The EY SCALE Programme Expanded my Depth and Breadth of Tax Expertise
By Trevor Tan, SMU Bachelor of Accountancy Graduate
Discovering My Passion for Tax
Just like many other SMU School of Accountancy students, I started my degree exploring the many different career pathways it could offer, while trying to understand where my interests and strengths lay. What I appreciated most about the SMU Bachelor of Accountancy was its broad-based curriculum which provided a foundation across accounting, finance, business and law. Through this exposure, my interest in tax grew as it involved knowledge across all these disciplines applied to real commercial situations.
What eventually sealed the deal was Adjunct Lecturer of Accounting Chan Wenjie’s Advanced Taxation course, which helped me see that tax is not simply about applying regulations or meeting compliance requirements. Tax considerations can influence how businesses structure transactions, manage risks and respond to regulatory change. This became particularly clear during the weekly case-study sessions, where we analysed real-world tax issues and developed practical solutions. I found the combination of technical analysis, problem-solving and wider business impact particularly engaging.
As I learned how tax evolves alongside changes in regulation, business models and global markets, I became drawn to the fact that the work requires continual learning, and the ability to consider issues from different perspectives, making it both challenging and intellectually stimulating.
Joining EY allowed me to translate that interest into practice.
In early 2024, I applied to EY and was accepted into the EY Transaction Tax Advisory team. During my time in the department, I experienced EY’s collaborative culture and the breadth of work available. Through client engagements, I saw how tax professionals combined technical knowledge with commercial judgement to help businesses navigate complex issues. For example, while supporting a complex multinational acquisition, our team had to balance the client’s financing objectives with tax and indirect share transfer considerations. We developed a practical transaction structure and advised the client on the steps required to manage the associated risks. This experience brought to life the strategic role that tax can play in major business decisions.
Advancing my Tax Career in EY SCALE
In mid-2024, EY SCALE, a 24-month accelerated management associate programme by EY Singapore was launched. I immediately applied to it and was glad to be accepted as a member of the inaugural cohort. I saw the programme as a unique opportunity to develop both my technical and leadership capabilities while gaining broader exposure across different areas of Tax. For example, in the Tax track, management associates rotate across different Tax teams and may also gain exposure to other service lines. Such rotations provide the management associates a better appreciation of how the various EY service lines and teams work together to serve clients.
Through the projects I worked on, I saw how my seniors and mentors each brought a distinct “toolkit” of skills and experience to the team, enabling them to contribute in different ways and offer diverse perspectives. This inspired me to build my own toolkit and become a more versatile, well-rounded consultant; the EY SCALE programme would serve as an ideal pathway towards achieving that goal.
Another aspect that attracted me to EY SCALE was the programme’s emphasis on mentorship and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with senior leaders. Their experience and understanding of EY’s businesses offer me valuable perspectives on both the skills needed to grow and the opportunities available across the organisation. At the same time, mentorship with the service line partner provide guidance tailored to my strengths, interests and aspirations. I believe this combination of business insight and personalised advice would help me navigate my career more thoughtfully and support my long-term professional development.
The Skillsets that Gave me an Edge
My time at SOA gave me both the technical foundation and practical skills needed to adapt to the learning curve of each rotation in the EY SCALE programme.
Academically, SMU’s curriculum emphasised both technical proficiency and practical application. The rigorous coursework strengthened my understanding of accounting, taxation and broader business fundamentals, and gave me a solid starting point when I joined EY. It also equipped me with the ability to approach unfamiliar issues in a structured manner.
In addition, the interpersonal and communication skills I developed during my time in SMU were invaluable. The seminar-style learning environment encouraged active participation, critical thinking and clear communication. Regular presentations, group discussions and project work also taught me to articulate ideas confidently, consider different perspectives and collaborate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, all of which are important in a client-facing role.
At SMU, I also had the opportunity to strengthen my project- and time-management skills. Balancing coursework, multiple group projects and co-curricular activities, required me to prioritise competing deadlines, manage my commitments and remain accountable to others. These habits continue to serve me well at EY, particularly when balancing multiple engagements and responding to changing priorities.
Overall, SMU prepared me not only through technical knowledge, but also by developing skills in communication, collaboration and adaptability to contribute effectively in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.
Developing Depth and Breadth in my Career
Under the EY SCALE programme, I have had the opportunity to gain exposure across multiple functions, from compliance and reporting to advisory and cross-border matters. Rotating across these teams has broadened my understanding of the tax landscape and shown me how different specialisations work together to deliver holistic solutions for clients.
Professionally, the rotations have benefited me in three ways.
Firstly, they have expanded my technical knowledge. Each rotation has exposed me to different regulations, industries and client situations, helping me build a more well-rounded foundation.
Secondly, they have strengthened my adaptability and problem-solving skills. Each team operates differently and requires me to become familiar with new processes and subject matter quickly. This was especially evident during my cross-service-line rotations in Technology Consulting, as well as EY-Parthenon, the strategy and transactions services team at EY, where I had to quickly pick up new knowledge and approaches that were very different from tax. These experiences taught me to be adaptable, approach unfamiliar issues with curiosity, ask the right questions, and draw on perspectives from different disciplines.
Finally, working with colleagues and leaders across different teams has allowed me to build a broader network within and beyond Tax. These relationships have granted me access to a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, while helping me to understand how EY’s various capabilities can come together to support clients more effectively.
All in all, my EY SCALE experience has broadened my perspective not only on tax and the wider business environment, and greater insights to how EY operates as an integrated global organisation. More importantly, EY SCALE has helped me become a more adaptable and well-rounded professional, while giving me greater clarity on how I hope to develop my career.
About the EY SCALE Programme
The EY SCALE Management Associate programme is EY Singapore’s 24-month accelerated career development programme, designed to nurture the next generation of professionals and future leaders. Through tailored rotations, mentorship from senior leaders, enhanced learning opportunities and cross-functional exposure, management associates gain a broader understanding of the professional services industry while developing deeper expertise within their chosen track.