They say good things come in medium-sized packages (that’s the official saying I assure you). Here at Gerald Edelman, we create an environment where we can really nurture those early in their career.

We encourage our team to fulfill their potential and support them in any way we can, whether that be to sit extra qualifications or to give them the opportunity to be part of large projects. Our smaller teams mean that our graduates can feel fully supported by their manager, and get the most real-life experience out of their every day and not from a textbook.

For our February team story, we caught up with Ana-Maria Tomciac who is part of our International Tax team. Here, Ana-Maria discusses her role, her progression plan, and how she feels Gerald Edelman has supported her in her early career in tax and audit.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy various areas within my role at GE, but these are the ones that really make my day:- I love that I get to help clients with areas of their business or personal life that they are not overly familiar with. I find it rewarding to be able to assist them, especially during the current turbulent times.

With a good mix of compliance and consultancy work, my role also gives me an opportunity to work on various aspects of taxes as well as on a wide variety of clients. Thus, it is a constant learning environment, meaning no one day is the same.

Have you always wanted to work in tax? If not, what motivated you on to your current career path?

At university, I enjoyed studying audit and tax the most, yet I wasn’t sure of the preferred career path. After careful consideration I decided to start a career in audit as it offered a wide learning experience and a strong foundation in finance and business processes. However, along the way I realised that tax was the area that challenged me more and provided an opportunity for further specialisation. Thus, once I’ve become ACA qualified, I was able to transfer to the international tax department.

The tax legislation is constantly evolving, and this keeps me on my toes and excited for the next day. Yes, it is challenging especially when you have to manage the daily workload with the ongoing studying for the CTA exams. However, it is rewarding and fulfilling at the same time.

Why did you choose GE?

I always knew that I wanted to start my career in a medium-sized professional services firm, due to their flexible culture and ongoing development and support. At GE, I was drawn by the motivated people and by the firm’s aspiration of continued growth.

What do you enjoy most about working at GE?

GE has an open environment which encourages you to bring the real you to work. It also provides flexibility, support and scope for further progression.

People are key! Whilst I’ve joined a smaller department (i.e. international tax), we are very much a small but a mighty team!

What have been your biggest challenges so far?

The biggest challenge so far is juggling the workload whilst studying for the professional exams. Unfortunately, I do not have a “photographic memory” and after sitting so many exams throughout my life, I still experience the “exam fever”. However, I keep pushing through with perseverance and my colleagues at GE have always been very supportive. I have lost count of how many exams I’ve passed so far but I do see a light at the end of the tunnel (touch wood!).

What’s been your biggest achievement?

My biggest accomplishment is the fact that I have had the opportunity to work with so many inspiring individuals from whom I’ve learned and continue to learn.

What are your goals for the future?

I believe a successful career in tax requires agility, confidence and strong communication skills- all characteristics that I aspire to attain and aim to continually work on.

What advice would you give others that are seeking to pursue a career in tax?

To keep it short and sweet: keep abreast with the tax news, learn from your teammates and believe in yourself!