reputation as a firm that truly invests in our people, and many professionals starting out on their careers really see us a firm where they can grow, develop and progress."

“Many colleagues who, like me, joined as a trainee, support and mentor our new starters to help build their confidence and skills, and it really helps to create a fantastic culture.”

This leads to the question, what would be a common misconception about working in tax that from Evie’s experience isn’t true?

Evie says: “People sometimes think that working in tax you just do the same thing every day, but this really couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“On any given day I can be working on multiple different projects from opposite ends of the tax spectrum, there’s no set way to do the tax work that I am involved in and it is all really varied and interesting.

“When I first started, I thought that I would just be involved in tax returns but as I progressed, I realised this was not the case at all and I really developed a sense of satisfaction seeing how I am actively helping people to manage their tax affairs.”

Being here for six years Evie explains what it is that has made her choose to stay with the firm:

“The firm offers a fantastic agile working environment and I have found that the culture has really offered me a great work life balance."

“As I’ve already mentioned, I really enjoy and am passionate about the work that I am involved in, but what I haven’t mentioned is the family feeling across the firm, everyone is really friendly and supportive, and there’s a great atmosphere in the offices."

“The tax team really is brilliant, there is so much support available and the social life is great as well. Across all of our offices we have a really great network that bounce off each other.”

So, what makes our tax team different to those at other firms?

“I don’t feel that the support you are given here is reflective of other places, it really is fantastic and makes you really enjoy coming to work each day."

“Our managers, directors and partners are really supportive and approachable and no issue is ever too difficult to resolve. It is great to have that network around you."

The people here really do make the firm special.”

Outside of work Evie loves to travel, especially to sunny beach locations where she can relax with a good book. Having recently bought her first home as well, she likes to spend a lot of time enjoying her achievements and also spending time with her family and friends.