Workin' 9 to 5, What a way to make a livin'

Our office hours in Auckland are officially 8:30 to 5 with an hour for lunch.  We are required to work at least 37.5 hours per week.  So far, I have worked almost exactly 37.5 hours per week.  Since I have not had much to do at work, I definitely took advantage of the reduced work schedule!  

I have been involved in a number of engagements most as a result of a senior manager being out on a month long holiday (which is not uncommon).  So I was able to fill in on her engagements while she was gone. I have done many tax accounting reviews in conjunction with the audit teams in both New Zealand and Australia as well as a few tax return reviews and one consulting project.   I have been promised some future engagements and assigned some new clients but so far those have not resulted in many chargeable hours. I am working with a partner and my counselor here to hopefully find a better method of getting me involved.  

In the meantime, I fill my time with studying tax law, attending meetings and trainings, and having lunch and tea with anyone who needs company!    The tax group in Auckland has a lot of meetings and events; the weekly workflow meeting, monthly tax update, monthly BTA training, monthly morning tea, monthly managers meeting, and monthly staff drinks.   I recently volunteered for the charitable giving committee to help organize and execute the charitable giving campaigns in the office throughout the year.  Our first event is a causal day and bake sale to benefit breast cancer awareness and I am baking pink cupcakes for the event.  I am also helping the new grads plan 4 quarterly events and the Christmas party.  So far I have been charged with researching details of hiring a party bus.