Tax manager Jennifer Farrell
A chat with Jennifer Farrell, manger, tax
The second instalment in a new series that celebrates our employees and the careers they are building with Crowe. We talk to staff about what it is like to work with our firm. They outline the career opportunities that Crowe offers, our unique firm culture and the CSR and social programmes that staff run.
What was your primary degree?
Bachelor of Commerce
Before working at Crowe, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Well I lived and worked in Australia for two years and the most unusual and interesting job I had was fruit picking for three months in order to extend my visa. They were the best three months of my life! I picked cucumbers and tomatoes Monday to Friday, partied at the weekend and it was some of the best craic I’ve ever had. It was no surprise that by the end of the three months I had not saved one penny of the money I earned, hence why I ended up working an extra month so that I could actually leave the place! I was in Bundaberg if you’re ever there and need a bit of extra cash!
What is it about a career in tax that appeals to you?
I love the diversity of the role. Every day is different with new challenges allowing me to constantly upskill. I deal with a range of clients across a number of different sectors and through the variety of the work I can continue to expand my tax knowledge and continue to develop as a tax advisor.
What does your job entail?
I manage the delivery of assignments and compliance requirements for a large portfolio of clients. I regularly assist with the provision of advice to clients on tax planning opportunities and work with partners on a variety of consultancy projects.
Describe a typical day
There is no typical day in the tax department! Every day is different which is what makes it so great. Generally, I would review various assignments and projects completed by junior staff members throughout the day, assist with consulting projects including the preparation of various tax advice memos and manage client relationships.
What three words would you use to describe your role?
Challenging, Rewarding, Diverse.
What do you like most about your job?
I like that every day is different and I get to meet great people working in the role.
What is different about working at Crowe?
The people! All of the staff are friendly, helpful, generous and knowledgeable.
How has Crowe helped you in your career development?
Crowe has helped me substantially both academically and personally. Since joining over two years ago, Crowe has supported in the completion of two further courses in order to expand my technical skills. The company is very supportive of any goal a staff member may have to further their knowledge and upskill.
What are 3 words to describe Crowe?
Quality, Teamwork, Driven.
Crowe’s values are Agility, Curiosity, Affinity and Clarity.
What personal values define you?
Happiness, Integrity, Enthusiasm
Favourite memory from work?
Some of my best friendships have been formed in the places I have worked. I met one of my best friends in my last job. You think when you get older that you’ve made all the friends you’re going to make but sometimes that’s when you can meet some of your best friends.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
Life tends to throw curve at you sometimes and my dad has the best response…‘Well that’s life’! Makes me smile every time.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
The gym, reading and generally just getting out and about.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Watching absolutely terrible and completely unrealistic romantic comedies on TV or reading a historical romantic novel. I’m an old romantic at heart!
What is your hidden talent?
Besides baking, I can also play the piano.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Bit of both really. I don’t mind getting up early but then I can party into the night if and when required.
What was your primary degree?
Bachelor of Commerce
Before working at Crowe, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Well I lived and worked in Australia for two years and the most unusual and interesting job I had was fruit picking for three months in order to extend my visa. They were the best three months of my life! I picked cucumbers and tomatoes Monday to Friday, partied at the weekend and it was some of the best craic I’ve ever had. It was no surprise that by the end of the three months I had not saved one penny of the money I earned, hence why I ended up working an extra month so that I could actually leave the place! I was in Bundaberg if you’re ever there and need a bit of extra cash!
What is it about a career in tax that appeals to you?
I love the diversity of the role. Every day is different with new challenges allowing me to constantly upskill. I deal with a range of clients across a number of different sectors and through the variety of the work I can continue to expand my tax knowledge and continue to develop as a tax advisor.
What does your job entail?
I manage the delivery of assignments and compliance requirements for a large portfolio of clients. I regularly assist with the provision of advice to clients on tax planning opportunities and work with partners on a variety of consultancy projects.
Describe a typical day
There is no typical day in the tax department! Every day is different which is what makes it so great. Generally, I would review various assignments and projects completed by junior staff members throughout the day, assist with consulting projects including the preparation of various tax advice memos and manage client relationships.
What three words would you use to describe your role?
Challenging, Rewarding, Diverse.
What do you like most about your job?
I like that every day is different and I get to meet great people working in the role.
What is different about working at Crowe?
The people! All of the staff are friendly, helpful, generous and knowledgeable.
How has Crowe helped you in your career development?
Crowe has helped me substantially both academically and personally. Since joining over two years ago, Crowe has supported in the completion of two further courses in order to expand my technical skills. The company is very supportive of any goal a staff member may have to further their knowledge and upskill.
What are 3 words to describe Crowe?
Quality, Teamwork, Driven.
Crowe’s values are Agility, Curiosity, Affinity and Clarity.
What personal values define you?
Happiness, Integrity, Enthusiasm
Favourite memory from work?
Some of my best friendships have been formed in the places I have worked. I met one of my best friends in my last job. You think when you get older that you’ve made all the friends you’re going to make but sometimes that’s when you can meet some of your best friends.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
Life tends to throw curve at you sometimes and my dad has the best response…‘Well that’s life’! Makes me smile every time.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
The gym, reading and generally just getting out and about.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Watching absolutely terrible and completely unrealistic romantic comedies on TV or reading a historical romantic novel. I’m an old romantic at heart!
What is your hidden talent?
Besides baking, I can also play the piano.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Bit of both really. I don’t mind getting up early but then I can party into the night if and when required.