Meryem Taufik
Meryem Taufik - Consultant International Tax Services
What does The New Equation mean for you personally?
A growing and very important theme within our job, besides creating tax benefits for our clients, is considering their role within society and the impact they can make. This matches the core of The New Equation very well: solving the important problems of society that our clients deal with.
'I enjoy exploring the tension field between tax systems of different countries .'
How did you end up at PwC and what exactly do you do?
PwC always seemed like a company that matches my values very well. When someone who had been working within Corporate Tax for a long time approached me, the choice was easily made. I am a consultant within the International Tax Services department, specifically oriented on corporate tax issues in an international environment. Additionally, European tax issues and tax treaties also play a big role within my day-to-day job.
Why did you choose this role within Corporate Tax?
During my studies I always liked diving into International Corporate Tax the most. What makes it interesting to me is, there are always huge interests at hand. I also enjoy exploring the tension field between tax systems of different countries.
What is your educational background?
I studied the Bachelor and Master Tax Law at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
What does a working day look like for you? What kind of issues do you deal with?
Part of the issues I deal with are for example corporate taxes, participation exemption and interest deduction limitation issues. Also, the European tax guidelines that could be of relevance to our clients play a central role, in which it is our job to guide them.
'What I like about my job is the responsibility for your client portfolio from day one.'
What do you like about your job?
What I like about my job is the responsibility for your client portfolio from day one, which makes your sense of responsibility grow and makes you feel involved with the team.
What is still on your bucket list?
I like to challenge myself with things that are secretly exciting to me: for example, parasailing and in fact everything to do with heights. I would still like to go parachuting for that reason.
'There is an extremely open culture at PwC, I specifically enjoy my team because there is such an open atmosphere, and you can really be yourself.'
Tell us something about your team/collaboration/co-workers/open culture at PwC?
There is an extremely open culture at PwC, I specifically enjoy my team because there is such an open atmosphere, and you can really be yourself. My team is also very diverse, which is very important to me and is a valuable addition within an organization in my opinion.
Is there room for personal development within PwC?
At PwC, there are a lot of possibilities for self-development. Every week our team has a meeting in which everyone gets the chance to present a case or relevant issue. This not only teaches you more about the field, but it also provides the skills to present within large groups. In addition, you get a coach to discuss your development and progress, or to support you with other issues, every week.
Can you name a project you are proud of?
Recently, I together with a partner, created a memo for which I dived into the residency for treaty purposes of an entity. Despite me being very new within the organization, I got to directly keep contact with the client and independently create the invoice fee and make the offer to the client. An invoice fee is an overview of the expected costs of a project for a client.
What can you tell about the flexibility/work-life balance at PwC?
My team is very flexible: it does not matter that much what time you start or end if you coordinate and communicate well with your colleagues. For example, in case you have an important meeting outside of the office during the day, that is not a problem at all. You can make up for the hours you have not been able to work later.
What would you say to your future colleagues?
If you are looking for an informal and fun team with a fast learning curve, International Tax Services is the right team for you!
'At PwC, there are a lot of possibilities for self-development.'
