Name: Ashling Magner
Age: 25
Employer and Position: KPMG in the Crown Dependencies - Tax Consultant
University attended: University of Limerick (Ireland)
Course: Undergraduate: Bachelor of Business Studies; Postgrad: Masters of Taxation
What did you want to be when you were 8 years old? Beyoncé
Favourite way to relax: Sea swim and breakfast out
Favourite place to eat in Jersey: The Good Egg
Favourite possession: Winning playing shirt from 2023 Siam (Sorry Guernsey)
What made you choose to work for KPMG?
The firm has a great reputation – being one of the Big 4 – and provides amazing opportunities worldwide. Having a keen interest in travel, KPMG stood out as a firm where I could explore a new country while progressing my studies and career in tax.
KPMG has a very educated and experienced workforce. In my research of the firm, I learned that the tax partner, Paul Eastwood, was involved in writing the Economic Substance Law. This further attracted me to join their tax team.
Sport is a massive part of my life but can be difficult to find the time for it when working in such a fast-paced industry. However, KPMG stands out for their flexibility around sport, and the firm continues to support me in providing sponsorship as a player of the Jersey Ladies Rugby Club.
What professional training have you done?
I am currently in the final stages of completing my ACCA qualification to become a chartered accountant – with 13 exams and an Ethics module left. KPMG work with premium training provider, BPP, to provide tuition and revision courses. The tutors on the course really know their stuff and are readily available to offer additional support where needed.
What do you do on an average day?
No day is ever the same at KPMG. The firm’s tax department is not segregated, unlike elsewhere. This means I can often work in several different areas such as corporate, personal, and international tax. We are currently in busy season for corporate tax, so my days are filled with company tax returns. It continuously provides new challenges, and I am learning a lot with each passing day.
What is your next step?
Once I complete my professional exams, I look forward to getting involved in the more intricate elements of tax within KPMG while continuing to learn from my peers and management team. I’ll also hopefully start teaching the more junior trainees the knowledge I've gained so far.
KPMG has also introduced the ‘Tax Trek’, which enables us to do a 3-6 month secondment to another KPMG office. So who knows – I might find myself in KPMG Japan to continue my adventure!
What advice would you give yourself as a graduate considering the experience you have now?
No question is ever a bad question. The more you ask the more you learn, and it means you are getting the answer for somebody else too. While it has been hugely rewarding, the industry is fast paced and managing the workload with studies can be challenging. But support is always available, so don't hesitate to look for it. Take on as many new experiences within the industry as possible to understand what doesn't interest you as much as what does.
Find out how you can thrive at KPMG in the Crown Dependencies by visiting our careers page.