Article by João Baptista - Investor Accounts Analyst at IAS

Morning: Starting the Day with Energy and Focus

My day begins early, usually around 6:15 AM. Three times a week, I start the day with a kickboxing training session at 7:00 AM. For me, exercising before work is more than just staying active. It helps me feel productive from the very beginning of the day and allows me to prepare both physically and mentally for what lies ahead.

Considering that most of my work is desk-based, I believe it is important to keep a healthy balance between physical activity and professional responsibilities. Training in the morning helps me stay focused, energized and ready to tackle the challenges of the day.

After training, I get ready to start work. As I work in a hybrid model, some days begin at the office while others begin from home. Regardless of my location, one of the first things I do is review my inboxes, organize my tasks and prepare the files and information I'll need throughout the day. A well-organized start is essential to managing priorities efficiently.

Midday: Supporting Clients and Managing Processes

My role combines responsibilities across both IAS and Grizzly. Within IAS, I work in Billing Process Management, where I am responsible for client’s invoicing and account management. At Grizzly, I oversee client matters related to taxation and provide support on a wide range of tax-related topics.

A significant part of my day is dedicated to client communication. On an average day, I may process around 100 emails in Billing and approximately 50 through Grizzly. While the nature of the requests varies considerably, the common factor is that clients are looking for guidance, reassurance and solutions.

Many of the clients we support are international investors who have invested through the Golden Visa program. Since Portuguese tax regulations can differ substantially from those in their home countries, it is natural for clients to have questions and sometimes concerns about their obligations and procedures. My goal is always to listen carefully, understand their specific situation and provide clear and practical guidance that helps them move forward with confidence.

Although my role includes some meetings, the majority of my work revolves around email communication, case management and process coordination, ensuring that each client receives timely and accurate support.

Afternoon: Managing Challenges and Creating Solutions

One of the aspects I enjoy most about my work is that no two days are exactly alike. Every client situation is unique, which means there is always something new to learn and a different challenge to solve.

Over the past year, one of my greatest professional challenges was adapting to my first corporate role after completing my degree in Business Management. Entering a professional environment for the first time required significant learning and adjustment. Fortunately, I was able to adapt quickly thanks to the support of colleagues across different teams, who shared their experience and knowledge generously.

One of the most demanding aspects of my work is keeping up with the high volume of emails and pending matters while ensuring that every client receives the level of attention they expect. Maintaining accuracy, responsiveness and organization is essential, particularly during busy periods of the year.

Among the cases that bring me the greatest satisfaction are those involving Portuguese tax returns. Clients often contact us feeling worried or uncertain about their tax situation, and being able to guide them through the process, resolve their concerns and provide reassurance is extremely rewarding.

The Importance of Teamwork

Something I truly value at IAS is the spirit of teamwork.

What stands out most to me is the resilience of the team and the willingness everyone has to support one another. Even during the busiest periods, colleagues are always available to share knowledge, provide guidance and work together towards a common goal.

The collaboration we have across teams is fundamental to our success. The reality is that many of the tasks we handle every day would not be possible without the continuous support and cooperation of others. This sense of unity creates a positive working environment and ultimately allows us to provide a better service to our clients.

End of Day: Switching Off and Recharging

As the workday draws to a close, I focus on finishing outstanding tasks and preparing priorities for the following day.

Outside of work, I make a conscious effort to disconnect and spend time with the people who matter most. Whether it is having dinner with my family, spending time with my girlfriend, watching a series, or simply relaxing, these moments help me recharge and maintain a healthy balance between my professional and personal life.

During weekends, I enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly near the beach, and meeting friends. Maintaining this balance is important to me, as it allows me to return to work each day with renewed focus and motivation.

What's So Special About Client Support and Tax Services?

When I joined IAS just over a year ago, I initially started as a service provider. However, I quickly realized that I wanted to contribute more and become fully involved in the company's mission and growth. Fortunately, the feeling was mutual, and what began as an opportunity soon became an exciting professional journey.

Having studied Business Management, I found that this area aligned closely with both my academic background and my personal interests. What attracted me most was the combination of analytical work, problem-solving and direct interaction with clients.

What makes this work special to me is the responsibility and trust that clients place in us. For many of them, we are their first point of contact when facing complex tax or administrative matters in Portugal. Being able to simplify those processes, provide reassurance and contribute to a positive experience is both challenging and highly rewarding.

My mission at IAS is simple: to ensure our clients feel supported, informed and confident throughout their journey, allowing them to focus on their objectives while we help them navigate the process as smoothly as possible.

Thank you for joining me for this glimpse into my daily work at IAS. I look forward to continuing to support our clients and contributing to the success of both IAS and Grizzly.