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Meet Savannah, a dedicated professional working in the U.S. business tax team at BDO. Her role involves advising European businesses on their U.S. tax obligations, ensuring they navigate the complexities of international tax law with ease. With a rich background in accounting and a passion for global mobility, Savannah's journey to BDO is both inspiring and insightful. In this Q&A, she shares her experiences, challenges, and what makes BDO her dream firm. We spoke to her and understood what makes her tick.

Woman in a red dress sat at a table with her laptop in front of her

Hi Savannah, great to chat! Tell us about yourself.

 Hey; I work in the U. S. business tax team here at BDO. Our clients are mainly European businesses that are involved with the US, so we spend our time giving them tax advice and seeing what their tax obligations may be with regards to the United States.   

Great, and what about your background before you joined here?

So I worked at a mid-sized accounting firm in the Washington D. C. area and I also moved around a lot. Actually, before being here, I lived in the Philippines, Canada, various states in the United States and me wanting to move to London meant I switched for BDO. It genuinely was my dream firm, so I took my passport and moved!

Wow, you've been all over the place! So what made BDO a dream firm for you to apply for?

BDO was always my dream firm because of the vast and extensive range of work offered. We have a wide range of clients and a strong reputation globally, which really appealed to me. 
Ultimately, I chose BDO because of the wide range of work experience I knew I would get. I stay because it's an amazing firm with great people and endless opportunities. I really enjoy the team I work with and the variety of projects I get to be involved in.

Woman in red dress looking straight at the camera smiling

Everybody here is very warm and very friendly and my team is great to work with, so there's a lot to love about BDO!

Savannah

US Business Tax Team

Great stuff. Can you explain what your day-to-day role looks like?

It varies a lot, but mostly I deal with various aspects of U.S. tax compliance. This includes preparing returns and K-1s. Essentially, anything related to U.S. tax falls under my remit.

If I try and explain it to people who don't understand tax, I tend to say that I prepare taxes for large international businesses. It can be as simple (and as complex!) as that.

Looking forward to the future then, what opportunities for the future are you excited for at BDO?

To be honest, I'm excited to become more involved with international work and learn more about international tax from a U.S. perspective. I'm also looking forward to participating in charity events, like the upcoming charity week.

That and of course the free coffee at the London office! My favourite is a cappuccino. It's a small perk, but I love it.

You must have heard some misconceptions about accounting in your time, right?

Yeah, there's a silly misconception that accounting is boring and dull. For me, it's the opposite. It's fascinating to understand tax rules, and the work involves a lot of maths and legal aspects, especially in tax.

But it can't all be sun and roses, can it?

The most difficult part is dealing with strict deadlines. To manage my workload, I ensure clear communication with my bosses and do whatever it takes to meet deadlines. There are always going to be busy periods in jobs like these but the U.S. tax team is very tight-knit. Everyone, from my bosses to my co-workers, is supportive and warm. I feel very happy working in this team, and I know that we're in it together all year round.
I feel supported because they encourage me to take my annual leave and are receptive to my needs. They help me manage my workload, especially during busy seasons, ensuring I have a reasonable workday.

Woman in a red dress sat at a table with her laptop in front of her

What was your experience applying for BDO and then joining?

I applied through the BDO website and was pleasantly surprised when I received a call from the team expressing interest in my application. The entire process was smooth, and everyone was warm and welcoming. Now, I enjoy the team and the corporate culture, which prioritises work-life balance. It makes such a difference being in a place where you're recognised and valued as an individual.

OK, enough about work - what do you do outside work to relax?

I like to exercise, read, and play the violin. That's probably my biggest passion: I've performed in various venues, including the UC Davis Art Pavilion and Wembley Arena. I make sure to set aside time for my violin projects and practice daily, as it's so rewarding to be able to have these experiences because of my passion.

 

Savannah's journey at BDO highlights the firm's commitment to providing a supportive and dynamic work environment. Her experiences reflect the opportunities for growth and the strong sense of community within the U.S. business tax team. BDO's focus on work-life balance and professional development makes it an ideal place for talented individuals like Savannah to thrive.

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