After what has recently been for me, a period of great change and personal upheaval, I finally feel as though I have arrived at an organisation that matches my values. I had spent over 20 years specialising in sales recruitment before recently making the decision to transition into world of tax. It’s only been a matter of weeks since I joined the team here at Pro, and as someone new to the tax sector, I thought I might share some of my initial thoughts and reflections. Joining a specialist tax recruitment firm can be both exciting and challenging. The first few weeks have been a whirlwind of learning, networking, and adapting to a new work environment.
The Learning Curve The first thing that struck me about working in this sector is the steep learning curve. Tax is a complex and ever-changing field, and I have spent a great deal of time getting up to speed with the companies in this space as well as familiarizing myself with the different types of tax roles and career paths. Thankfully, Pro has a comprehensive training programme that covers various aspects of the tax industry, including tax compliance, advisory, and consulting. The program has helped me to better understand the different areas and specialisms and how they fit into the broader tax landscape of private practice. It has also provided me with a foundation of tax knowledge that I can now build on as I progress in my role.
Networking Networking is an essential part of any recruitment role, and it is no different in a specialist tax recruitment firm. In my first few weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet and connect with a diverse range of people, from tax professionals to clients. Building relationships with these individuals has been both challenging and rewarding. I have found that taking the time to understand their needs and goals is essential in building trust and credibility. Networking has also given me a better understanding of the dynamics and demands of the tax industry.
Adapting to a New Work Environment Joining a new company can be challenging, especially when it comes to adapting to a new work environment. Pro has a unique culture that is built around collaboration, innovation, and excellence. The client and candidate experience are at the centre of everything they do, providing a high level of service to maintain their status as a genuine market leader. Adapting to this culture has been both exciting and challenging. One of the major things that I appreciate about the firm's culture is the emphasis on teamwork. From my first day, I have been encouraged to collaborate with my colleagues, share knowledge, and work together to achieve our goals. There is a supportive and collaborative work environment that has helped me to settle quickly. Another aspect of the firm's culture that I appreciate is the focus on innovation. The tax industry is constantly evolving, and the leadership team is always looking for new and innovative ways to serve clients and exceed their expectations.
Challenges Reflection. While my experience at the firm has been overwhelmingly positive, there have been some challenges along the way. One of the most significant challenges has been getting used to the pace of the work. The tax industry is fast-paced and so is recruitment. Fuse them together and there will always be so much to do. I have had to learn how to manage my time differently, prioritize tasks, and work efficiently to keep up with the demands of the new role. Final Thoughts When I reflect on the first few weeks of my time here at Pro, I feel I have settled better than I can ever have imagined. Don’t get me wrong – I still have much to learn. But my overall transition from working in Sales recruitment into Tax Recruitment has been enjoyable. Alison Humpries and the leadership team have created a fantastic recruitment business that leads the way in the finance, tax, accountancy and executive search sectors. It was evident from the moment I first walked into the office that I would be joining a team of true recruitment professionals. People who are passionate about what they do and who place a firm focus on putting the client and candidate at the centre of everything they do. This really appealed to my values I was in no doubt that I wanted to be part of Pro’s ongoing success. I look forward to the months ahead!
Now for the sales pitch… It’s already set to be a very busy year in the tax market with Pro-tax hiring for a number of opportunities at all levels, from entry to senior partner.
If you are curious about what roles we have available - please do get in touch via email john.corfield@pro-tax.co.uk or give me a call on 07921 603 914.
