Sky is the limit for Marina, Director of Tax – with a family feel

We recently caught up with Marina Trinchese, Private Client Director of Tax to find out why she left the Big4 to seek a career at Rayner Essex, and learn more about what drives her to reach new heights in the world of Tax.

Why did you choose to get into an accountancy career?

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a Concorde pilot. Concorde was then taken out of service, and I took this as a sign that perhaps I wasn’t meant to take to the skies. So instead, I studied Mathematics and French at university. I felt that accountancy would be an interesting career option for me and whilst I don’t really use my French language skills, I certainly use the Maths!

What would you like to share, that perhaps people may not already know about you?

I used to drive from England to the South of Italy by myself during the summer holidays whilst I was at university and spend my summers in Italy. My family and friends thought I was crazy driving all by myself, especially in my English car driving on the wrong side of the road. Driving in Italy is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

What do you enjoy doing outside work?

When I am not running after my child, I love catching up with friends over a long lunch or dinner and glass or two of wine. Being outdoors is important to me and I get out for a walk or run as often as I can. I also enjoy travelling and cannot wait to take my little boy to explore more of the world now that Covid restrictions have mostly been lifted.

What did you do prior to joining Rayner Essex?

I started my career in tax at a mid-sized firm in St Albans. After a few years, I was drawn to the city’s bright lights, and worked at a Big 4 firm as an Expatriate Tax Manager.

Why did you choose Rayner Essex? – Why is it a good fit for you?

I clearly remember speaking to my recruitment agent when I was looking to move away from the Big 4, and told him that it was important for me to move to a firm with a “family-feel”. As clichéd as it sounds, I knew the second I stepped into the Rayner Essex office for my interview that this was the right firm for me. I cannot describe it other than it was a gut feeling. The work is varied and I have been supported to reach the current role I am in now. The firm has strong values and is constantly looking to support and invest in its staff. For example we now have a superb flexible working policy which with a young son helps me enormously, the social events are varied and fun, and the office biscuit tin is a winner (perhaps not for my diet).

What position did you have on joining the firm and after your promotion?

I joined the firm in September 2017 as the London office Tax Compliance Manager. I was promoted to Executive Tax Manager in October 2019, and then to Private Client Tax Director in April 2023.

Describe an average day at work

My day starts with coffee, as an Italian we simply can’t function without a shot of caffeine first-thing! I will then check my emails and reply to clients and contacts. The day can then vary, from looking at complex tax advice, reviewing returns, speaking to potential new clients or meeting with existing clients, or creating tax content to publish to our contacts and clients. No two days are the same. I also provide support to the wider Rayner Essex team.

What has been your greatest challenge and what motivates you?

Currently, my greatest challenge is balancing my career and motherhood. I enjoy my role, interactions with my colleagues and clients and I have worked hard to reach my current role. I know my son is very well looked after when he is at nursery or his nonna’s house and he comes home full of exciting stories for me, however that doesn’t stop the mum guilt! I thrive off working with my clients to find solutions to their tax queries, and some of my best brainstorming is done in the evening once I can relax with a coffee and a few hours’ peace and quiet!

What is your greatest achievement?

My son! Despite all the advice, nothing can prepare you for becoming a parent. He motivates me every single day and I hope that he is proud of my ambition and achievement. Following my promotion to Tax Director, he proudly called me a “Taxi Director” for a few weeks! It did make me laugh.

Where to next in your career?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey so far to reach Private Client Tax Director and I am grateful for all the support I have been given along the way.  The next step for me is Partner which is a step I would love to take, although it will not be for a few years yet!

What would you say to someone who is looking to embark into a similar role in tax?

Tax is challenging – the ever-changing legislation means that you are required to keep up to date with these changes on an ongoing basis, however this makes Tax services interesting. Tax is also varied, I specialise in private client tax however you can also choose other areas of tax such as corporate tax, or even VAT. Generally when you are sitting your initial tax exams you are given exposure to all of these areas which can help you choose which route you would like to specialise in further down the line. The expertise of other partners and directors, really does help in you evolving and growing your knowledge, and the joint collaboration between the senior team means that you can take a holistic and rounded approach when assisting and working with clients.

If you think that a career and Tax could be for you, take a look at our careers page for our latest Tax Senior vacancy, and feel free to get in touch with Marina or our team for more information.