Name: Seema Dodhia
Joined: September 2006
Department: Private Client Tax Services
University: Birmingham
Degree: BA Business and Spanish

After completing the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course, I joined Smith & Williamson in September 2006. I was interested in private client tax and researched accountancy firms, with Smith & Williamson highly regarded in this field. From reading the website and speaking to employees, it was clear I could be really successful here and I’ve not been proven wrong yet.

I’ve spent my first year in the private client team, but secondments are available and other graduates in the department have worked in the Corporate Tax, Legal and Investment Management departments. As a tax trainee, I oversee compliance work, like preparing tax returns, and have also dealt with HM Revenue & Customs enquiries. Having to talk to third parties from the outset has worked wonders for my professional confidence and my technical knowledge is growing by the day as my studies for the ATT (Association of Tax Technicians) exams continue.

Surviving my first 31 January period has been the most rewarding part of my role to date. In tax, there are strict deadlines that need to be met and the period leading up to 31 January is always tense. Although stressful, it can also be a fun time in the office as everyone pulls together. And there are the celebrations afterwards, obviously! The working environment here is unique and you work with people of every level, with no barriers. It’s really easy to get your ideas across, whether it’s in the meeting room or over a drink. People aren’t just your colleagues, they’re your friends too.