I listed four of the bigger tasks and interviews I was involved with over my placement. Each one tested my level of ability to cope under pressure and gauged my confidence.

For example, the first task of creating a job status report was time consuming and very involved, and took many hours of work. From where I started in the beginning (being too timid to directly ask the accountants where particular jobs were at) to the end of the process, of presenting the report and briefing the director on the job status's, I felt my confidence improve each day. Although I felt deflated that I could not directly answer all of the director's questions during the last meeting, I still followed through with this, and completed the task. I felt proud that I had done this, and it restored my confidence.

Overall, it was great to prepare the report document as it made me realise how far I had come in such a short period of time.

Twelve months ago, working within the tax team was quite literally a sickening thought, especially for someone, like myself, suffering with Imposter Syndrome. But I am beginning to believe that I can do this and I hope I can keep working toward that goal.

It is a step-by-step guide, which I created while lodging a BAS during my early placement days, and realizing the need for such a chart as there are quite a number of steps, and jumping to and from different programs.

Within the logbook I highlighted five communication tasks and assessed the outcome of each.

While at times I was still exhibiting nerves and hesitation whilst speaking, it was good practice to look back over the self-assessment before making another attempt at client verbal communication, to see where I need to improve on before diving in.

Good communication and initiating strong client relationships builds confidence within, and is an essential tool for me moving forward as a tax accountant.