Moving department during training contract

haro124

Has anyone had any experience moving department during their training contract or know if its possible to do? I've realised that I don't find tax particularily interesting (especially researching legislation) and was thinking I'd be more suited to audit. I got my exam results on Friday and got over 80 in each of my CAP1s and am hoping that that might help.

Milstone123

haro124 wrote: »

Has anyone had any experience moving department during their training contract or know if its possible to do? I've realised that I don't find tax particularily interesting (especially researching legislation) and was thinking I'd be more suited to audit. I got my exam results on Friday and got over 80 in each of my CAP1s and am hoping that that might help.

My best advice on this one would be to get as much advice as possible before you make any moves. Audit is no cup of tea either, from what I've seen tax trainees generally have nicer hours and working conditions (though this is all relative of course) so you could end up disliking it too. On the flip side I've seen audit trainees have "easy" busy seasons (in the very rare exception)

Speak to people you can trust, and get a range of viewpoints - might be helpful to speak to someone who did audit then transferred to tax? I'm sure there are some in your department.

If you still want to move then start by speaking to the CA/ACCA and asking how your audit days will be impacted by spending your first year in tax (it may not be as simple as a department transfer for your qualification).

Then I'd recommend getting in contact with a audit partner/director/people lead - speak to people at your level in audit and find out who would be a good trustworthy contact. Remember you're at a point in your career where you're making contacts you'll maintain for years to come, try to handle this in a way that you don't offend anyone. I'ts completely fair to want to move departments if you feel tax doesn't suit you but there is no need to burn bridges while doing so.

If you're going to make the move this year then maybe try to get it sorted before the end of the summer, almost all audit staffing for busy season will be booked by the end of the summer.

haro124

Milstone123 wrote: »

My best advice on this one would be to get as much advice as possible before you make any moves. Audit is no cup of tea either, from what I've seen tax trainees generally have nicer hours and working conditions (though this is all relative of course) so you could end up disliking it too. On the flip side I've seen audit trainees have "easy" busy seasons (in the very rare exception)

Speak to people you can trust, and get a range of viewpoints - might be helpful to speak to someone who did audit then transferred to tax? I'm sure there are some in your department.

If you still want to move then start by speaking to the CA/ACCA and asking how your audit days will be impacted by spending your first year in tax (it may not be as simple as a department transfer for your qualification).

Then I'd recommend getting in contact with a audit partner/director/people lead - speak to people at your level in audit and find out who would be a good trustworthy contact. Remember you're at a point in your career where you're making contacts you'll maintain for years to come, try to handle this in a way that you don't offend anyone. I'ts completely fair to want to move departments if you feel tax doesn't suit you but there is no need to burn bridges while doing so.

If you're going to make the move this year then maybe try to get it sorted before the end of the summer, almost all audit staffing for busy season will be booked by the end of the summer.

Thanks for your advice! Lots to think about

Milstone123

haro124 wrote: »

Thanks for your advice! Lots to think about

No problem, congrats on the exam results and send me a mail if you want anything more.