Tax Season in Motion — My PwC Experience
Automation, Analytics, and Lessons from Busy Season
When people talk about “busy season,” they usually mention the long hours — but for me, it was about the momentum. Every day brought a new challenge, a new learning curve, and a deeper appreciation for what public accounting really feels like.
This past winter/spring (2025), I joined PwC’s Wealth Management Tax Services practice in Pittsburgh, supporting a major U.S. banking client. It was my first real taste of busy season from the inside — and it lived up to the name in the best possible way.
Fast-Paced from Day One
The rhythm started early and didn’t slow down. Hundreds of tax forms, multiple state filings, and tight deadlines — it was the perfect environment to learn how precision and teamwork keep everything running. I quickly learned that in a firm like PwC, communication and process are everything.
I supported data validation and diagnostic resolution, helping ensure compliance and accuracy across complex datasets. Every file had a story behind it, and every number needed to make sense not just mathematically, but strategically.
But the part that truly energized me was how technology fit into all of it.
Finding Efficiency Through Automation
Somewhere between reconciling data and reviewing return batches, I started building Python automations to handle repetitive tasks. One of those scripts doubled our preparation efficiency — a small internal win that saved hours every season.
That hands-on experience reminded me how much I enjoy blending finance and tech — building tools that not only make work faster, but smarter.
Later in the season, I designed a liability forecasting model using Alteryx and VBA, helping streamline review processes across the engagement team. Seeing a model I built directly improve workflows for senior associates and managers was one of the most rewarding parts of the internship.
Collaboration and Mentorship
Despite the pace, PwC’s culture stood out. There’s a deep sense of support and mentorship that runs through the team — people genuinely want to help you grow, even during their busiest months.
I had mentors who walked me through both the technical tax details and the consulting mindset behind client service. It wasn’t just about numbers; it was about understanding what those numbers meant for the client’s broader financial picture.
That exposure to high-level strategy and day-to-day execution was invaluable. I learned how decisions are made in real time — how client expectations, deadlines, and technology all intersect.
Lessons from Busy Season
By the end of busy season, I had a new appreciation for the structure, intensity, and collaboration that define consulting in tax. It’s not just about spreadsheets and returns — it’s about how people and processes adapt under pressure.
I walked away with stronger analytical skills, a better sense of how to communicate value through data, and a deep respect for the people who keep these massive operations running seamlessly every year.
Most of all, I learned how to think like a tax accountant — balancing efficiency with judgment, automation with understanding, and speed with precision.
My time at PwC was more than just busy season — it was a masterclass in teamwork, analytics, and resilience. It gave me the foundation to think critically, build smarter systems, and carry that mindset forward into every project since.
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