Cirillo Chirullo
BSc (Hons) Finance and Accounting
1. Tell us about yourself.
I’m Cirillo, a Tax Junior specialising in corporation tax while pursuing the ACA-CTA qualification. Originally from Italy, I moved to the UK just before Covid-19 with zero English skills – so I figured, why not dive into the world of finance, where the jargon is even trickier than the language itself? A few years later, I’m decoding complex tax laws and loving every minute of it. I’m also a proud graduate of Anglia Ruskin University, where I earned a first class degree.
2. What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?
The moment I realised I could follow an entire lecture in English without mentally translating every sentence – it felt like unlocking a superpower. Also, the collective pre-exam panic, because nothing forges friendships faster than shared stress and last-minute cramming.
Beyond that, the supportive learning environment and the connections I built with classmates made a huge difference. Moving to a new country and adapting to a different academic system was a challenge, but ARU provided a strong sense of community that helped me grow both academically and personally.
3. What has been your favourite job?
My current role as a Tax Junior has been my favourite so far – tax is like solving a puzzle where the rules change every year, and I genuinely enjoy the challenge. Plus, explaining tax concepts to people who would rather be anywhere else has sharpened my communication skills in ways I never expected.
That said, my time working in hospitality was just as valuable, but for completely different reasons. It taught me soft skills that I now use daily – how to handle pressure, communicate clearly, and adapt to different personalities (especially when people are stressed or frustrated). Whether dealing with a difficult customer or a complex tax query, the ability to stay calm, think on my feet, and deliver a good experience has been incredibly useful.
4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?
Transformative.
ARU wasn’t just a place where I earned a degree – it was where I completely reinvented myself. Moving to a new country, learning a new language, and adapting to a different academic system all at once was daunting, but ARU provided the support and opportunities that helped me grow. It shaped not only my technical knowledge but also my confidence, resilience, and ability to navigate new challenges. The experience transformed me from someone figuring things out as I went to someone who embraces challenges head-on, both academically and professionally.
5. How did your time at ARU help you?
ARU gave me a strong foundation in finance and accounting, which has been crucial in my career. It also helped me develop key skills like independent research, problem-solving, and communication which are fundamental skills for my current role.
6. What did you love about your chosen course?
I loved how practical and career-focused the course was. It wasn’t just about theory; it helped me understand real-world financial applications, which made my transition into the corporate world much smoother.
7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
Few people realise that job hunting starts long before graduation. Don’t wait until you have your graduation in hand – start early. Apply for graduate schemes in your final year, build your network, and gain as much experience as possible through internships or part-time roles. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have when you graduate.
8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?
That soft skills are just as important as technical knowledge. Being good at the job is essential, but communication, adaptability, and confidence play a huge role in career success.
9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
Definitely my father. He’s an entrepreneur, so I grew up watching him juggle multiple businesses and somehow make it all look easy. He taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and how to handle stress without completely losing your mind. Plus, his 'never stop learning' attitude means I’m always chasing new knowledge – whether it’s tax or random business trivia. I’m pretty sure I’ve inherited his knack for adapting to whatever life throws my way.
10. What advice would you give your younger self?
Relax. Things will work out, even if the path isn’t linear. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of having everything figured out right away, but life doesn’t always follow a straight line. Take it one step at a time. Also, maybe start learning English before moving to the UK – it would’ve saved a lot of confused Google searches and awkward moments! But on a more serious note, I’d tell myself to trust in the process and not be afraid to make mistakes. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, and it’s all part of the journey.
11. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I’m a huge One Piece fan. I’ve been following the series for years, and I’ve got to say, there’s something about the adventures of Luffy and the crew that keeps me hooked. I think it’s the mix of humor, epic battles, and the whole 'never giving up' spirit that resonates with me. Plus, I may or may not have a straw hat lying around for when I’m feeling extra adventurous!
12. What’s next?
I’m focused on completing my ACA-CTA qualification and continuing to grow in my role as a tax professional. In the long term, I aim to specialise further in tax advisory and potentially mentor future graduates entering the field.