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Have you ever wondered what working as a tax graduate might look like? Here, Auckland tax graduate Diana Nor Azmi shares the tale of an interesting day in the office.
Time to read: 3 mins
7.20am: I wake up early, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever the day holds. Living close to the office, I cherish my peaceful 15-minute walk to work, which allows me to gather my thoughts before the hustle begins.
8.30am: I arrive at the office, greet my colleagues and fill my water bottle. I start by reviewing the to-do list that I created on Monday. These weekly lists keep me organised and ensure that I stay on track. Mondays are also when I send an email to my managers, detailing my capacity for the week. It’s a great way to ensure I have enough tasks lined up and to check if I need help managing my workload.
9.30am: It's time for our weekly tax meeting and this week it’s my turn to chair. We cover housekeeping matters and receive updates from managers and directors regarding any tax compliance issues that have arisen.
10am: I dive into my work, which often includes provisional tax, income tax returns and GST. Each client presents unique challenges, transforming every task into an opportunity for learning. Today, I'm working on an income tax return for a group of companies – a complex task that pushes me out of my comfort zone. I have a call with the senior manager to prepare for the job, and the knowledge that my team is always ready to lend a hand boosts my confidence. Their support makes even the toughest tasks feel manageable.
12.30pm: During lunch, we hold training sessions where the tax team discusses the latest updates and intriguing topics in the field. I haven’t been very active in the discussions yet, but I love soaking up all the knowledge and seeing how passionate my colleagues are about the work we do.
2pm: The afternoon flies by as I dive back into my tasks. I tackle the preparation of a GST return for a client who files biannually, which means I have a lot of invoices and details to cover. It takes all my focus and energy, but feels incredibly rewarding to finish it and receive an "okay to finalise" response from my manager. Every task adds another layer of experience, helping me grow and understand more about the field I’m so passionate about.
4.30pm: On the last Friday of every month, we gather for a lively staff announcement session, complete with drinks, nibbles and plenty of laughter. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, reconnect with colleagues from different departments and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere before the weekend kicks off. These gatherings are a highlight of the month, providing a refreshing balance to the work week while strengthening our connections as a team.
5pm: Before heading home, I update my to-do list for the next work day, pack my bag and set off. Most evenings, I take a longer route around Viaduct Harbour, letting the peaceful surroundings help me unwind after a busy day.
Every day brings its own set of challenges, but also countless opportunities to learn and grow. This journey has been nothing short of incredible and with the unwavering support of my amazing colleagues, I’m truly enjoying every moment.
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