James Gardner - Tax
Where are they now?

• What's changed since we filmed you last?
• What's been the biggest highlight so far?
• What business area and type of work are you working on now?
• What have you learnt the most by being on the graduate programme?
• Are you where you thought you'd be?
• What's next?
• Is there any advice you can offer to someone thinking of joining Barclays?

What’s changed since we filmed you last?

Since I was filmed last, I have taken and passed all of my ACAs – that’s Association of Chartered Accountants exams and I’ve now been promoted in-house to Tax Manager. I’ve rotated through several departments in the Tax teams and I’ve now chosen where I’ll be taking up a permanent position, which is in reporting and forecasting in Tax.

What’s been the biggest highlight so far?

The highlight for me so far would be passing my final ACA exams. I got the notification while I was at my team Christmas dinner and checked the text message under the table. When I realised I’d passed, I announced it to everyone and it made a great day even better.

What business area and type of work are you working on now?

The business area I’m working in now is Corporation Tax. My daily role at the moment incorporates reviewing the statutory accounts and the Tax computations before they are submitted to the Revenue. I also support all of the senior tax managers with any ad-hoc projects.

What have you learnt the most by being on the graduate programme?

The thing I’ve learnt the most is that if you’re dedicated and you work hard, you can achieve your goals. I think that’s demonstrated through passing my exams.

Are you where you thought you’d be?

I’m not sure I’d say I’m where I thought I’d be, but I’m definitely where I hoped I’d be. Throughout the graduate scheme and then studying in the position I was in, I didn’t really have the time to think about the future – I just got on with it. But I’m definitely very pleased with my current position.

What’s next?

Next, I’ll be moving into my new team, which is reporting and forecasting within Tax. Then, as I’m not doing exams at the moment, I’ll be aiming to increase my Tax technical knowledge, with a possible view to starting the CTA, which is the Chartered Tax Adviser exams in 2010.

Is there any advice you can offer to someone thinking of joining Barclays?

The advice I’d give someone considering Barclays, and specifically the Tax department would be to make the most of all the great support that is there for you. The whole atmosphere is very friendly. Everyone is approachable, and there are always people willing to give you time if you have any questions. What’s more, you’re given day release, which means you don’t have to use your holidays when you’re out studying.