Tax Manager Ryan Wilkinson feels that every day at BHP is different and that’s what makes it interesting. One of the things he enjoys most about working at the firm is the flexibility of being able to work and progress in his career while also being able to spend time with his baby son. Read more in our ‘Meet the Team’ interview below.
When did you join BHP?
I joined BHP in December 2020 after completing my ACA and CTA qualifications at my previous firm where I worked as a general practice senior in tax, audit and accounts.
What attracted you to BHP?
I was keen to move into a more advisory focused role and, after my interview at BHP, it was clear that there was an opportunity for me to be thrown in at the deep end and gain exposure to a large amount of advisory work.
What is your role and what does a typical day at work look like for you?
I am a corporate tax manager with a particular focus on advisory projects. A typical day tends to involve having a briefing with the team about what projects we have in the pipeline.
I also have a lot of client contact which is something I really enjoy, helping to support entrepreneurs during every stage of their business journey. The contact with clients can vary; one day I could be jumping on a call with the client and their solicitor to talk about a potential corporate restructure, another day I could be visiting a client’s factory to see the R&D activities they are undertaking. Some days, I may be getting into the nitty gritty of a technical tax point or valuing a company. To summarise, there really isn’t a typical day, every day is different and that’s what makes the job interesting.
What do you like best about working at BHP?
Aside from the fact that I am being exposed to technical advisory projects, for me the flexibility is a huge benefit – I became a father shortly after joining BHP so, naturally, I am up very early – 5:30am most days. But because I work at BHP, I can start work early and leave early.
Also, the culture is great. I get involved with different teams including Forensics, Corporate Finance and the Accounts team – all working well together – and, as an added bonus, we have staff trips to the races, a summer festival and Christmas parties!
How has BHP helped you in your career so far?
In my relatively short tenure at BHP, I have been involved with such a large number of advisory projects, it’s been absolutely fantastic exposure. I’m at the coal face dealing with the detail and my knowledge has come on leaps and bounds in such a short amount of time.
I am now in a position where I am building my own portfolio of clients who have started contacting me as a first port of call.
What are your highlights and key achievements?
My first year at BHP was interesting; there was a huge amount of activity within the market while working in the midst of COVID restrictions with a new born at home was a bit of a challenge, but through hard work, I was promoted after just 10 months at the firm.
Other key highlights have included unlocking value for our clients by structuring their affairs in a tax efficient manner, generating some huge savings! And, in one specific case, a client received a £250,000 tax rebate!
What or who inspires you at work?
The whole partner team we have in the Northern region is great, they all have their own niche areas of knowledge and it’s been great to learn from them all; but a big shout out to Dean Pearson, Emily Caine and Louise Barnaby, who have each invested a lot of time in my development. They all work extremely hard for their clients and have therefore developed strong relationships – the best thing is we all have a laugh whilst working, which demonstrates how well the team works together!
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about applying for a role at BHP?
I think my advice is to ask yourself what’s important to you, have a conversation with the partners to see if it’s a good fit for everyone and, if you want to know more, ask the partners if you can have a chat with some of the other staff – it’s a good way to get a proper feel for the business.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
I’m a fan of Leeds United and a big F1 fan. I love eating out, drinks with friends, the gym, and spending time with my family.
If your life was a film or a book, what would it be?
A Series of Unfortunate Events!
What boxset are you currently watching?
Breaking Bad – best series ever.
What is your favourite type of cuisine and why?
Italian, I could eat Italian every day and be a very happy man!
What is the best place you have travelled to and why?
I backpacked around Thailand for three weeks and it was absolutely amazing, especially the scenery and the food.
If you weren’t a tax manager, what would your dream job be?
A Jet Ski Instructor – I have no experience in it, but how would you ever have a boring day?
