Tax Manager Alice Green reflects on her apprenticeship journey, having been awarded the Spofforth Medal for the highest mark in the Advanced Technical Paper on IHT, Trusts and Estates, and the Croner-i Prize for the highest distinction in an Advanced Technical Paper.
You began your career as an apprentice and are now a Tax Manager. How do you reflect on that journey?
I started my career with Bishop Fleming with no experience in tax or accounting. Through studying the subject and gaining work experience, I have found my passion in tax, especially in probate, trusts, and estates. I helped establish the trust and estates team and really enjoy being part of a growing team. Having been given the opportunity to develop within tax, I have enjoyed building confidence in helping both clients and more junior team members. 
You’ve recently received national recognition for outstanding performances in your exams. What does the recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
I have worked really hard towards these exams; it hasn’t been easy studying with a one-year-old, but I am really happy that all the hard work has paid off, and winning the award was very unexpected. I feel very proud of what I have achieved! My main motivation for studying for CTA, and most specifically sitting the IHTTE paper, was to gain a deeper understanding of this area of tax, which is where I hoped to specialise. Therefore, not only passing but being awarded the Spofforth medal is a real honour and will help me gain further confidence and credibility as a tax advisor.
How did your apprenticeship lay the foundations for the technical excellence you’ve achieved since qualifying?
The apprenticeship really helps by combining work and study, using the knowledge learnt through study in the workplace, and using real-life experience in exams. The apprenticeship provides you with all the skills you need to do well in exams, including time management, which is vital for giving time to study alongside full-time work.
What support or culture at Bishop Fleming has been most important in helping you balance professional progression with academic success?
The culture at Bishop Fleming is great and really supportive, helping you achieve what you want. Having the opportunity to study for and gain my CTA qualification has been paramount in my professional development. The culture has allowed me to balance work and family life and progress with my studies and career at a pace that suits me. 
How has progressing through the firm shaped the way you now support and develop others in your team?
Having started with Bishop Fleming and progressed from a new graduate with no experience to a Tax Manager, I have been able to draw on my own experiences to help others. I feel that, having been through it myself, I have a greater understanding of how I can provide help and support to members of my team to give them the best experience, to help them develop in the same way.
For someone considering an apprenticeship today, what would you say about where it can take you in the long term?
An apprenticeship is a great way of getting the best start in a career in tax and accountancy. It quickly allows you to gain valuable work experience whilst studying to earn professional qualifications. It is the best start to a professional career that you could hope for!
Looking to explore an apprenticeship?
View our apprenticeship opportunities for both graduates and school leavers, and let Bishop Fleming’s award‑winning programme kick‑start your career! Click here to find out more.